51 minute read
September
(A) Jointly Upholding True Multilateralism and Starting a New Journey of Maritime Governance18
Jointly Upholding True Multilateralism and Starting a New Journey of Maritime Governance
Remarks by H.E. Wang Yi State Councilor and Foreign Minister of The People’s Republic of China At the Opening Ceremony of “UNCLOS at 40: Retrospect and Prospect”
The Honorable Under-Secretary-General Miguel de Serpa Soares, Distinguished Guests, Friends,
It is a pleasure to meet you all via video link to mark the 40th anniversary of the opening for signature of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Adopted in 1982, UNCLOS opened a new chapter of global maritime governance, and has greatly helped humanity better understand, protect and utilize the sea.
Friends,
As an extensive legal instrument on maritime affairs, UNCLOS, together with other international treaties and customary international law, constitute the main pillars of the global maritime order in modern times. A review of its conclusion process, purposes and application gives us three main inspirations in addressing today’s global maritime issues.
First, it is important to uphold multilateralism. UNCLOS was concluded by over 160 countries including China through nine years of unremittingeffortsofequal-footedconsultationandmutualaccommodationfrom 1973 to 1982. It made a set of arrangements to address humanity’s common interests as well as the concerns of various types of countries, and thus has been widelyaccepted by the internationalcommunity.The Convention entitles coastal States with sovereign rights and jurisdiction in their exclusive economic zones
18 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. (2022, Sep 2). “Jointly Upholding True Multilateralism and Starting a New Journey of Maritime Governance” Retrieved from https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx_662805/202209/t20220902_10760374.html while protecting the lawful freedoms of navigation and overflight of other States in such zones. It provides multiple means for the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes, with full respect for States Parties’ own choices of peaceful means. It also established three major regimes, the International Seabed Authority (ISA), the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, which are useful multilateral platforms for the discussions of and settlement of maritime issues. All these are a result of successful multilateral diplomacy and important outcomes of multilateralism.
Second, it is importantto promote fairnessand justice. China and other developing countries are committed to revising outdated maritime rules and to defending the legitimate rights and interests of all, especially medium and small countries, and have made good progress in these efforts. In its Preamble, UNCLOS stresses the imperative to realize “a just and equitable international economic order which takes into account the interests and needs of mankind as a whole”.It establishedmanagementmechanismsand decision-makingprocedures concerning the international seabed. This has consolidated, by legal means, the principle of the common heritage of mankind, thus providing an institutional frameworktoensuretheeffectiveparticipationofdevelopingcountriesinmatters related to the international seabed. Facts have proved that UNCLOS has been instrumental in opposing maritime hegemony, protecting maritime interests, and promoting maritime cooperation.
Third, it is important to stay open-minded and move forward. UNCLOS affirms that “matters not regulated by this convention continue to be governed by the rules and principles of general international law”. It also mentions several times that actions should be taken “through competent international organizations” and in compliance with “generally accepted international regulations”. This shows that UNCLOS respects other sea-related organizations and international rules. Following the adoption of the Convention, twoagreements,oneontheinternationalseabedandtheotheronfishstocks,were concluded. Negotiations on an international agreement on maritime biodiversity are now well underway. All this showsthat UNCLOSis not isolatedor insulated, but rather inclusive and adjustable. It should keep pace with the times to better adapt to international maritime practices.
Friends,
As a major developing maritime country, China seeks to balance its legitimate rights and interests with the overall interests of the international community,andalwaysstandstogetherwithotherdevelopingcountries.Wehave participated in the whole process of UNCLOS negotiations, and was among the first countries to sign the Convention. China always honors the spirit of UNCLOS, strictly fulfills its obligations, and fully supports the work of the three major institutions under the Convention. It actively carries out international maritime cooperation, and does its best to help other developing countries with theirmaritimecapacity-building.Chinafirmlydefendstheintegrity and authority of UNCLOS, and opposes attempts at abusing the dispute settlement procedures oftheConvention.Chinaalwaysbelievesthatmaritimedisputesshouldbesettled by the parties directly concerned through friendly consultation on the basis of respecting historical facts and international laws including UNCLOS. Friends,
As we speak, the world is facing once-in-a-century changes that are evolving more rapidly, and the international maritime order is undergoing profound adjustments. At this new historical starting point, we should safeguard firmly the UN-centered international system and the international order underpinned by international law. We should continue to embrace the spirit of multilateralism in UNCLOS, promote the development of international maritime laws including the Convention, and build an equitable and just international maritime order, as part of our collective efforts to usher in a new journey of maritime governance.
We need to act as a community with a shared future to promote sustainable development of the sea. We need to pursue the purpose of the Convention to “promote the economic and social advancement of all peoples of the world”, and act on the Global Development Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. We need to deepen practical maritime cooperation, develop blue partnerships, build a high-quality 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and fulfill the UN sustainable development goals. We need to tap into the development potential of the sea and turn it into an enduring driving force for sustainable development of all countries.
Weneed to championdialogueandconsultationto maintainpeaceand tranquility of the sea. The Global Security Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping provides China’s solutions to global security challenges. We should remain faithful to the Convention’s founding aspirations to maintain “peace, justice and progress for all peoples of the world”, take coordinated efforts to safeguard both traditional and non-traditional maritime security issues, always settle maritime disputes through peaceful means, and jointly tackle challenges such as piracy and armed robbery against ships. We should uphold “freedom of navigation” and oppose “freedom of willfulness”. We should advocate dialogue and consultation, and say no to sabre-rattling. All parties must bear in mind that humanity is an indivisible security community, and all should work together to safeguard maritime peace and tranquility of the world.
We need to promote international cooperation to preserve the ecologicalenvironmentof the sea. We need toaim at thegoaloftheConvention to realize “protection and preservation of the marine environment”, act on the philosophy of green development, fulfill environmental protection obligations under the Convention, and advance global cooperation to protect the marine environment. We should prioritize science and technology, take seriously the impactof landactivitiesandclimatechangeon marineenvironment, and domore to address both the symptoms and root causes. We should strike a balance betweenpreservationand reasonable utilization,and work togetherto leave clean oceans and blue sky for our future generations.
We need to uphold the international rule of law to improve global maritime governance. The Convention should be interpreted and applied in its entirety, accurately, and in good faith. Any attempt to use UNCLOS as a tool to suppress or smear other countries must be rejected. We need to improve the dispute settlement mechanisms, respect the voluntary choice of the State Parties concerned, and oppose inappropriate expansion or abuse of power by judicial bodies. The UN, the ISA, and the International Maritime Organization should work in coordination to study emerging maritime issues, and make and improve equitable and reasonable international maritime rules that can stand the test of history and reality.
Friends, The sea is the common home of humanity, and its protection and sustainable use is the shared responsibility of us all. In sea voyages, the most crucial work is to keep to the right direction. China is ready to work with all parties to uphold the purposes of UNCLOS, deliver its aspirations, and strive for a higher-standard global maritime governance and greater maritime welfare of mankind.
In conclusion, I wish this conference a full success. Thank you!
Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China
At the 22nd Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of The Shanghai Cooperation Organization
Samarkand, 16 September 2022
Your Excellency President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Colleagues,
I am delighted to attend the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). I would like to thank you, President Mirziyoyev, for your warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. I salute Uzbekistan for the great job it has done to promote SCO cooperation in various fields during its presidency over the past year.
Samarkand, renowned as the pearl on the Silk Road, witnessed the glory of the ancient Silk Road, a route that greatly boosted the flow of goods, spread of science and technology, interaction of ideas, and integration of diverse cultures on the Eurasian continent. Indeed, the ancient Silk Road has remained a historicalsourceofinspirationforusSCO memberstatesas wepursue peaceand development.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of the SCO Charter and 15th anniversary of the Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Between the SCO Member States. Over the years, guided by these two founding documents, we have succeeded in exploring a new path for the development of international organizations, and there is much we can draw on from SCO’s rich practices.
19 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. (2022, Sep 16). “Ride on the Trend of the Times and Enhance Solidarity and Cooperation to Embrace a Better Future” Retrieved from https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/mfa_eng/zxxx_662805/202209/t20220916_10767110.html
Political trust. Guided by the vision of forging enduring friendship and peace among the SCO member states, we respect each other’s core interests and choice of development path and support each other in achieving peace, stability, development and rejuvenation.
Win-win cooperation. We accommodate each other’s interests, stay true to the principle of consultation and cooperation for shared benefits, enhancesynergybetweenour respective developmentstrategies,and keep to the path of win-win cooperation toward common prosperity.
Equality between nations. We are committed to the principle of equality among all countries regardless of their size, consensus-based decision-making, and addressing issues through friendly consultations. We reject the practice of the strong bullying the weak or the big bullying the small.
Openness and inclusiveness We stand for harmonious coexistence and mutual learning between different countries, nations and cultures, dialogue between civilizations and seeking common ground while shelving differences. We are ready to establish partnership and develop win-win cooperation with other countries and international organizations that share our vision.
Equity and justice. We are committed to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; we tackle major international and regional issues on the basis of their merits, and opposethe pursuit of one’s own agenda at the expense of other countries’ legitimate rights and interests.
These five points fully embody the Shanghai Spirit, namely, mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations and pursuit of common development. It has been shown that this spirit is the source of strength for the development of the SCO. It is also the fundamental guide we must continue to follow in the years to come. We owe SCO’s remarkable success to the Shanghai Spirit. And we will continue to follow its guidance as we forge ahead.
Colleagues, Human society, like the natural world, has both sunny and rainy days in its development. Our world today is undergoing accelerating changes unseen in a century,and it has entered a new phase of uncertainty and transformation.The once-in-a-century pandemic has continued unabated. Regional conflicts keep flaring up. The Cold War mentality and group politics are resurfacing, so are unilateralism and protectionism. Economic globalization has encountered headwinds. Deficit in peace, development, trust, and governance has grown. Human society has reached a crossroads and faces unprecedented challenges.
Under these new conditions, the SCO, as an important constructive force in internationaland regionalaffairs, shouldkeep itselfwell-positionedin the face of changing international dynamics, ride on the trend of the times, strengthen solidarity and cooperation and build a closer SCO community with a shared future.
First, we need to enhance mutual support. We should strengthen highlevel exchanges and strategic communication, deepen mutual understanding and political trust, and support each other in our efforts to uphold security and development interests. We should guard against attempts by external forces to instigate “color revolution”, jointly oppose interference in other countries’ internal affairs under any pretext, and hold our future firmly in our own hands.
Second, we need to expand security cooperation A proverb in Uzbekistan goes to the effect that “With peace, a country enjoys prosperity, just as with rain, the land can flourish.” The Global Security Initiative put forward by China is to addressthe peace deficit and global security challenges. It calls on all countries to stay true to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security and build a balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture. We welcome all stakeholders to get involved in implementing this initiative.
We should continue to carry out joint anti-terrorism exercises, crack down hard on terrorism, separatism and extremism, drug trafficking as well as cyber and transnational organized crimes; and we should effectively meet the challenges in data security, biosecurity, outer space security and other nontraditional security domains. China is ready to train 2,000 law enforcement personnel for SCO member states in the next five years, and establish a ChinaSCO base for training counter-terrorism personnel, so as to enhance capacitybuilding for law enforcement of SCO member states.
We should ensure that the SCO-Afghanistan contact group and the mechanism of coordination and cooperation among Afghanistan’s neighbors continue to play their roles; and we should encourage Afghan authorities to establish a broadly-basedand inclusive political structure and remove the ground that breeds terrorism.
Third, we need to deepen practical cooperation. To deliver a better life for people of all countries in the region is our shared goal. The Global Development Initiative launched by China aims to focus global attention on development, foster global development partnership, and achieve more robust, greener and more balanced global development. China is ready to work with all other stakeholders to pursue this initiative in our region to support the sustainable development of regional countries.
We need to implement the two statements on safeguarding international energy and food security to be adopted by this summit and better protect energy and food security. China will provide developing countries in need with emergency humanitarian assistance of grain and other supplies worth 1.5 billion RMB yuan.
We welcome the Comprehensive Plan for the Implementation of the SCO Treaty on Long-Term Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation for 2023-2027 to be adopted at this summit. We should fully implement the cooperation documents in such areas as trade and investment, infrastructure building, protecting supply chains, scientific and technological innovation and artificial intelligence to be adopted within the framework of the summit. It is important to continue our efforts to achieve the complementarity of the Belt and Road Initiative with national development strategies and regional cooperation initiatives, expand sub-multilateral cooperation and sub-regional cooperation, and create more growth drivers in cooperation.
We need to ensure implementation of the roadmap for SCO member states toexpandsharesoflocalcurrencysettlement,betterdevelopthesystemforcrossborder payment and settlement in local currencies, work for the establishment of an SCO development bank, and thus speed up regional economic integration. Next year, China will host an SCO ministers’ meeting on development cooperationand anindustrialandsupplychainsforum, andwillset uptheChinaSCO Big Data Cooperation Center to create new engines of common development. China stands ready to carry out space cooperation with all other parties and provide satellite data service to support them in agricultural development, connectivity and disaster mitigation and relief.
Fourth, we need to enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges. Exchanges promote integration among civilizations, which, in turn, enables civilizations to advance. We should deepen cooperation in such areas as education, science and technology, culture, health, media, radio and television, ensure the continued success of signature programs such as the youth exchange camp, the women’s forum, the forum on people-to-people friendship and the forum on traditional medicine, and support the SCO Committee on GoodNeighborliness,FriendshipandCooperation andothernon-officialorganizations in playing their due roles. China will build a China-SCO ice and snow sports demonstration zone and host the SCO forums on poverty reduction and sustainable development and on sister cities next year. In the next three years, China will carry out 2,000 free cataract operations for SCO member states and provide 5,000 human resources training opportunities for them.
Fifth, we need to uphold multilateralism. Obsession with forming a small circle can only push the world toward division and confrontation. We shouldremain firm in safeguardingthe UN-centered internationalsystem and the international order based on international law, practice the common values of humanity and reject zero-sum game and bloc politics. We should expand SCO’s exchanges with other international and regional organizations such as the UN, so as to jointly uphold true multilateralism, improve global governance, and ensure that the international order is more just and equitable.
Colleagues, The Eurasian continent is home to us all. Upholding its peace and development is the shared goal of countries both in our region and the world at large, and the SCO shoulders an important responsibility in meeting this goal. In recent years, an increasing number of countries have applied to join our SCO family. This fully demonstrates the power of SCO’s vision and the widely shared confidence in its future. By promoting the development and expansion of the SCO and giving full play to its positive impact, we will create strong momentum and new dynamism for ensuring durable peace and common prosperity of the Eurasian continent and the whole world. China supports advancing SCO expansion in an active yet prudent manner, and this includes going through the procedure to admit Iran as a member state, launching the procedure for Belarus’ accession, admitting Bahrain, the Maldives, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and Myanmar as dialogue partners, and granting the relevant applying countries the legal status due to them. We need to seize the opportunity to build consensus, deepen cooperation and jointly create a bright future for the Eurasian continent.
Here I wish to express China’s congratulations to India on assuming the next SCO presidency. We will, together with other member states, support India during its presidency. Colleagues,
This year, facing a complex and challenging development environment both at home and abroad, China has stayed committed to the general principle of making advances while maintaining stable performance, and it has striven to ensure both effective COVID-19 containment, economic stability and developmentsecurity.We have continuedto respondto COVID-19 and promote economic and social development in a well-coordinated way. Thus, to the greatest extent possible, we have both safeguarded the life and health of the peopleand ensuredoveralleconomicand socialdevelopment.Thefundamentals of China’s economy, characterized by strong resilience, enormous potential, ample room for policy adjustment and long-term sustainability, will remain sound. This will greatly boost the stability and recovery of the world economy and provide more market opportunities for other countries.
Next month, the Communist Party of China will convene its 20th National Congress. It will be an important meeting to be held at a critical time as China embarkson a new journeytoward its secondcentenarygoal of building amodern socialist country in all respects. At this national congress, the Communist Party of China will fully review the major achievements made and valuable experience gained in China’s reform and development endeavors. It will also formulate programs of action and overarching policies to meet China’s new development goals on the journey ahead in the new era and the new expectations of the people. We will continue to follow the Chinese path to modernization to achieve the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and we will continue to promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. By doing so, we will create new opportunities for the world with new advances in China’s development and contribute our vision and strength to world peace and development and human progress.
Colleagues,
Long as the journey is, we will surely reach our destination when we stay the course. Let us act in the Shanghai Spirit, work for the steady development of the SCO, and jointly build our region into a peaceful, stable, prosperous and beautiful home!
Thank you.
(A) the Communique of the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China20
Communique of the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China
(Adopted at the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on October 23, 2022)
The first plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was held in Beijing on October 23, 2022.
The session was attended by 203 members and 168 alternate members of the20thCPCCentralCommittee.Membersofthe20thCPCCentralCommission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) attended as non-voting participants.
Xi Jinping presided over the session and delivered an important speech after being elected general secretary of the 20th CPC Central Committee.
The members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC CentralCommitteewereelectedatthesession.Alsoelectedwasgeneralsecretary of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The session endorsed the members of the CPC Central Committee Secretariatnominatedby the Standing Committeeof the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and named the members of the Central Military Commission. It approved the secretary, deputy secretaries and members of the Standing Committee of the CCDI elected at the first plenary session of the 20th CPC CCDI.
The name lists are as follows:
The members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee(in the order of the number of strokes in their surnames):
20 Xinhua. (2022, Oct 24). “Communique of the first plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee”. Retrieved from http://english.www.gov.cn/news/topnews/202210/24/content_WS6355cfccc6d0a757729e19b4.html
Ding Xuexiang, Xi Jinping, Ma Xingrui, Wang Yi, Wang Huning, Yin Li, Shi Taifeng, Liu Guozhong, Li Xi, Li Qiang, Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Zhang Youxia, Zhang Guoqing, Chen Wenqing, Chen Jining, Chen Min'er, Zhao Leji, Yuan Jiajun, Huang Kunming, Cai Qi
The members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee:
Xi Jinping,Li Qiang,Zhao Leji, Wang Huning,Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang,Li Xi
General secretary of the CPC Central Committee: Xi Jinping
The members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee: Cai Qi, Shi Taifeng, Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Chen Wenqing, Liu Jinguo, Wang Xiaohong
Chairman, vice chairmen and members of the Central Military Commission:
Chairman: Xi Jinping
Vice chairmen: Zhang Youxia, He Weidong
Members: Li Shangfu, Liu Zhenli, Miao Hua, Zhang Shengmin
Secretary, deputy secretaries and members of the Standing Committee of the CCDI
Secretary: Li Xi
Deputy secretaries: Liu Jinguo, Zhang Shengmin, Xiao Pei, Yu Hongqiu (f.), Fu Kui, Sun Xinyang, Liu Xuexin, Zhang Fuhai
Members of the Standing Committee of the CCDI (in the order of the number of strokes in their surnames):
WangXiaoping(f.),WangAiwen,WangHongjin,LiuJinguo,LiuXuexin, Xu Luode, Sun Xinyang, Li Xi, Li Xinran (Manchu), Xiao Pei, Zhang
Shengmin,ZhangFuhai,ChenGuoqiang,ZhaoShiyong,HouKai,YinBai (Naxi), Yu Hongqiu (f.), Fu Kui, Mu Hongyu (f.)
November
(A) Joint Statement on The 20th Anniversary of The Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in The South China Sea21
Joint Statement on The 20th Anniversary of The Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in The South China Sea
JOINT STATEMENT ON THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE DECLARATION ON THE CONDUCT OF PARTIES IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA
Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 11 November 2022
We, the Member States of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the People’s Republic of China (hereinafter: the Parties), gathered on the occasions of the 25th ASEAN-China Summit and the 20th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), in Phnom Penh, Kingdom of Cambodia, on 11 November 2022.
RECOGNISING the benefits of having the South China Sea as a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation;
RECALLING that the Parties signed the DOC on 4 November 2002, as well as adopted the Guidelines for the Implementation of the DOC in 2011, the Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of the Declarationon the Conductof Parties in the South China Sea in 2012,and the JointStatementof theForeignMinistersof ASEANMemberStates and Chinaon the Full and Effective Implementation of the DOC in 2016;
REAFFIRMINGthattheDOCisamilestonedocumentinASEAN-China Dialogue Relations that embodies the collective commitment of the Parties to promotepeace,stability,mutualtrust,andconfidenceintheregion,inaccordance withinternationallaw,includingthe1982UnitedNationsConventionon theLaw of the Sea (UNCLOS), which is commemorating its 40th anniversary this year;
21
ASEAN Secretariat. (2022, Nov 12). “Joint Statement on The 20th Anniversary of The Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in The South China Sea” Retrieved from https://asean.org/joint-statement-on-the-20thanniversary-of-the-declaration-on-the-conduct-of-parties-in-the-south-china-sea/
RECALLINGthe achievementsby ASEANMember States and Chinaon the implementation of the DOC, which contributeto the peace and stability in the South China Sea and the promotion of friendly relations and practical maritime cooperation;
NOTING that the situation in the South China Sea has changed tremendously since the signing of the DOC and recognising in this regard the imperative of strengthened efforts and heightened goodwill towards the full and effective implementation of the DOC;
APPRECIATING the progress in the COC negotiations, and reaffirming that the future adoption of the COC would further promote peace and stability in the region.
We Hereby
:
1. Reaffirm our commitment to the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations (UN), the 1982 UNCLOS, the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC), the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and other universally recognised principles of international law which shall serve as the basic norms governing state-to-state relations;
2. Reaffirm our mutual respect for each other’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity in accordance with international law;
3. Reaffirm our shared commitment to maintaining and promoting peace, security, and stability in the South China Sea;
4. Reaffirm that the Parties concerned undertake to resolve territorial and jurisdictional disputes by peaceful means, without resorting to the threat or use of force, through friendly consultations and negotiations by sovereign states directly concerned, in accordance with universally recognised principles of international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS;
5. Reaffirm our respect for and commitment to the safety and freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS;
6. Reaffirm our commitment to fully and effectively implement the DOC in its entirety;
7. Continue to explore and undertake practical maritime cooperation initiatives, including in fields such as marine environmental protection, marine scientific research, safety of navigation and communication at sea, search and rescue operation and combating transnational crime;
8. Continue to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability, and avoid actions that may further complicate the situation;
9. Commit to maintain and promote an environment conducive to the full and effective implementation of the DOC and to the early adoption of a substantive and effective COC, based on consensus, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.
ADOPTED inPhnomPenh,Cambodia,on theEleventhof Novemberin theYear Two Thousand and Twenty-Two.
Working Together to Meet the Challenges of Our Times and Build a Better Future
Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping
President of the People’s Republic of China
At Session I of the 17th G20 Summit
Bali, 15 November 2022
Your Excellency President Joko Widodo, Colleagues,
It gives me great pleasure to attend the G20 Bali Summit. At the outset, I wish to thank PresidentJoko Widodo and the Indonesian government for making these thoughtful arrangements for the Summit. I also salute the Indonesian presidency for its important role in promoting G20 cooperation.
We meet at a timeof momentouschangesunseenin a century,changesthat are consequential to the world, to our times, and to history. The COVID-19 pandemic still drags on with cases surging here and there. The world economy is getting more fragile. The geopolitical environment remains tense. Global governance is seriously inadequate. Food and energy crises are compounded with one another. All this poses formidable challenges to our development.
Faced with these challenges, it is imperative that all countries embrace the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, and advocate peace, development, and win-win cooperation. All countries should replace division with unity, confrontation with cooperation, and exclusion with inclusiveness. All countriesshouldjoinhandstogetherto answerthequestionof our times “what is wrong with this world, what we should do about it” so as to tide over difficulties and create a better future together.
22 Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China. (2022, Nov 15). “Working Together to Meet the Challenges of Our Times and Build a Better Future”. Retrieved from https://www.fmprc.gov.cn/eng/zxxx_662805/202211/t20221115_10975360.html
All G20 members should take the responsibility inherent in being major international and regional players, and should lead by example in promoting developmentof all nations,improvingthe well-being forthe wholemankind,and advancing progress of the entire world.
We should make global development more inclusive. Solidarity is strength,butdivisionleadsnowhere.Livingin thesameglobal village,we should stand with each other in the face of risks and challenges. Drawing ideological lines or promoting group politics and bloc confrontation will only divide the world, and hinder global development and human progress. With human civilization already in the 21st century, the Cold-War mentality has long been outdated. What we need to do is to join hands together and elevate our win-win cooperation to a new height.
Countriesshouldrespecteachother,seekcommongroundswhilereserving differences, livetogetherin peace,and promotean open worldeconomy.No one shouldengageinbeggar-thy-neighborpractices,building“asmallyardwith high fences”, or creating closed and exclusive clubs.
I always believe that the G20 should stay committed to its founding purpose of unity and cooperation, carry forward the spirit of solidarity, and uphold the principle of consensus. “Sugarcane and lemongrass grow in dense clumps.” This Indonesian proverb well captures the value of solidarity. Division and confrontation serve no one’s interest. Only solidarity and common development is the right choice to make.
Weshouldmakeglobaldevelopmentbeneficialtoall. Developmentisreal only when all countries develop together. Prosperity and stability cannot be possiblein a world where the rich become richer while the poor are made poorer. Everynationaspiresforabetterlife,andmodernizationisnotaprivilegereserved for any single country. Frontrunners in development should sincerely help others develop, and provide more global public goods. All major countries should perform their due responsibilities, and do their best for the cause of global development.
TheGlobalDevelopmentInitiative(GDI) thatI proposedis aimedatmeetingthe long-term objective and immediate needs of common development of the world, fostering international consensus on promoting development, cultivating new drivers for global development, and facilitating common development and progress of all countries.
Within one year, more than 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has established the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and will increase its funding for the China-UN Peace and DevelopmentFund.We will make a listof items for practicalcooperation,set up an open-ended pool of GDI projects, and draw up a roadmap for GDI implementation. We are working with 100-plus countries and international organizationson the GDI, thusprovidingnew impetusfor the implementationof the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China has submitted 15 projects to the “G20 Action for Strong and Inclusive Recovery”, and has participated in five other projects within this framework. We will work with fellow G20 members to deliver on these projects.
We should make global development more resilient. Economic globalization is encountering headwinds, and the world economy is at risk of recession. Everyone is having a hard time, but developing countries are bearing the brunt. It is therefore more imperative than ever for us to focus on the issue of development. The theme of the Bali Summit, “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”, sends a positive message of the G20’s commitment to supporting the growth of developing countries and preventing divergent and unbalanced global recovery.We need to builda globalpartnershipfor economicrecovery,prioritize developmentandputthepeopleatthecenter,always keepinmindthedifficulties faced by developing countries, and accommodate their concerns. China supports the African Union in joining the G20.
All parties should continue to deepen international cooperation against COVID-19, and raise the accessibility and affordability of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic and treatment methods in developing countries so as to create a sound environment for economic recovery. We should curb global inflation, and defuse systemic economic and financial risks. In particular, developed economies should mitigate the negative spillovers from their monetary policy adjustment, and keep their debts at sustainablelevels. The IMF should speed up the on-lending of SDRs to low-income countries. International financial institutionsandcommercialcreditors,which arethemaincreditorsofdeveloping countries, should take part in the debt reduction and suspension for developing countries. China is implementing the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative
(DSSI) in all respects, and has suspended the largest amount of debt service payment among all G20 members. Meanwhile, China is working with some G20 members on the debt treatment under the Common Framework for Debt Treatment beyondtheDSSI,thushelpingrelevantdeveloping countries navigate through the difficult time.
Global trade, digital economy, green transition and fighting corruption are key factors driving global development. We should continue to uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, actively push forward WTO reform, enhancetrade and investment liberalizationand facilitation,and promote anopen world economy. China has proposed the G20 Action Plan on Digital Innovation and Cooperation. We look forward to working with all parties to foster an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environmentfor digitaleconomy so as to narrow the North-South digital divide. In tackling climate change and transitioning toward green and low-carbon development, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must be upheld. It is also important to provide funding, technology and capacity-building support for developing countries and promote cooperation on green finance. International cooperation is very important for fighting corruption. G20 members must maintain zero tolerance for corruption, step up international cooperation on fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, and refuse to provide “safe havens” to corrupt individuals and assets.
Global development would be impossible without a peaceful and stable international environment. With this in mind, I have put forward the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Our goal is to work with all parties to champion the spirit of the UN Charter, act on the principle of indivisible security, uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the resolution of conflicts through negotiation and settlement of disputes through consultation, and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises.
Colleagues,
Food and energy security is the most pressing challenge in global development. The root cause of the ongoing crises is not production or demand, but interrupted supply chains and international cooperation. The way out of this is for all countries to, with the coordination of the UN and other multilateral international organizations, enhance cooperation on market supervision and regulation, build partnerships on commodities, develop an open, stable and sustainablecommoditiesmarket,and worktogethertounclog supplychains and stabilize market prices.
Wemust resolutelyopposetheattempttopoliticizefoodandenergyissues or use them as tools and weapons. Unilateral sanctions must be removed, and restrictions on relevant scientific and technological cooperation must be lifted. In reducing the consumption of fossil fuel energy and transitioning toward clean energy, we need to give balanced consideration to various factors, and make sure that the transitional process does not hurt the economy or people’s livelihood. Developing countries face more acute risks in food and energy security. The G20 should keep this in mind, and provide necessary support in production, collection, storage, funding and technology. Since the UN has established the Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance, the G20 should voice its support for it.
Over the years, China has made major contribution to global food and energy security. This year, China has proposed, together with six partners including Indonesia and Serbia, the Initiative of International Cooperation on Resilient and Stable Industrial and Supply Chains, joined other countries in calling for the establishment of the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership, and put forward the International Cooperation Initiative on Global Food Security in the G20. We look forward to deepening cooperation with all parties in these areas.
Colleagues,
The Communist Party of China has recently convened its 20th National Congress, laying out the goals, tasks and guiding policies for the cause of the Party and the country in the next five years and beyond. China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development, stay committed to deepening reformand opening-up,and stay committedto promoting nationalrejuvenation onallfronts throughaChinese pathtomodernization.AChinamarchingtoward modernization will bring more opportunities to the world, inject stronger momentum for international cooperation, and make greater contribution to human progress!
Thank you.
23
Joint Statement
between the Kingdom of Thailand and the People’s Republic of China on
Working towards a Thailand - China Community with a Shared Future for Enhanced Stability, Prosperity and Sustainability
19 November 2022, Bangkok
At the invitationof H.E. General PrayutChan-o-cha,Prime Ministerof the Kingdom of Thailand, H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People’s Republic of China, attended the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand and visit Thailand on 17 - 19 November 2022. On 19 November 2022, President Xi Jinping held talks with Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha at the Government House. Both sides reached a new important consensus on building a Thailand - China community with a shared future for enhanced stability, prosperity and sustainabilityand discussed the presentand future development of bilateral relations.
China congratulated Thailand for its success in hosting the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting, which has showcased the Asia-Pacific’s concerted effort in advancing the APEC Putrajaya Vision 2040 of an open, dynamic, resilient and peaceful Asia-Pacific community with a shared future through enhanced solidarity and cooperation. Thailand congratulated China on the completesuccessofthe20thNational Congressof theCommunist Partyof China (CPC) and President Xi Jinping on his re-election as the General Secretary of the
23 Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand. (2022, Nov 19). “Joint Statement between the Kingdom of Thailand and the People’s Republic of China on Working towards a Thailand - China Community with a Shared Future for Enhanced Stability, Prosperity and Sustainability” Retrieved from https://www.mfa.go.th/en/content/thchnjointstatement19112565-2?cate=5d5bcb4e15e39c306000683c
Central Committee of the CPC and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, and expressed confidence that China will realise the Second Centenary Goal of building itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation.
Both sides agreed that on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Thailand - China Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership, the announcementof buildinga Thailand - Chinacommunitywitha sharedfuturefor enhancedstability,prosperityand sustainability will chart the future directions of therelations,andreaffirmedthat“ThailandandChinaareas closeas onefamily”, as the two countries prepare for the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Thailand - China diplomatic relations in 2025.
Both sides reaffirmed commitment to further enhancing mutual trust, understanding and support on major issues of principle concerning national sovereignty, unification and territorial integrity. The Chinese side respects the nationalindependence,sovereigntyand territorialintegrityof Thailand.The Thai side firmly upholds the One China Policy, and recognises Taiwan as an inalienable part of China and the Government of the People’s Republic of China as the sole legal government representing the whole of China. The Thai side supports China’s “One Country, Two Systems” principle.
Both sides applauded the progress in terms of practical cooperation in all fields in Thailand - China relations despite the challenges posed by the COVID19 pandemic, as evidenced by high-level exchanges and convening of meetings under various bilateral cooperation mechanisms. Both sides agreed to strengthen strategic communication and emphasised the importance of full and effective implementation of the Joint Action Plan on Thailand - China Strategic Cooperation between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the GovernmentofthePeople’sRepublicofChina(2022 -2026)andtheCooperation Plan between the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand and the Government of the People’s Republic of China on Jointly Promoting the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21stCentury MaritimeSilkRoad, with a view to advancingpractical cooperation in all fields and supporting the building of the Thailand - China community with a shared future for enhanced stability, prosperity and sustainability.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to realise the Thailand - LaosChina Connectivity Development Corridor Outlook connecting the China - Laos railway with Thailand’s railway system, which will enhance logistics networks to promote trade and investment as well as sub-regional development. Both sides also placed importance on promoting synergies between Thailand’s Eastern EconomicCorridor(EEC)andChina’sGuangdong-HongKong-MacaoGreater Bay Area (GBA) as well as the Yangtze River Delta (YRD), particularly in industrial cooperation in high potential industries, including electric vehicles.
Bothsides reaffirmedtheircommitmentto cooperatingin the post-COVID social and economic recovery, alleviating impacts from global economic downturns and disruption of supply chains as well as securing energy and food security through expansion of bilateral trade volume and facilitation of trade, including agricultural products and other fields. Both sides also recognised the importance of expanding cooperation in areas which are supportive to future development, such as digital economy, clean energy, and supply chain security. Both sides agreed to expand investment in high-tech industries such as green economy and artificial intelligence to achieve high-quality development.
Bothsides agreed to exchangebest practices andgovernanceexperiencein areasofmutualbenefit,suchas health,povertyalleviationandruraldevelopment, and strengthen cooperation on combating transnational crimes, in particular drug trafficking, online gambling and call center scam operations.
Both sides reaffirmed the importance of enhancing people-to-people exchanges for promoting goodwill, friendship and cross-cultural understanding. In this regard, both sides expressed satisfaction with the resumption of international flights between Thailand and China. The Thai side looked forward to welcoming tourists from China upon relaxation of travel measures in China. The Thai side also expressed appreciation to the Chinese side for authorising the gradualreturnofThaistudentstoChinatocontinuetheirstudy.Bothsidesagreed tocooperateontherevitalisationofhigh-qualitytourismandenhancecooperation in the fields of education, culture, media and information, and between sister cities in accordance with the principles of equality, mutual benefit and sustainability.
Both sides agreed to work closely to drive forward sub-regional cooperation and promote synergy between the Ayeyawady - Chao PhrayaMekongEconomicCooperationStrategy(ACMECS) and the Mekong - Lancang
Cooperation (MLC), with a view to deepening sub-regional integration, promoting connectivity, trade and investment, as well as strengthening resilience through cooperation on health, food and energy security, water resources and In this connection, Thailand reaffirmed its readiness to assume the MLC’s Cochairmanship in next term.
Both sides will implement the consensus reached at the ASEAN - China Special Summit to Commemorate the 30th Anniversary of ASEAN - China Dialogue Relations, uphold regionalism and jointly maintain ASEAN centrality in the evolving regional architecture, and advance the ASEAN - China ComprehensiveStrategicPartnershipthroughthe buildingof a peaceful,safe and secure, prosperous, beautiful, and amicable home. Both sides will promote mutuallybeneficialcooperationbetweentheASEANOutlookontheIndo-Pacific (AOIP)and theBelt andRoadInitiative(BRI)and ensurequality implementation of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Both sides attached great importance to strengthening cooperation under theGlobalDevelopmentInitiativetoacceleratethemomentumtowardsachieving theSustainableDevelopmentGoals(SDGs)by 2030.ChinacommendedtheBioCircular-Green (BCG) Economy proposed by Thailand and stood ready to seek balanced, sustainable, and inclusive growth together with Thailand based on a people-centered development philosophy.
Both sides agreed that Thailand and China share broad common interests in many aspects in maintaining regional and global peace and stability, and will explore cooperation under the framework of the Global Security Initiative and maintain close communication and coordination in addressing the impacts of traditional and non-traditional security challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and cyber-security.
Both sides will make joint efforts to promote multilateralism and international cooperation at all levels, by strengthening coordination and cooperationat the UnitedNationsand othermultilateral frameworks,witha view to promoting peace, security, prosperity and sustainable development for all as well as responding to new threats and challenges.
Other cooperation documents in such fields as investment, e-commerce, and science and technology were signed during the visit.
24
Speech at the memorial meeting for Comrade Jiang Zemin Dec. 6, 2022 by Xi Jinping
Comrades and friends, Today, with profound grief, we hold a memorial meeting at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to mourn our beloved Comrade Jiang Zemin.
At this moment, the people in Party and government organs, business and public institutions, the countryside, schools, military units, and urban neighborhoods across the country, staff with Chinese embassies and consulates as well as institutions stationed abroad, compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), the Macao SAR and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, are together with us to cherish the memories of Comrade Jiang Zemin's extraordinary achievements and outstanding qualities and to express our grief.
The whole Party, the entire military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groupsare in profoundgrief for the lossof a great man in the passingof Comrade Jiang Zemin. People all over the world, leaders of other countries and international friends in various fields have also expressed their heartfelt condolences.
Comrade Jiang Zemin was an outstanding leader enjoying high prestige acknowledged by the whole Party, the entire military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, a great Marxist, a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military strategist and diplomat, a long-tested communist fighter, and an outstanding leader of the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He was thecoreof theParty'sthirdgeneration ofcentralcollectiveleadershipand the principal founder of the Theory of Three Represents.
24 Qiushi Journal. (2022, Dec 7). “Full text of Xi Jinping's speech at memorial meeting for Comrade Jiang Zemin”. Retrieved from http://en.qstheory.cn/2022-12/07/c_837054.htm
We hold Comrade Jiang Zemin in high esteem, and cherish the memory of Comrade Jiang Zemin because he devoted his life to the Chinese people, and worked tirelessly throughout his life to contribute to the cause of national independenceandtheliberationofthepeople,andtotheprosperityofourcountry and the well-being of our people. In particular, the great achievements of our Party and the country in the 13 years following the fourth plenary session of the 13th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee are inseparable from Comrade Jiang Zemin's great talent, bold vision, key role, and exceptional art of political leadership. The immortal feats Comrade Jiang Zemin had accomplished for the Party and the people won him the heartfelt love and esteem of the whole Party, the entire military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, as well as the wide acclaim of the international community!
Comrades and friends!
Ever since his adolescent years, Comrade Jiang Zemin had committed himself to seeking truth and actively involved himself in the people's revolutionarymovements.HewasfromYangzhouCityinJiangsuProvince.Born into a patriotic intellectual family in August 1926, he was enlightened by patriotism and the ideas of the democratic revolution from a young age. In the winter of 1943, he took part in patriotic progressive student movements led by underground CPC organizations. In April 1946, he joined the CPC and had since devoted all his life to the Party and the people.
After the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), Comrade Jiang Zemin had successively worked at enterprises, scientific research institutions,and state ministriesand commissions.He was dedicated,responsible andhardworkingateachandeveryposthewasassignedto,anddevotedhisprime years to the cause of socialist revolution and construction. He did a lot of pioneering work for the endeavor of reform and opening-up. At the 12th CPC National Congress, he was elected member of the CPC Central Committee.
Starting from 1985, Comrade Jiang Zemin served as mayor of Shanghai, deputy secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, and then secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee. He led the work to chart the course for the city's economic development and urban construction, and put forward the goal of building Shanghai into a socialist modern city that is open, multifunctional, industrially well-structured, scientifically and technologically advanced, and culturally advanced by the end of the 20th century. He stressed building Pudong into a world-class new urban area that can serve as a modern international hub. He also pushed for institutional arrangements to address the people's practical concerns. He had made outstanding contributions to helping Shanghai open new ground in reform, opening-up and socialist modernization drive. He was elected member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee atthe first plenary sessionof the 13th CPC Central Committee. In the late spring and early summer of 1989, a severe political disturbance took place in China. Comrade Jiang Zemin resolutely upheld and implemented the CPC Central Committee's correct decision on taking a clear stand against the turmoil, defending China's socialist state power and safeguarding the fundamental interests of the people, and effectively maintained the stability of Shanghai by relying on the solid support of Party members, cadres and the masses.
Comrades and friends!
In June 1989, Comrade Jiang Zemin was elected member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and general secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the fourth plenary session of the 13th CPC Central Committee. In November that year, at the fifth plenary session of the 13th CPC Central Committee, it was decided that he would serve as the chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) of the CPC. The Party's third generationof central collective leadershipwith Comrade Jiang Zemin at the core took shape.
At the time when Comrade Jiang Zemin assumed principal leading posts in the Partyand the military,Chinawas at a criticalmoment,facingbothpressure from abroad and difficulties at home. Comrade Jiang Zemin took charge at a challenging time. "For the cause of the Party and the people, I would give my best, give my all, till my heart ceases to beat," Comrade Jiang Zemin had said with a strong resolve.
Between the late 1980s and early 1990s, political disturbances erupted in the international arena and in China. World socialism experienced serious twists and turns. Some Western countries imposed so-called "sanctions" on China. The development of China's socialist cause faced unprecedented difficulties and pressures. At this historical juncture critical to the future and destiny of the Party and the state, Comrade Jiang Zemin led the central collective leadership of the CPC whichfirmlyreliedonthewholeParty,theentiremilitaryandtheChinese people of all ethnic groups in unswervingly taking economic development as the central task, unequivocally upholding the Four Cardinal Principles, adhering toreformandopening-up,resolutelycarryingout rectificationsandstrengthening ideologicalworkinallrespects.Healsoledtheleadershipinfurtheringtheefforts to improve Party conduct, build clean government and fight corruption, in strengthening the Party's ties with the masses, and in actively carrying out diplomatic struggles and resolutely safeguarding national independence, dignity, security and stability. All these safeguarded the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. After painstaking efforts, the Party and the people successfully stabilized the general situation of reform and development, laying a solid foundation for our country's development.
During the 13 years between the fourth plenary session of the 13th CPC Central Committee and the 16th CPC National Congress, China's reform, opening-up and socialist modernization drive unfolded with great momentum amid a highly volatile international situation.
In a complexenvironmentbothabroad andat home,ComradeJiangZemin led the central collective leadership of the CPC in holding high the great banners of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory, unswervingly adhering to the Party's basic line, and firmly relying on the whole Party, the entire military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Comrade Jiang Zemin put forward the basic principle of seizing opportunities, deepening the reform and opening China wider to the outside world, promoting development and maintaining stability. He expounded on the 12 major relationships that should be properly handled in boosting socialist modernization, which deepened our understanding of the laws that underlie socialist modernization.
Stressing the importance of seizing opportunities without fail, and blazing new trails instead of following the beaten track, he led the formulation and implementation of a raft of principles, policies and major strategies to promote reform, development and stability. He led the establishment of the Party's basic program for the primary stage of socialism, providing strong guidance for upholding and developing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
He led us in defining building a socialist market economy as an objective of reform and setting a basic framework in this regard, and establishing a basic economic system for the primary stage of socialism under which public ownership is the mainstay and diverse forms of ownership develop together, as wellas an incomedistributionsystemunderwhichdistribution accordingto work isthemainstaywhilemultipleformsofdistributionexistalongside.Heledefforts to advance economic and political structural reforms as well as reforms in the cultural sector and other fields.
Comrade Jiang Zemin engaged in forward-looking strategic thinking on building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and attaining the thirdstep strategic objectives for the modernization drive. He pointed out that efforts should be concentrated on fully building a moderately prosperous society of a higher standard for the benefit of well over 1 billion people in the first two decades of the 21st century.
He stressedthat confidenceis derived from prosperitywhilebackwardness makes a country vulnerable to attack. It is essential for the Party to give top priority to development in governing and rejuvenating the country, and focus wholeheartedly on developing the economy and pursuing development. He proposed a combination of bringing in foreign investments and going global, and the promotion of reform and development through opening-up. He led China in joining the World Trade Organization and reaching a new stage of opening-up.
He led us in developing socialist democracy, implementing the rule of law as a basic strategy, developing advanced socialist culture, realizing the smooth return of Hong Kong and Macao, pushing for both sides of the Taiwan Strait to reach the1992Consensus embodyingtheone-Chinaprinciple,and makingmajor moves to fight against separatists and oppose "Taiwan independence."
He remained committed to developing keen insights into the overall trend of the changing global situation with a global vision, and put forward a series of thoughts on diplomacy and international strategies. He actively promoted the building of a multipolar world, pushed for greater democracy in international relations,respected thediversity ofthe world,pushed for the establishment of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and led us in breaking new ground on the diplomatic front.
He stressed that to do a good job of governing the country, we must first do a good job of governing the Party, and that means governing it strictly. He underscored commitment to study, political integrity, and rectitude, and the advancement of the great new project of Party building. He stressed the need to resolve two historical problems, namely improving the Party's performance in leadership and governance, and increasing its ability to resist corruption, prevent degeneration and ward off risks. He stressed the need to unswervingly improve conduct, build integrity, and combat corruption, always maintain the vigor and vitality, dashing spirit and integrity as communists, and always maintain the Party's advanced and pure nature.
He led us in properly handling the relations between reform, development and stability, making impressive and new progress in material, political and cultural-ethical advancement and Party building, and successfully advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics to the 21st century.
Comrade Jiang Zemin had a thorough understanding of the development trend of the new military transformation taking place in the world and led the formulation of the military strategy in a new period. He stressed the necessity of advancing military transformation with Chinese characteristics, unswervingly adhering to a Chinese approach of having fewer but better troops, and making them more revolutionary, modern and standardized. "To put it in a nutshell, the issues that I have concentrated on in recent years are whether the armed forces could fight to win while never degrading in character," he said.
He underscored unswervingly upholding the Party's absolute leadership over the people's military, adding that the armed forces should be qualified politically and competent militarily and have fine conduct, strict discipline and guaranteedsupport.Theyshouldpreservetheirnature,characterand fineconduct as the people's armed forces.
Comrade Jiang Zemin stressed placing the focal point of military preparedness on winning local wars in the information age, and speeding up the development of national defense and weaponry and equipment. He made the strategic decision to stop military and armed police units, as well as judicial, procuratorialand publicsecurityorgansfromdoingbusiness.ThankstoComrade Jiang Zemin's leadership and efforts, great achievements had been made in modernizing the national defense and the armed forces.
Committed to emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, advancing with the times, and respecting the practice and the people, Comrade Jiang Zemin put forward a series of new ideas, viewpoints and judgments on building socialism with Chinese characteristics, and made outstanding contributions to upholding and developing the Party's basic theory, line, program and experience. Inparticular,bypoolingthewisdomofthewholeParty,heformulatedtheTheory of Three Represents, which further answers the questions of what socialism is and how to build it, and creatively addresses what kind of Party to build and how to build it. The Theory of Three Represents has deepened our understanding of rules to advance the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and strengthen Party building in the new conditions. With its new ideas, viewpoints and judgments, it serves as a continuation, enrichment and development of Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought and Deng Xiaoping Theory.
In the 13 years following the fourth plenary session of the 13th CPC Central Committee, Comrade Jiang Zemin led us in effectively tackling a series of international emergencies concerning China's sovereignty and security, overcoming difficulties and risks cropping up in the political and economic spheres and those brought by natural disasters, and in particular, successfully coping with the impact of the Asian financial crisis and winning a victory in the disasterreliefeffortsduringthedevastatingfloodsin1998,thusguaranteeingthat the great ship of China's reform, opening-up, and socialist modernization forges ahead on the right track.
Comrade Jiang Zemin attached great importance to the major strategic issuesthat were vitalto the causeof the Party and the people.When preparing for the 16th CPC National Congress, he proposed that he would no longer serve in the central leading posts and that he would retire from the CPC Central Committee to facilitate the leadership transition of the Party and the state. The CPC Central Committee accepted his proposal. In 2004, he offered to retire from his posts as chairman of the CMC of the CPC and chairman of the CMC of the PRC, which fully displays his great foresight for the development of the cause of the Party and the state.
After retiring from leadership posts, Comrade Jiang Zemin firmly upheld the work of the CPC Central Committee and gave it his support. He cared for the great causeof socialismwithChinesecharacteristicsand resolutelysupportedthe efforts to improve Party conduct and combat corruption. In 2006, Comrade Jiang Zemin was personally in charge of editing and finalizing the first, second and third volumes of "Selected Works of Jiang Zemin." These works are a major textbook that we can use to advance the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the great new project of Party building.
Comrade Jiang Zemin developed a distinctive revolutionary spirit and demeanor through long years of revolutionary practice. Comrade Jiang Zemin was far-sighted, and could make correct assessments of different situations. He always observed and reflected on issues by taking into consideration the general development trends of China and the world, as well as the overall work of the Partyandthestate,continuouslyadvancing theoretical innovationand innovation in other fields.
Comrade Jiang Zemin was firm in his convictions and decisive in his actions. He always put the Party and the people first, and unswervingly adhered to the ideals and beliefs of communists. At critical moments, Comrade Jiang Zemin had the great courage to make resolute decisions and theoretical innovation. He valued practice and kept pace with the times. He always grasped the trends and opportunities of the times, summarizing experience and seeking new ways based on the vibrant practice of the Party and the people, thus advancing the work of the Party and the state in a down-to-earth yet enterprising manner.
Comrade Jiang Zemin respected and cared for the people, always paying greatattentiontotheirsecurityandwell-being,andassessingandadvancingwork basedonthefundamentalinterestsofthegreatestpossiblemajorityoftheChinese people. The distinctive revolutionary spirit and demeanor of Comrade Jiang Zemin will remain immortal in our hearts and will always educate and motivate us on the way forward.
The passing of Comrade Jiang Zemin is an inestimable loss to our Party, our military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups. The CPC Central CommitteecallsonthewholeParty,theentiremilitaryandthepeopleofallethnic groups to turn grief into strength, carry forward Comrade Jiang Zemin's legacy, mourn his passing with concrete actions, and write new chapters in the development of the cause of the Party and the country on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics.
Marxism is the fundamental guiding ideology upon which our Party and our country are founded and thrive. The most valuable asset Comrade Jiang Zemin leftusistheTheoryofThreeRepresents.Hesaid:"Iraisedthisafteralongperiod of thinking." "The thought of Three Represents didn't spring fully-formed into existence, but had been the result of 13 years of theoretical and practical explorations and trail-blazing." The Theory of Three Represents is a guiding ideology that the Party must adhere to on a long-term basis. On the new journey, we mustadaptthe basictenetsofMarxismto China'sspecificrealities and itsfine traditional culture. We must proceed from reality, keep responding to the questions posed by China, by the world, by the people, and by the times, and ensure that Marxism always retains its vigor and vitality.
The leadership of the CPC is the fundamental guarantee for the cause of the Party and the people to go forward in spite of all difficulties. Comrade Jiang Zemin once said, "as a veteran CPC member, I sincerely hope that all CPC members,especially comrades inthe centralleadership,alwaysput the Party first and always consciously uphold and maintainthe CPC leadership in various fields of work. This is where the hope of the Party and the country lies." On the new journey, we must always stay sober and determined. We must enhance the Four Consciousnesses, reinforce the Four-Sphere Confidence, and ensure the Two Upholds. We must carry forward the great founding spirit of the Party, stay true to our founding mission, have the courage to advance self-reform, and see that the Party always serves as the strong leadership core in the course of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
The path of socialismwith Chinesecharacteristicswill allow China to catch up with the times in great strides and play a leading role. In 2001, at the ceremony marking the Party's 80th anniversary, Comrade Jiang Zemin emphasized in his speech that the practice over the past 80 years had taught us we must unswervingly adhere to our own path, which was the most fundamental experience we gain from summarizing the Party's history. On the new journey, we must stick to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, adhere to the Party'sbasictheory,basicline,andbasicpolicy,stayconfidentandbuildstrength, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground. We must keep moving confidently forward in broad strides along the right path that we have chosen for ourselves, and advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.
The people are the fundamental force that determines the future of our Party and our country. Comrade Jiang Zemin was utterly loyal to the people, and had always put the people in his heart. He put forward the idea of putting the people first, and repeatedly stressed that it is a basic viewpoint of Marxism to consider the interests of the overwhelming majority of the people as the most critical and decisivefactor,and thatwe mustrealize,safeguard,and advancethe fundamental interests of the greatest possible majority of the Chinese people. On the new journey, we must put the people front and center, serve the people wholeheartedly, apply a people-centered development philosophy, develop whole-process people's democracy, and maintain close ties with the people. We must breathe the same air as the people, share the same future, stay truly connected to them, and make more notable and substantive progress toward achieving well-rounded human development and common prosperity for all.
-- Reform and opening-upis a crucial move in determiningthe futureand destiny of contemporary China. "We should promote institutional innovation, technological innovation, cultural innovation and innovation in other aspects through theoretical innovation, and make explorations and advances amid practices, without ever getting complacent or slackening our efforts. That is the way of governing the Party and the state that entails long-term adherence," Comrade Jiang Zemin stressed. On the new journey, we must accurately identify changes, adeptly respond to them, and work to steer them in our favor. We must applythenewdevelopmentphilosophy,createa newpatternofdevelopment,and promote high-quality development. We must comprehensively promote reform and opening-up, constantly improve the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and advance the modernization of the state governance system andcapacityso as to gaintheedge,seizethe initiativeand embracea goodfuture.
-- China cannot develop without the rest of the world, and the world needs China for prosperity. Comrade Jiang Zemin stressed that we must adjust ourselves to the historical trends, promote the establishment of a new international political and economic order that is just and reasonable, strive for a long-term peaceful international environment, comprehensively safeguard our national security and interests, and constantly make new and greater contributions to the noble cause of humankind's peace and development. On the new journey, we must always keep global well-being in mind, holding high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit and promoting the common values shared by humankind.Effortsshouldbemadetojointlyadvancehigh-qualityBeltandRoad cooperation, facilitate the establishment of a new type of international relations, push forward the building of a community of shared future for humankind, and join hands and press ahead with all the progressive forces in the world.
Having the courage to fight and the mettle to win is an invincible source of inspiration for the CPC and the Chinese people. Comrade Jiang Zemin stressed, "Our Party is leading the people in conducting a great struggle of developing socialist modernization, which will be inevitably confronted with many complications. The grave situations both outside and inside the country, and the confrontations and conflicts between different social systems and ideological systems frequently pose challenges to every Party member." "We must have the heroicbraverytodefeatalltheenemies.""Onecannotbowhisorhernoblehead."
On the new journey, it is imperative for us to race against time and keep striving forward, uphold a fighting spirit to rise to difficulties and grasp the historical initiative. We must foster a firmer sense of purpose, fortitude, and self-belief in the whole Party and among the Chinese people of all ethnic groups so that we cannot be swayed by fallacies, deterred by intimidation, or cowed by pressure, and thus dig deep to surmount the difficulties and challenges on the road ahead.
Comrades and friends!
Comrade Jiang Zemin has parted from us forever. But, his name and reputation, deeds of merit, thoughts and outstanding qualities will go down the annalsof history and remain immortalin the hearts of the people from generation to generation. The whole Party, the entire military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups must rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee, forge ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and strive in unity to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts.
Eternal glory to Comrade Jiang Zemin!
(B) Full Text: 2023 New Year Address by President Xi Jinping25
On New Year's eve, President Xi Jinping delivered his 2023 New Year Address through China Media Group and the Internet. The following is the full text of the address:
Greetingsto you all. The year 2023 is approaching. From Beijing, I extend my best New Year wishes to all of you.
In 2022, we successfully convened the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). An ambitious blueprint has been drawn for building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, soundinga clarion call of the times for us forging ahead on a new journey.
The Chinese economy has remained the second largest in the world and enjoyed sound development. GDP for the whole year is expected to exceed 120 trillion yuan. Despite a global food crisis, we have secured a bumper harvest for the 19th year in a row, putting us in a stronger position to ensure the food supply oftheChinesepeople.Wehaveconsolidatedourgainsinpovertyelimination and advanced rural revitalization across the board. We have introduced tax and fee cutsand othermeasures to ease the burdenon businesses,and made activeefforts to solve the most pressing difficulties of high concern to the people.
Since COVID-19 struck, we have put the people first and put life first all along. Following a science-based and targeted approach, we have adapted our COVID responsein lightof the evolvingsituation to protect the life and health of the people to the greatest extent possible. Officials and the general public, particularlymedicalprofessionalsand communityworkers,have bravelystuckto their posts through it all. With extraordinary efforts, we have prevailed over unprecedented difficultiesand challenges,and it has not been an easy journey for anyone. We have now entered a new phase of COVID response where tough challenges remain. Everyone is holding on with great fortitude, and the light of
25 Xinhua.(2022,Dec 31). “Full Text: 2023New Year Address by President Xi Jinping”. Retrieved from https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202212/1283000.shtml hope is right in front of us. Let's make an extra effort to pull through, as perseverance and solidarity mean victory.
Comrade Jiang Zemin passed away in 2022. We pay high tribute to his towering achievements and noble demeanor, and cherish the great legacy he left behind. We will honor his last wishes and advance the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
Wave upon wave, the mighty river of history surges forward. With the persistent efforts of one generation after another, we have taken China to where it is today.
Today's China is a country where dreams become reality. The Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluded with a resounding success. Chinese winter sports athletes gave their all and achieved extraordinary results. Shenzhou-13, Shenzhou-14 and Shenzhou-15 soared into the heavens. China's space station was fully completed and our "home in space" is roving in the deepblue sky. The people's armed forces marked the 95th birthday and all service members are marching confidently on the great journey of building a strong military. China's third aircraft carrier Fujian was launched. C919, China's first large passenger aircraft, was delivered. And the Baihetan hydropower station went into full operation... None of these achievements would have been possible without the sweat and toil of the numerous Chinese people. Sparks of talent are coming together, and they are the strength of China!
Today's China is a country brimming with vigor and vitality. Various pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port are booming, innovations are gushing out in the coastal areas, development is picking up pace in the central andwesternregions,themomentumfor revitalizationis buildingin thenortheast, andthereisgreaterdevelopmentandaffluencein theborderregions.TheChinese economy enjoys strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality. The fundamentals sustaining its long-term growth have remained strong. As long as we stay confident and strive for progress while maintaining stability, we will realize the goals we have set. On my visit to Hong Kong earlier this year, I was deeply glad to see that Hong Kong has restored order and is set to thrive again. With determinedimplementationof OneCountry,TwoSystems,HongKongand Macao will surely enjoy long-term prosperity and stability.
Today'sChinais a countrythatkeepstoitsnationalcharacter.In thecourse of 2022, we encountered various natural disasters including earthquakes, floods, droughts and wildfires, and experienced some workplace accidents. Amid those disconcerting and heartbreaking scenes, there have emerged numerous touching stories of people sticking together in face of adversity or even sacrificing their lives to help others in distress. Those heroic deeds will be forever etched in our memories. At every turn of the year, we always think of the great character of resilience that the Chinese nation has carried forward through millennia. It gives us still greater confidence as we continue our way forward.
Today's China is a country closely linked with the world. Over the past year, I have hosted quite a few friends, both old and new, in Beijing; I have also traveled abroad to communicate China's propositions to the world. Changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, and the world is not yet a tranquil place. We cherish peace and development and value friends and partners as we have always done. We stand firm on the right side of history and on the side of human civilization and progress. We work hard to contribute China's wisdom and solutions to the cause of peace and development for all humanity.
Afterthe20thCPC NationalCongress,mycolleaguesandI visitedYan'an. We were there to relive the inspiring episode in which the Party's central leadership overcame extraordinary difficulties in the 1930s and 1940s, and to draw on the spiritual strength of the older generation of CPC members. I often say, "Just as polishing makes jade finer, adversity makes one stronger." Over the past 100 years, the CPC has braved wind and rain, and forged ahead against all odds. That is a most difficult yet great journey. Today, we must press on courageously to make tomorrow's China a better place.
Going forward, China will be a country that performs miracles through hard work. Here I want to quote Su Shi, a renowned Chinesepoet, "Charge at the toughest and aim at the farthest." It means to take on the biggest challenges and go after the most ambitious goals. Long as the journey is, we will reach our destination if we stay the course; difficult as the task is, we will get the job done if we keep working at it. As long as we have the resolve to move mountains and the perseverance to plod on, as long as we keep our feet on the ground and forge ahead with our journey by making steady progress, we will turn our grand goals into reality.
Going forward, China will be a country that draws its strength from unity. Ours is a big country. It is only natural for different people to have different concerns or hold different views on the same issue. What matters is that we build consensus through communication and consultation. When the 1.4 billion Chinese work with one heart and one mind, and stand in unity with a strong will, no task will be impossible and no difficulty insurmountable. The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are members of one and the same family. I sincerely hope that our compatriots on both sides of the Strait will work together with a unity of purpose to jointly foster lasting prosperity of the Chinese nation.
Going forward, China will be a country that has great expectations of its youngergeneration.A nationwill prosperonly when its young peoplethrive. For China to develop further, our young people must step forward and take on their responsibilities. Youth is full of vigor and is a source of hope. Youngsters should keep their country in mind, cultivate keen enterprise, and live youth to the fullest with great drive, to prove worthy of the times and the splendor of youth.
Tothemanypeoplewhoarestillbusyworkingatthisverymoment,Isalute you all! We are about to ring in the New Year. Let us welcome the first ray of sunshine of 2023 with the best wishes for a brighter future.
May our countryenjoyprosperityandour peoplelivein harmony.May the world enjoy peace and people of all countries live in happiness. I wish you all a happy New Year and may all your wishes come true.
Thank you.
