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Wu Guoguang: Xi Jinping’s Reversal of the Course, Will China’s Transition be Peaceful or Marked with Bloodshed?

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Cheng Xiaonong: U.S.-China Strategic Relations Have Crystallized

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Xinhua Commentaries: “Exposing the Three Major Political Deficits of the U.S.”

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The CCP’s Performing Arts Troupes in the U.S.

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Chinese Ambassador to Germany on Sino-German Relations

On October 9, Shi Mingde, the Chinese Ambassador to Germany, published an article on People’s Daily titled, "Use an All-out Effort to Develop an Upgraded Version of Sino-German Relations." Below is a translation of selected excerpts.
"For a little over a year, the frequency of exchanges of high-level visits between China and Germany has been unprecedented. This clearly shows that, between the concerted efforts of China’s new generation of central leadership and the new government of the Federal Republic of Germany, Sino-German relations have not only developed steadily; they have reached the highest level in history in terms of depth and breadth. The leaders of the two countries have maintained a close and trusting relationship."
"Founded on solid bilateral political mutual trust, Sino-German relations continue to carry a rich strategic content. Entering into the new century, Sino-German relations embarked on a ‘fast track’ and ‘acceleration period’ of comprehensive development; they have successfully achieved a ‘triple jump.’ In 2004, the two sides announced a partnership in global responsibility within the framework of the China-EU comprehensive strategic partnership; 2010 saw a comprehensive advancement of that bilateral strategic partnership and the establishment of a consultation mechanism. In 2014, the bilateral relationship will elevate further to an all-around comprehensive strategic partnership relationship. This not only points out the direction for the continued expansion and deepening of Sino-German relations, but also bears far-reaching significance for creating a new type of mutually beneficial relationship between a developing nation and a developed nation."
"Pragmatic cooperation between the two countries has become a long lasting force of propulsion for the relationship. This year, against the backdrop of a more uncertain and unstable world economy, January – August Sino-German trade reached US$117.35 billion, a year-over-year increase of 12.2 percent. The bi-directional investment has also seen a substantial increase and is expected to reach a record high year end. Bilateral cooperation in politics, economics, the humanities and international affairs are comprehensive, pragmatic, extensive, and deep. The China-Germany inter-governmental consultation is the highest-level consultation mechanism between China and any Western country. Nearly 30 minister level senior officials are expected to participate in this round of the ‘Sino-German joint meeting of the Cabinets.’ Almost all members of the German Cabinet will participate to discuss plans for future cooperation between China and Germany. The two countries decided to upgrade diplomatic and security strategic dialogue, start a high-level financial dialogue, promote high-end manufacturing and ‘Industry 4.0’ cooperation, and implement Visa Facilitation Services. The ‘four-wheel drive’ pragmatic cooperation between China and Germany will provide a lasting momentum to promote China and Germany as the top partner in each their respective regions."
Source: People’s Daily, October 9, 2014
http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrb/html/2014-10/09/nw.D110000renmrb_20141009_4-03.htm
Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend

Chinese Leaders’ Recent Remarks Regarding the Situation in Hong Kong

On September 22, while meeting with a delegation of Hong Kong business leaders, Xi Jinping emphasized that "one country, two systems" is the basic national policy. To run Hong Kong’s operation smoothly, the key is to understand and implement, fully and accurately, the "one country two systems" policy and to safeguard the authority of the Basic Law. The central government’s basic policies towards Hong Kong have not changed and will not change. [1] 

On September 19, Zhang Dejiang, a member of the Politburo Standing Committee and Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, met with all members of the Hong Kong New Democracy Party. Zhang said that Hong Kong must follow the Basic Law and the NPC Standing Committee’s decision to develop democracy step by step. [2] 

On September 28, Hong Kong Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying stated that the Hong Kong SAR Government resolutely opposes the "Occupy Central" campaign which occupies public places illegally. The "Occupy Central" [campaign] is attempting to paralyze the operation of Hong Kong’s core region so as to use blackmail against the Central and HKSAR Government. It has already gone beyond the general public’s expression of civilian views. [3] 
On October 6, Leung Chun-ying stated that [the government] will use every effort to restore people’s lives back to normal. In a televised speech, Leung said that the government and the police have a duty to restore social order and to protect the safety of lives and property. [4] 

Sources: Xinhua, September 19-Octerber 6, 2014 
[1] http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2014-09/22/c_1112581414.htm 
[2] http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2014-09/19/c_1112552832.htm 
[3] http://news.xinhuanet.com/gangao/2014-09/29/c_127049244.htm 
[4] http://news.xinhuanet.com/gangao/2014-10/06/c_1112721512.htm

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

People’s Daily Will Be Investigated for Corruption

On October 5, 2014, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party (CCDI) announced that it will conduct a special inspection of six units of People’s Daily.  

Pu Zengfan, the CCDI chief at People’s Daily, made the announcement at a recent meeting at the newspaper. At the meeting Pu delivered remarks from CCDI Secretary Wang Qishan and laid out the implementation plan for the special inspection of three local branches and three affiliated newspapers and businesses. Two teams, each comprised of high-ranking officials from CCDI, audit administration, and the personnel department, will carry out the inspection. 
The inspection will focus on five areas. The first is the implementation of the Party’s policies, compliance with the Party’s discipline procedures, and news reporting; second is anti-corruption mechanisms; third is instances of bribery and blackmail in news reporting; fourth is internal management; and fifth is nepotism and the disclosure of high-ranking leader’s personal affairs.

Pu stated that the effectiveness of the inspection depends on whether the inspection is taken seriously. “[One] must carry out this inspection as a political task and be clear as to the scope of the task.” Pu stated that the inspection must prioritize and concentrate on problem areas. 
Source: The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China, October 5, 2014 http://www.ccdi.gov.cn/xwyw/201409/t20140926_27998.html
Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Xinhua: Western Think Tank Stated That Washington Scripted “Occupy Central”

Xinhua reported that Tony Cartalucci, a researcher from the think tank "Land Destroyer" published an article in which he maintained that the U.S. planned the current "Occupy Central" event in April of this year.

The Xinhua report stated, "When Martin Lee, founder of the Democratic Party in Hong Kong, and Anson Chan, Hong Kong’s Chief Secretary under British rule, visited the U.S. in April, they held a meeting with the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI), funded by the State Department, on their plan, the leaders, and the agenda for the ‘Occupy Central’ movement."

"Cartalucci stated that the U.S. has provided funding and support for ‘Occupy Central,’ and that the people directing ‘Occupy Central’ are not Hongkongese who participated in the movement, but Washington and Wall Street. … The true agenda of ‘Occupy Central’ is not about having a real vote in Hong Kong, but getting the foreign-backed political cabal behind ‘Occupy Central’ into power, ‘soft’ colonizing Hong Kong, and further dividing China."

[Land Destroyer has been described as a blog that critiques the "corporate-financier oligarchy" and never condemns any U.S. enemy (http://rationalwiki.org/wiki/Land_Destroyer).]

Sources:
1. Xinhua, October 7, 2014
http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2014-10/07/c_1112724840.htm
2. Black Listed News, October 5, 2014
http://www.blacklistednews.com/Entire_%22Occupy_Central%22_Protest_Scripted_in_Washington/38396/0/38/38/Y/M.html

Briefings | | |   Government/Politics

Huanqiu: -China’s First Flight Test of New Mobile ICBM Is to Terrorize the U.S.

On October 3, 2014, Huanqiu, the Chinese edition of Global Times, published an article on China’s first flight test of the Dongfeng 31B missile, a new road-mobile intercontinental ballistic missile that was developed to deter the United States. Citing a report from the Washington Free Beacon, Huanqiu said that “the missiles can be hidden in garages or caves so that satellites and other sensors cannot detect them.”

“China has made it clear in its state-run media that the PLA has developed nuclear forces for use against the United States. Chinese media have reported that a submarine-launched missile attack on the United States would kill between 5 million and 12 million Americans.”

Source: Huanqiu, October 3, 2014
http://mil.huanqiu.com/observation/2014-10/5157572.html

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Phoenix New Media: The U.S. Supports Hong Kong ‘Occupy Central’ with Funds and Efforts

Phoenix New Media, a Hong Kong based media group directly controlled by Beijing, published an article accusing the U.S. of supporting Hong Kong’s “Occupy Central” (the umbrella movement) with funds and efforts.

“‘Occupy Central’ seems to be a democratic action striving for ‘universal suffrage,’ but it has secretly received financial, political, and media help and other assistance from the U.S. State Department, the U.S. National Endowment for Democracy (NED), the National Democratic Institute (NDI), and other institutes in Western countries. The U.S. government’s purpose is to turn Hong Kong into a cradle land outside China for organizing groups that can directly influence China. … Since Western forces reluctantly returned sovereignty over Hong Kong (to China), they have actively worked on how to separate the Hong Kong SAR from mainland China. They have even planned to turn Hong Kong into their pawn to undermine China’s stability.”

Source: Phoenix New Media, October 3, 2014
http://news.ifeng.com/a/20141003/42136316_0.shtml

Briefings | | |   US-China Relations

Global Times: Germany Has Become the Largest Trade Surplus Country

Global Times recently reported, based on newly released IMF numbers, that Germany replaced China to become the country with the largest trade surplus. This shows that Germany has built its success on an extremely high export level rather than on imports. It seems that Germany has not encouraged its domestic consumer spending, which could otherwise help the EU’s weak growth. Instead, Germany is becoming a drag on the EU’s overall economy. China has held the top surplus title for many years. However the Chinese currency, the RMB, has appreciated by 30 percent since 2006. In the upcoming IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Washington, Germany is expected to face pressure from the international community when it is asked to take action to stimulate its domestic economy to help the EU recover.
Source: Global Times, October 3, 2014
http://world.huanqiu.com/exclusive/2014-10/5157608.html
Briefings | | |   Economy/Resources

BBC Chinese: The U.S. Partially Lifted Its Embargo on the Sale of Arms to Vietnam

BBC Chinese recently reported that U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry met with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh on October 2. The United States decided to lift its embargo on the sale of weapons for naval defense purposes. The embargo on the sale of arms started in 1975 and has lasted nearly four decades. The U.S. government explained that this move was based on improvements in the human rights situation in Vietnam. Further expansion of the scope of lifting the embargo will depend on more improvements in the human rights area. U.S. officials denied any relationship between this announcement and the conflicts China is currently having with its neighboring countries in the South China Sea. The United States and Vietnam restored normal relations 20 years ago. The current annual trade volume between the United States and Vietnam is around US$20 billion. 
Source: BBC Chinese, October 2, 2014
http://www.bbc.co.uk/zhongwen/simp/world/2014/10/141002_us_vietnam_arms_sales
Briefings | | |   Geo-Strategic Trend