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China’s Proposals at G20 Summit Enhance Confidence in Win-Win Cooperation

Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan are warmly welcomed by Indonesian senior officials upon their arrival at the airport in Bali, Indonesia, on November 14, 2022, to attend the 17th G20 Summit.

At a time of challenges, leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) members, which collectively represent around 65 percent of the world’s population, 79 percent of global trade, and at least 85 percent of the world economy, managed to come together in Bali, Indonesia, in mid-November and sit down to discuss what is wrong with this world and what people should do about it.

From building consensus and strengthening solidarity, to promoting win-win cooperation, Chinese President Xi Jinping, during his four-day stay in Indonesia, offered his insights into how countries around the world can work together to address the most pressing challenges of the present time and turn the world into a safer and better place. He also elaborated on a list of concrete Chinese proposals on how to address those challenges and reaffirmed China’s commitment to working with other countries to create a brighter future.

When meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the summit, Xi pointed out that as the world is undergoing momentous changes, it is imperative to put the future of humanity front and center and work in solidarity to tide over the difficulties. He called on major countries to set a good example and play a leading role, so as to bring more confidence and strength to the world.

China advocates resolving disputes peacefully through dialogue and consultation, said the Chinese president when meeting his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden ahead of the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is walking to the venue of the 17th G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, on November 15, 2022. Xi delivered a speech titled “Working Together to Meet the Challenges of Our Times and Build a Better Future” at the summit.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivering an address at the 17th G20 Summit in Bali, Indonesia, on November 16, 2022.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in Bali, Indonesia, on November 16, 2022.

Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with U.S. President Joe Biden in Bali, Indonesia, on November 14, 2022.

EXCHANGES

“China stands ready to work with all countries to act in the spirit of building a maritime community with a shared future advocated by President Xi Jinping, coordinate maritime development and security, and advance maritime cooperation and ocean governance as we jointly safeguard maritime security, promote maritime development, and discuss ocean governance.”

Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said in a video speech at the opening ceremony of the Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance 2022 on November 3, 2022.

“Opening-up should go both ways and cooperation should be mutually beneficial. Certain countries are keen to create exclusive cliques, stoke decoupling and breakage of industrial and supply chains, build “a small yard with high fences,” form the Chip 4 Alliance, and conceive an exclusive economic framework. They attempt to gang up to contain and suppress China, which has severely impacted the normal development of the world economy and the security of the global supply chain. Taking China down will only be counterproductive.”

Vice Foreign Minister Xie Feng made the remark when he attended the “Global lnsight into Enterprises Directly under the Central Government” event on November 2, 2022

President Xi Jinping Attends the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting

On November 18, the 29th APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting was held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, Thailand. President Xi Jinping attended the meeting and delivered important remarks entitled “Shouldering Responsibility and Working Together in Solidarity to Build an Asia-Pacific Community with a Shared Future.”

President Xi pointed out that the Asia-Pacific is our home as well as the powerhouse of global economic growth. Over the past decades, robust economic cooperation in the region has created the “Asia-Pacific miracle” admired across the world. Asia-Pacific cooperation is deeply rooted in the hearts of the people. Today the world has come to another historical crossroads, and this has made the Asia-Pacific region even more important and prominent in its standing and role. Facing new circumstances, we must join hands together to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future and take Asia-Pacific cooperation to new heights.

President Xi put forward the following proposal: First, upholding international fairness and justice and building an Asia-Pacific region of peace and stability. Second, staying committed to openness and inclusiveness and bringing about prosperity for all in the Asia-Pacific. Third, striving for green and low-carbon development and ensuring a clean and beautiful Asia-Pacific. Fourth, bearing in mind our shared future and making the Asia-Pacific a region where all are ready to help each other.

President Xi stressed that in October the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China was held successfully, setting the course and providing the blueprint for China’s development for now and for years to come. China is ready to pursue peaceful coexistence and common development with all countries on the basis of mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit. China will advance a broader agenda of opening-up across more areas and in greater depth, follow the Chinese path to modernization, put in place new systems for a higher-standard open economy, and continue to share its development opportunities with the world, particularly with the Asia-Pacific region.

Quoting a Thai proverb that goes, “You reap what you sow,” Xi noted that APEC economies have jointly sown the seeds of the Putrajaya Vision and that it is time to cultivate, nurture, and foster the blossoming flower of common development of the Asia-Pacific.

Vice President Wang Qishan Addresses Bloomberg New Economy Forum

Vice President Wang Qishan delivered a keynote speech via video link at the opening ceremony of the Bloomberg New Economy Forum held in Singapore on November 15, 2022.

Wang pointed out that now global peace and development face more instabilities and uncertainties. What China proposes is that we should set eyes on the long term, maintain a global vision firm with confidence, and light the path forward by fostering a community with a shared future for mankind. We should light the path toward common security and safeguard world peace and tranquility. We should light the path towards mutual benefit and advance common development across the world. We should light the path towards greater innovation and promote sustained progress of humanity.

Wang stressed the 20th CPC National Congress laid out strategic plans for advancing the cause of the Party and the country and elected the new CPC central leadership with Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, at its core. The Congress underscored advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization. The major policies of the CPC and Chinese government would maintain a high degree of continuity and inject more certainty and stability into the world.

Wang said that China will strive for common prosperity, continue to deepen high-standard opening-up, and stay committed to the path of peaceful development. The country will uphold economic globalization and promote an open world economy that is shared by all.

Wang Yi Meets with President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi

On November 7, 2022, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a virtual meeting with the President of the 77th Session of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly Csaba Kőrösi, at the latter’s request.

Wang Yi stressed that China has always supported the cause of the UN and the important role of the UN General Assembly. In the face of global volatility, China remains firm in safeguarding the international system with the UN at its core, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms governing international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter.

Wang Yi said that Chinese modernization is one of harmony between humanity and nature. China will unswervingly pursue a green, low-carbon, and sustainable development path, continue to engage in international climate cooperation, actively participate in main-channel negotiations on climate change, and provide support and assistance within its capacity to developing countries. China is ready to strengthen exchanges and cooperation on water resources with other countries by implementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and will actively participate in the UN General Assembly high-level meetings on water resources. China is also ready to step up cooperation with the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) on the management of sustainable soil and water resources within the framework of the GDI, to help build greater synergy among countries to enhance water resources management capacity.

Kőrösi said that the UN looks forward to strengthening cooperation with China to jointly respond to climate change and expects to strengthen cooperation with China in the utilization and management of water resources and to help vulnerable countries meet challenges. He thanked China for its positive posture and constructive role in this regard.

“The world has entered a new period of fluidity and change. Peace and development face daunting challenges and the international community needs to jointly respond to the changes of the world, the times, and history. China has always been committed to its foreign policy goals of upholding world peace and promoting common development, and it is dedicated to promoting a human community with a shared future. No matter how the international landscape may evolve, we will stay committed to peace, development, cooperation, and delivering mutual benefit.”

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on November 18, 2022.

“The formation and development of the global chip industrial and supply chains are the result of the combined force of market rules and the choices of businesses. Yet a certain country has repeatedly abused its state power to politicize tech and trade issues and use them as a tool and weapon to blockade and suppress China by pushing for decoupling and disrupting industrial and supply chains. This not only seriously undermines international trade rules, but will fragment the global market, and sabotage the security and stability of global industrial and supply chains. Those who perpetrate such self-serving coercive acts are essentially seeking to advance their anti-China agenda at the expense of the well-being of all humanity. Such acts find no support and will eventually backfire.”

Foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian indicated at a regular press conference on November 10, 2022.

ECONOMY/SOCIETY

Digital Economy Becomes Major Growth Engine

China’s digital economy, ranking second worldwide for many years, has become a major growth engine for the country, according to a white paper published on November 7, 2022. The white paper, titled “Jointly Build a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace,” was released by China’s State Council Information Office.

By 2021, the value of China’s digital economy had reached RMB 45.5 trillion, accounting for 39.8 percent of its GDP. By June 2022, there were 1.05 billion Internet users in China, and the Internet penetration rate had reached 74.4 percent, Meanwhile China hosts the world’s largest 5G network and has become one of the global leaders in 5G standards and technology, with 1.85 million 5G cell towers and 455 million 5G cellphone subscribers.

Noting that China’s industrial Internet has grown rapidly, and the digital transformation of the manufacturing industry also continues to expand, the white paper said that 55.3 percent of the key processes of large industrial enterprises had become digitally controlled, and the application of digital R&D tools was as high as 74.7 percent by February 2022.

China’s ODI Among World’s Top 3 in 10 Consecutive Years

China’s outbound direct investment (ODI) increased 16.3 percent year-on-year to US $178.82 billion in 2021, ranking second in the world.

The country’s ODI had ranked among the world’s top three for ten consecutive years as of the end of 2021.

By the end of 2021, China’s ODI stock stood at US $2.79 trillion, ranking among the top three globally for five consecutive years.

Over 80 percent of China’s ODI last year flowed into leasing and business services, wholesale and retail, manufacturing, as well as financial and transportation sectors, all of which recorded investments of more than US $10 billion.

Investment into countries along the Belt and Road continued to grow in 2021, with a total amount of US $24.15 billion, hitting a historic high.

Impressive Exports of Knowledge-Intensive Services in First 9 Months

China registered robust growth in exports of knowledge-intensive services in the first nine months of 2022.

The country’s exports of knowledge-intensive services totaled over RMB 1.04 trillion (about US $143.3 billion) during the Janunary-September period, up 14.9 percent year-on-year, according to the Ministry of Commerce.

Imports in this field rose 4.8 percent compared to a year ago, to reach about RMB 821.9 billion. Among them, insurance services imports surged 56.2 percent year-on-year.

China’s knowledge-intensive services expanded 10.2 percent year-on-year during this period.

US $73.5 billion

The fifth China lnternational lmport Expo (CllE) concluded in Shanghai on November 10, 2022, with a total ofUS $73.5 billionworth of tentative deals reached for one-year purchases of goods and services. The figure represented an increase of 3.9 percent from that of last year.

Progress Made in Coping with Climate Change

The Ministry of Ecology and Environment recently released the 2022 report on China’s policies and actions in addressing climate change, detailing the country’s new arrangements in this aspect, efforts to slow down and adapt to climate change, improvements in policy and supporting networks, and participation in the global governance of climate change.

Over the last several years, China has made steady progress in promoting green energy, new-energy vehicles, environment-friendly industries, and lowcarbon development. In 2021, the output of China’s energy-saving and environmental protection industry exceeded RMB 8 trillion, with an annual growth rate of above 10 percent. The certification system for green products now covers nearly 90 categories, including building materials, courier packaging, electronic products, and plastic products.

China has improved its energy mix as well. By the end of 2021, its installed generation capacity for renewable energy had reached 1.06 billion kilowatts, accounting for 44 percent of its total installed power generation capacity. Presently, China has the world’s largest installed capacity for offshore wind power and the largest clean coal-based power system.

China has also increased the carbon absorption capacity of ecosystems by planting more trees, rehabilitating existing forests, controlling desertification, and recovering wetlands. Last year China’s CO2 emissions per unit of GDP fell by 3.8 percent from the 2020 level and 50.8 percent from the 2005 level, and the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption rose to 16.6 percent.

China Revises Animal Husbandry Law

The National People’s Congress Standing Committee passed the revised Animal Husbandry Law on October 30 to boost the green development of the industry.

In order to promote the high-quality development of animal husbandry, the revised law stipulates that governments at or above the county level shall incorporate animal husbandry development into their respective economic and social development plans, and the state shall establish and improve a modern livestock and poultry breeding system. It also improved regulations on the prevention and control of livestock and poultry diseases, as well as the harmless treatment of feces to ensure public health and safety. According to the revised law, the state shall strengthen the monitoring of livestock and poultry diseases and the development of livestock and poultry vaccines. In line with relevant provisions of the Grassland Law, the newly revised Animal Husbandry Law also introduces provisions to promote balanced development between grassland and animal husbandry.

The revised law will go into force on March 1, 2023.

Life Improves for Relocated People

Since the introduction of a policy 15 years ago on providing follow-up support to people relocated for the construction of large-scale reservoirs, the central authorities, including the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Water Resources, have carried out various programs to help them build a better-off life.

Between 2006 and 2021 the central fund for such support spent RMB 426.2 billion on improving the working and living conditions of these relocated people, whose numbers are estimated to be around 25.17 million, as well as creating more sources of income for them. Last year, their per capita income reached RMB 18,016, 7.19 times higher than what it was in 2005.

Infrastructure and public services have been significantly improved at relocation settlements. All the locations now have access to Internet, and 94 percent of them have tap water. The state has also helped them develop green, high-efficiency agriculture, foster related businesses, and transform farmland. Vocational training is provided to these people to help them find non-farming jobs.

CULTURE

Tosca

NCPA Orchestra & NCPA Chorus

Date: November 24-29, 2022

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Among numerous works created by Puccini during his lifetime,Toscais regarded as not only his magnum opus, but also a classic, consistent fixture of almost all repertory-hosting opera houses in the world.Toscais a politi-cal thriller set in Rome in June of 1800 (during the Napoleonic wars and a time of great political unrest).

The NCPA Orchestra performs regularly in its busy schedule of operas, ballets, and concerts to great acclaim. The NCPA Chorus was established on December 8, 2009, consisting of members carefully selected from music schools around China.

A Doll’s House

NCPA Drama Ensemble

Date: November 30 – December 4, 2022

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Written in 1879 by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen,A Doll’s Houseis a three-act play about a housewife who becomes disillusioned and dissatisfied with her condescending husband. The play raises universal issues and ques-tions that are applicable to societies worldwide.

NCPA Drama Ensemble was established in 2016 with the Chairman of the China Theater Association — renowned Chinese actor Pu Cunxin — as the artistic director. As a resident performance troupe, it focuses on rehearsing dramas, participating in other NCPA productions, and joining cultural exchange activities such as performing at grassroots units and campuses.

Chinese American Film, Television Festivals Shine in Their 18th Year

The 18th Chinese American Film Festival and the Chinese American Television Festival kicked off in Los Angeles on November 5, 2022.

Several hundred elegantly attired Chinese and Hollywood celebrities and guests assembled in the Sheraton Los Angeles San Gabriel for the cultural event aimed toward the promotion of film and television industry exchanges and cooperation between China and the United States.

More than 400 film and television works were screened at the pair of festivals. A total of 10 films won the Golden Angel Award at the event this year, includingMy Country, My Parents,Nice View,Schemes in Antiques,Sunshine of My Life, andBetween Us.

The film festival awarded the Most Popular US Films in China awards to Universal Pictures’ science fiction action filmJurassic World Dominionand the animated comedy filmThe Bad Guys, Legendary Pictures’ epic science fiction filmDune, and Warner Bros. Pictures’ fantasy filmFantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

Zhang Ping, Chinese consul general in Los Angeles, said at the opening ceremony that the event was an important platform for film and television industry exchanges and cooperation between the two countries.

In her speech at the opening ceremony, U.S. Congresswoman Judy Chu praised the “incredible” organizers of the event which shows the power of film and culture.

China Cultural Center Inaugurated in Luxembourg

The China Cultural Center in Luxembourg (CCCL) was inaugurated on November 8 in the run-up to the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Luxembourg Hua Ning and President of Luxembourg’s Chamber of Deputies Fernand Etgen were present at the center’s inauguration.

The center — unveiled after three years of hard work against the difficulties brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic — is another high mark in the history of friendly exchanges between the two countries, Hua said at the inauguration. It will become a new window for friends in Luxembourg to understand the Chinese culture and carry out exchanges and interactions, he said.

Etgen hailed the center as a venue for people to meet and exchange ideas, to discover the rich and fascinating Chinese culture, and to experience China and its centuries of history.

On the sidelines of the inauguration ceremony was the opening of a photo exhibition, which tells the history of the development of bilateral ties as well as the cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields including economy, trade, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese, Greek Artists Build Cultural Bridge through Athens Exhibition

An exhibition of 34 works of art by young Greek and Chinese artists opened in Athens on November 7 in an event that will build a cultural bridge between China and Greece, its organizers said.

The exhibition was organized by the China Cultural Center in Athens, and the Sino-Hellenic Investors’ Confederation. It is part of celebrations for the 50th anniversary of China-Greece diplomatic relations and the China-Greece Year of Culture and Tourism.

“My wish is that starting from this exhibition, young artists from our two countries will continue strengthening cultural exchanges, pass on the torch of culture between China and Greece, and further contribute to mutual understanding and bilateral cooperation,” said the Chinese Ambassador to Greece Xiao Junzheng.

“Today we see the dynamism of China which is a model for many countries...I hope we will deepen our cooperation,” Nikos Koukis, president of the Hellenic Foundation for Culture, said.

The exhibition will last for a month at the Hellenic Foundation for Culture.

ON CHINESE MEDIA

The Past Decade: Building a Beautiful China

Insight China

Issue 30, 2022

The recent decade has witnessed the most remarkable results in China’s ecological conservation and environmental protection. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the cause of ecological advancement has entered a key period in which reduction in carbon emissions and treatment of other pollutions are being advanced in a coordinated manner, and green transformation of the economy and society is being pursued. The government, enterprises, social organizations, and the ordinary people are all part of the mission to build a beautiful China with blue skies, green land, clear water, and fresh air.

New Opportunities for Manufacturing

Capital Week

Issue 85, 2022

Facing a complicated interna-tional environment, China strives to build a complete modern industrial system, focusing on developing the real economy. Manufacturing is the foundation of a country’s economy, and plays a leading role in modern economic system. It is embracing new opportunities in China’s pursuit of the goal.

Maritime Economic Development at an Ancient Harbor

Outlook Weekly

Issue 45, 2022

Beihai City was the port of departure for the Maritime Silk Road. It was also one of China’s coastal cities that opened its market to the outside world. Entering a new era, the ancient port city has vigorously developed its maritime economy, connecting resources

from the land and the sea.