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China,Vietnam Forge Stronger Ties as Leaders Join Hands for Shared Future

Xi Jinping,general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president,holds talks with Vietnamese President Vo Van Thuong in Hanoi,capital of Vietnam,on December 13,2023.

Xi Jinping,general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese president,paid a state visit to Vietnam on December 12 and 13,2023.During Xi's visit,China and Vietnam agreed to build a community with a shared future that carries strategic significance,charting a promising path of their closer cooperation and friendship going forward.Last year marks the 15th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Vietnam.The visit accomplished the third round of mutual visits between the general secretaries of the two parties in the new era and showcased the special friendship between China and Vietnam,as well as both sides' high regard for the ties between their two parties and countries.

EXCHANGES

“China and Britain,both permanent members of the United Nations Security Council,bear important responsibilities for maintaining international peace and stability.The steady and sound development of bilateral relations not only serves the fundamental and long-term interests of the two peoples but also has strategic and global significance for promoting world peace and prosperity.China and Britain offer development opportunities to each other,and we hope that the British side will establish a correct understanding of China and grasp the general direction of the development of China-Britain relations.”

Foreign Minister Wang Yi said during a phone conversation with David Cameron,British secretary of state for foreign,commonwealth,and development affairs,at the latter's request on December 5,2023.

“ln the process of advancing Chinese modernization,the protection of human rights for the Chinese people will be further enhanced,and people's sense of fulfillment,happiness,and security will be further strengthened.China is ready to work with all parties to take the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights as a new starting point,jointly advance the cause of human rights in the world through constructive dialogue and cooperation,and steer the global governance of human rights toward greater fairness,justice,equity,and inclusiveness.”

Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu said when attending the welcome reception of the lnternational Symposium Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on December 5,2023.

Xi Jinping Sends Congratulatory Letter to 2023 Imperial Springs Int'l Forum

On December 4,2023,Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the 2023 Imperial Springs International Forum held in the city of Guangzhou,in south China's Guangdong Province.

Xi Jinping pointed out that since its establishment,the Imperial Springs International Forum has brought together people of insight from all over the world to discuss in-depth many issues affecting world peace and stability,sustainable economic development,cultural exchanges,and mutual learning– playing a positive role in promoting international cooperation and enhancing closer people-to-people ties.

Xi stressed that facing unprecedented changes in the world,the times,and history,human society must unite,uphold mutual learning,openness,inclusiveness,and winwin cooperation,advocate common values of humanity,and jointly build a better world.

Xi hoped that all the distinguished guests would brainstorm ideas,speak out for the practice of real multilateralism,and contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Wang Yi Mourns the Passing of Henry Kissinger

On December 5,2023,Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee,Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs,and Foreign Minister Wang Yi went to the U.S.Embassy in China to mourn the passing of former U.S.Secretary of State Henry Kissinger.Wang wrote in the condolence book and expressed deep condolences for the passing of Dr.Kissinger.

Wang pointed out that Dr.Henry Kissinger was an old friend of the Chinese people who had made historic contributions to the normalization of China-U.S.relations and will be remembered by the Chinese people forever.Time has proven and will continue to prove that the political decision made by Dr.Henry Kissinger and the Chinese leaders in that year is in line with the fundamental interests of the two peoples,the development trend of the times,and the expectations of the international community.

Wang indicated that over the years,Dr.Henry Kissinger viewed China's development in an objective and friendly manner.He firmly believed that China and the United States,as two major countries,should and must coexist in peace.He was good at seeking common ground and opportunities for cooperation from the differences between China and the United States,demonstrating his foresight and vision as a diplomat,strategist,and statesman.

Wang emphasized that President Xi Jinping and President Joe Biden had a successful summit meeting in San Francisco,where they had in-depth communication and reached a series of important common understandings on issues of strategic,overarching,and fundamental importance,which will help improve and develop bilateral relations in a sound,stable,and sustainable direction.The two sides should implement the common understandings reached by the two leaders.

Wang expressed the hope that the United States will work in the same direction with China,do more to help enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation,and take concrete actions to maintain the stability and improve momentum of China-U.S.relations.

Li Qiang Meets with Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore Lawrence Wong

On December 6,2023,Premier Li Qiang met with visiting Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance of Singapore Lawrence Wong at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Li said that this year is of great significance for both China and Singapore.President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong jointly announced the upgrading of China-Singapore relations to an all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership.Bilateral cooperation in various fields has made great progress,continuously exhibiting better performance,new vigor,and vitality.

Li pointed out that China is willing to maintain close high-level exchanges with Singapore,deepen alignment of development strategies,and promote China-Singapore cooperation,in a bid to achieve more results in digital economy,green development,financial services,ocean energy utilization,and other fields.China is ready to work with Singapore and other regional countries to strengthen solidarity and cooperation,accelerate negotiations on Version 3.0 China-ASEAN Free Trade Area,and continuously inject new impetus into regional integration.

Lawrence Wong said that under the guidance of the leaders of the two countries,Singapore-China relations have witnessed a sound momentum of development.Singapore attaches great importance to its relations with China and is willing to work with China to enhance high-level exchanges,make indepth progress in practical cooperation in such fields as economy and trade,investment,green development,and digital economy,and play a positive role in safeguarding regional peace,stability,and development;so as to promote the continuous development of the all-round high-quality future-oriented partnership between Singapore and China.

Han Zheng Meets Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Bárcena

Chinese Vice President Han Zheng met with Mexican Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena in Beijing on December 6,2023.

Han said that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state,China-Mexico relations have maintained a high level of operation,becoming increasingly strategic,complementary and mutually beneficial.

Noting that 2023 marks the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-Mexico comprehensive strategic partnership,Han said the two sides should implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state,consolidate political mutual trust,firmly support each other,deepen practical cooperation,and enhance people-topeople understanding.

Expressing sympathies over the recent hurricane disaster that hit Mexico's Pacific coast,Han said China will provide support and assistance in the post-disaster reconstruction.

Barcena thanked China for always providing timely assistance to Mexico when it encountered difficulties.

Barcena said the Mexican side highly appreciates the major concepts and initiatives put forward by the Chinese head of state and is willing to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state,deepen bilateral and multilateral coordination and cooperation,and promote the continuous development of bilateral relations.

“China and the EU are partners,not rivals.China-EU cooperation should be a positive cycle that enables our mutual success,not a knock-out match which results in only one winner.Certain individuals selectively emphasize the competitive aspects between China and the EU,deliberately overlook partnerships,and hype up ‘de-risking’ with China,and reducing dependence on China.Such misconceptions about China will not only reinforce misunderstandings and erode mutual trust but also go against the EU’s longheld position of upholding free trade and WTO rules and disrupt the growth of China-EU relations,which does not serve anyone’s interests.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin indicated at a regular press conference on December 1,2023.

“For some time,out of selfish geopolitical interests,the U.S.has incited,supported,and assisted in the Philippines’ infringement and provocation at sea and repeatedly made threats by citing the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty.Such moves blatantly embolden the Philippines’ violation of China’s sovereignty,seriously violate the purposes and principles of the UN Charter,and gravely jeopardize regional peace and stability.China has made clear that the so-called arbitral award on the South China Sea is illegal,null,and void and has no binding effect whatsoever.The U.S.itself would not implement the judgment of the lnternational Court of Justice and international arbitral awards.ln what position is the U.S.to tell China that it should implement an illegal arbitral award? The U.S.needs to know that no threat,coercion,or unfounded attack and accusation will lead anywhere nor shake China’s firm resolve and will in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.”

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said at a regular press conference on December 13,2023.

ECONOMY/SOCIETY

Growth in Rural Consumption

Accelerating the release of market potential is of great significance for expanding domestic demand and stabilizing growth.Currently,there are 17.3 million rural online stores nationwide,and the consumption market at the township and village levels accounts for 38 percent of the country’s total.Data from the National Bureau of Statistics show the following increases during the period from January to September 2023:

RMB 1093.8 Billion

From January to November,China completed an investment of RMB 1,093.8 billion in water conservancy construction,an increase of RMB 85.4 billion compared to the same period in 2022.

China Advances RMB Internationalization

The Chinese currency renminbi (RMB),or the yuan,has been increasingly used as an international currency in recent years,gaining popularity as a payment,investment,and reserve currency on the global market.

According to the 2023 Yuan Internationalization Report released by the People’s Bank of China (PBOC),the country’s central bank,58 panda bonds were issued from January to August 2023,totaling RMB 106 billion (US $14.79 billion).This represents a year-on-year increase of 58.2 percent.

The macro-prudential management bureau of the PBOC announced last November that various channels for mutual stock market access,such as the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect,the Shenzhen-Hong Kong Stock Connect,mutual recognition of funds,Bond Connect,the Shanghai-London Stock Connect,and the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect,had been opened and optimized.

As of the end of September 2023,a total of 1,110 foreign institutions had entered the Chinese bond market,holding RMB 3.3 trillion in Chinese bonds,an increase of nearly 200 percent compared to five years before.

Warehouse Storage Sector Maintains Expansions

China’s warehouse storage industry registered sound performance,remaining in the expansion zone from January to October in 2023,industry data showed.

The index tracking the sector’s development stood at 52.2 percent last November,up 1.3 percentage points from October,according to a survey jointly released by the China Federation of Logistics and Purchasing and CMST Development Co.,Ltd.

All the major sub-indices of the sector stayed in the expansion zone in November.Specifically,the figure measuring new orders came in at 53 percent,up 3.3 percentage points from one month earlier and returning to the expansion zone,which marks a demand recovery on the market.

Enterprises maintained a sound outlook for the market,with the reading for business expectations hitting 55.2 percent last October,the survey noted,forecasting that the warehouse storage industry would keep steady growth in the future.

Measures to Facilitate Cross-Border Trade &Investment Released

The State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE)published nine new measures to facilitate cross-border trade,investment,and financing in the latest effort to promote financial opening-up in December 2023.

The new measures,concerning both current accounts and capital accounts,further streamline foreign exchange management and shorten procedures of related cross-border business,said Wang Chunying,deputy director and spokesperson of the SAFE.The measures will effectively stimulate market vitality and better serve the high-quality development of the real economy.

In the next step,the SAFE will improve foreign exchange policies for technological innovation and micro,small,and medium-sized enterprises,further facilitate cross-border trade,investment,and financing,and help stabilize foreign trade and investment.

China Completes Initial Set-up of First High-Orbit Satellite Internet

China has completed the initial set-up of its first high-orbit satellite Internet,according to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation(CASC).

Following the launch of a group of high-throughput communication satellites,the high-orbit satellite Internet now fully covers the whole territory of China and key areas of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) participating countries.The highthroughput satellites have wide bandwidth and fast transmission speeds,and facilitate video downloads and video calls.

By the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025),the total capacity of China's high-throughput satellites will exceed 500 Gbps.At that time,the country's high-throughput satellites will provide highspeed network communication and satellite Internet access services for industries such as aviation,navigation,emergency,energy,and forestry and grass.

Theme Park Economy Thriving

The 80 largest theme parks in the Chinese mainland received 75.74 million visits during 2022 with the revenue totaling RMB 15.36 billion,an increase of 15.29 percent from the previous year,according to the latest report from the Institute forTheme Studies in China.The Chinese mainland has 82 theme parks which meet the standard of a large or extralarge theme park in 2022,and 80 of them were included in the research report,an increase of 10 from 2021.

The number of the theme parks in the Chinese mainland is showing an uptrend,and the proportion of domestic brand theme parks accounted for more than one half in 2022,said Lin Huanjie,president of the Institute for Theme Studies in China.In addition,more new domestic intellectual properties are appearing in the theme parks,and the shaping of the domestic intellectual properties will raise the upper limit for domestic theme park development,as well as increase the consumer re-visit rate to these theme parks,Lin added.

Fewer Chinese Tying the Knot

Data show that less than 6.84 million couples registered for marriage in 2022,a decrease of 10.6 percent from 2021.The number of people entering their first marriage also dropped 9.16 percent year-on-year,falling below the 11 million mark for the first time in many years.The year 2013 saw the peak in first-marriage couples in China,reaching almost 23.86 million.According to this data,this group shrank by 55.9 percent in nine years.

Multiple factors are believed to be at play for this sharp decline,including fewer people of marriageable age.Following a 40-year pinnacle in new births in 1987,China’s population started to exhibit a steady decline that has continued to the present.Demographer Dong Yuzheng noticed that the younger generation has a lower interest in marriage due to the following reasons: marriage is now less appealing to them because of the instability of marriage in real life;their views about marriage have changed,with fewer seeing marriage and having children as a must in life;and the cost of marriage is skyrocketing.

The COVID-19 pandemic was also a reason that some people decided to delay getting their marriage registration.

Smart Tourism All the Rage

As of June 2023,454 million Chinese had booked tourism services online,accounting for 42.1 percent of Internet users in the country,said the 2023 report on the development of China’s smart tourism recently released by China Tourism Academy.

The number of smart hotels and B&B businesses have exceeded 150,000,with nearly half of them (48.6 percent) founded during the past three years.And the number of patents related to smart tourism soared from 99 in 2012 to 731 in 2021,the report disclosed.

This increase is accompanied by the expansion and improvement in China’s Internet infrastructure and services.Today,the 5G network is available in 3,382 4A and 5A tourism resorts across China,which is 89 percent of all such resorts.Surveys show that more than 80 percent of consumers are willing to spend more money on technologyenhanced travel experiences,and 50 percent welcome smarter tourism services.

In late November 2023,the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology approved 30 pilot programs for “5G+Smart Tourism,” covering the Palace Museum in Beijing,the Baiyangdian Lake in Hebei Province,and the archaeological ruins of Liangzhu in Zhejiang Province.

CULTURE

Li Biao &Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra

Date: January 3,2024

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Li Biao is one of the few artists in the world of classical music who is successful both as a conductor and a performer.In 2020,he took up the positions of the artistic director and permanent principal conductor of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra and principal conductor of the Tianjin Symphony Orchestra.

Set up in 1956,the Novosibirsk Philharmonic Orchestra has become a cultural treasure of not only the city of Novosibirsk and the Siberian region,but the whole of Russia.

Tan Lihua &National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra New Year Concert

Date: January 20,2024

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Tan Lihua has served as the president,music director and chief conductor of the Beijing Symphony Orchestra for 26 years.He has conducted the Russian National Orchestra,London Philharmonic Orchestra,Israel Philharmonic Orchestra,WDR Symphony Orchestra Cologne,and other world-class orchestras.

The National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra enjoys a high reputation at home and abroad.In addition to being responsible for the music accompaniment in the ballet performances of the National Ballet of China,the orchestra has also undertaken numerous accompaniment tasks for internationally renowned ballet ensembles and opera houses visiting China.

Chinese Rock Music Festival Draws Big Crowds in New York

A Chinese rock music festival themed Friends from the East was held on November 28-29 in New York City to the delight of thousands of fans.

The first leg of the twoday event attracted over 3,000 people.The fans,mostly in their 20s and 30s,filled up Knockdown Center in Queens Borough,and many were moved to tears during the three-hour performance.

Rockers Wu Tiao Ren,a band from south China's Guangdong Province,and Omnipotent Youth Society,who hail from north China's Hebei Province,were the featured artists.

Music serves as a bridge for communication among people across the globe to make the world a better place,said Li Hongjie,founder of Friends from The East.

The bands' performances were well received on their respective tours in U.S.cities including Seattle,Los Angeles,Washington D.C.,and San Francisco,according to Li,who has been in the music business for over 20 years.

"I was so excited.That was really,really good," said Sylvie Staiger,who works on theatrical literary management in New York City.

"They really brought it.There are so many different styles they have.Their energy was great.So I would say they're up there and one of the best bands I've seen,"said Staiger,referring to members of Wu Tiao Ren.

Shanghai Holds International Poetry Festival

The eighth Shanghai International Poetry Festival opened on December 2,2023 in Shanghai,with Wole Soyinka,a Nobel laureate and Nigerian poet,winning the festival's Golden Magnolia Award.

More than 20 poets from over 10 countries and regions attended the festival and joined discussions on poetry in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

"In the current hi-tech era,with rapid development in AI,we must pay attention to how AI and the humanities converge,explore how AI will assist literature and poetry creation,and re-examine the relationship between humankind and AI," said Zhao Lihong,chairman of the Art Committee of the Shanghai International Poetry Festival and deputy head of the Shanghai Writers' Association.

"We also hope to connect the world with poetry,and fully express the vitality and charm of Chinese culture," he added.

Chinese and foreign poets who have been invited to the Shanghai International Poetry Festival participated in poetry recitals,dialogues,and literary discussions over the fourday event.

Arts Festival Promotes Silk Road Spirit

"We hope that the Maritime Silk Road International Arts Festival will become an important platform for the inheritance and promotion of the Silk Road spirit and for building the cultural Silk Road," said Wang Xudong,director of the Palace Museum,at the opening ceremony of the festival,the fifth of its kind,in Quanzhou,Fujian Province,on December 8,2023.

"We aim to engage in comprehensive,multilevel,and broad cultural and artistic exchanges and cooperation with more countries and regions,and build a bridge that fosters mutual understanding and connections among people,"Wang added.

The ceremony featured a captivating array of performances,including singing,dancing,traditional opera,acrobatics,and musical drama presented by international and domestic artists.

The performances were linked with scenes of world heritage sites in Quanzhou,where China Central Television host Ren Luyu discussed the role of a modern-day traveler alongside prominent figures with close historical connections to the city.

"I always take great interest in cultural exchanges.During this performance I saw some traditional opera plays,especially the Gaojia Opera.I am very interested in what I saw and hope to have the opportunity to go see more of it,”said Shintaro Hirahara,who led the OrganWorks Dance Troupe from Japan to perform at the opening ceremony.He choreographed the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Wang Dahao,one of the performers from the Quanzhou Nanyin Inheritance Center,said: "I think this event is very creative.It comprehensively showcases Quanzhou's maritime culture,and presents the glorious millenniumold culture of Quanzhou from a global perspective."

The festival,jointly hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Fujian provincial government,is held biannually in Quanzhou,a key point of the ancient Maritime Silk Road and a World Heritage Site.