Xi Jinping holds talks with President of Colombia Gustavo Petro

Gustavo Petro, the first ever left-wing President of Colombia, paid a state visit to China, October 24-26, at the invitation of Xi Jinping.

The two leaders held talks on the afternoon of October 25 and announced the elevation of the China-Colombia relationship to a strategic partnership.

Xi Jinping noted that the establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Colombia is the result of the longtime efforts of all sectors of the two countries, and also a natural manifestation of mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides. It should be cherished by both sides and continuously enriched and developed.

China is ready to work with Colombia to advance the strategic partnership to bring greater benefits to the two peoples and inject positive energy into world peace and development. He further stressed that China supports Colombia’s independent exploration of a development path suited to its national conditions, supports the peace process in the country, and hopes that Colombia can realize comprehensive, enduring, and sustainable peace at an early date.

China-Colombia relations are based on equality, mutual benefit and win-win results. Colombia is welcome to join the big family of the Belt and Road cooperation at an early date to achieve common development and prosperity. And China also welcomes Colombia to join the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership proposed by China and share the green development opportunities.

Xi Jinping congratulated Colombia on taking over the rotating presidency of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in 2025. He pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with CELAC and is ready to continue to support the regional integration process in Latin America and the Caribbean, and work with CELAC to take the 10th anniversary of the China-CELAC Forum next year as an opportunity to promote the steady and long-term development of China-CELAC relations in the new era.

Gustavo Petro said he is glad to visit China again after many years. Today’s China and the world have undergone great changes, and the theory and practice of China’s revolution and development are deeply enlightening. Colombia attaches great importance to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) put forward by President Xi Jinping. With the establishment of the Colombia-China strategic partnership, Colombia is ready to synergise its geographical advantage and development strategies with the BRI, strengthen cooperation with China in infrastructure, clean energy and other fields, welcome Chinese companies’ investment in Colombia, and promote more balanced development of bilateral trade relations. This will help Colombia advance its domestic peace process and realise the peace, stability and employment growth that its people have longed for, and enhance regional and global connectivity.

The Colombian side is also ready to maintain communication with China on the Palestine-Israel situation, and work for an early solution to end the hostilities. Colombia supports the development of the CELAC-China Forum and is willing and ready to take its rotating presidency of CELAC in 2025 as an opportunity to actively promote the continuous development of CELAC-China relations.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents on industrial investment, trade, digital economy, green development, agriculture, science and technology, education, culture, and inspection and quarantine, among others.

The following article was originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

On the afternoon of October 25, 2023, President Xi Jinping held talks at the Great Hall of the People with President of Colombia Gustavo Petro who is on a state visit to China. The two heads of state announced the elevation of the China-Colombia relationship to a strategic partnership.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Colombia 43 years ago, bilateral relations have stood the test of international changes and maintained sound momentum of development. The two sides have shown mutual understanding and support on issues involving each other’s core interests and major concerns, made solid progress in cooperation across the board, and increasingly deepened friendship between the two peoples. The establishment of the strategic partnership between China and Colombia is the result of the longtime efforts of all sectors of the two countries, and also a natural manifestation of mutual trust and cooperation between the two sides. It should be cherished by both sides and continuously enriched and developed. China is ready to work with Colombia to advance the China-Colombia strategic partnership to bring greater benefits to the two peoples and inject positive energy into world peace and development.

Continue reading Xi Jinping holds talks with President of Colombia Gustavo Petro

China hands over new parliament building to Zimbabwe

On Thursday October 26, the Chinese government handed over to Zimbabwe a new parliament building that was constructed and funded by China. The building, which photographs show to have been built in a distinct Zimbabwean national style, was handed over to President Emmerson Mnangagwa at a ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, Chinese embassy officials, and others.

Speaking at the ceremony, President Mnangagwa said that the building is a pivot point around which a new administrative capital will be built.

“The new parliament building, which stands as one of the most magnificent and modern buildings in our country, signifies the excellent relations that exist between Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China,” he added.

These excellent relations date back to the Zimbabwean people’s armed struggle to overthrow the racist and colonial regime and win national independence. China fully supported that struggle. President Mnangagwa himself was one of those who were trained in guerilla warfare in China.

The timing of the handover of the parliament building was very apposite as it came the day after Anti-Sanctions Day. October 25 was designated as Anti-Sanctions Day by the 16-member Southern African Development Community (SADC) in response to the sanctions placed on Zimbabwe, and other anti-imperialist, independent countries, by leading imperialist powers such as the United States and Britain. According to Zimbabwean Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, addressing an Anti-Sanctions Day rally in the capital, Harare:

“Since 2001, we estimate that Zimbabwe has lost or missed over 150 billion US dollars through frozen assets, trade embargoes, export and investment restrictions from potential bilateral donor support, development loans, the International Monetary Fund and World Bank balance of payment support, and commercial loans.” 

A meeting was also held in New York to express solidarity with the Zimbabwean people on this occasion. It was organised by the December 12 Movement (D12), a revolutionary nationalist organisation that has maintained close ties with Zimbabwe and its ruling ZANU-PF party for many years. While three members of D12 were in Zimbabwe to take part in the anti-sanctions activities there, veteran member Colette Pean told the New York gathering that settlers had stolen 86% of Zimbabwe’s land. Despite the sanctions, Zimbabwe has built hydroelectric dams and shared development projects equally among its 10 provinces.

US and other capitalists now want to grab Zimbabwe’s large lithium reserves, vital to making batteries for electric cars. But December 12th Movement member Vinson Verdree said Zimbabwe won’t let its lithium be stolen. The country will build a battery plant and other facilities to process the raw material.

The timing of China’s handover of the new parliament to Zimbabwe therefore underlines its utter rejection of universal sanctions.

This was also made clear in the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s regular press conference on October 25. The Global Times newspaper asked spokesperson Mao Ning:

“During the General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly this year, leaders of many African countries condemned Western countries for abusing sanctions and interfering in internal affairs of African countries. Today, October 25, is the Anti-Sanctions Day declared by the Southern African Development Community (SADC). African countries have called on the West to lift illegal sanctions on Zimbabwe as soon as possible. What’s China’s comment?”

She replied: “The 39th SADC Summit held in 2019 named October 25 as the Anti-Sanctions Day and called on the US and some other Western countries and organisations to remove sanctions on Zimbabwe. Today, on the occasion of the fifth Anti-Sanctions Day, we noted that multiple African countries have once again strongly called for lifting the sanctions. China supports that.

“The unlawful sanctions of the US and some Western countries on Zimbabwe, which have lasted for over two decades, have seriously violated the country’s sovereignty, infringed upon the development right of the Zimbabwean people, and disrupted the international political and economic order and the global governance system. 

“China, as always, firmly supports Zimbabwe in opposing external interference and keeping to its own development path. We once again urge the few countries and organisations to listen to the international call for justice, lift the unlawful sanctions on Zimbabwe as soon as possible, take responsible and concrete steps to help the country develop its economy and improve people’s wellbeing, and play a constructive role in promoting world peace and development.”

The following articles were originally published by the Xinhua News Agency and the US publication Struggle/La Lucha.

China hands over Zimbabwe’s new parliament building

HARARE, Oct. 26 (Xinhua) — The Chinese government on Thursday handed over to Zimbabwe a new parliament building that was constructed and funded by China through a grant.

Tang Wenhong, vice chairman of China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA) and head of a visiting Chinese delegation, officially handed over the majestic building to Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at a ceremony attended by government officials, diplomats, and Chinese embassy officials, among others.

The new parliament building, with a combined floor area of 33,000 square meters, is a pivot point around which a new administrative capital will be built, said Mnangagwa in his address at the ceremony.

“The new parliament building, which stands as one of the most magnificent and modern buildings in our country, signifies the excellent relations that exist between Zimbabwe and the People’s Republic of China. The attention to detail and high standards of workmanship exhibited in this project are indeed commendable,” Mnangagwa said.

Mnangagwa said Zimbabwe recognizes the development milestones achieved by China and its quest for global peace and a shared future for mankind.

Tang, in his address at the ceremony, said the project is a vivid manifestation of the cooperation between Zimbabwe and China.

Both sides have achieved fruitful results in practical cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, health, education and other fields, setting a model for South-South cooperation, Tang said. 

Continue reading China hands over new parliament building to Zimbabwe

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. 

Ten high-level bilateral meetings on the margins of the Belt and Road Forum

On October 19, Chinese President Xi Jinping held ten high-level bilateral meetings in the margins of the third Belt and Road International Cooperation Forum (BRF).

In the morning, he met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet, Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Mongolian President Ukhnaa Khurelsukh, and Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, National Leader of the Turkmen people and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan.

In the afternoon, he met with Prime Minister of Thailand Srettha Thavisin and President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou-N’Guesso. And in the evening, he met with Prime Minister of Mozambique Adriano Afonso Maleiane, Prime Minister of Pakistan Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, and the former President of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, who is now the President of the New Development Bank (NDB).

Meeting Prime Minister Hun Manet, Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, China and Cambodia have respected, trusted, and supported each other and contributed to each other’s success, setting a fine example of equal treatment and win-win cooperation between countries different in size. Both China and Cambodia are countries that value friendship, and the China-Cambodia ironclad friendship is unbreakable.

He stressed that the Belt and Road cooperation has brought tangible development opportunities to Cambodia. China is ready to uphold the principle of “planning together, building together, and benefiting together”, enhance synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, flesh out the China-Cambodia “diamond hexagon” cooperation framework at a faster pace, build well the “Industrial Development Corridor” and the “Fish and Rice Corridor”, and push for the implementation of more projects that benefit the people. China supports Cambodia’s projects such as airport construction and cultural relic restoration, welcomes more Cambodian agricultural products to the Chinese market, and encourages more Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia.

Hun Manet thanked China for its valuable support to Cambodia over the years and stressed that his country steadfastly pursues a friendly policy toward China and firmly supports China’s core interests. Cambodia is ready to take the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China as an opportunity to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China, advance cooperation on the “Industrial Development Corridor” and the “Fish and Rice Corridor” and build a Cambodia-China community with a shared future.

In his meeting with the Egyptian Prime Minister, Xi Jinping pointed out that Egypt was the first Arab and African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. China and Egypt are good friends with common purposes and mutual trust and good partners for joint development and common prosperity.

He congratulated Egypt on joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism upon invitation, and pointed out that China is ready to strengthen cooperation with Egypt within the China-Arab and China-Africa frameworks, enhance coordination and cooperation at the United Nations, BRICS and other multilateral platforms, uphold true multilateralism and international fairness and justice, and safeguard the common interests of developing countries, so as to inject more certainty and stability into the region and the world.

Mostafa Madbouly said that Egypt sees China as a role model for emerging economies and developing countries. He expressed gratitude for China’s long-term, valuable support to Egypt, and noted that the Belt and Road cooperation has greatly improved Egypt’s transportation and logistics capabilities and given a strong boost to its economic development. Madbouly thanked China for supporting Egypt’s accession to the BRICS cooperation mechanism and expressed his readiness to work closely with China in multilateral cooperation to make the international landscape more balanced and just.

President Xi stated China’s principled position on the current Palestinian-Israeli situation. He stressed that the top priority is to stop the fighting as soon as possible, prevent the conflict from spreading or even getting out of control and causing a severe humanitarian crisis. The fundamental way out of the recurring Palestinian-Israeli conflicts is to implement the two-state solution, establish an independent State of Palestine and achieve peaceful coexistence between Palestine and Israel.

Meeting his Sri Lankan counterpart, Xi Jinping pointed out that the Chinese and Sri Lankan people have enjoyed a time-honoured friendship marked by mutual learning and mutual help, and have been partners for self-reliant development. He emphasised that China firmly supports Sri Lanka in upholding strategic autonomy, and safeguarding national sovereignty, independence, and dignity. China will continue to provide assistance to Sri Lanka with no political strings attached and help the country cope with difficulties affecting social life and people’s livelihood and is happy to see Sri Lanka become a commercial centre of the Indian Ocean. The two sides should step up coordination in international and regional affairs, oppose politicisation of human rights issues and bloc confrontation, and safeguard the common interests of the two countries and fellow developing countries.

Wickremesinghe said that the development of the Belt and Road, especially the Maritime Silk Road, has greatly facilitated Sri Lanka’s economic and social development and is conducive to enhancing Sri Lanka’s unique influence in the region. Sri Lanka hopes to work more closely with China in the future, as China can be an important partner in Sri Lanka’s modernisation. Sri Lanka believes that the Indian Ocean should embrace openness and is ready to strengthen communication with China on regional affairs and support the solidarity and cooperation among developing countries.

At his meeting with the President of Mongolia, Xi Jinping noted that China is ready to work with Mongolia to respect each other’s independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, support each other in safeguarding respective core interests, and build a solid foundation for the China-Mongolia community with a shared future. China will continue to help Mongolia revitalise its economy, move ahead with the construction of relevant border ports in an orderly manner, and open up new channels for connectivity between the two countries. The China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Centre has been established. China will continue to support Mongolia’s “Planting One Billion Trees” plan and join hands with Mongolia in carrying out ecological conservation. China would also like to expand trilateral cooperation with Mongolia and Russia, and steadily advance the building of the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor.

President Khurelsukh noted that the outcomes of the current BRF will contribute to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and inject new momentum into global economic growth. Mongolia takes developing relations with China as a key priority in its foreign policy. Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Mongolia and China. It will also mark the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s visit to Mongolia and the establishment of comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. Mongolia is ready to strengthen high-level exchanges with China, respect and support each other and promote cooperation in such areas as trade and economy, connectivity, mining and energy, desertification prevention and control, and green development, as well as enhancing people-to-people exchanges. Mongolia also places a high premium on the Mongolia-China-Russia cooperation and is ready to closely communicate and collaborate with China in multilateral fields.

Meeting with the leader of Turkmenistan, Xi Jinping pointed out that China is a trustworthy friend and partner of the central Asian country. In January this year, he and President Serdar Berdimuhamedov jointly announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership and the establishment of a community with a shared future at the bilateral level, opening a new chapter in the development of China-Turkmenistan relations. Developing a comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Turkmenistan meets the fundamental interests of both countries and the common aspirations of the two peoples.

China appreciates Turkmenistan’s strong support on issues concerning China’s core interests and major concerns, and will continue to support Turkmenistan in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security, and development interests and in pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions.

Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov said that the ancient Silk Road has connected the people of Turkmenistan and China and contributed to the progress of world civilisation. Today, close synergy has been forged between Turkmenistan’s strategy of reviving the Great Silk Road and the Belt and Road Initiative, which has greatly facilitated the connectivity, development, and revitalisation of both countries as well as countries in the region.

In his meeting with Srettha Thavisin, Xi Jinping noted that the recently appointed Thai Prime Minister had made China the destination of his first official visit outside ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations), fully demonstrating the great importance the new Thai government attaches to Thailand-China relations. China and Thailand are close neighbours, and their friendship has taken deep roots in the hearts of the two peoples. Xi said he is happy to see that the outcomes of his visit to Thailand last November are being actively and effectively implemented.

Srettha Thavisin said he sincerely admires President Xi Jinping’s vision and China’s achievements in poverty reduction and would like to learn from China’s governance experience. He expressed his hope that the two sides will deepen practical cooperation in various fields, jointly build the Thailand-China Railway, and advance the implementation of the China-Laos-Thailand Connectivity Development Corridor Outlook.

Meeting with President of the Republic of Congo (ROC) Denis Sassou-N’Guesso, Xi Jinping said that the successful implementation of such projects as the No.1 National Highway in the ROC, is exemplary. China and the ROC are true friends and good partners.

Reflecting the long-standing orientation of the Republic of Congo regarding its close relations with China and other socialist countries, Xi Jinping emphasised that shared ideals, mutual trust and mutual support are the key to the sustained and steady growth of China-ROC relations. China appreciates the resolute support given by the ROC on issues related to China’s core interests and major concerns. China supports the ROC in safeguarding national independence, opposing foreign interference, and adhering to a development path that suits its national conditions, and supports the ROC in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs. China also stands ready to coordinate closely with the ROC in multilateral arena to promote the building of a fairer and more equitable international order.

Sassou-N’Guesso said that his country is ready to take the opportunity of celebrating the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations with China next year to further develop bilateral relations. The ROC firmly adheres to the one-China policy and looks forward to continuing mutual support with China, strengthening pragmatic cooperation in infrastructure, green energy, and other fields, and enhancing communication and collaboration within the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Similar sentiments animated President Xi’s meeting with the Prime Minister of Mozambique, Adriano Afonso Maleiane. Reflecting the fact that China’s relationship with Mozambique dates to its staunch support for the southern African country’s national liberation struggle, Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Mozambique are true friends and true brothers standing together in adversity and helping each other in difficulty. China is ready to work with Mozambique and other African countries to build the Belt and Road to high standard, and promote the implementation of three cooperative measures, namely, the Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialisation, the Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernisation, and the Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development.

Xi Jinping further emphasised that China is ready to work with Mozambique to further deepen traditional friendship, strengthen strategic coordination, and promote new progress in the China-Mozambique comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. China supports Mozambique in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and following a development path suited to its own national conditions. The two sides need to deepen cooperation in such fields as energy and agriculture, and promote educational, cultural, sub-national and non-governmental exchanges.

Maleiane remarked that the Belt and Road Initiative, the Global Development Initiative and other important initiatives are conducive to helping other countries eliminate poverty, grow the economy, and improve the people’s livelihood. China’s development and foreign policies are based on peace, equality, respect, and friendship, and are positive energy for world peace and development. Maleiane noted that China has always given Mozambique firm support as a true friend, whether during Mozambique’s struggle for national independence or the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Mozambique is firmly committed to the one-China policy and hopes to learn from China’s experience in modernisation to find a better way to realise its own development, and deepen practical cooperation with China across the board to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Meeting Prime Minister of Pakistan, Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and ironclad friends. Successive Pakistani governments have actively supported and participated in Belt and Road cooperation. Over the past decade, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has achieved fruitful results, giving a strong boost to Pakistan’s economic and social development, and becoming an important signature project of Belt and Road cooperation. He said that the two sides should take the 10th anniversary of the CPEC this year as an opportunity to build an “upgraded version” of the corridor featuring growth, livelihood, innovation, greenness and openness, strengthen cooperation in areas like industrial park, agriculture, mining and new energy, and promote the early implementation of major connectivity projects and the achievement of practical results.

Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar said that the successful practice of Chinese modernisation has set an example and provided impetus for other developing countries. China’s efforts to build a human community with a shared future have brought confidence and hope to other countries. Pakistan will always be a trustworthy and reliable friend of China, will never allow any force to undermine the friendship between Pakistan and China, and will remain committed to deepening the all-weather strategic cooperative partnership between Pakistan and China. Pakistan is ready to work closely with China to promote the high-quality development of the CPEC. The Pakistani government will make every effort to protect the safety and interests of Chinese citizens and institutions in Pakistan.

Meeting with Dilma Rousseff, Xi Jinping recalled the birth of the New Development Bank which he and President Rousseff jointly witnessed in 2014 in Brazil. He pointed out that the bank has made remarkable achievements and grown from strength to strength in recent years. He noted that the world today is facing intertwined risks and crises. As an important emerging force in the international financial system, the New Development Bank should play its due role, and build itself into a new-type multilateral development institution in the 21st century that works to make the international financial system fairer and more equitable and effectively enhance the representation and say of emerging markets and developing countries.

Dilma Rousseff said that under the current international circumstances, all countries in the world need to take concerted actions to respond to common challenges. Strengthening infrastructure development and connectivity is of crucial importance for developing countries to realise common development. No other initiatives in human history have ever brought more than 150 countries together like the BRI does. She thanked the Chinese government for greatly supporting the New Development Bank’s work, noting that bank has a shared purpose and ideals with the BRI, and is ready to actively participate in the Belt and Road cooperation and make due contributions to a multi-polar world and the reform of the international financial system.

The following reports were originally published on the website of the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

Xi Jinping Meets with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet

On the morning of October 19, 2023, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People with Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Manet who is in China to attend the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF).

Xi Jinping pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations 65 years ago, China and Cambodia have respected, trusted and supported each other and contributed to each other’s success, setting a fine example of equal treatment and win-win cooperation between countries different in size. Both China and Cambodia are countries that value friendship, and the China-Cambodia ironclad friendship is unbreakable. The two sides need to visit each other frequently, maintain high-level strategic communication, make good use of the Intergovernmental Coordination Committee mechanism, and implement the action plan for building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future in the new era, to bring the two countries even closer.

Xi Jinping stressed that the Belt and Road cooperation has brought tangible development opportunities to Cambodia. China is ready to uphold the principle of “planning together, building together, and benefiting together”, enhance synergy between the Belt and Road Initiative and Cambodia’s Pentagonal Strategy, flesh out the China-Cambodia “diamond hexagon” cooperation framework at a faster pace, build well the “Industrial Development Corridor” and the “Fish and Rice Corridor”, and push for the implementation of more projects that benefit the people. China supports Cambodia’s projects such as airport construction and cultural relic restoration, welcomes more Cambodian agricultural products to the Chinese market, and encourages more Chinese tourists to visit Cambodia. Xi Jinping expressed his readiness to declare together with Hun Manet the year 2024 the China-Cambodia Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Continue reading Ten high-level bilateral meetings on the margins of the Belt and Road Forum

Xi meets with leaders of Russia, Nigeria, Kenya, Argentina and United Nations

Chinese President Xi Jinping carried out a second day of bilateral meetings in the margins of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation (BRF) on October 18.

He met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at noon, Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria in the afternoon, and Kenyan President William Ruto, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and Argentine President Alberto Fernandez in the evening.

President Xi told President Putin that his attendance at the BRF for the third time in a row demonstrates Russia’s support for the Belt and Road cooperation. Russia is an important partner of China in Belt and Road international cooperation. Major infrastructure projects including the China-Russia east-route natural gas pipeline are up and running, delivering tangible benefits to the two peoples. China will work with Russia and other members of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) to forge stronger synergy between the Belt and Road cooperation and the EEU, and carry out regional cooperation at a higher level and greater depths. President Xi expressed his hope for early substantive progress in the China-Mongolia-Russia natural gas pipeline, successful Great Tea Way cross-border tourism cooperation, and the building of the China-Mongolia-Russia economic corridor as a road for high-quality interconnected development.

He stressed that developing the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination with ever-lasting good neighbourliness and mutually beneficial cooperation is not a matter of expediency, but a long-term commitment. Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. China stands ready to work with Russia to continue adding new dimensions to their practical cooperation with a keen grasp of the trend of the times and bearing in mind the fundamental interests of the two peoples. China supports the people of Russia in following their choice of path to national rejuvenation and in safeguarding sovereignty, security and the development interests of the country.

President Xi pointed out that the recent historic expansion of BRICS membership has shown the confidence of developing countries in pursuing a multi-polar world and making international relations more democratic. China supports Russia in hosting the BRICS Summit in Kazan next year. China is ready to work with Russia to step up communication and coordination within the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, the G20 and other multilateral frameworks, play a greater role in ensuring food security, energy security and stable global industrial and supply chains, and uphold the shared interests of the two countries, the region and the developing world.

President Putin said that Russia is ready to work with China to enhance communication and coordination in BRICS and other multilateral mechanisms, defend the international system based on international law and promote the building of a more just and equitable global governance system.

The two heads of state also had in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian-Israeli situation.

Meeting Nigerian Vice President Shettima, Xi Jinping pointed out that this year marks the 10th anniversary of his proposal of the Belt and Road Initiative and his proposal of the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith as part of China’s Africa policy. There have been many highlights in the Belt and Road cooperation between China and Nigeria. Many cooperation projects, including railways, ports, power stations and communications backbone networks have been completed in succession, and remarkable achievements have been made in the development of free trade areas. China is ready to continue working with Nigeria to push for more tangible outcomes of China-Nigeria and China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation and help Nigeria and Africa realise industrialisation and agricultural modernisation. China supports Nigeria in playing a greater role in international and regional affairs, and would like to strengthen strategic coordination with Nigeria to promote democracy in international relations and safeguard the common interests of developing countries.

Kashim Shettima noted that Nigeria and China are good friends who have shared weal and woe and supported each other in times of difficulties. China has always treated Nigeria and other African countries with respect and as equals; it has never bossed them around, and has done its best to support the African people in seeking independence and development. He thanked China for proposing a series of important global cooperation initiatives for developing countries, providing valuable assistance for Nigeria’s development, and boosting the industrialisation process of Nigeria and Africa at large.

Continue reading Xi meets with leaders of Russia, Nigeria, Kenya, Argentina and United Nations

Xi meets with leaders of Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Chile, Hungary, PNG, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia

Between October 17-20, Chinese President Xi Jinping carried out an extensive program of bilateral diplomatic engagements in the margins of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

His first reported meeting on October 17 was with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. He also met that morning with Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Chilean President Gabriel Boric, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, and James Marape, Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea.

In the afternoon, he met with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and Indonesian President Joko Widodo.

Meeting his Kazakh counterpart, President Xi said that China supports Kazakhstan in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. No matter how the international situation changes, China and Kazakhstan should stay true to their original aspirations, help and support each other, pass on the belief in good-neighbourliness and friendship from generation to generation, and promote the continued development of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

The Chinese President emphasised that ten years ago, it was in Kazakhstan that he first put forward the initiative of jointly building the Silk Road Economic Belt. China firmly opposes interference by external forces in the internal affairs of Central Asian countries, and is ready to continue to strengthen communication and collaboration with Kazakhstan to promote China-Central Asia cooperation. China will also support Kazakhstan’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) to help bring SCO cooperation to a new level.

President Tokayev responded that Kazakhstan is the place where President Xi Jinping first proposed the initiative of jointly building the Belt and Road, and Kazakhstan has firmly supported and actively participated in the initiative since day one. He added that Kazakhstan speaks highly of China’s impartial stance and active role in international affairs, including its efforts to promote the settlement of the Ukraine crisis, and is ready to strengthen multilateral communication and collaboration with China.

Meeting Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, Xi Jinping congratulated Ethiopia on joining the BRICS cooperation mechanism upon invitation, and pointed out that Ethiopia is an important participant in the development of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The two sides, he said, should be friends for common development and win-win cooperation and partners in promoting South-South solidarity and cooperation and safeguarding international fairness and justice. China is ready to work with Ethiopia to strengthen practical cooperation in various fields under such frameworks as the BRI and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), support and participate in Ethiopia’s post-war reconstruction and economic revitalisation, strengthen cooperation in green development, and implement the Global Development Initiative, to boost Ethiopia’s development effort.

Abiy Ahmed Ali said that during his current visit to Beijing, he finds the city is still more clean and beautiful and the people live in even greater happiness, which testifies to the tremendous effort and great achievements made by the Chinese government in recent years. Ethiopia’s relations with China are on the right path, and further strengthening bilateral relations is not only of crucial importance for Ethiopia, but also of great significance for South-South solidarity.

The two sides issued a Joint Statement between the People’s Republic of China and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on the Establishment of an All-weather Strategic Partnership.

Meeting Chilean President Gabriel Boric, who was also paying a state visit to China, Xi Jinping pointed out that Chile was the first South American country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China. Under the current circumstances, China is ready to work with Chile to carry forward the traditional friendship between the two countries, and constantly enrich the China-Chile comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era. China is ready to strengthen exchanges with Chile on governance experience, and share best practices in such areas as poverty elimination, green transition and environmental protection.

Boric said that Chile highly admires the Chinese civilisation, applauds and congratulates China on its great achievements in such areas as poverty alleviation and anti-corruption, and is grateful for China’s selfless help when the country was faced with the COVID-19 pandemic and other difficulties. Chile thinks of and plans for the development of relations with China from a long-term perspective, and hopes to take this visit as an opportunity to strengthen cooperation in such fields as environmental protection, poverty alleviation, energy, science and technology, and mining, and deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges. It supports China in joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement, speaks highly of China’s commitment to the foreign policy of peace, and stands ready to keep closer communication and coordination with China within such multilateral frameworks as the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), promote solidarity and cooperation among the Global South countries, and build a human community with a shared future.

After the talks, the two heads of state jointly witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents in such fields as Belt and Road cooperation, development cooperation, industrial investment, digital economy, scientific and technological innovation, customs inspection and quarantine, agriculture, the Antarctic Pole, and cooperation among small- and medium-sized enterprises.

Continue reading Xi meets with leaders of Kazakhstan, Ethiopia, Chile, Hungary, PNG, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Indonesia

Liu Jianchao: the peoples of China and Iceland have an indomitable spirit of struggle

In the first week of October, Minister Liu Jianchao of the International Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, led a delegation to visit Iceland.

Meeting with Iceland’s Foreign Minister, Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir on October 7, Liu said that, despite different national conditions, the two countries have similar historical experiences, and the two peoples have an indomitable spirit of struggle. The Chinese side has always upheld the principles of mutual respect and equality among all countries regardless of their size, actively developed China-Iceland relations, and regarded Iceland as a trustworthy good friend.

Liu’s reference to similar historical experiences and an indomitable spirit of struggle is significant and apposite. Having been under Danish colonial rule for centuries, during which the people suffered from dire poverty and mass emigration, an independence movement emerged from the 1850s onwards. Iceland finally won national independence in 1944.

Between 1958-61, 1972-73 and 1975-76, Iceland fought the so-called ‘cod wars’ against Britain, supported by West Germany, regarding the extension of its territorial waters and fishing rights in the North Atlantic, on which the country’s economy and diet were both heavily dependent. Iceland emerged victorious against British imperialism in all these disputes, a remarkable victory for a small country whose population (2023 figure) is just 375,000. Iceland’s victories also contributed to the democratisation of the international law of the sea and helped numerous countries of the Global South to enhance their sovereignty over their territorial waters and marine resources.

From 2009-2011, the Icelandic people waged the ‘pots and pans revolution’ in response to the devastating impact of the global financial crisis on their country, which was exacerbated by the pursuit of short-sighted neoliberal policies in the preceding years.

Turning to the environment, Liu went on to say that China tries to peak its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2060, and is willing to deepen cooperation with the Icelandic side in climate change, green energy, sustainable development and other aspects.

Iceland is a world leader in geothermal energy and fighting the looming threat of climate catastrophe and promoting sustainable development was a main theme of Liu’s visit.

Gylfadóttir said that the Icelandic side attaches great importance to developing relations with China. Iceland is the first European country to sign a bilateral free trade agreement with China and the first Western European country to recognise China’s market economy status. Both countries have great cooperation potential in energy transition, climate change and other aspects. It is hoped that both sides will strengthen exchanges, share respective successful experiences, and help the international community better respond to global challenges.

The previous day, Liu met with Birgir Ármannsson, Speaker of Iceland’s Parliament, and had exchanges with members of parliament from different political parties, including the Independence Party, Left-Green Movement, Social Democratic Alliance, Pirate Party, and People’s Party. The present Icelandic government is a three-party coalition formed by the Independence Party, Progressive Party and Left-Green Movement.

China’s development, Liu said, will provide broad development space for China-Iceland cooperation and new opportunities for the growth of all countries. The Chinese side is willing to strengthen cooperation with the Icelandic side in economy, trade, geothermal, tourism, communication, and cooperation at local level. Iceland is a major country of clean energy. It is hoped that the two sides will strengthen cooperation in ecological civilisation construction and jointly make the Earth a place where people and nature can coexist in harmony and economy and environment can advance in parallel.

The members of Iceland’s parliament happily recalled their visits to China and the stories of exchanges with China. They spoke highly of the great development achievements the Chinese people have made under the leadership of the CPC. They expected to intensify mutual visits and exchanges and strengthen practical cooperation to benefit the two peoples. In recent years, extreme climate events have occurred frequently, posing severe challenges to human survival and development. The Icelandic side spoke highly of the Chinese side’s important contributions to global sustainable development and expressed the willingness to deepen cooperation with China in fields such as geothermal and climate change based on existing cooperation, benefit more developing countries and contribute to the protection of the Earth, the homeland for humanity.

The same day, Liu also met with Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, former President of Iceland and Chairman of the Arctic Circle. Describing Grímsson as a friend of China, Liu said that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Iceland more than 50 years ago, the two sides have always carried out practical cooperation based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and win-win results, becoming a model for win-win cooperation between countries with different social systems, histories, and cultures. He thanked the Icelandic side for supporting China’s participation in Arctic affairs and expressed the willingness to strengthen Arctic cooperation and coordination in international affairs, promote the improvement of global governance, as well as the healthy and stable development of China-Iceland relations.

Grímsson said: “I am willing to actively promote Iceland-China friendship and enhance the understanding of China among people of all walks of life in Iceland. China has huge development potential… Last month, I visited China to participate in the 2023 World Geothermal Congress in Beijing. Many standards of the global geothermal industry were released for the first time during the conference. The world today is facing severe challenges such as climate change. Energy transformation is the key to solving this problem. China can play a leading role in the world in this regard.”

On his way to Iceland, Liu made a stopover in Copenhagen Airport, where he met with Jeppe Tranholm-Mikkelsen, Permanent Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs of Denmark.

Liu said, this year marks the 15th anniversary of the establishment of the China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership. The two sides released a Green Joint Work Programme recently, injecting new impetus into the mutually beneficial cooperation between our two countries. We look forward to further strengthening exchanges and cooperation between the two sides in economy, trade, environmental protection, climate change, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges.

China, he added, will unswervingly promote high-level opening up to the outside world, constantly provide impetus for world economic recovery and growth, and provide mutually beneficial cooperation opportunities for investors from various countries, including Denmark. Trends such as deglobalisation, severing supply chains, and de-risking are not in line with the trend of the times. De-risking advocated by some in fact throws away opportunities and cooperation and will ultimately harm the world economy and the interests of all countries. Under the current situation, the international community should work together to promote world economic recovery and prosperity.

Jeppe said, the Green Joint Work Programme released by the two sides has built a new platform for further cooperation between the two countries. It is hoped that both sides will fully tap into the huge opportunities brought by green transformation and promote greater development of Denmark-China relations.

He added that Denmark opposes “decoupling” from China, but went on to disingenuously claim, quite possibly reflecting the pressures being brought to bear on relatively small European countries by US and EU imperialism, that “de-risking” is not aimed at China but aims to ensure the security of the supply chain.

He also said that China has made rapid progress in green energy and other fields and has already provided technologies and solutions for the world. China is an important force in the global response to climate change, he added.

The following articles were originally published on the website of the CPC International Department.

Liu Jianchao Meets with Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland

Reykjavík, October 7th—Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, met here today with Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland.

Liu said, China-Iceland relations have shown good momentum of continuous development. Despite different national conditions, the two countries have similar historical experiences and the two peoples have an indomitable spirit of struggle. The Chinese side has always upheld the principles of mutual respect and equality among all countries regardless of their size, actively developed China-Iceland relations, and regarded Iceland as a trustworthy good friend. It is hoped that the two sides will continue to strengthen cooperation in economy, trade, investment, environmental protection, tourism and other areas. China strives to peak its carbon dioxide emissions before 2030 and achieves carbon neutrality before 2060, and is willing to deepen cooperation with the Icelandic side in climate change, green energy, sustainable development and other aspects. The Chinese side appreciates Iceland’s commitment to the right direction of free trade and economic globalization, and hopes that the two sides will expand cooperation at the Nordic sub-regional, European and global levels and jointly shoulder the responsibility of responding to global challenges.

Continue reading Liu Jianchao: the peoples of China and Iceland have an indomitable spirit of struggle

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.

Proposal of the People’s Republic of China on the Reform and Development of Global Governance

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued an important proposal on the reform and development of global governance on September 13, 2023.

Drawing on President Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), which is now marking its tenth anniversary, as well as his more recent Global Security Initiative (GSI), Global Development Initiative (GDI) and Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI), the document sets out China’s views and proposals on a considerable range of global issues in a systematic fashion.

It notes that:

“Today, changes in the world, in our times and in history are unfolding in ways like never before. The deficits in peace, development, security and governance are growing. Humanity is once again at a crossroads, and facing a consequential choice on its future… Facing global changes unseen in a century, and keeping in mind both China’s realities and global developments, President Xi Jinping has creatively put forth the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity… As the world faces frequently emerging hotspot issues, rising geopolitical conflicts, and rampant unilateral and bullying practices, the international community needs peace, trust, solidarity and cooperation, rather than war, suspicion, division or confrontation.”

Among the numerous issues highlighted, the document sets out that:

  • China firmly supports a political settlement of the Ukraine crisis. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries should be upheld. All efforts conducive to a peaceful settlement of the crisis should be supported. No one gains from conflicts and wars. Imposing sanctions, exerting pressure, or adding fuel to the fire will only escalate the situation. It is important to maintain mutual respect, abandon the Cold War mentality, stop ganging up to stoke camp-based confrontation, and work to build a balanced, effective and sustainable European security architecture.
  • China maintains that it is important to preserve peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, achieve denuclearisation and establish a peace mechanism on the Peninsula. The issue needs to be resolved through dialogue and consultation, and the legitimate concerns of all sides addressed in a balanced manner.
  • China calls on the international community to respect the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, follow the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” principle, and maintain engagement and dialogue with Afghanistan on that basis.
  • China firmly supports the Palestinian people’s just cause of restoring their legitimate national rights. The fundamental solution to the Palestinian question is to establish an independent state of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty.
  • China strongly condemns all forms of terrorism and extremism. China opposes associating terrorism and extremism with any particular country, ethnic group or religion, opposes double standards on counter-terrorism, and opposes politicising or instrumentalising the issue of counter-terrorism.
  • Nuclear weapons must not be used and nuclear wars must never be fought. China supports greater efforts to reduce strategic risks based on the joint statement by the leaders of the five nuclear-weapon states [according to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty {NPT}]on preventing nuclear war.
  • Peaceful uses of nuclear energy should not be pursued at the expense of the environment and human health. The Japanese government should respond fully to the international community’s major concerns on the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water from Fukushima.
  • China supports the pursuit of green and low-carbon development. In the course of a just energy transition, the different national realities and capabilities of countries should be fully respected, and traditional energy should be phased out on the basis of ensuring safe and reliable alternative energy sources.
  • China attaches great importance to addressing climate change and maintains that countries should work in concert within multilateral frameworks to tackle this pressing global challenge. It is important to stick to the objectives, principles and institutional arrangements outlined in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and its Paris Agreement, especially the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities.
  • Human rights for all is the shared pursuit of humanity. People’s happiness is the biggest human right. In advancing human rights, countries should put the people front and centre, make the people’s aspirations for a better life their starting point and ultimate goal, and keep making efforts to resolve the most practical problems that are of the greatest and most direct concern to the people, so that people can lead a good life.
  • Education is an important force for the progress of human civilisation. China stands ready to work with countries around the world for more educational exchange, enhance openness in education and actively support other developing countries in advancing education.
  • The development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) benefits all countries, and all countries should be able to participate extensively in the global governance of AI. All parties should follow the principles of extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefits, give play to the role of the UN as the main channel, and promote a people-centred approach and such visions as ‘AI for good’, emphasis on development and giving priority to ethics.
  • Peaceful exploration and use of outer space is an equal right for all countries in the world. Lasting peace and security in outer space bears on the security, development and prosperity of all countries. China has all along upheld the principle of exploration and use of outer space for the well-being of the entire humanity, and safeguarded the international order in outer space with the Outer Space Treaty of 1967 as the cornerstone.
  • China firmly supports the core role of the UN in international affairs. The reform of the UN should be conducive to safeguarding multilateralism and the role of the UN, increasing the voice of developing countries in international affairs, and boosting the enforcement capacity and management efficiency of UN agencies.
  • China supports necessary and equitable reform of the Security Council to boost its authority and efficiency, enhance its capacity to tackle global threats and challenges, and let it better fulfill its mandate prescribed in the UN Charter. The Security Council should not become a club of the big countries or rich countries. Its reform should credibly increase the representation and voice of developing countries, redress the historical injustices done to Africa, and give more developing countries with independent foreign policies and just positions the opportunity to sit on the Security Council and participate in its decision-making. China supports making special arrangements to meet Africa’s aspiration as a priority.
  • China supports necessary and equitable reform of the global health governance system, to raise the efficiency of the system, better respond to global public health crises, and build a global community of health for all.

We reprint the full text of the proposal below. It was originally published by the Xinhua News Agency.

Today, changes in the world, in our times and in history are unfolding in ways like never before. The deficits in peace, development, security and governance are growing. Humanity is once again at a crossroads, and facing a consequential choice on its future. Meanwhile, world multi-polarity and economic globalization keep evolving. Peace, development and win-win cooperation are the unstoppable trends of the times. Solidarity, cooperation and progress remain the aspiration of people around the world.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s proposal on building a community with a shared future for mankind. Facing global changes unseen in a century, and keeping in mind both China’s realities and global developments, President Xi Jinping has creatively put forth the vision of building a community with a shared future for mankind. This proposal has pointed the way forward for the future development of the world and provided a solution for common challenges. Over the past decade, the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind has grown from an idea to action and a vision to reality. China calls on the international community to act on true multilateralism, uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core, support the U.N. in playing a central role in international affairs, further develop and improve the global governance system, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind.

I.Enhancing global security governance and safeguarding world peace and stability

Security is humanity’s most basic need and the most important global public good. As the world faces frequently emerging hotspot issues, rising geopolitical conflicts, and rampant unilateral and bullying practices, the international community needs peace, trust, solidarity and cooperation, rather than war, suspicion, division or confrontation. China welcomes the New Agenda for Peace presented by Secretary General António Guterres, and is ready to have further discussions and build consensus with all parties.

Continue reading Proposal of the People’s Republic of China on the Reform and Development of Global Governance

A Global Community of Shared Future: China’s Proposals and Actions

On 26 September 2023, the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China issued a white paper titled “A Global Community of Shared Future: China’s Proposals and Actions”, setting out China’s high level foreign policy and describing a bold vision for building a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable future for humanity.

The central theme of the document is succinctly stated in the preface:

To build a global community of shared future, all peoples, all countries, and all individuals – our destinies being interconnected – must stand together in adversity and through thick and thin, navigating towards greater harmony on this planet that we call home. We should endeavor to build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity, turning people’s longing for a better life into reality.

The white paper describes the current division in geopolitics; the fork in the road, with one direction characterised by a “Cold War mentality that deepens division and antagonism and stokes confrontation between blocs” and the other aimed at developing common wellbeing of humanity, solidarity, cooperation, openness, equality and respect. “The tug of war between these two options will shape the future of humanity and our planet in a profound way.”

The paper can be considered as a modern reiteration of the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-Existence – mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity; mutual non-aggression; non- interference in each other’s internal affairs; equality and mutual benefit; and peaceful coexistence – which have been the lodestar of Chinese foreign policy since their announcement in 1954. Core to these principles is the notion – embedded in the UN Charter – of the sovereign equality of all states. The white paper observes:

The world needs justice, not hegemonism. No country has the right to dominate global affairs, dictate the future of others, or monopolize development advantages. Countries should safeguard the international order based on international law, uphold the authority of the international rule of law, and ensure equal and unified application of international law. The practice of double standards or selective application of law should be rejected.

This stands in contrast with the much-vaunted ‘rules-based international order’, which is in fact a euphemism for the primacy of the US and its allies, and the imposition of their will on the rest of the world.

The document reiterates China’s commitment to environmental sustainability and to the highest level of international cooperation in preventing catastrophic climate change.

We should reconcile industrial development with nature, and pursue harmony between humanity and nature to achieve sustainable global development and all-round human development. We should respect nature, follow its ways, and protect it. We should firmly pursue green, low-carbon, circular and sustainable development… We should make our world clean and beautiful by pursuing green and low-carbon development… We must follow the philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature and observance of the laws of nature and pursue a path of sustainable development, so that everyone is able to enjoy a starry sky, lush mountains and fragrant flowers.

Recognising the potentially catastrophic consequences of war in the nuclear age, the white paper also re-states China’s commitment to the principle of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and to the goal of complete nuclear disarmament.

China actively advocates the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, and it is the only nuclear country that has publicly committed to no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and not using or threatening to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states and nuclear-weapon-free zones.

While “it is normal for countries to have differences”, there is always the possibility for these to be overcome through peaceful means and within a framework of international law. “No conflict is too big to resolve and no ice too thick to break.”

Quoting a number of powerful proverbs from around the world – including the Russian proverb “Together we can weather the storm”, the African proverb “One single pillar is not sufficient to build a house” and the Arabic proverb “If you want to walk fast, walk alone; if you want to walk far, walk together” – the document notes that the concept of a global community of shared future is not unique to China but runs deep through the history of civilisation. It is a unifying dream of humanity, which can inspire this generation to work seriously towards its realisation.

If the peoples of the world can work together to build a global community of shared future, “emerging countries and established powers can avoid falling into the Thucydides trap” and can “find the right way to get along in mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation.” (Thucydides trap is a term popularised by US political scientist Graham Allison, describing a tendency towards war when an emerging power threatens to displace an existing great power).

The white paper describes the ways in which China, particularly over the last decade, has worked tirelessly towards building a global community of shared future. This includes the Belt and Road Initiative, which has already brought tremendous benefits to the people of Pakistan, Laos, Greece, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Tajikistan and many other countries. The Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative and Global Civilization Initiative – proposed by China in 2021, 2022 and 2023 respectively – provide an important framework for helping to meet humanity’s collective need for material prosperity, peace, and cultural progress and mutual learning.

The document concludes with a powerful call to joint action:

In the face of common challenges, no person or country can remain isolated. The only response is to work together in harmony and unity. Only by strengthening coordination and cooperation, and ensuring that the interests of the people of every country will be kept in line with those of all others, can all countries move forward towards a global community of shared future…

When all countries unite in pursuing the cause of common good, plan together, and act together day by day towards the right direction of building a global community of shared future, we can build an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security and shared prosperity, and jointly create a better future for all of humanity.

We reprint the full text of the white paper below. It was originally published on the website of the State Council Information Office.

A Global Community of Shared Future: China’s Proposals and Actions

The State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China
September 2023

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Minister Liu Jianchao: Promoting a human community with a shared future

We reprint below an important article by Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, which first appeared in China Daily.

In his article, Minister Liu outlines the key points and significance of the three major initiatives put forward by President Xi Jinping, namely the Global Development Initiative (GDI), Global Security Initiative (GSI) and Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI). According to Liu, together they promote “global organic unity… in order to build a human community with a shared future.” This unity, “following the trend of human progress and in response to the unprecedented changes in the world, points to the direction in which the world, which now is at a crossroad, should go.”

He further outlines the essence of each initiative, as follows:

“The GDI, from the perspective of growth, answers the question of what development philosophy people need and how to achieve global development. It is aimed at creating the material foundation for a human community with a shared future. The GSI, from the viewpoint of security, focuses on the issue of what sort of security humanity needs and how to achieve universal security. It is aimed at providing security guarantee for the community. The GCI… answers the question of how to view different civilisations and promote exchanges and mutual learning among them. It aims to build the cultural foundation for the human community.”

Targeting issues like humanity’s survival, development, and modernisation, the GDI effectively responds to the strong aspiration and urgent need of the international community, developing countries in particular, to achieve faster economic growth. It also focuses on tackling the unbalanced and inadequate development within and among nations, thus setting the direction for the cause of global development and global cooperation on development.

China’s success in brokering a rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, and its commitment to promoting the political settlement of the Ukraine crisis through peace talks, are all examples of how we address security dilemmas by following the GSI. Targeting issues such as misunderstandings, estrangement, lack of mutual trust and inclusiveness among civilisations, the GCI aims to achieve dialectical unity based on the commonality and notwithstanding the diversity of civilisations, by seeking the common ground among them while fully respecting that diversity.

Whilst also outlining the influence of traditional Chinese culture and philosophy on the initiatives, Liu particularly emphasises how they are rooted in and embody Marxism.

“The vision of building a human community with a shared future and the three global initiatives are scientific. They encapsulate the stances, viewpoints, and methods of Marxism, reflecting the hallmarks of Marxism, and demonstrating salient theoretical characters. Underpinned by dialectical and historical materialism, the vision and the three global initiatives reveal the laws governing the development of human society and its future direction.”

They are also people-centred: “Focusing on the aspiration for a better life of the peoples across the world, the vision and the three global initiatives highlight the overall interests of humanity and strive to improve the common wellbeing of all peoples.

“Moreover, their vision of caring for every individual is self-evident. Responding to the yearning of peoples of different countries for peace, development and cooperation, the vision and the three global initiatives are committed to creating the right conditions to realise and guarantee each individual’s well-rounded development.”

Concluding his arguments, Minister Liu notes:

“The vision of a human community with a shared future and the three global initiatives uphold and apply Marxist stances, viewpoints and methods, and constitute a well-developed system of thought with compelling logic. They reflect China’s keen grasp of the law of history and its civilisation, and its deep reflection on the questions that have emerged in modern times.

“The three global initiatives, which are interconnected, interdependent and mutually reinforcing, provide a strong underpinning for the vision of building a global community with a shared future and offer China’s solution to build a better world.”

In March this year, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, proposed the Global Civilization Initiative at the CPC in Dialogue with World Political Parties High-Level Meeting. The GCI was the third global initiative he proposed to promote global organic unity after the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative in order to build a human community with a shared future.

The unity, following the trend of human progress and in response to the unprecedented changes in the world, points to the direction in which the world, which now is at a crossroad, should go. It is a new development of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and speaks volumes about the sense of history, mission and responsibility, and the global vision of Chinese communists with Xi Jinping as their chief representative. To break new ground in advancing major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, we must get a sound grasp of the scientific nature and the considerable significance of this unity and the inherent relationship between the vision and the three global initiatives.

From the historical perspective, the three global initiatives, reflecting three major themes of human progress, constitute three pillars that support the overarching vision of a human community with a shared future.

In the long river of history, different civilizations, flowing and converging from time to time, have surged forward like waves. Along with the continuous progress of human society and the deepening of globalization, countries have become increasingly connected and inter-dependent, forming a community with a shared future.

People of all countries have come to realize that material abundance, peace and stability and cultural prosperity are what all societies aspire for. To achieve them, we need growth, security and civilization, which complement and reinforce each other.

As an ancient Chinese saying goes, “Only when the granary is full will people learn etiquette; only when people are well fed and clothed will they know honor and shame.” Growth is the basis for security and civilization. Only when all countries prosper can peace last and civilizations thrive.

“Stability brings a country prosperity, while instability leads a country to poverty,” is another ancient Chinese saying. Security is a prerequisite of growth and civilization. Chinese people in ancient times believed that the civilized tend to enjoy safety while the uncivilized are more prone to face troubles and encounter danger. Civilization develops on the basis of economic growth and security. It is the accumulation of a people’s cultural pursuit and carries the imprint of a nation’s history. It has a gradual and imperceptible influence on people’s way of thinking and doing things, providing spiritual strength to the cause of development and security.

Continue reading Minister Liu Jianchao: Promoting a human community with a shared future

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

China to deepen cooperation with Brazil

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited Brazil from September 18-22, at the invitation of the Brazilian government and the Workers’ Party (PT).

Meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Li said that China and Brazil are the largest developing countries in the Eastern and Western hemisphere respectively, and are comprehensive strategic partners,adding that the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties next year.

The CPC is willing to strengthen exchanges and mutual learning with the Workers’ Party of Brazil, jointly explore the modernisation path in line with their respective national conditions, and promote the in-depth development of China-Brazil comprehensive strategic partnership, he added.

Recalling his friendship with President Xi Jinping, and conveying his best wishes to the Chinese leader, Lula said that Brazil and China are good friends and partners, embracing fruitful bilateral cooperation in such fields as politics, economy and trade, party-to-party relations and collaboration on international affairs.

Brazil hopes to promote the synergy between its New Growth Acceleration Program and China’s development strategies, so as to advance the sustainable development of the two countries, he said, adding that Brazil stands ready to strengthen cooperation with China within multilateral mechanisms, so as to jointly address such global challenges as poverty, inequality and climate change, as well as conflicts and confrontation, and to promote world peace, development and prosperity.

Noting that the Workers’ Party of Brazil and the CPC have maintained close contacts, Lula said he is willing to play a positive role in deepening bilateral relations and the friendship between the two peoples.

During his meeting with the President of the Workers’ Party, Gleisi Hoffmann, Li said the CPC attaches great importance to strengthening experience exchanges with the PT on party and country governance.

China stands ready to work with Brazil to take the 40th anniversary of the establishment of party-to-party relations between the CPC and PT next year as an opportunity to advance exchanges at all levels, making good use of the BRICS interparty exchange mechanism as well as the platform of the China-Latin America political parties forum, and promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation, he added.

Li and Hoffman jointly attended the signing ceremony for an agreement on exchanges and cooperation between their two parties.

Li’s visit to Brazil, during which he also met a number of other political leaders, followed his visit to Cuba, where he also participated in the Summit Meeting of the Group of 77 and China, as President Xi’s Special Representative.

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

BRASILIA, Sept. 22 (Xinhua) — China is ready to work with Brazil to deepen all-round practical cooperation, cement coordination within such multilateral mechanisms as BRICS and the Group of 20, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, said a senior official of the Communist Party of China (CPC) during his visit to Brazil.

Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Li paid an official friendly visit to Brazil from Monday to Friday.

Conveying cordial greetings of Chinese President Xi Jinping to Lula, Li noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of strategic partnership between China and Brazil.

Xi and Lula have met and exchanged views with each other on several occasions, jointly opening up and steering the future for China-Brazil relations in the new era, said Li, also secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.

China and Brazil are the largest developing countries in the Eastern and Western Hemisphere respectively, and are comprehensive strategic partners, he said, adding that the two countries will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic ties next year.

Continue reading China to deepen cooperation with Brazil

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

At both the G20 and in Vietnam, US hegemony looks ever more perilous

In this article, which was originally published by People’s World, Amiad Horowitz makes an assessment of US President Joe Biden’s recent visit to Asia, which saw him first attend the G20 summit meeting in the Indian capital New Delhi and then continue to Vietnam.

Horowitz notes that Biden used the G20 Summit to announce an international infrastructure development program which seeks to compete with China’s very successful Belt and Road Initiative, called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). He adds:

“One cannot help but notice the irony that the Biden administration is so eager to invest in infrastructure abroad to counter China while repeatedly failing to invest in the crumbling US infrastructure at home. This is opposed to China, whose government has completed countless major infrastructure programs both at home and abroad.”

Turning to Biden’s visit to the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Horowitz observes that the US has long sought to use the country to ‘encircle and contain’ its neighbour China:

“Leading up to this trip, many so-called experts claimed that the goal of this trip was to up the pressure on Vietnam to join the US anti-China coalition. If that was Biden’s goal, he failed.

“In the days leading up to his arrival, high-level Vietnamese officials met with their Chinese counterparts, and both sides assured each other about their continued friendship. China remains Vietnam’s biggest economic partner, and both countries cooperate in all fields—from defense, to culture, to their shared goals of building socialism in their respective countries.”

Noting that the US and Vietnam agreed to upgrade their bilateral diplomatic relations from a comprehensive partnership to a comprehensive strategic partnership, the author goes on to note that, in his speech in Hanoi, Biden made a number of errors in this regard, specifically he, “incorrectly claimed that a ‘comprehensive strategic partnership’ was the highest level of bilateral relations in Vietnam’s foreign policy. In actuality, ‘special strategic partnership’ is the highest level. Vietnam’s relationships with China, Cuba, Laos, Cambodia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are rated at this level.”

The author is a long-term resident of Vietnam.

President Joe Biden just finished a major trip to Asia for the G20 Summit in India, with an important stopover in Hanoi, Vietnam. The trip saw a mix of successes and setbacks for the Biden administration.

This year’s G20 Summit took place from September 9 to 10 in the Indian capital of New Delhi. It was the first G20 meeting since last month’s major expansion of BRICS and was seen by many watchers as a forum for the U.S. and its allies to maintain their current waning dominance over the global economy. Another goal of the meeting, of course, was to reaffirm the pro-NATO narrative that Russia is economically and politically isolated.

Some of the highlights of the gathering included the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the economic group and a push for greener economic initiatives, such as the Global Biofuel Alliance.

Biden also used the summit to announce an international infrastructure development program which seeks to compete with China’s very successful Belt and Road Initiative, called the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Biden repeated the often-debunked claim that China’s Belt and Road program uses economic coercion to get countries to sign on.

Meanwhile, his government claims that despite decades of U.S.-led predatory international trade and investment programs through the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, that this new program would be better.

One cannot help but notice the irony that the Biden administration is so eager to invest in infrastructure abroad to counter China while repeatedly failing to invest in the crumbling U.S. infrastructure at home. This is opposed to China, whose government has completed countless major infrastructure programs both at home and abroad.

One major setback for Biden’s agenda at the G20 was the summit’s final statement. The U.S. failed to get the other participants to accept language condemning Putin and the war in Ukraine. After hundreds of hours of negotiations and many drafts, the final statement made no mention of Russia and simply called for all countries to settle their differences through negotiations. The final language is being seen as a Biden defeat and a victory for Indian President Narendra Modi, whose government maintains friendly relations with Russia.

Despite all evidence to the contrary, Biden ally and French President Emmanuel Macron claimed that the G20 Summit somehow proves that the U.S.-led attempt to isolate Russia has succeeded.

After the summit concluded, Biden moved on to Hanoi. Vietnam has one of the quickest growing economies in the world and is a major leader in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). The country also shares a border with China, and the U.S. has repeatedly sought to use Vietnam to further “encircle and contain” China.

Leading up to this trip, many so-called experts claimed that the goal of this trip was to up the pressure on Vietnam to join the U.S. anti-China coalition. If that was Biden’s goal, he failed.

In the days leading up to his arrival, high-level Vietnamese officials met with their Chinese counterparts, and both sides assured each other about their continued friendship. China remains Vietnam’s biggest economic partner, and both countries cooperate in all fields—from defense, to culture, to their shared goals of building socialism in their respective countries.

The highlight of Biden’s side trip was the signing of an agreement between the U.S. and Vietnam to raise the bilateral diplomatic relationship from a “comprehensive partnership” to that of a “comprehensive strategic partnership.” This upgrade in diplomatic ties offers a lot of potential economic and trade benefits for both countries and is generally seen as a win-win for Washington and Hanoi.

However, Biden’s speech in Vietnam featured a number of errors of fact. First, Biden incorrectly claimed that a “comprehensive strategic partnership” was the highest level of bilateral relations in Vietnam’s foreign policy. In actuality, “special strategic partnership” is the highest level. Vietnam’s relationships with China, Cuba, Laos, Cambodia, and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea are rated at this level.

Later in his remarks to the media, Biden began to drift from the pre-press conference plan and had to be abruptly interrupted by White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. Even after she called an end to the press conference, however, the president continued to inaudibly answer another question that was shouted from the press pool.

After this trip, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the U.S.’ international influence is continuing to decline as the world speeds further toward a new multipolar reality. India was able to prevent the U.S. from forcing its anti-Russia language into the G20 summit’s final statement, and Vietnam was able to upgrade its bilateral relationship with the U.S. while avoiding having to join the U.S. led anti-China coalition, and in fact, maintaining its close and friendship relationship with Beijing.

Hun Manet visit consolidates China-Cambodia friendship

The new Prime Minister of Cambodia, Hun Manet paid an official visit to China from September 14-16. Hun Manet chose China for his first bilateral foreign visit since assuming office in a sign of the close relations between the two countries.

President Xi Jinping met with him on September 15. He noted that the Cambodian leader’s choice of China fully demonstrates the great importance the new Cambodian government attaches to consolidating and developing China-Cambodia friendship.

China and Cambodia are ironclad friends, Xi said, adding that over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two sides have always maintained a high degree of mutual trust, treated each other as equals, achieved win-win results, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Xi stressed that China firmly supports Cambodia in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions and stands ready to maintain regular strategic communication with Cambodia and deepen the exchange of governance experience.

The Chinese President pointed out that no matter how the international and regional situation may change, China is always Cambodia’s most reliable friend and staunch supporter, and that China stands ready to join hands with Cambodia to uphold international fairness and justice and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries.

Hun Manet said that he chose China as the destination for his first official visit to show that the new Cambodian government will continue to firmly pursue a friendly policy toward China and further carry forward the ironclad friendship between Cambodia and China.

The prime minister added that Cambodia will abide by the one-China principle, firmly support China in safeguarding its core interests, and support the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilisation Initiative proposed by President Xi.

Cambodia appreciates China’s long-term strong support and assistance for Cambodia’s economic and social development and is willing to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen Belt and Road cooperation, and push for further development of bilateral cooperation in industry, agriculture, investment, culture and other fields.

When meeting his Cambodian counterpart on the same day, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said that China and Cambodia have always stood together through thick and thin and helped each other since establishing diplomatic ties 65 years ago and the two countries have set an example of equality and mutual benefit between countries.

Li pointed out that China firmly supports the Cambodian side in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests and in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions.

Hun Manet hailed the ironclad friendship with China, stressing that the new Cambodian government maintains no change in promoting this friendship and intends to work with China to carry forward the traditional relationship between the two countries.

Cambodia abides by the one-China principle, resolutely opposes external forces interfering in China’s internal affairs, and supports the significant initiatives put forward by China, he added.

The two countries released a joint communiqué in which they speak highly of the substantial development of the China-Cambodia relationship, which has been carefully nurtured by generations of leaders of both countries and has been constantly growing from strength to strength in the last 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties. Both sides emphasise that no matter how the international situation changes, they will unswervingly develop their ever-lasting friendship and deepen cooperation for mutual benefits, with a view to promoting the building of a high-quality, high-level and high-standard China-Cambodia Community with a Shared Future in the new era as a showcase for a community with a shared future for humanity.

Both sides reaffirm their respect and support for each other’s choice of development path that suits their respective national conditions. The Cambodian side speaks highly of China’s great achievements in the decade of the new era and of Chinese modernisation that offers an alternative modernisation for humanity and fresh opportunities for Cambodia. It trusts that China will achieve its second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country in all aspects towards great national rejuvenation through Chinese modernisation. The Chinese side speaks highly of Cambodia’s economic and social achievements.

The Chinese side reaffirms resolute support to Cambodia’s endeavours to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests while expressing firm opposition to any foreign interference in Cambodia’s internal affairs. And both express firm opposition to politicisation of human rights, double standards and interference in other countries’ internal affairs under the guise of human rights or democracy. Both sides agree to strengthen cooperation against interference and ‘Colour Revolutions’.

In recent years, Cambodia has experienced increasing external pressure in this regard due to its maintaining an independent and non-aligned posture regionally and internationally and its rejection of outside interference in its internal affairs. For example, the US House of Representatives passed a Cambodia Sanctions Bill in September 2021 and the US government tightened export controls to the country in December of the same year.

Surveying economic cooperation, the communiqué laid stress on the development of Cambodia’s Special Economic Zone along with the areas of agro-industries, transportation infrastructure, electricity, energy and manufacturing, in particular.

They further agreed to enhance cooperation in hydropower, photovoltaics, and other clean energy sources, to explore green, stable and reliable energy cooperation solutions, promote establishment of a China-Cambodia Low-Carbon Demonstration Zone Project of South-South Cooperation on Climate Change in Preah Sihanouk Province, and to carry out cooperation in policy dialogue, joint research and capacity building, with a focus on climate change, pollution management and circular economy; as well as to conduct cooperation in such areas of shared interests as comprehensive water resources management, flood and drought disaster prevention, and drinking water safety in rural areas.

As noted, this year marks the 65th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cambodia and China under the guidance of King Father Norodom Sihanouk, Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai. The anniversary has been marked by diverse exchanges and reciprocal visits. China’s top diplomat, Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Cambodia in August and Minister Liu Jianchao of the Communist Party of China’s International Department visited in September.

Hun Manet succeeded his father, the long-serving Hun Sen, as Prime Minister on August 22, following general elections on July 23, when their Cambodian People’s Party again won a decisive victory.

The following reports were originally carried by the Xinhua News Agency.

Xi meets Cambodian prime minister

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet at the Great Hall of the People on Friday.

Xi pointed out that Prime Minister Hun Manet chose China as the destination for his first bilateral visit after taking office, which fully demonstrates the great importance the new Cambodian government attaches to consolidating and developing China-Cambodia friendship.

China and Cambodia are ironclad friends, Xi said, adding that over the past 65 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two sides have always maintained a high degree of mutual trust, treated each other as equals, achieved win-win results, and firmly supported each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security and development interests.

Xi stressed that China firmly supports Cambodia in exploring a development path suited to its national conditions, and stands ready to maintain regular strategic communication with Cambodia and deepen the exchange of governance experience.

He said the two sides should make good use of the mechanism of the intergovernmental coordinating committee and implement the new action plan for building a China-Cambodia community with a shared future.

Continue reading Hun Manet visit consolidates China-Cambodia friendship