Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping, met on Thursday with representatives of students and teachers from the Chinese Choir of the Burg Gymnasium, a German high school, at Beijing No. 35 High School. Peng congratulated the choir on its fruitful achievements over the past decade of conveying friendship through songs. CGTN
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday congratulated Bassirou Diomaye Faye on his election as Senegalese president. Since China and Senegal established diplomatic ties, the two countries have embraced ever-stronger mutual political trust, fruitful achievements in practical cooperation, as well as close coordination on international affairs, Xi said. As co-chairs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the two countries will jointly host a FOCAC summit in China this year, he said. Noting that he attaches great importance to developing China-Senegal ties, Xi said he stands ready to work with Faye to support each other, enhance unity and coordination, hold a successful FOCAC summit together, and advance the continuous development of China-Senegal and China-Africa ties, so as to better benefit the peoples of both sides. CGTN
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Beninese Foreign Minister Shegun Adjadi Bakari hailed bilateral ties in a meeting in Beijing on Thursday, the first day of Bakari’s official visit to China. Beninese President Patrice Talon made a successful visit to China in September, when the two countries’ leaders jointly announced the establishment of a strategic partnership between China and Benin, which will lead bilateral ties to a new stage, said Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee. China-Benin relations have maintained a high level of development, with mutual political trust and solid progress in various fields of cooperation, Wang said, adding that China attaches great importance to its relations with Benin and is willing to lead the development of bilateral relations based on the important consensus reached by the two countries’ leaders, promoting greater development in bilateral relations. He said China will continue to firmly support Benin in pursuing a development path that suits its national conditions and be a sincere friend and reliable partner for Benin in its exploration and promotion of its own modernization. Both sides should vigorously expand pragmatic cooperation in trade, investment, energy, culture, human resources, and other fields, and welcome Benin’s active participation in implementing global development initiatives, Wang said. Bakari said Benin is ready to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, promote common values, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and push Benin-China relations to achieve greater development. Benin highly appreciates the efforts made by the Chinese government to promote a cessation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip, especially the crucial role it played in the adoption of the ceasefire resolution by the UN Security Council, Bakari said. He said Benin is willing to strengthen coordination with China in the United Nations Human Rights Council, jointly safeguard the interests of developing countries, and promote the healthy development of international human rights. (Cover: The national flags of Benin and China flutter in Beijing, August 31, 2023. /CFP)
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called on people from all walks of life in both China and the U.S. to have more contacts and exchanges, continue to build a consensus, enhance trust, steer clear of disruptions and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. Xi made the remarks during his meeting with representatives from American business, strategic and academic communities in Beijing. He called for bringing more tangible benefits to the people of the two countries and injecting more stability into the world. Noting that the China-U.S. relationship is one of the most important bilateral relations in the world, Xi said whether China and the U.S. engage in cooperation or confrontation is critical to the well-being of the two peoples, and the future of humanity. The respective successes of China and the U.S. are opportunities for each other, Xi said, adding that as long as both sides regard each other as partners, respect each other, coexist peacefully and cooperate for win-win results, China-U.S. relations will be improved. As this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the U.S., Xi pointed out that the history of China-U.S. relations is a history of friendly exchanges between the two peoples, with the past written by the people and the future created by the people. Sustainable economy « The Chinese economy is sound and sustainable, » Xi said, noting that last year, China registered one of the highest growth rates among the major economies and accounted for over 30 percent of global growth as before. « China did not collapse as predicted by the ‘China collapse theory,’ nor will it peak as forecasted by the ‘China peak theory, » Xi told the U.S. guests. The Chinese president reiterated that China will continue to advance high-quality development and Chinese modernization, enable the Chinese people to live a better life, and contribute more to sustainable development in the world. Xi also recalled his oft-repeated saying that reform and opening up holds the key to contemporary China’s catching up with the times in great strides. « China’s reform will not pause, and its opening up will not stop, » said Xi. China is planning and implementing a series of major measures to comprehensively deepen reform, foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized, and provides broader development space for international businesses including U.S. companies, Xi added. Xi pointed out that faced with the recent years’ new and evolving situation in China-U.S. business ties, the two sides should stay committed to mutual respect, mutual benefit and equal-footed consultation, follow economic and market rules, expand and deepen mutually beneficial business cooperation, respect each other’s development rights, and work for win-win outcomes for the two countries and the world at large. More common interests President Xi emphasized that over the past couple of years, the China-U.S. relationship experienced some setbacks and serious challenges, from which lessons should be learned. « The relationship cannot go back to the old days, but it can embrace a brighter future. » Noting the two sides maintained communication and made progress in the political and diplomatic, economic and financial, law enforcement and counternarcotics, climate change and people-to-people fields in the past few months, Xi said under the new circumstances, « China and the U.S. have more, not fewer, common interests. » China and the United States should help rather than hinder each other’s development, both in traditional areas such as trade and agriculture and in emerging areas such as climate change and artificial intelligence, he added. Xi urged the United States to work with China in the same direction, establish a correct strategic perception, and properly handle sensitive issues to maintain the momentum for bilateral relations to stabilize from a downward spiral. In their remarks, Chair of the Board of Directors of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations Evan G. Greenberg, Chairman and CEO of Blackstone Stephen A. Schwarzman, President and CEO of Qualcomm Cristiano R. Amon, Founding Dean of Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government Graham Allison, and President of the U.S.-China Business Council Craig Allen thanked President Xi for taking time to meet them. They noted that China’s exceptional economic growth and transformation over the past decades speak to its strong resilience and vitality and expressed confidence that China will realize its development goals and contribute to a stronger, more integrated global economy. Sharing close economic ties, the United States and China can only develop and thrive in peaceful coexistence. The Thucydides trap is not inevitable, they said. According to them, the U.S. business, strategic and academic communities support the United States and China in bolstering exchanges and communication at all levels, enhancing mutual understanding, trust and cooperation, joining hands to address global challenges, and fostering a stable, sustainable and productive U.S.-China relationship. CGTN
World Tuberculosis (TB) Day, which falls on March 24 every year, is designed to build public awareness that TB today remains a global public health problem that seriously endangers people’s health. According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Tuberculosis Report 2023, in 2022, there were more than 10.6 million cases of active TB globally, with 1.3 million deaths. Ahead of this year’s World TB Day, Peng Liyuan, wife of Chinese President Xi Jinping and WHO goodwill ambassador for TB and HIV/AIDS, paid a visit to a local community in Changsha, the capital city of central China’s Hunan Province, to research the country’s TB prevention and treatment work at the grassroots level. She first visited the Yuhua District Health Education Center to learn about the institution’s efforts to strengthen health education on TB as well as build TB disease prevention and treatment mechanisms. Peng called on everyone to work together as advocates and volunteers to better popularize knowledge on TB prevention and treatment among community residents and the young generation. In addition, Peng also had a friendly meeting with medical personnel who serve the local community, from whom she learned about the management of TB diagnosis and treatment services at the grassroots level. After chatting with recovered TB patients, children waiting for vaccination and their parents, Peng expressed the hope that all parties will continue to work hand in hand towards ending the spread of TB disease. China’s action The Chinese government attaches great importance to TB prevention and treatment and has incorporated it into the Healthy China strategy. Speaking to China Media Group, Zhao Yanlin, director of the Center for Tuberculosis Prevention and Control of the Chinese CDC, pointed out that over the past decade, China’s TB morbidity has declined by 25 percent, which is more than twice the global average decline rate. According to Zhao, as of 2023, total national funding for TB prevention and control is nearly 20 times higher than in 2001. China has been constantly improving the support capacity, carrying out multi-sector cooperation, engaging the participation of the whole society and actively promoting new diagnostic techniques, therapeutic solutions and management tools. As a result, the tuberculosis cure rate in the country stays above 90 percent. The WHO and the United Nations (UN) both harbor great expectations for youth participation in the prevention of TB as well as for their engagement in promoting health care for all of humanity. China also attaches great importance to the development of young volunteers and actively encourages public voluntary actions for TB prevention and control. Over the past 10 years, the number of volunteers in China has increased to over 1 million, more than half of whom are young people. CGTN
A China-U.S. Youth Exchange Program was held on Monday in Beijing, with attendees including China Media Group (CMG) President Shen Haixiong and Dick Muri, mayor of Steilacoom in Washington State. The event, dubbed « Friends coming from afar, » was jointly organized by CMG and the U.S.-China Youth and Student Exchange Association. It was part of an exchange program that will send 50,000 American teenagers to China for study. This year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and the U.S., Shen said. Shen said he believes through this exchange visit, the students can observe China up close with their own eyes, listen to China with their own ears, and experience the charm of Chinese cuisine with their own tongues. He also expressed the wish for a more direct and deeper understanding and experience. Each of the attendees at the event is the foundation, hope, future, and vitality of China-U.S. relations, he added. As one of the first participants of the exchange program, Muri said he was honored to be invited along with the students and teachers to China. He hoped the 24 students who have come this time can personally learn about China through this visit, and become the youth emissary of China-U.S. friendship. CGTN
Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks with Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who is on a state visit to China, in Beijing on Friday. The two heads of state announced the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership. Noting that China and Angola jointly celebrated the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations last year, Xi said relations between the two countries have stood the test of international vicissitudes and benefited the two peoples. China-Angola cooperation is South-South cooperation and cooperation between developing countries, which is about mutual help between good friends, reciprocity and win-win cooperation, Xi said. In a world that is undergoing both transformation and upheaval, the two sides should continue their traditional friendship, strengthen solidarity and cooperation, firmly support each other, and achieve common development, Xi noted. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Angolan President Joao Lourenco in Beijing, China, March 15, 2024. /Xinhua China supports Angola in safeguarding its national sovereignty, security and development interests, exploring a modernization path suited to its national conditions, and realizing national development and revitalization, he said. China is also willing to strengthen exchanges of governance experience with Angola, upgrade bilateral strategic relations and jointly promote the modernization process of each country, Xi noted. President Xi also encouraged enhancing high-quality collaboration within the Belt and Road Initiative and other strategic areas, emphasizing the solid foundation and potential of China-Angola cooperation. He called for greater efforts to protect the rights and safety of Chinese nationals and businesses in Angola while urging Angola to continue promoting its products in China through various trade platforms. Noting that the rise of developing countries is unstoppable, Xi said that whether in global governance or in the process of development and prosperity, the Global South must not be left out. He told Lourenco that China is a reliable friend and sincere partner of African countries on the road to safeguarding independence and autonomy as well as promoting development and revitalization. China supports African countries and the African Union in their commitment to solving African problems through African means and maintaining regional peace and stability, Xi added. He also voiced China’s willingness to strengthen multilateral coordination with African countries, including Angola, to safeguard the common interests of developing countries, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Lourenco, for his part, pointed out that Angola-China relations have maintained a high level of development, stressing that « whether during the post-civil war period or at the difficult time of coping with COVID-19, China was always the first country to provide valuable support to Angola, for which Angola expresses its heartfelt gratitude. » China’s support and cooperation have greatly contributed to Angola’s infrastructure construction and economic and social development, which is a model of mutually beneficial cooperation, he said. Chinese President Xi Jinping holds a welcome ceremony for Angolan President Joao Lourenco in Beijing, China, March 15, 2024. /Xinhua The Angolan president welcomed more Chinese enterprises to invest in Angola and contribute to his country’s development and revitalization. He also made it clear that the Angolan side firmly adheres to the one-China policy and believes that Taiwan is an inalienable part of China, and the Taiwan question will be well resolved. Lourenco called on the two sides to advance multilateral cooperation and jointly safeguard the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter, as well as the maintenance of important norms of international relations. Angola looks forward to working with China to achieve further results in the bilateral relationship, he continued. The two leaders also witnessed the signing of multiple bilateral cooperation documents and a joint communique. CGTN
CMG Africa and Africa Policy Institute held a joint seminar on Monday in Nairobi, Kenya, under the theme ‘Enhancing China-Africa Cooperation in New Quality Productive Forces to Realize High-Quality Growth’. The seminar brought together experts who discussed recent developments in China and their potential impact on Africa and the world in 2024. It was held against the backdrop of the Two Sessions in March and the 9th FOCAC Summit to be held in Beijing later in the year. The topics discussed encompassed building an inclusive, green, and low-carbon economy, fostering new productive forces to drive the rapid development of new industries, formats, and models, enhancing trade and investment, and promoting global peace and harmony.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, answered questions from Chinese and foreign media about China’s foreign policy and external relations on Thursday. The second session of the 14th National People’s Congress held the press conference at the Press Conference Hall of the Media Center in Beijing. « In this changing and turbulent international environment, China will remain a staunch force for peace, stability and progress of the world, » Wang said before taking questions. Here are some of the highlights of the press conference: China’s diplomacy The year 2023 not only witnessed pioneering efforts but also great harvests in China’s diplomacy, Wang stated. « We took steps to promote international solidarity and cooperation, and offered solutions to crises and challenges. We contributed to world peace and development, and broke new ground in China’s diplomatic theory and practice, » Wang told reporters. Read more: FM: China to continue speaking for justice, promoting win-win cooperation in 2024 China-Russia ties China and Russia have forged a new paradigm of major-country relations that differs entirely from the obsolete Cold War approach, Wang said. « On the basis of non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, China and Russia strive for lasting good-neighborliness and friendship and seek to deepen their comprehensive strategic coordination, » Wang added. Read more: Chinese FM: China, Russia set new model for major-country relations China-U.S. ties Peaceful coexistence is the bottom line of China-U.S. relations, and the consequences of a conflict between the two major countries are unimaginable, Wang said. The United States should take an objective and rational view of China’s development, and match its words with actions to honor the commitments on China-U.S. relations, Wang said. Read more: Chinese FM urges U.S. to honor commitments on bilateral ties Palestinian-Israeli conflict Noting that the failure to end the humanitarian disaster caused by the Palestinian-Israeli conflict today in the 21st century is a « tragedy for humanity and a disgrace for civilization, » Wang called on the international community to act to give priority to an immediate ceasefire. « We support Palestine’s full membership in the UN, and urge certain UN Security Council member to stop laying obstacles to that end, » Wang said. Read more: China supports Palestine in becoming full member of UN, says FM China-Europe cooperation As long as China and Europe engage in mutually beneficial cooperation, no attempt to create bloc confrontation will succeed, Wang said, adding that deglobalization will not prevail as long as China and Europe stay committed to openness and win-win. « A strong Europe is in the long-term interests of China. A strong China is also in the fundamental interests of Europe, » Wang told reporters. Read more: Chinese FM: Deglobalization will not prevail if China, Europe embrace openness Taiwan question Wang stressed that the bottom line is quite clear that China will never allow Taiwan to be separated from the motherland. All people of Chinese descent should uphold the overall interests of the Chinese nation, jointly oppose « Taiwan independence » and support peaceful reunification, Wang added. Read more: Chinese FM: Taiwan’s separation from motherland will never be allowed Ukraine crisis China supports the holding in due course of an international peace conference that is recognized by both Russia and Ukraine and ensures the equal participation of all parties and fair discussions on all peace plans, Wang said. He explained that « all our efforts point to one goal, that is, to pave the way for ending the conflict and starting peace talks. » Read more: Chinese FM urges early negotiations on Ukraine crisis Visa-free policy China will adopt a visa-free policy for Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg on a trial basis from March 14, Wang announced. « We hope more countries will also offer Chinese citizens visa facilitation and work with us to build fast-track networks for cross-border travels and encourage speedy resumption of international passenger flights, » Wang added. Read more: Chinese FM: Misjudging China will result in missed opportunities South China Sea issue China will take justified actions to defend its rights in accordance with the law and respond to unwarranted provocations with prompt and legitimate countermeasures in the South China Sea, Wang emphasized. « We will work with ASEAN countries to strive for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and to ensure that the South China Sea remains a sea of peace and cooperation, » Wang added. Read more: Chinese FM: China vows prompt, legitimate response to provocations in South China Sea Global governance of AI Wang said that concerted efforts are needed to advance global governance of AI, and there should be equal emphasis on development and security. New things and new opportunities should be embraced, while brakes should be checked before setting off, Wang noted. Read more: Chinese FM emphasizes development, security in global AI governance China-Africa ties China will continue to stand firmly with African brothers and support an Africa that is truly independent in thinking and ideas, Wang told reporters. He also announced that a highly anticipated meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation is set to take place in Beijing this autumn. Read more: Chinese FM: Beijing to host new China-Africa Summit in autumn Belt and Road Initiative The Belt and Road Initiative, which has become the most popular global public good and the largest platform for international cooperation, has also become a pathway to cooperation, opportunity and prosperity for partner countries seeking joint development, Wang noted. China will work with all parties to uphold the Silk Road spirit, deliver on the outcomes of the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, and usher in a second golden decade of Belt and Road cooperation, according to Wang. (With input from Xinhua) (Cover: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends a press conference on China’s foreign policy and foreign relations on the sidelines of the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing, capital of China, March 7, 2024. /Xinhua)
The opening meeting of the second session of the 14th National People’s Congress was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Premier Li Qiang, on behalf of the State Council, delivered a government work report to the top legislature for deliberation. Here are some highlights of the work report: Major targets of 2023 accomplished China accomplished its major economic and social development targets and tasks of 2023, according to the report, with gross domestic product (GDP) expanding by 5.2 percent last year, ranking China among the fastest-growing major economies in the world. The country created 12.44 million urban jobs in 2023, and the average surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5.2 percent. The consumer price index rose 0.2 percent, and a basic equilibrium was maintained in the balance of payments, the report said. Growth target set at around 5 percent China is targeting economic growth of around 5 percent in 2024. It has set its ratio of deficit to GDP at 3 percent for the year, with the government deficit forecast to rise by 180 billion yuan from the 2023 budget figure. Over 12 million jobs are expected to be created in urban areas in 2024 with a surveyed urban unemployment rate target of around 5.5 percent. A total of 3.9 trillion yuan (about $542 billion) of special-purpose bonds for local governments will be issued in 2024, 100 billion yuan more than last year, the report added. In addition, China will issue ultra-long special treasury bonds over each of the next several years for the purpose of implementing major national strategies and building up security capacity in key areas, starting with 1 trillion yuan of such bonds this year. Market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing abolished All restrictions on foreign investment in China’s manufacturing will be abolished, and market access restrictions in services sectors, such as telecommunications and healthcare, will be reduced, according to the report. China will implement measures to ensure national treatment for foreign-funded enterprises. To pursue higher-standard opening up and promote mutual benefits, the country will promote alignment with high-standard international economic and trade rules, and steadily expand institutional opening up. Work will also be done to make China a favored destination for foreign investment, the report said, adding that solid progress will be pursued in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China also plans to deepen multilateral, bilateral and regional economic cooperation, and work toward joining the Digital Economy Partnership Agreement and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. Develop new quality productive forces at faster pace China will strive to modernize the industrial system and develop new quality productive forces at a faster pace, according to the report, which listed a series of tasks in this respect. The tasks included industrial and supply chain improvement and upgrading, and the cultivation of emerging industries and future-oriented industries such as hydrogen power, new materials, biomanufacturing, commercial spaceflight, quantum technology and life sciences. Innovative development of the digital economy will be promoted, and an AI Plus initiative to be launched. The country will also consolidate and enhance its leading position in industries such as intelligent connected new-energy vehicles. Ensure stable production, supply of agricultural products China will step up efforts to ensure stable production and supply of grain and other major agricultural products, and all local governments must shoulder their share of responsibility for ensuring national food security, according to the report. « We will keep working to consolidate and expand our achievements in poverty alleviation, to prevent people from falling back into poverty and see that no large-scale return to poverty occurs, » the report said. Promote green and low-carbon development China will advance the energy revolution and actively and prudently work toward peaking carbon dioxide emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, according to the report. The country will also aim to enhance ecological conservation and promote green and low-carbon development, including taking comprehensive steps to improve the environment and boosting the green and low-carbon economy. CGTN