Asia Daily Two Sessions Edition: March 7, 2024
Welcome to a special edition of Asia Daily focused on China’s annual Two Sessions (lianghui) meetings! For the next week, The Asia Cable will be providing daily news and commentary updates surrounding the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference as China sets its legislative agenda for the next year. Tomorrow’s schedule can be found here.
News
‘The next China is still China’: top diplomat pushes back against negative foreign sentiment. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi addressed negative perceptions of China's economic situation, reassuring that the nation will continue its policy of opening up. Despite global skepticism and challenges, Wang emphasized China's robust economic growth and its commitment to international cooperation and stability. This stance comes amid efforts to boost confidence in China's economic future and its role on the world stage. Orange Wang, South China Morning Post, March 7
‘Disgrace for civilisation’: China repeats call for Gaza ceasefire, peace talks on Middle East and Ukraine. Wang Yi, emphasized the need for ceasefires and peace talks in Gaza and Ukraine, describing the Gaza situation as a humanitarian crisis and a "disgrace for civilization." Wang advocated for peaceful resolutions and highlighted China's call for a stable Europe, supporting full United Nations membership for Palestine and proposing an international peace conference. Zhao Ziwen, South China Morning Post, March 7
Xi Focus: Xi stresses deepening reform to comprehensively enhance strategic capabilities in emerging areas. Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized the need for the armed forces to deepen reform and foster innovation, aiming to significantly improve strategic capabilities in new domains. This initiative, outlined during a meeting with military delegations, is crucial for national development and rejuvenation. Xi highlighted the importance of coordinating military preparedness, protecting maritime rights, and advancing cybersecurity and aerospace development through innovation and reform. Xinhua, March 7
Top official from China's Xinjiang says 'Sinicisation' of Islam 'inevitable'. Xinjiang's regional party chief, Ma Xingrui, stated that the adaptation of Islam to Chinese culture in the region is unavoidable, emphasizing the government's stance amid international criticism of human rights practices. This announcement aligns with President Xi Jinping's broader policy for the "Sinicisation" of all religions within China, advocating for alignment with Communist Party principles. Laurie Chen, Reuters, March 7
China’s Communist Party to get deeper control over State Council led by Premier Li Qiang as ties are ‘redefined’. China's legislature is expected to pass an amendment that will enhance the Communist Party's control over the State Council, emphasizing the cabinet's role in strictly adhering to Party ideology and leadership. This move aligns with President Xi Jinping's overarching strategy to consolidate policy-formulation and decision-making power within the Party, further centralizing authority. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, March 6
US has a wrong perception of China, says foreign minister. China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi criticizes the US for having a wrong perception of China, stressing that despite meetings between leaders, the U.S.’ promises remain unfulfilled. Wang emphasized the need for mutual respect and recognition of differences for continued exchanges. The dialogue reflects ongoing tensions and the complexities of Sino-US relations amid global geopolitical challenges. Bernard Orr and Ethan Wang, Reuters, March 7
China accuses US of devising tactics to suppress China despite improvement in relations. Wang Yi accused the U.S. of creating tactics to suppress China's growth, criticizing the Biden administration for adding Chinese companies to its sanctions lists. Despite improvements in Sino-American relations since leaders met, Wang highlighted inconsistencies in U.S. actions. He also emphasized support for Palestine's UN membership and warned against provocations in Taiwan and the South China Sea. Ken Moritsugu, AP News, March 7
China will never allow Taiwan to be separated from motherland: FM. Wang Yi reaffirmed China's commitment to peaceful reunification with Taiwan, stating the nation's policy and bottom line is to prevent any separation of Taiwan from the motherland. This stance was expressed during the National People's Congress, emphasizing the one-China principle's consensus in the international community and warning against "Taiwan independence" activities. Xinhua, March 7
Long Form
China’s Communist Party to Get Deeper Control Over State Council as Ties Are ‘Redefined’. China's National People's Congress is poised to pass a bill enhancing the Communist Party's grip on the State Council, emphasizing the cabinet's role as a faithful implementer of party policy. This move, marking the first amendment to the Organic Law of the State Council since 1982, aligns with a broader party-state overhaul initiated by President Xi Jinping, aiming to centralize policy-formulation and decision-making. The amendment mandates the State Council to adhere strictly to party leadership, guided by Marxism-Leninism and the political doctrines of Xi and previous leaders. It underscores the council's duty to safeguard the authority and centralized leadership of the party's Central Committee, with added emphasis on transparency for non-confidential sessions. This legislative adjustment solidifies Xi's and the party's dominance in Chinese politics, delineating a clear hierarchy between the party's decision-making and the State Council's implementation roles. William Zheng, South China Morning Post, March 7
China Sees Risk Everywhere in Its 2024 Work Report. China's 2024 work report, delivered by Premier Li Qiang, emphasizes risk mitigation over economic stimulus, focusing on "high-quality development" and political unity under President Xi Jinping. The report aims for sustainable growth, with limited economic stimulus and investments in infrastructure and technology sectors. It also addresses broader concerns of food and resource security, technological self-reliance, and enhancing national security in response to geopolitical tensions. Economic goals for 2024 include a GDP growth of "around 5%" and measures to boost household consumption without significantly increasing foreign business confidence. Stratfor, March 6
China's Two Meetings: First Impressions. During the pivotal Liang Hui event, Premier Li Qiang outlined a GDP growth goal of "around 5 percent" for 2024, highlighting a shift towards "high-quality growth" and innovation. The government's emphasis on stimulating domestic demand through fiscal policy, green technology, and electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing underscores China's strategy for technological self-reliance and addressing national security in a complex global landscape. This year also saw a notable change with the absence of a traditional press conference by Premier Li, indicating a deeper consolidation of the Communist Party's policy control.
, bert’s newsletter , March 6.Jia Qingguo Calls on Beijing to Relax Control to Encourage Non-Govt Efforts to Tell China's Story. In the annual sessions of China's CPPCC and NPC, Jia Qingguo, a prominent professor from Peking University, proposed Beijing should lessen its grip to boost non-governmental initiatives in sharing China's narrative globally. Highlighting the challenges faced in improving China's image, Jia pointed out the declining favorable perception abroad despite significant investment in international communication. He identified internal and external hurdles, including stringent restrictions on scholarly and diplomatic exchanges and a lack of incentives for encouraging public participation in foreign affairs. Jia's proposal emphasizes enhancing China's soft power through broader public engagement, advocating for reduced restrictions on diplomatic exchanges, and suggesting a more supportive environment for retired officials and scholars to partake in international dialogues. This approach aims to provide a more nuanced and multidimensional understanding of China on the global stage. Zichen Wang
, March 6.