Chinascope – Page 733

Global Times: China Has Become the Largest Economy

Global Times recently reported that, based on the World Bank’s latest calculation, China is now the largest economy in the world. Economic power also brings the power of political influence. Over a decade ago, China surpassed Japan to take second place. Some experts have suggested that China may not be at the top if a different method of calculation is used. The United States has been the largest economy since 1872. After around one and a half centuries, China has finally unseated the United States. China is seeking more power in world class organizations like the International Monetary Fund. With this new development, China hopes the current political balance will have to be adjusted. However China should be worried that the international community may ask China to shoulder more responsibilities. In the long run, India and Indonesia may catch up as challengers. However China is very likely to break the record that the Unites States set, which is to hold the top title for one and a half centuries.

[Editor’s note: The method of calculaton used is called “purchasing power parity." It compares the purchasing power of the yuan inside China to the purchasing power of a dollar inside the United States.]

Source: Global Times, September 28, 2014

http://world.huanqiu.com/article/2014-09/5153652.html

Briefings | | October 14, 2014 | Economy/Resources

Hong Kong, a Trap Set up for Xi Jinping

Many people view the current Hong Kong democracy movement as a confrontation between the people of Hong Kong and Beijing over universal suffrage and who controls the nomination. Not that many have realized that it also represents in-fighting within the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) itself.

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Perspectives | | October 10, 2014 | Opinion

Central Bank Implies the Economy Has Worsened

China Business News reported that China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China, stated at its third quarterly meeting that "The intricacies of the financial situation in China should not be underestimated," indicating the economy has worsened.

According to financial analysts, the statement was significant in view of the message from the previous quarterly meeting where the central bank stated, “The economic and financial structure began to show positive changes, but the situation is still complicated. Both favorable and unfavorable factors coexist." Removal of the positive remark at the central bank’s third quarterly meeting may mean that, presently, negative factors have probably increased compared to the second quarter, adding pressure to the economy. These negative factors are mainly reflected in business conditions and the slowing down of the growth of profit. The latest PMI index shows that the trend of recovery in manufacturing and service industries has stopped.

As China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China issues monetary policy and regulates financial institutions in mainland China.

Source: China Business News, October 8, 2014
http://www.yicai.com/news/2014/10/4025204.html

Briefings | | October 10, 2014 | Economy/Resources

The Paper: The True Ranking of the Communist Party Leaders

Recently The Paper, a Shanghai based news portal, reported that there are stringent protocols about the sequential order in which Communist leaders are mentioned in news reports, and that such protocols are not officially acknowledged.

The commonly used term, “Party and State leaders,” in news reports is based on the Civil Servant Law of the People’s Republic of China, Article 16, which divides the posts of civil servants into the category of leading posts and non-leading posts. The top levels of leading posts are chiefs at the state level and deputies at the state level. “Party and State leaders” refers to the chiefs and deputies at the state level.

“Party and State leaders” include the following Communist Party officials: Central Committee General Secretary, Politburo Standing Committee members, Politburo members, Secretariat of the Central Committee, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission.

“Party and State leaders” include the following state leaders: President and Vice President of China, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, Premier, Vice Premiers, State Council members, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission of the People’s Republic of China.

Also included in the term “Party and State leaders” are President of the Supreme People’s Court and the Procurators-General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.

It is common that one person holds multiple positions, so the actual number of “Party and State leaders” is lower than the total number of positions. Currently, the total number of Party and State leaders is about 70.

There are stringent protocols about the sequential order in which Communist leaders are mentioned in news reports. No official documents are available for the public on this matter. Thus, people must figure it out from the news reports.

Source: The Paper reprinted by sina.com, October 9, 2014

http://yd.sina.cn/article/detail-iazpqypm6462325.d.html?vt=4&mid=cfkptvx2565783

Briefings | | October 10, 2014 | Government/Politics

People’s Daily: Japan-U.S. Alliance Beautiful Packaging, Ugly Essence

On October 8, Japan and the United States jointly issued an interim report discussing revisions to the "Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines." In a commentary, People’s Daily [overseas edition] stated that the report is just a product beautifully packaged on the outside, but ugly in essence. It exposed the two countries’ true intention of pursuing their selfish interests.

The article said that Japan has two purposes in promoting the revision to the "Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines." The first is to get rid of the restrictions of the post-war international order. In particular, it wants to eliminate the limitation of its peace constitution on Japan’s development of its armed forces and the rights of the [Japanese] Self-Defense Forces. The second purpose is to target China.

From the U.S.’ perspective, revising the Defense Guidelines will serve its "Asia-Pacific rebalancing" strategy. The way Americans care about their dominance in the Asia-Pacific region is extreme. However, currently, their internal and external problems plague them. This superpower has difficulty achieving its goals using only its own power. Therefore, the interim report pointed out that the United States needs to develop more balanced and effective alliances.

The revised "Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines" provide a “blueprint" of how to grab the common interests in the world using the alliance between the two countries as a tool. The thought of Japan-U.S co-dominance is growing insidiously. With the connivance of the United States, Japan may become the new "international police," waving the flag for the "new interventionism."

Source: Xinhua, October 9, 2014

http://news.xinhuanet.com/world/2014-10/09/c_127074404.htm

Briefings | | October 10, 2014 | US-China Relations

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 | | October 9, 2014 | 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 | | October 9, 2014 | 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 | | October 9, 2014 | Government/Politics

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

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

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

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