Chinese President Xi Advocates for Safeguarding Belt and Road Initiative Abroad

Xi emphasizes the need for risk management and protective measures for host nations in the 'new phase' of the Belt and Road projects.

During a conference focused on Beijing’s extensive initiatives to expand a worldwide infrastructure and trade network linked to China, Xi expressed concerns that the global situation has become "challenging and complex."

"Xi stated at the meeting that in recent times, the global landscape has shifted into an era marked by instability and transformation, characterized by a notable increase in isolationist and protective policies, while regional disputes and disturbances have grown increasingly common."

"Under these conditions, it is essential to adequately react to diverse threats and obstacles, successfully mitigate the effects of geopolitical disputes, properly manage the balance between improving partner countries' satisfaction and securing our national advantages, and efficiently protect the security of our interests abroad," he stated.

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Xi emphasized that despite the increasingly difficult circumstances, the prospects for advancing the initiative still outweigh the challenges.

"He emphasized the need to bolster our strategic assurance, sustain our strategic resolve, and possess the bravery to embrace responsibilities," he stated, advocating for enhanced control over project risks and a system to safeguard the interests of host nations.

China's President Xi Advocates for Safeguarding Belt and Road Initiative's Global Interests

President Xi emphasizes the need for risk management and protective measures for host nations in the evolving stage of the Belt and Road projects.

Addressing participants during a conference focused on the initiatives, Xi highlighted the increasing complexity and challenges of the global landscape, as Beijing continues to expand its extensive infrastructure and trade network linking to China.

"Recently, the global landscape has shifted into a phase of instability and transformation, marked by a noticeable increase in isolationist and protectionist policies. Additionally, regional disputes and disturbances are occurring more often," Xi stated during the conference.

"In light of these conditions, it is crucial to adequately respond to diverse risks and challenges, successfully mitigate the effects of geopolitical disputes, properly balance the enhancement of partner countries' satisfaction with ensuring our own nation's benefits, and robustly protect the security of our interests abroad," he stated.

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Xi emphasized that despite a tougher environment, the prospects for advancing the initiative still outweigh the challenges.

"He emphasized the need to boost our strategic assurance, sustain our strategic resolve, and possess the bravery to assume responsibilities," he stated, urging for enhanced management of project risks and the establishment of a system to safeguard the interests of host nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Advocates for Safeguarding Belt and Road Initiative's Overseas Interests

Xi emphasizes the necessity for risk management and protective mechanisms for host nations in the 'new phase' of Belt and Road projects.

At a meeting focused on the initiatives, Xi commented on Beijing's extensive initiative to develop a worldwide infrastructure and trade network linking to China, cautioning that the global landscape has become "challenging and complex".

"Xi stated in the meeting that in recent times, global dynamics have shifted, ushering in an era marked by increased unilateral actions and protectionist policies, with regional conflicts and disturbances occurring more often."

"Under these conditions, we must adequately react to diverse risks and difficulties, successfully mitigate the effects of geopolitical disputes, properly manage the balance between improving the satisfaction of our partner nations and securing our own country's advantages, and efficiently protect the security of our interests abroad," he stated.

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Xi mentioned that despite the tougher conditions, the prospects for advancing the initiative still outweigh the challenges.

"He emphasized the need to bolster our strategic assurance, sustain our strategic resolve, and possess the bravery to shoulder responsibilities," he stated, advocating for enhanced control over project risks and a system to safeguard the interests of host nations.

Chinese President Xi Jinping Advocates for Safeguarding Belt and Road Initiative Investments Abroad

Xi emphasizes the necessity of risk management and establishing protective measures for the interests of participating nations in this 'new phase' of Belt and Road projects.

Addressing attendees at a conference focused on the initiatives, Xi highlighted that Beijing's extensive project to develop a worldwide infrastructure and trade network linked to China is facing a "tough and complicated" international landscape.

"Xi addressed the gathering, noting that the global landscape has recently shifted into an era marked by instability and transformation, characterized by a notable increase in unilateral and protectionist actions, with regional disputes and disturbances occurring more often."

"Under these conditions, we must adequately address diverse risks and obstacles, successfully navigate through the repercussions of geopolitical disputes, properly balance the benefits to our partner nations with our own interests, and securely protect our foreign investments," he stated.

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Xi stated that despite the tougher conditions, the prospects still outweigh the challenges in advancing the initiative.

"He emphasized the need to boost our strategic assurance, sustain our strategic resolve, and possess the bravery to shoulder responsibilities," he stated, advocating for enhanced control of project risks and a system to safeguard the interests of host nations.

Xinjiang, located in China's far west, seeks to strengthen its relationship with Pakistan and Central Asian nations as a strategy to counteract U.S. sanctions. The region is enhancing its position as a key entry point for the Belt and Road Initiative by keeping the Pakistan border open during winter and expanding its connections with Kazakhstan’s Zhetysu area.

The Khunjerab Pass, the only border crossing between China and Pakistan located in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, commenced year-round operations on Sunday. Previously, this crossing was shut from December to March due to harsh weather conditions.

Between April and October, over 11,000 vehicles and approximately 40,900 tons of cargo were processed at the harbor, marking a 42.6% and 72.7% increase respectively from the previous year, as reported by the state-run news outlet Xinhua.

Khorgos serves as a key entry point for the China Railway Express, a railway logistics service that links China with Europe.

China encourages committed relationships among seniors amid increasing HIV/AIDS infections in those over 50

Growing rates of infection are linked to feelings of isolation, insufficient knowledge of protected sex, and hesitance to talk about it with healthcare providers.

According to a report by state broadcaster CCTV on Sunday, Liu Yufen, the deputy director at the AIDS prevention center of the Chinese CDC, noted an increasing number of new infections among individuals aged 50 and older, predominantly impacting men.

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The report indicated that although there was a decline in the overall new cases reported and other transmission methods had been successfully managed, sexual transmission continued to be a major route of infection.

An increase in new cases among the elderly is worrisome as the world's second-largest economy faces the growing challenges of an aging population.

In 2023, official figures revealed that individuals aged 60 or older in China numbered 297 million, making up over 21% of the nation's overall population. Those 65 and older surpassed 216 million, representing 15.4% of the total population.

Following a series of large-scale assaults, Chinese authorities have emphasized the importance of judicial fairness to uphold societal stability. A high-ranking official, in an uncommon commentary in the People's Daily, appealed to the judiciary to concentrate on resolving disputes to avert the rise of 'social risks.'

He stated that China is encountering a growing number of uncertain and unpredictable elements. He emphasized that law enforcement and judicial efforts are essential not only for delivering justice in specific cases but also play a pivotal role in mending social relationships and enhancing social governance.

Wang noted that if authorities prioritize speeding up court processes and resolving cases rapidly at the expense of personalized justice, or if they enforce laws rigidly just to streamline case handling without addressing the underlying issues, they could escalate tensions among the parties involved.

He advocated for addressing issues and bolstering governance from the ground up to avoid the escalation of various social risks.

According to a political scientist who wished to remain unnamed, Wang's remarks probably mirror recent widespread events.

China's Ministry of State Security has issued a caution regarding the safety hazards posed by freely accessible data. The agency highlighted that public data, including social media content that is not managed correctly, serves as a primary intelligence resource for international espionage agents.

The ministry cautioned that foreign spy agencies are capable of compiling incomplete and unclear data, and by utilizing advanced data analysis techniques, they can achieve accurate, ongoing, and consistent monitoring of their targets, thereby gathering crucial intelligence.

"This poses significant obstacles to safeguarding information, necessitating tighter and more potent strategies to curb data breaches."

The Ministry of State Security pinpointed three critical concerns and advised prudence in the bidding process for procurements, where there's a risk of revealing sensitive data. It referenced instances in construction projects and the digitization of confidential archives that entail confidential details, emphasizing the need for stringent security protocols during procurement to safeguard national secrets.

The ministry stated that poor management and insufficient understanding might result in the exposure of procurement information, objectives, or confidential technical details.

Chinese Urban Centers Combat 'Lying Flat' Attitude with 'Snail Prizes' for Underperforming Employees

"In China, making a mistake can lead to severe repercussions, prompting officials to prefer inaction," a scholar explains.

In Taizhou, a city located in the eastern part of Jiangsu province, authorities have introduced a "snail award" for employees who fail to promptly respond to public complaints. According to a report by the official People's Daily on Sunday, this includes delays in tasks such as repairing a government website, replacing a street light, and tearing down unauthorized constructions.

Several cities have conducted studies and created a list of characteristics that define "lying flat," which refers to doing just enough to meet basic requirements. In Kunming, located in the southern Yunnan province of China, this list encompasses attitudes such as satisfaction with the current state, aversion to responsibility, delay in action, and subpar work performance.

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Typically, authorities penalize officials exhibiting such characteristics. In September, the Mazhang district government in Zhanjiang, located in Guangdong province, demoted eight officials. In Taizhou in Jiangsu and Zunyi in Guizhou, recipients of the "snail award" faced negative annual reviews and reduced bonuses.

Several cities have established commendable initiatives to motivate their employees. For instance, in Taizhou, officials have introduced a "horse award" to recognize highly efficient workers. Meanwhile, in Hanshou county located in central Hunan province, a competition is held to honor the "diligent worker" through a public cadre image contest.

The phenomenon of the "lying flat cadre" has been frequently highlighted by Xi and disciplinary bodies as an indication that officials prefer comfort and pleasure.

China Expands Cultural Diplomacy Efforts, Emphasizes Diverse Philosophical Traditions Beyond Confucius

The recently established Zhuzi Research Institute highlights China's initiative to embrace and integrate its rich intellectual traditions into governance.

The "Institute of Early Chinese Philosophies," also known as the "Chinese Zhuzi Research Institute," was inaugurated recently at the East China Normal University (ECNU) in Shanghai.

The initiative seeks to delve into the nation's extensive philosophical history, which spans over two millennia, and apply this age-old knowledge to modern governmental practices both in China and internationally, according to academics present at last month's launch event.

Experts view the institution as a new symbol of China's dedication to reviving its scholarly traditions for contemporary leadership, as it engages in a battle of narratives with Western nations. This effort notably emphasizes lesser-known philosophical perspectives to foster a broader discussion.

Efforts to simplify Chinese culture to just Confucianism are significantly misguided. During the opening ceremony, Lei Qili, the vice-president of ECNU, emphasized the institute's commitment to rejuvenating traditional culture as a reaction to the "second combine".

A Chinese county is facing challenges in attracting and compensating employees for demanding, entry-level positions. The report reveals that frontline workers are overburdened, which leaves them with hardly any time or energy for structured learning or career advancement.

An eastern Chinese county is aiming to enhance benefits for local government employees involved in social services, following challenges in attracting qualified candidates for these strenuous positions.

A summary of a survey conducted in the county was released on the department's official WeChat account on November 21, and subsequently shared on people.com.cn, the digital platform of the People's Daily, which is known as the official publication of the party.

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It seems that the initial article was taken down from the WeChat account after its first publication. Moreover, the People’s Daily website has swapped out the original report for a shorter version, which no longer includes information about the challenges the county is encountering.

The report underscores the challenges that local authorities, particularly in economically disadvantaged regions, encounter as they handle the numerous social obligations imposed by institutional reform initiatives.

The Department of Social Work under the Central Committee was established last year as a party entity tasked with addressing public complaints, managing local governance, developing party structures within the private sector, and overseeing volunteer coordination.

It was established to strengthen the party's control across various levels, and local authorities were instructed to set up regional divisions to implement the initiatives at the community level.

The report from Feng county indicates that the majority of local administrative duties were performed by contracted or temporary employees, many of whom lacked formal training.

Frequent stress evaluations on China's rural leaders are increasing the danger of instability in the countryside. According to a researcher, numerous local authorities are considering resignation due to the escalating pressures and objectives.

A specialist in rural governance has expressed concerns that the pressure on China's rural officials to achieve the objectives set by Beijing has intensified over the last ten years, potentially threatening stability in rural areas.

In a recent social media post that was quickly removed, Luo Shan, a scholar at the Rural Governance Research Centre of Wuhan University, expressed that numerous local officials in rural areas are feeling "disheartened" and "frustrated" with their roles.

"A significant number of rural village officials are considering resignation, signaling a major warning for the foundational governance structure. Such an exodus would indicate that the current system is unsustainable and on the brink of collapse," she stated in her article, which was shared on the social media platform WeChat and various other media sites, before its removal.

The website of Wuhan University refers to Luo as an "esteemed doctoral graduate" who completed her studies in August. Efforts to reach her for a statement did not succeed.

In her piece, Luo mentioned that her findings were derived from a study she carried out in July in a central Chinese village. Here, she noted that all seven of the community's top officials showed a "strong desire to quit," with the three individuals in leadership positions explicitly stating their intention to resign to their higher-ups.

Luo expressed concern over the issue, noting that village officials are crucial for sustaining organized production and stability within the rural community.