Wu Renhua’s “Day-by-Day Chronicle of the 1989 Tian An Men Incident”

我爱北京天安门 (I love Beijing Tian An Men) is a children’s song.
It is mostly about Mao Zedong, but still popular – see that video.

The following is an overview of some old translations – Tweets by Professor Wu Renhua (吴仁华), posted from April 15 to June 9, 2011, commemorating the Tian An Massacre, and remembering the months of hopes and ambitions before that. In fact, the emphasis is on how the Democracy Movement started and how it went – it’s the people’s history, not so much the “People’s Liberation Army’s” or its role in killing the people and their hopes.

My translation of it (which may include mistakes) starts with Wu’s April 15 post and ends with the April 25 post. The links within my translations are no longer valid, but there’s a re-post of Professor Wu’s work on “Wenxue City”.

The Weeks before June 4, 1989	Intro
The Weeks before June 4: Wu Renhua’s Introduction	Professor Wu
The Weeks before June 4 – a Desire to do Better than in 1987	April 15, 1989
The Weeks before June 4 – Towards the Sun	April 17, 1989
The Weeks before June 4 – a Trip to North Korea	April 19 – 20, 1989
The Weeks before June 4 – Asserting Authority	April 21, 1989
The Weeks before June 4 – Hu Yaobang’s Funeral	April 22, 1989
The Weeks before June 4 – Role Allocations	April 23, 1989
Struggling for the Ideological Switch Stands	April 24, 1989
Deng Xiaoping’s remarks and the April-26 Editorial	April 25, 1989

If you do a translation yourself, please let me know, and I’ll link there.

Old Folk at the Sun Gate: “China Sincerely Invites Central Asian States into its Development Express Train”

This is a summary of how CCTV’s main evening news “Xinwen Lianbo” presented the Xi’an Summit in its May 19, 19 hours local time, edition. Analysis might follow in another blogpost.

Let’s focus on newsitems #1 and #3.¹⁾

1. Banquet and Show, Thursday, May 18

Chronologically, Xinwen Lianbo’s coverage starts with newsitem #3, giving an account of the welcome banquet in the evening of May 18 in Xi’an, and a silk-road resonating happy-peoples show after that.

In his banquet speech, Xi says that “we sincerely welcome the east-Asian states to get onto China’s development express train” (我们诚挚欢迎中亚国家搭乘中国发展快车).

Newsitem #3 then continues with the First-Ladies’ program of the following day (May 19). Only two central Asian First Ladies are mentioned who joined China’s Peng Liyuan there, Aigul Japarova from Kyrgyzstan and Ziroatkhon Hoshimova (short form: Ziroat Mirziyoyeva) from Uzbekistan.

Tokayev’s arrival, May 18

2. The Summit, Friday, May 19

Newsitem #1 starts with the actual summit.

The five Presidents’ arrivals, “one by one” (中亚五国元首相继抵达, not from the plane, as they have attended the welcome banquet the night before).

Xi Jinping’s keynote speech at the May 19 summit is titled “Joining hands to build a Chinese-Central Asian community of common destiny²⁾, by mutual support, joint development, universal security and friendship of many generations” (携手建设守望相助、共同发展、普遍安全、世代友好的中国－中亚命运共同体).

Back to the actual summit on May 19. Right after a referral to the historic “Silk Road”, a topic that also featured prominently in the post-dinner opera the night before, Xi comes back to his proposal ten years earlier of “jointly establishing a comprehensive revival of the Silk road”. It probably matters that he doesn’t refer to China’s proposal here, but to his, Xi’s, in-person advocacy back in 2013.

He then describes Central Asia he wants to see, or, in his now more modest words, the kind of Central Asia that “the world needs”. That’s
• a stable central Asia, i. e. sovereign and independent states with territorial integrity
• a prosperous central Asia
• a harmonious central Asia and
• a connective central Asia.

“Eight Persistences” (四个坚持)
To establish the envisaged Chinese-Central Asian community of common destiny, Xi sees a need for “four persistences”:
• Persistence in keeping watch and defending one another (守望相助), or, in some more detail, to deepen mutual strategic trust, and supporting one another when it comes to matters of core interests, such as sovereignty, independence, national dignity, and long-term development
• Persistence in joint development and marching in the first line of building the “one-belt-one-road”, in advocacy of global development, in unleashing the traditional potential for cooperation, poverty reduction, green and low-carbon growth, etc.
• Persistence in “universal security” (a term that has already been mentioned in the title of Xi’s speech), advocacy of global security, resolute opposition against “external forces'” interference in regional domestic politics (坚决反对外部势力干涉地区国家内政), so as to build a community that stays far away from conflict and always enjoys peace
• Persistence in friendship of many generations, implementation of the global civilization advocacy, exchange of governance experience, intercivilisational reflection, etc..

Trade, “anti-terrorism” measures and the D Pipeline

Xi’s keynote numerology continues with eight proposals.

Xi Jinping emphasized that this summit had built a new platform for China and central Asia and opened new perspectives for cooperation between China and central Asia. China would like to hold this summit as an opportunity to work closely with all parties, and to plan, build and develop cooperation between China and central Asia well.
习近平强调，这次峰会为中国同中亚合作搭建了新平台，开辟了新前景。中方愿以举办这次峰会为契机，同各方密切配合，将中国－中亚合作规划好、建设好、发展好。

Firstly, we will strengthen the building of mechanisms. China has initiated the establishment of conferences and dialog mechanisms in the fields of industry and investment, agriculture, transportation, emergency management, education and political parties etc., so as to create a broad platform for comprehensive and for all sides beneficial cooperation.
一是加强机制建设。中方倡议成立产业与投资、农业、交通、应急管理、教育、政党等领域会晤和对话机制，为各国开展全方位互利合作搭建广泛平台。

Secondly, we will broaden economic and trade relations. China will launch more initiatives to facilitate trade, to improve bilateral investment agreements, to make full use of the “green channel” for smooth bilateral customs clearance of agricultural products and by-products, hold live-stream get-together activities³⁾ between China and central Asia on the topic of central-Asian products.
二是拓展经贸关系。中方将出台更多贸易便利化举措，升级双边投资协定，实现双方边境口岸农副产品快速通关“绿色通道”全覆盖，举办“聚合中亚云品”主题活动，打造大宗商品交易中心。

Thirdly, deepening connectivity. China will upgrade cross-border transport capacities, support construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, promote the liberalization of the airfreight market, and develop regional logistical networks. It will strengthen the construction of train-consolidation centers within Trans-Eurasia Logistics, encourage superior businesses to establish overseas warehouses and build comprehensive digital service platforms.
三是深化互联互通。中方将全面提升跨境运输过货量，支持跨里海国际运输走廊建设，推进航空运输市场开放，发展地区物流网络。加强中欧班列集结中心建设，鼓励优势企业在中亚国家建设海外仓，构建综合数字服务平台。

Fourthly, expanding energy cooperation. China has initiated the China-central Asia energy partnership, accelerated the China-central Asia D-pipeline consgtruction, expanded the scale of bilateral oil and gas trade, developed cooperation on the complete energy value chain, and strengthened cooperation in the field of new energy and peaceful use of nucelar energy.
四是扩大能源合作。中方倡议建立中国－中亚能源发展伙伴关系，加快推进中国－中亚天然气管道D线建设，扩大双方油气贸易规模，发展能源全产业链合作，加强新能源与和平利用核能合作。

Five, six and seven are about promoting green energy, improving development capabilities, and dialog between civilizations. Item six may be interesting in terms of Chinese financial support for the central Asian states, partly non-repayable (无偿援助). this seems to spell preferential treatment for central Asia, as China has become known as a rather unforgiving creditor worldwide.

And item eight is mostly about East Turkestan. Obviously, neither that name, nor China’s preferred handle for it, “Xinjiang”, appear here, but that’s what it is mostly about. Cyber security and reconstruction of Afghanistan are also mentioned.

China-style modernization (中国式现代化)

Then Xi describes recent political events in China, and issues an invitation again.

Concluding, Xi Jinping pointed out that the CPC’s 20th National Congress has specified the central tasks of comprehensively building a socialist, modern and strong country, to achieve the second centenary goal, to comprehensively carry forward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by means of Chinese-style modernization. We want to strengthen theoretical and practical exchange with central Asian countries about modernization, promote connections of development, and create still more opportunities for cooperation, and joint efforts of our six countries in their modernization processes. Let us work hand in hand, struggle collectively, actively promote common development, common prosperity, and welcome a better future for our six countries together!
习近平最后指出，中国共产党第二十次全国代表大会明确了全面建成社会主义现代化强国、实现第二个百年奋斗目标、以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的中心任务。我们愿同中亚国家加强现代化理念和实践交流，推进发展战略对接，为合作创造更多机遇，协力推动六国现代化进程。让我们携手并肩，团结奋斗，积极推进共同发展、共同富裕、共同繁荣，共同迎接六国更加美好的明天！

Replies

Then it is the turn of the visiting five.

The five central Asian heads of state, one after another, thanked China for initiating and successfully holding the first China-central Asia summit, and they evaluated the fruitful results of the comprehensive cooperation positively. they said that the central-Asian countries shared a millenium of profound friendship with China, had always helped each other, trusted each other as good neighbors, good friends, and good partners, and the most sincere old friends at the Yang Pass⁴⁾ in China’s West. Currently, China has become a key force in ensuring global security and stability, and the promotion of technological and economic development. Cooperation with China is an important and essential factor for all countries to achieve sustainable development. Further deepening relations with China is in line with the hopes of the five central Asian countries peoples, and each country’s fundamental and long-term interests. The China-Central Asia Summit will provide a new platform for cooperation between the central Asian countries with China and show the way into the new era of the two sides’ relations. All sides welcome and appreciate china’s policy of friendly cooperation with central Asia, wish to continue to give full play to the heads of states’ diplomatically leading strategic roles, make the mechanisms from the summit bigger and stronger, strengthen top-level design and overall planning, deepen central Asian countries’ comprehensive pragmatic cooperation with China, to bring about more benefits for all the peoples of every country, to help with all countries achieving common development and prosperity, and to make contributions to the promotion of regional security and stability.
中亚五国元首先后发言，感谢中方倡议并成功主办首届中国－中亚峰会，积极评价中亚国家同中国全方位合作取得的丰硕成果。他们表示，中亚国家同中国拥有千年友好和深厚情谊，始终是相互支持、相互信赖的好邻居、好朋友、好伙伴，是中国西出阳关最真挚的故人。当前，中国已经成为保障全球安全稳定和促进科技经济发展的关键力量，同中国合作是各国实现可持续发展不可或缺的重要因素，进一步深化中亚五国同中国的关系符合各国人民共同愿望，符合各国根本和长远利益。中国－中亚峰会为中亚国家同中国合作提供了新平台，引领双方关系进入了新时代。各方欢迎并赞赏中国对中亚友好合作政策，愿继续充分发挥元首外交战略引领作用，做大做强中国－中亚峰会机制，加强顶层设计和统筹规划，深化中亚国家同中国全方位务实合作，为各国人民带来更多福祉，助力各国实现共同发展繁荣，并为促进地区安全稳定作出应有贡献。

The five heads of state said that they firmly supported each others’ choices in line with their own countries national conditions and development paths, firmly defended all countries’ sovereignty, independence, security, territorial integrity and other core interests, and firmly opposed interference in other countries’ domestic politics. They rated highly Chairman Xi Jinping’s concept of a community of common destiny of mankind and global security initiative, global development initiative, global civilizations initiative, and said they would conscientiouyly implement the important consensus and results achieved at this summit. By using the opportunity of the “one-belt-one-road” initiative ten years ago, they would strengthen their respective countries’ develop strategies to the joint building of “one belt one road”, promote regional online communications, deepen trade and investment, agricultural, energy, technological, security etc. pragmatic cooperation, strengthen civilizational exchange, jointly react to challenges, achieve cooperation and win-win, and build a still closer chinese-central Asian community.
五国元首表示，坚定支持彼此选择符合本国国情的发展道路，坚定维护各国主权、独立、安全、领土完整等核心利益，坚决反对干涉他国内政。他们高度评价习近平主席提出的构建人类命运共同体理念以及全球安全倡议、全球发展倡议、全球文明倡议，表示将认真落实此次峰会达成的重要共识和成果，以共建“一带一路”倡议提出十周年为契机，加强各自国家发展战略同共建“一带一路”对接，推进地区互联互通，深化贸易投资、农业、能源、科技、安全等领域务实合作，加强人文交流，共同应对挑战，实现合作共赢，构建更加紧密的中国－中亚命运共同体。

Concluding events

Newsitem #1 ends with a note that a “Xi’an Declaration of the China-Central Asia Sumiit” was signed, and that a “List of Outcomes of the China-central Asian Summit” was adopted. The second summit is scheduled for 2025, in Kazakhstan, and a permanent secretariat to be established in China.

The newsitem ends with Xi and the five visiting heads of state “meeting journalists” and their planting of six pomeganate trees.

________________

Notes

¹⁾  Evening newsitems, May 19

#1	Xi Jinping hosts first Chinese-central Asian summit
#2	Xi Jinping and the five heads of state meet journalists
#3	May 18 banquet, May 19 first-ladies’ program
#4	Short reference to a CCTV editorial on summit
#5	Li Qiang holds regular state-council meeting
#6	Li Qiang meets with President of Kyrgyzstan
#7	Wang Huning meets with delegates from a symposium commemorating the 70th anniversary of founding of the “Islamic Association of China”
#8	Wang Huning meets with President of Kyrgyzstan
#9	Li Xi visits places in Fujian for inspection and research
#10	News in brief

²⁾ also known as “community of shared future”

3)	I wouldn’t have found this translation myself; it’s taken from the official English translation of Xi’s keynote speech, and “live-streaming sales event to further promote Central Asian products” appears to be the translation for ““聚合中亚云品”主题活动” (if it isn’t an earlier or more recent transation)

4)	English: “Sun Gate”, as described here by Wikipedia. The Yangguan or Sun Gate also plays a role in Tang poetry.

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Yes, Comrades!

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Ray Cordeiro, 1924 – 2023

If the “DJ Mag” has it right, EMI in London lent him a tape recorder when he spontaneously interviewed the Beatles in the record company’s offices. Ray Cordeiro, a radio trainee from Hong Kong, had shown up at EMI some day in 1964 – unannounced, but the managers apparently saw his arrival as an opportunity to cultivate the Hong Kong market in a nutshell. It wasn’t the only interview he did during his three-months stay in London, and when he arrived back at Radio Hong Kong (now RTHK) with his achievments, he was rapidly promoted there.

He wasn’t really a newbie. He was in his forties, and he had hosted a number of programs before being sent to London.

Cordeiro was a musician (a drummer), a promotor and a journalist, but best known as a DJ. He started running the nightly show “All the Way with Ray” in 1970, every weekday evening from two hours before until two hours after midnight. Some time this century, he reduced those four hours by one, but he only retired in 2021.

His durability was probably one of his greatest assets. Another was the rapport he created with his audience, both in Hong Kong and in closely neighboring regions of Guangdong Province. One of his biggest fans rembered how Cordeiro’s shows helped him to improve his English at job as a front-desk employee at the airport.

“To become a famous DJ, you definitely need a distinct voice,” he said in an RTHK production in 2012, “to build your image”.

What he would never do was part of his image, too. “During all my career as a disk jockey, I concentrate only on music. No politics. Not even a word,” he told a BBC reporter in 2009. According to the same interview, he didn’t keep completely out of either. In 1967, during the cultural revolution, he played his “Hot Hundred” from Radio Hong Kong’s roof in Central, on his boss’s request, to drown out the propaganda speakers from the neighboring Bank of China building. “So I was on the roof spinning my Hot Hundred and was blasting from Queens Road Central all the way to Star Ferry, and the Bank of China’s [little loudspeaker system] couldn’t be heard, so they just shut down and called it a day.”

“No matter how bad I feel,” the New York Times quoted from a book of his in February this year, “once I walk into the studio, I’m full of energy — and ready to go”.

When he left his best-known program after all, over half a decade after it had first aired, he said that he could still go on, but wanted “to retire a bit earlier”.

Ray Cordeiro died on January 13, 2023.

On the Whim of an Idiot

Huawei advertising, 2018 (“2019 becomes big thanks to 6.21 inches display”)

Once in a while, I have to update myself, technically, to stay informed about current affairs. In the beginning of my share in the digital age, I had a website, but noticed that only few people would care to write an e-mail to discuss anything. So I switched to blogging, fifteen years ago. Then there were opportunities to take part in discussions and getting answers to questions – for a while. Then the English-language, China-related “blogosphere died down, and everyone moved on to Twitter and other “social media”. I followed the stream in 2020.

I find Twitter rather scary. My use of it serves its purpose, to stay informed about what keeps people busy, but it isn’t really about what they think, but about what they feel. The world according to Twitter is a jitterbug, and a pretty aggressive one at times. For a few months now, it has also had ownership issues (or Musk issues) which have led to a rather unpredictable future of that platform.

Once I had seen a pretty informative microblog from China hacked and all requests to Twitter to restore it ignored, I understood that the numbers of followers you have don’t matter – or shouldn’t, if you look at it reasonably -, because you can see it reduced to zero on the whim of just one idiot.

As far as I’m concerned, blogging on WordPress remains worthwile. Maybe it wouldn’t if I was looking for traffic, trying to make money on advertising, etc. But when you blog, you think. You study. You read. By reading, you “listen” carefully, often to people and messages you disagree with, but whose information is still useful.

You don’t get that on Twitter. It may give you the impression that it is a nice distraction from the daily grind – you can even abscond to your account there for a minute (or more) at your workplace. But you might as well have a few chocolate bars instead, also within a minute.

It would be about as healthy as tweeting.

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Related

The state of Taiwan, Sept 8, 2022
Radio or the Internet, both or neither, June 9, 2020
My first ten days on Twitter, Jan 30, 2020
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Xi-Zelensky Phonecall: “China didn’t create the Ukraine Crisis”

The following is my translation of a CCTV / CPBS account of the telephone conversation between Chinese party and state leader Xi Jinping and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Wednesday. Links within blockquotes added during translation.

CCTV Xinwen Lianbo, April 26, 2023

The phone conversation ranked second in Central People’s Broadcasting Station’s “News and Press Review” (新闻和报纸摘要) on Thursday morning, and also second in CCTV’s evening news (新闻联播) on Wednesday evening. That doesn’t necessarily mean that the news itself was of greate importance in China, but Xi-related news always comes at the top of China’s news broadcasts.

Main Link: Xi Jinping has phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky (习近平同乌克兰总统泽连斯基通电话)

Xi Jinping has phone call with Ukrainian President Zelensky
April 26, 2023, 19:35:09
Source: CCTV newsreader
习近平同乌克兰总统泽连斯基通电话
2023-04-26 19:35:09
来源：央视新闻客户端

On the afternoon of April 26, State Chairman Xi Jinping had a telephone conversation with Ukrainian President Zelensky on the latter’s invitation. The two sides exchanged views about Chinese-Ukrainian relations and the Ukraine crisis.
4月26日下午，国家主席习近平应约同乌克兰总统泽连斯基通电话。双方就中乌关系和乌克兰危机交换了意见。

Xi Jinping pointed out that Chinese-Ukrainian relations have passed the milestone of 31 years and reached the level of strategic partnership, which had been helpful in the development and revitalization of both countries. I appreciate President Zelensky’s repeated statements that he attaches importance to Chinese-Ukrainian relations and to cooperation with China, and I thank Ukraine for its great support in the evacuation of Chinese citizens last year. Mutual support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is the political foundation for Chinese-Ukrainian relations. The two sides should have their focus on the future, be persistent in regarding and mapping¹ the two countries’ relations from a long-term perspective, with lasting mutual respect, in the tradition of treating each other sincerely, and promote the further development of the Chinese-Ukrainian strategic partnership. China’s wish to develop Chinese-Ukrainian relations is consistent and clear. No matter what changes there may be in the unstable international situation, China wants to carry the mutually beneficial cooperation with Ukraine forward.
习近平指出，中乌关系走过31年发展历程，达到战略伙伴关系水平，为两国各自发展振兴提供了助力。我赞赏泽连斯基总统多次表示重视发展中乌关系和对华合作，感谢乌方去年为中国公民撤离提供大力协助。相互尊重主权和领土完整是中乌关系的政治基础。双方要着眼未来，坚持从长远角度看待和谋划两国关系，延续双方相互尊重、真诚相待的传统，推动中乌战略伙伴关系向前发展。中方发展中乌关系的意愿是一贯的、明确的。无论国际风云如何变幻，中方愿同乌方一道，把两国互利合作向前推进。

Xi Jinping pointed out that the complex development of the Ukraine crisis had a major impact on the international situation. Concerning the problem of the Ukraine crisis, China had always stood on the side of peace, with the core position being to urge peace and to promote talks. I put forward a series of “four shoulds”², “four common denominators”³, and “three reflections”⁴. Also on this basis, China issued the document “China’s Position concerning the Political Settlement of the Ukraine Crisis”. China didn’t create the Ukraine crisis, and isn’t a party involved in it. Being a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and a responsible major power, we will neither [passively] watch the fires burning across the river, nor will we add fuel to it – let alone exploit the situation. China’s conduct and deeds are honorable and aboveboard. Dialogue and talks are the only feasible way out. There are no winners in a nuclear war. In dealing with the nuclear issue, all parties involved should maintain cool heads and restraint, focus on the real prospects and destiny of themselves and mankind, and manage the crisis well together. As the thoughts and voices of reason are gaining ground among all parties, we should seize the opportunity to gather conditions that are favorable for a political solution to the crisis. We hope that all parties will reflect deeply on the Ukraine crisis, and jointly seek a path to lasting peace in Europe. China will persist in encouraging peace and promoting talks, to resume individual efforts for peace to reach a ceasefire as soon as possible. The Chinese government will send its special Euro-Asian affairs representative to Ukraine and other countries to communicate thoroughly with all parties for a political solution to the Ukraine crisis. China has sent several humanitarian consignments to Ukraine before and is willing to provide all help that is in its power.
习近平指出，乌克兰危机复杂演变，对国际形势产生重大影响。在乌克兰危机问题上，中方始终站在和平一边，核心立场就是劝和促谈。我相继提出了“四个应该”、“四个共同”和“三点思考”。中方还在此基础上发布了《关于政治解决乌克兰危机的中国立场》文件。中国不是乌克兰危机的制造者，也不是当事方。作为联合国安理会常任理事国和负责任大国，我们既不会隔岸观火，也不会拱火浇油，更不干趁机牟利的事。中方所作所为光明正大。对话谈判是唯一可行的出路。核战争没有赢家。对待核问题，有关各方都应该保持冷静克制，真正从自身和全人类的前途命运着眼，共同管控好危机。现在各方理性的思考和声音在增加，应该抓住契机，为危机的政治解决积累有利条件。希望各方从乌克兰危机中深刻反思，通过对话，共同寻求欧洲长治久安之道。中方将坚持劝和促谈，为尽快止战停火、恢复和平作出自己的努力。中方将派中国政府欧亚事务特别代表赴乌克兰等国访问，就政治解决乌克兰危机同各方进行深入沟通。中方已向乌方提供了多批人道主义援助，愿继续提供力所能及的帮助。

Zelensky congratulated Chairman Xi on his re-election, praised China’s extraordinary accomplishments, expressed his belief that under the leadership of Chairman Xi Jinping, China would successfully answer to all challenges, and develop further. China upheld the United Nation’s guidance and principles in international affairs and was hugely influential in the international arena. Ukraine scrupulously abided by the one-China policy, hoped to unfold comprehensive cooperation with China, to open a new chapter in Ukrainian-Chinese relations, and jointly make efforts for the protection of global peace and stability. Zelensky presented his views on the Ukraine crisis, thanked China for the humanitarian aid it had provided, and welcomed its important impact in restoring peace and crisis-solving by diplomatic means.
泽连斯基祝贺习近平主席再次当选，赞赏中国取得的非凡成就，相信在习近平主席领导下，中国将成功应对各种挑战，持续向前发展。中方在国际事务中秉持联合国宪章宗旨和原则，在国际舞台上发挥着巨大影响力。乌方恪守一个中国政策，希望同中方开展全面合作，开启乌中关系的新篇章，共同致力于维护世界和平与稳定。泽连斯基介绍了对当前乌克兰危机的看法，感谢中方为乌克兰提供的人道主义援助，欢迎中方为恢复和平、通过外交手段解决危机发挥重要作用。

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Notes

1)	“Scheming”, actually, but that’s probably not the intended meaning.
2)	This refers to a “video conference” between Macron (France), Scholz (Germany) and Xi (China) on March 8, 2022. In a referral to that conference more than a month later, the China Institute of International Studies wrote that Xi Jinping pointed out in a video summit with the French and German leaders that all countries’ sovereignty, that territorial integrity should be respected, that the United Nations Charter’s guidance and principles should be complied with, that the legitimate security concerns of all countries should be taken seriously, and that all efforts that were beneficial for a peaceful solution of the crisis should get support.
3)	According to “Qiushi”: Four common denominators (四个共同), i. e. (1) jointly maintaining global peace and stability, (2) jointly advance global sustainable development, (3) jointly achieve mutually beneficial cooperation, and (4) jointly expand openness and harmonization.
4)	No idea what they are about.

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Related

“Now there is an Opportunity”, Zelensky video address, April 26, 2023
“We did not start this war”, President Zelensky, April 26
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Morgulov and Le assess Russian-Chinese Media Cooperation

Headline / Main Link:
Russian ambassador meets National Radio and Television Administration deputy director, promotes cooperation in media field of work, Sputnik.cn, April 21, 2023	俄大使会见中国广电总局副局长，促进媒体领域合作 2023年4月21日, 15:48
Links within blockquotes added during translation.

On April 20, Russian ambassador to China Igor Morgulov met with Chinese National Radio and Television Administration deputy director Le Yucheng.
4月20日，俄罗斯驻华大使伊戈尔•莫尔古洛夫会见了中国国家广播电视总局副局长乐玉成。
The two sides exchanged views about the current status of Russian-Chinese cooperation in the field of mass media and had a discussion about the implementation process of creating a joint television program as agreed by the two governments during Chinese State Chairman Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia.
双方就俄中在大众传媒领域的合作现状交换了意见，并就今年3月中国国家主席习近平对俄罗斯进行国事访问期间签署的关于共同制作电视节目的政府间协议的实施过程进行了讨论。
The two sides expressed satisfaction with the success in the field of media cooperation so far, including the aspects of news and entertainment programs. They pointed out the need to continuously develop cooperation in the field of new media.
双方对媒体领域的合作成果表示满意，包括新闻和娱乐节目方面。他们指出，有必要在新媒体领域进一步展开合作。
Both sides paid particular attention to Russian-Chinese information exchange. Both sides agreed to promoting cooperation between the two countries’ main media, to do more comprehensive and objective coverage of the bilateral Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
双方特别关注俄中关系中的信息交流问题。双方同意促进两国主要媒体间合作，以便对双边战略协作伙伴关系进行全面客观的报道。
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Related

And now, no news, Nov 20, 2021

Fascism is the absolute principle, Sept 21, 2021

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Three in one Go: “Chairman Xi Jinping’s firm and powerful words have once again made the world feel how China takes up the responsibility of a major power”

French President Emmanuel Macron’s and European Union Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s current visits to China were preceded by Spanish President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez. The latter was part of a one-afternoon triptych – but neither Sanchez nor the two other guests of Chinese State Chairman Xi Jinping were the holy guys. That would be Xi Jinping himself.

Xi Jinping meets Spain’s Prime Minister, Xi Jinping meets Malaysia’s Prime Minister, Xi Jinping meets Singapore’s Prime Minister: CCTV Evening News, March 31

–
The following is my translation of an article first published by one of Xinhua’s glossy (online) brochures, named “First Perspective”. Links within blockquotes were added during translation.

This blogpost is followed by a quiz, so keep reading to the end.

First Observation | “The Three Concentric Circles” of China’s Diplomacy as cognizable from Chairman Xi Jinping’s Foreign-Affairs Meetings
第一观察丨从习近平主席密集外事会见看中国外交“三个同心圆”

[From Graphics]
第一观察 (“First Perspective”, a reader published by Xinhua), Issue 315
Produced by Xinhua’s Domestic Department
Produced by Xinhua First Studio
第一观察 ３１５期
新华社国内部制作
新华社第一工作室出品

The wind of spring is warm and kind. On Chan’An Road in Beijing, the Spanish, Malaysian and Singaporean flags are hanging next to the five-star red flag [i. e. the PRC flag] , fluttering in the wind. China warmly welcomes three important visiting foreign leaders.
春风和煦，北京长安街上，西班牙、马来西亚、新加坡的国旗分别同五星红旗并排悬挂、迎风招展。中国热情欢迎来华访问的三位外国政要。

On March 31, Chairman Xi Jinping met separately with Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar, and Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the Great Hall of the People. A person in charge at the foreign ministry told reporters that with Xi Jinping’s meetings as a circle, three concentric circles can be drawn. When looking at bilateral relations, you can see that China has regional relations. It is important to take a long-term perspective to see the global significance of China’s recent diplomatic activities.
3月31日，习近平主席在人民大会堂分别会见西班牙首相桑切斯、马来西亚总理安瓦尔、新加坡总理李显龙。
外交部一位负责人告诉新华社记者，以习近平主席会见为圆心，可以画出三个同心圆，借此看双边关系、看中国同有关地区的关系，更要把目光放长远，看到近期中国一系列外交行动的世界意义。

(1)
（一）

The first concentric circle is about the level of bilateral relations.
第一个同心圆是双边关系层面。

This year is significant for China’s relations with Spain, Malaysia and Singapore.
今年对中国同西班牙、马来西亚、新加坡三国的关系都有着重要意义。

2023 marks the 50th anniversary China’s establishment of diplomatic relations with Spain. In early March, Xi Jinping exchanged messages with Spanish King Felipe 6th on the 50th anniversary of China and Spain establishing diplomatic relations.
2023年是中国同西班牙建交50周年。3月初，习近平主席还同西班牙国王费利佩六世就中西建交50周年互致贺电。

At the meeting [with Sanchez], Xi Jinping summarized the half-century experience of developing Chinese-Spanish relations as “adhering to mutual respect, exchange and dialogue, and proactively developing mutually beneficial cooperation”.
会见中，习近平主席用“坚持相互尊重、交流对话，积极开展互利合作”概括半个世纪以来中西关系发展的经验。

Setting out from the 50th anniversary, how can the good bileateral relations be developed further?
如何以建交50周年为新起点，进一步发展好两国关系？

Xi Jinping emphasized that “the two sides should persist in planning the two countries’ relations from a strategic perspective”, “build bilateral relations with strategic focus”, strengthen the development of strategic connectives, dredge cooperative potentials”, must do a good job at the Chinese-Spanish Cultural and Touristical Year activities, and promote the exchange of global civilizational dialogue and exchange”.
习近平主席强调“双方应该坚持从战略高度和长远角度谋划两国关系”“打造具有战略定力的双边关系”，“要加强发展战略对接，深挖合作潜力”，“要搞好中西文化和旅游年活动，推动世界文明对话交流”。

This year marks the tenth anniversary of China and Malaysia establishing comprehensive strategic partnership relations, and next year will see the 50th anniversary of China and Malaysia establishing diplomatic relations.
今年是中马建立全面战略伙伴关系10周年，明年将迎来两国建交50周年。

This visit to China was Prime Minister Anwar’s first after taking office. During this visit, the two sides reached consensus on the building of a Chinese-Malaysian human-destiny community¹⁾ which will surely open a new chapter in the history of our two countries’ relations.
此次中国之行是安瓦尔总理上任后首次访华。此访期间，双方就共建中马命运共同体达成共识，必将开启两国关系新的历史篇章。

Among the South-East Asian countries, Singapore is the one participating most deeply in China’s reform and opening, and the one whose interests are most closely in harmony with China’s. Chairma Xi Jinping used the words “forward-looking”, “strategic” and “exemplary” to characterize the two countries’ relations. This kind of relations also set an example for regional countries.
在东南亚国家中，新加坡参与中国改革开放程度最深，同中国利益融合最密切。习近平主席用“前瞻性、战略性、示范性”定位两国关系，这样的关系也为地区国家树立了标杆。

This time, the two countries have taken another step, elevating Chinese-Singaporean relations to a comprehensive high-quality, forward-looking partnership level, thus setting yet higher standards and goals for their bilateral relations. Chairman Xi Jinping pointed out that the Chinese side wanted to strengthen strategic connections with Singapore, deepen strategic connectives, and conscientiously turn “high quality” into a most distinct mark of Chinese-Singaporean cooperation.
此次两国更进一步，将中新关系提升为全方位高质量的前瞻性伙伴关系，为双边关系确立了更高的标准和目标。习近平主席指出，中方愿同新方加强战略沟通，深化战略对接，切实使“高质量”成为中新合作最鲜明的标识。

(2)
（二）

The second concentric circle is about the level of regional relations.
第二个同心圆是地区关系层面。

Spain is a member of the EU, and Malaysia and Singapore are China’s neigbors and also member states of ASEAN. At the three meetings, Chairman Xi Jinping discussed China’s cooperation with the relevant regions from different perspectives.
西班牙是欧盟成员国，马来西亚、新加坡是中国周边邻国，也是重要的东盟成员国。三场会见，习近平主席从不同角度谈到中国同相关地区合作。

China and Europe are comprehensive strategic partners, opportunities for one another, and common interests between China and Europe outweigh their disagreements by far. There is reason to believe that the European side understands this argument. But there is a precondition to develop Chinese-European relations well, which is that Europe maintains its strategic autonomy. That is precisely what Chairman Xi emphasized in his many meetings with European leaders.
中欧是全面战略伙伴、是彼此机遇，中欧间的共同利益远大于分歧。相信欧方也明白这个道理。但要发展好中欧关系，有一个前提，那就是需要欧方坚持战略自主。这也正是习近平主席多次同欧方领导人会晤时所强调的。

During the second half of the year, Spain will take the chairmanship of the European Union. Chairman Xi Jinping emphasized that he hoped Spain would play a positive role in promoting Chinese-European relations.
今年下半年，西班牙将接任欧盟轮值主席国。习近平主席强调，希望西班牙为促进中欧对话合作发挥积极作用。

In 2021, Chairman Xi Jinping made the “five proposals on building our home together” to the ASEAN countries. At these meetings with the two ASEAN leaders, regional cooperation has been an important part of Chairman Xi Jinping’s talks.
2021年，习近平主席面向东盟国家提出中国与东盟“五大家园”建设。此次会见两位东盟国家领导人，区域合作是习近平主席谈话的重要内容。

Meeting Prime Minister Anwar, Chairman Xi Jinping emphasized that together with Malaysia, China wanted to enhance Asian civilization, uphold strategic autonomy, hold fast to the original intention, support the central position of ASEAN, resolutely resist the cold-war mentality and confrontation, and join forces to build the common home²⁾.
会见安瓦尔总理，习近平主席强调，中方愿同马方一道，弘扬亚洲文明，坚持战略自主，坚守东亚合作初心，支持东盟中心地位，坚决抵制冷战思维和阵营对抗，合力建设好共同家园。

Meeting Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Chairman Xi Jinping pointed out that we should cherish and safeguard the good Asian regional development momentum that hasn’t been easy to come by, jointly protect the regional peace dividend, and safeguard the correct direction of economic globalization and regional economic integration.
会见李显龙总理，习近平主席指出，我们尤其应该珍惜和维护亚洲地区来之不易的良好发展势头，共同守护好地区和平红利，维护好经济全球化和区域经济一体化正确方向。

During these years, the Asian region has maintained general peaceful and stable development, the good momentum of overall rise, all of which has been achieved by the people in the region, by their own hard work and wisdom. In today’s world of turmoil, the Asian peoples must all the more exclude external interference, and protect and develop their homeland well.
这些年来，亚洲地区保持总体和平稳定和快速发展、整体崛起的良好势头，这些都是地区国家人民通过自己的勤劳和智慧取得的，在当今变乱交织的世界，亚洲人民更要排除外部干扰，守护好、发展好自己的家园。

“We don’t allow any country to deprive the Asian peoples of the right to strive for a better and prosperous future.” Chairman Xi’s words were profound.
“不允许任何国家剥夺亚洲人民追求更美好幸福生活的权利。”习近平主席的话意味深长。

(3)
（三）

The third concentric circle is about the global level
第三个同心圆是世界层面。

At the tree meetings, the recent set of diplomatic actions taken by China have shown the world a China that is full of vitality, that maintains openness, but also shoulders responsibility as a great power, and, in a world of upheaval and change, provides more determinacy.
三场会见，连同近期中国一系列外交行动，向世界展现出一个充满活力、坚持开放、担当负责的大国形象，为动荡变革中的世界注入了更多确定性。

Just take March this year as an example, when Chairman Xi Jinping met several leaders from abroad who visited China, participated in the CPC’s dialog meeting with other political parties of the world and gave a keynote speech, and made a state visit to Russia on its invitation.
China facilitated the resumption of diplomatic relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, China hosted the 2023 China Development Forum³⁾, and the Boao Forum for Asia⁴⁾ … …
仅以今年3月为例，习近平主席会晤多位来访外国领导人、出席中国共产党与世界政党高层对话会并发表主旨讲话、应邀对俄罗斯进行国事访问；中国促成沙特和伊朗恢复外交关系；中方举办中国发展高层论坛2023年年会、博鳌亚洲论坛2023年年会……

A number of major moves and vigorous actions have attracted global attention. Recently, dignitaries, entrepreneurs, experts, scholars and delegates of international organizations have come to China one after another to take part in activities, vividly experiencing the vitality and pulsation of China’s development. The official three government leaders’ visits were in conjunction with the Bo’ao Forum for Asia.
一系列重大举措、有力行动吸引世界目光。近期，各国政要、企业家、专家学者和国际组织代表纷纷来华出席活动，真切感受到中国发展的活力与脉动。三位外国政府首脑，正是结合出席博鳌亚洲论坛年会对中国进行正式访问的。

During the meeting, Chairman Xi Jinping repeatedly talked about “Modernization with Chinese Characteristics”, thoroughly pointing out the global significance of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation by means of Modernization with Chinese Characteristics.
会见中，习近平主席多次讲到“中国式现代化”，深刻指出以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的世界意义。

Facts have proven that the better China develops, the better it can share development opportunities with all countries, and make a greater contribution to the world.
事实已经证明，中国发展越好，就越有能力同各国分享发展机遇，为世界作出更大贡献。

At the meetings, the three foreign leaders discussed global peace and development respectively, from their own perspectives.
会见中，三位外国领导人从各自视角谈及世界和平与发展这个话题——

Prime Minister Sanchez gave a positive assessment of China’s position paper concerning a political solution of the Ukraine crisis and expressed his appreciation of China’s constructive role in a political solution of the Ukraine crisis.
桑切斯首相积极评价中方关于政治解决乌克兰危机的立场文件，表示赞赏中方为政治解决乌危机发挥的建设性作用。

In view of China’s recent successful facilitation of Saudi Arabian-Iranian dialogue, Prime Minister Anwar said that this once again shows China’s constructive role in the promotion of peace. He was deeply moved by the “extremely far-sighted” Global Security Initiative, the Global Development Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. Prime Minister Anwar said that Chairman Xi Jinping is a great politician with global influence who not only changed the course of China’s historic development, but who also brought hope for global peace and development.
看到近期中方成功促成沙伊北京对话，安瓦尔总理表示，这再次表明中方为促进和平发挥的建设性作用。感慨于全球安全倡议、全球发展倡议、全球文明倡议“极富远见”，安瓦尔总理表示，习近平主席是具有世界影响的伟大政治家，不仅改变了中国的历史发展进程，也为世界和平与发展带来希望。

Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said: “Singapore advocates respect between states, peaceful coexistence, win-win cooperation, avoidance of conflicts, and joint reactions to dangers and challenges.” Clearly, this is congenial with the new type of international relations advocated by China.
李显龙总理表示：“新加坡主张国与国应相互尊重、和平共处、互利合作、避免冲突，共同应对风险挑战。”显然，这同中方倡导的新型国际关系理念是相契合的。

At the meetings, Chairman Xi Jinping’s firm and powerful words have once again made the world feel how China takes up the responsibility of a major power.
会见中，习近平主席坚定而有力的话语，让世界再次感受到中国作为负责任大国的历史担当。

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Notes

1)	Aka “community with a shared destiny for mankind”, or “community of common destiny”
2)	Accidentally or not, “共同家园” is how Mikhail Gorbachev’s reference to a “Common European home” is frequently translated into Chinese. Xi doesn’t appear to be superstitious.
3)	Literally: “China Development High-Level Forum 2023”
4)	Literally: “2023 Bo’ao Asia Annual Forum”

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Quiz

Which country is featured in this article without being mentioned even once?

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