CHINA MIRROR WEEKLY NEWS ISSUE 37

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Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Co-operation

Xi stresses ethnic unity, strengthening sense of community for Chinese nation

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Xi calls for blazing new path to develop China's world-class universities

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"Indivisible security" endorsed by international community: Chinese FM 3 3 3

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China will do its utmost to help Sri Lanka tide over diffi4 5 culties 8 4 6

19-25 April 2022

Xi calls for blazing new path to develop China's world-class universities BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua)

President Xi Jinping on Monday called for blazing a new path to build world-class universities with Chinese characteristics.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks during a visit to Renmin University of China in Beijing.

Xi stressed following the Party's leadership and passing down revolutionary traditions in running universities. He also said China's universities should be deeply rooted in China and avoid simply copying foreign standards and models.

The visit came ahead of China's Youth Day, which falls on May 4 every year.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended festive greetings to young people of all ethnic groups nationwide.

Xi also expressed hopes that all young people in the country can keep in mind the Party's instructions, strive for national rejuvenation, and work hard for the best results possible.

The history of Renmin University of China can be traced to Shanbei Public School, founded in 1937.

The university has grown over the decades, with a focus on humanities and social sciences, as well as Marxism studies.

During his visit, Xi first went to a smart classroom for ideologicalpolitical courses. He sat with students, listening attentively and join-

ing their discussions.

Stressing that ideological-political classes should play their due role in fostering morality, Xi called for tailoring such education to the needs of young people at different developmental stages.

Xi called on Renmin University of China to offer more exemplary ideological -political courses for schools across the country, and urged universities nationwide to cooperate more with middle and primary schools in carrying out ideological-political education.

Visiting the university's museum, Xi asked it to carry forward its glorious revolutionary traditions and distinctive "red" heritage.

At a square outside the museum, Xi met with senior professors, experts, and representatives of outstanding young and middleaged teachers and talked with them.

Xi said building world-class universities requires first-class teachers, underscoring the importance of training competent teachers.

At the library, Xi inspected the display of revolutionary literature and ancient books and heard briefings on the university's efforts to protect and use literature and ancient books and turn theoretical research into application.

Xi called for enhancing the protection, restoration, and comprehensive utilization of the university's ancient books via modern sci-tech means, thus building a world-class academic resources information platform and boosting the country's cultural soft power.

Later on, Xi sat down with representatives of teachers and stu-

dents at a symposium and delivered an important speech.

Xi stressed that building a worldclass university with Chinese characteristics would not work by blindly following others or simply copying foreign standards and models. It requires blazing a new path instead.

Xi said there is a pressing need to answer questions of the times, such as "What happens to the world?" and "Where should humanity head?"

The priority of developing the philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics is to establish an independent knowledge system, Xi said.

He urged efforts to make the philosophy and social sciences with Chinese characteristics an important part of the world's academic society.

Xi encouraged relevant researchers to try their best to achieve progress in addressing the overall, fundamental, and key issues of the Party and the country.

Faculties of universities should not only master their disciplines but also nurture their virtue. They should become true tutors for their students and role models for society and the public, Xi said.

He called on young people to follow the Party's call and develop themselves into a generation capable of shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation.

Wang Huning and other leading officials of the central authorities attended the events.

19-25 April 2022

"Indivisible security" endorsed by international community: Chinese FM

the comment following recent

tional community," Wang said.

claims by a U.S. State Depart-

This principle has been enshrined

ment spokesperson that China

in such important documents as

continues to "parrot" some of

the Helsinki Final Act of 1975, the

Russia's security ideas amid the

1990 Charter of Paris for a New

war in Ukraine, including the

Europe, the Founding Act on Mu-

Kremlin's concept of "indivisible

tual Relations, Cooperation and

security."

Security between NATO and the

"China rejects such groundless

Russian Federation in 1997, and

accusations by the U.S. that disre-

the Charter for European Security

BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua)

gard the facts," Wang told a regu-

adopted in 1999, he said, adding

The United States should remember

lar news briefing.

that the United States is a signato-

that the idea of "indivisible security"

"The U.S. side should address its

ry or party to these documents.

is a principle endorsed by the inter-

own ignorance and realize that

national community, including the

indivisible security is not just a

U.S. side, and is not promoted by

Russian concept, but an important

Russia alone, a Chinese Foreign

principle widely recognized and

Ministry spokesperson said on Mon-

accepted by NATO members in-

day.

cluding the U.S., European coun-

Spokesperson Wang Wenbin made

tries and the rest of the interna-

Wang said that forgetting history would be the greatest betrayal and denying consensus would have grave consequences.

"This kind of perfidious practice by the United States is typical of unilateralism and historical revisionism, and it is the root cause of the current European security crisis," he said.

19-25 April 2022

group of local journalists on a wide

In the past two years, China has

range of topics including China's

extended Sri Lanka 26 million

aid to Sri Lanka, financial & eco-

doses of vaccine, numerous PPEs

nomic cooperation to overcome

& medical equipment, 2.8 billion

current crisis, people-to-people ex-

USD of financial support, 11,000

changes etc.

jobs for Sri Lankans in Chinese

China is doing all-out efforts in-

projects, etc. Financial depart-

cluding from local governments,

ments and institutes of both China

cial groups, com-

social groups, companies, schools

and Sri Lanka are still working

etc., to support Sri Lanka overcome

closely on the new financial re-

panies, schools

current difficulties. Western devel-

quests (loans & buyer's credit)

oped countries, especially those

raised by Sri Lanka, in the back-

etc., to support

who colonized Sri Lanka in history,

drop of SL's temporary suspen-

should also come and help.

sion of debt payment and the talks

Sri Lanka over-

Financial departments and institutes

of debt restructuring with IMF.

of both China and Sri Lanka are

come current diffi-

Economic crisis and debt burden

still working closely on the new

of Sri Lanka has its historical rea-

financial requests (loans & buyer's

son, and could not be solved over-

credit) raised by Sri Lanka, in the

night. China is not the only lender

backdrop of SL's temporary sus-

either the biggest lender of Sri

pension of debt payment and the

Lanka. Most of Chinese loans are

talks of debt restructuring with

concessional and going to

IMF.

infrastructure and eco-

China is doing allout efforts including from local governments, so-

culties.

Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong had a free & open dialogue with a

social development.

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19-25 April 2022

Ambassador Qi met with Leader of the Opposition & SJB Sajith Premadasa Source: @ChinaEmbSL April 19, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong met with Leader of the Opposition of Sri Lanka and Samagi Jana Balawegaya Sajith Premadasa.Sajith: Both opposition & ruling parties request 's continuous support in this difficult moment. Qi: China is doing all-out efforts to help overcome the crisis

China’s Yunnan provincial government donates food packs of RMB 1 million to 10,000 needy families in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong told EP3 Governor

Hon. Anuradha Yahampath on Sunday (24th). The governor invites more Chinese in-

China’s Yunnan Province donates food packs to needy families in EP of Sri Lanka Source: @ChinaEmbSL

vestment to the province in various fields.

19-25 April 2022

China will do its utmost to help Sri Lanka tide over difficulties

Dai Yonghong is the dean of School of Foreign Languages and director of Institute of Area and International Communication Studies at Shenzhen University.

The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily those of CGTN. Sri Lanka recently suffered its worst economic crisis since independence in 1948 and continued social unrest. Energy, food and medicine shortages, among other things, have led people to take to the streets in mass protests. The Sri Lankan New Year, celebrated on April 14 this year, has not provided a respite from the tense situation there. In the face of escalating conflicts, China will do its utmost to help Sri Lanka tide over the difficulties.

Internal troubles and external aggression The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a heavy blow to tourism, the most important industry for Sri Lanka to earn foreign exchange.

Related services such as aviation, hospitality and catering have all declined, and tourism revenue has gradually dried up. Overseas labor exports are also affected. In

the face of the unstable world situation, its main export products such as rubber, black tea and jewelry have become marginal products in the overseas market. A combination of these factors has led to a severe shortage of foreign exchange reserves, leading to shortages of food, fuel and medicine.

Meanwhile, the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine conflict made Sri Lanka's economic crisis reach its peak. The surge in global oil prices has disrupted Sri Lanka's crude supply system. In addition, 45 percent of Sri Lanka's wheat imports come from Russia and Ukraine, and more than 50 percent of its sunflower oil, sunflower seeds and soybean imports come from Ukraine. The Russia-Ukraine conflict has pushed agricultural prices beyond the economic reach of the country's people.

Asking for help Under the continuous impact of the pandemic and the war, Sri Lanka is scrambling to seek help from the world. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on April 21 that discussions with Sri Lanka on a potential loan package were at an early stage and any agreement would need "adequate assurances" that the island country's debts can be put on a sustainable path. In addition, India pledged its full support to Sri Lanka's deliberations with the IMF, including accelerating the expansion of the fund's lending. Meanwhile, India has extended a $1 billion credit line for food, medicine and other necessities to Sri Lanka. Indian Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla recently reiterated that Sri Lanka is a priority as a neighbor for the Modi government.

In addition, at the fourth Sri Lanka-U.S. Partnership Dialogue held in Colombo in March, the

U.S. promised to provide $19 million in five-year project assistance to Sri Lanka's green energy program, but did not mention how to help Sri Lanka overcome the current economic crisis.

Overcoming difficulties together Although separated by mountains and oceans, China and Sri Lanka communicate with each other all the time. The ancient Maritime Silk Road and its location in the Indian Ocean made Sri Lanka a crucial junction between major Asian civilizations. At present, the steady implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative has brought about closer exchanges between China and Sri Lanka.

On April 19, Xu Wei, a spokesperson for the China International Development Cooperation Agency, said that China has noted Sri Lanka's economic difficulties. As a traditional friendly neighbor, China is going to provide emergency humanitarian assistance to Sri Lanka to help it cope with the current difficulties. Humanitarian aid should not be misinterpreted by some Western countries, and the hype of a "debt trap" will not damage the friendship between Sri Lanka and China.

Despite the current economic crisis in Sri Lanka, according to the World Bank, revenue generated by telecommunications and financial services increased by 32 percent and 28 percent during the pandemic. Meanwhile, the throughput of the Hambantota International Ports Group, a joint venture between China and Sri Lanka, released a briefing document on July 13, 2021. Despite the impact of COVID-19, cargo volume at Hambantota Port maintained a substantial growth of over 180 percent year on year in the first half of 2021, indicating that the development of the port is on the fast track.

Mutual benefit and win-win cooperation to tide over difficulties is the enduring vision of China-Sri Lanka exchanges.

19-25 April 2022

the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

More than 100 countries have supported the initiative, and more than 50 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the Global Development Initiative established by China on the UN platform, Wang added.

China has accumulated rich ex-

China, UN vow to jointly boost global development BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua)

China and the United Nations development system Monday agreed to make joint efforts for the cause of

global development.

The consensus came when Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with Siddharth Chatterjee, UN development system resident coordinator in China.

Noting that the UN is the main platform for international development cooperation, Wang said China attaches great importance to cooperation with the UN development system and is willing to work with the UN to advance the cause of global development.

Wang said the Global Develop-

ment Initiative, put forward by China, aims to call on the international community to pay more attention to development issues, strengthen international development cooperation, and accelerate

perience in poverty alleviation, human resource development, protection of women's and children's rights, health, and green and open development, etc. China is willing to cooperate with UN members and the UN development system to share these experience with other countries, Wang said.

Chatterjee spoke highly of the

significance of the Global Development Initiative to realize the UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.

He said that the UN development system in China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with China on advancing the Global Development Initiative, actively offer advice and suggestions, and carry out practical cooperation.

19-25 April 2022

China calls for solidarity to build global community of health for all CTGN 25 April Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi delivers a speech at the International Forum on the 50th Anniversary of the Discovery of Artemisinin and on Building a Global Community of Health for All in Beijing, April

25, 2022. /Chinese Foreign Ministry Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on countries across the world to put aside differences, be united and jointly build a global community of health for all.

misinin and on Building a Global

said. Since the start of the COVID-

Community of Health for All in

19 pandemic, China has launched its

Beijing.

largest-scale emergency humanitarian assistance mission. It has provid-

Monday marks the World Malar-

ed anti-epidemic supplies to 153

ia Day. Artemisinin, an effective

countries and 15 international organ-

cure for malaria, was first discov-

izations, and provided 2.2 billion

ered and extracted by a Chinese

vaccine doses to more than 120

research team led by health ex-

countries and international organiza-

pert Tu Youyou, a Nobel laureate

tions, he said.

in physiology or medicine.

Wang called for continuous efforts to

Wang said the discovery and ex-

infectious diseases and global soli-

traction of artemisinin by the

darity to defeat COVID-19. He also

Chinese scientists 50 years ago

called on the international communi-

led to a significant drop in the

ty to improve the global health gov-

death rate of malaria patients.

ernance system.

eliminate malaria and other major

While eliminating malaria at home, China launched large-scale

Senegalese President Macky Sall,

assistance to the global fight

Zimbabwean President Emmerson

against malaria, he said. By the

Mnangagwa, Comorian President

end of 2021, China had provided

Azali Assoumani, Madagascar's

artemisinin drugs for the treat-

President Andry Rajoelina, Cambo-

ment of billions of patients

dian Prime Minister Samdech Techo

worldwide, trained tens of thou-

Hun Sen, Lao Prime Minister Phan-

sands of technicians in malaria

kham Viphavanh and Deputy Direc-

treatment for developing coun-

tor-General of the World Health Or-

tries, built malaria treatment and

ganization Zsuzsanna Jakab sent

prevention centers in 30 coun-

congratulatory video messages to the

tries, and sent 28,000 medical

forum.

staff to 72 developing countries,

he noted.

The forum was co-hosted by China International Development Coopera-

Wang made the remarks when delivering a speech at the International Forum on the 50th Anniversary of the Discovery of Arte-

The Chinese people stood togeth-

tion Agency, the National Health

er with people in countries

Commission of China and the Na-

around the world in the fight

tional Administration of Traditional

against SARS and Ebola, Wang

Chinese Medicine.

19-25 April 2022

China will enhance communication

China reaffirms commitment to denuclearization of Korean Peninsula

and coordination with the relevant

CTGN

the 90th anniversary of the founding

China on Tuesday reaffirmed its

of the Korean People's Army at Kim

commitment to the denuclearization

Il Sung Square in Pyongyang,

of the Korean Peninsula after Pyong-

DPRK, April 25, 2022. /CFP

yang vowed to strengthen its nuclear

Kim Jong Un, leader of the Demo-

capabilities.

cratic People's Republic of Korea

parties and jointly promote the political settlement of the peninsula issue, Wang said at a regular press briefing.

A Hwasong-17 ICBM is displayed during a military parade to celebrate

(DPRK), said on Monday that the Wang Wenbin, a spokesperson for

DPRK will take further steps to

the Chinese Foreign Ministry, said

strengthen and develop the country's

China is committed to maintaining

nuclear capabilities to the "fastest

peace and stability on the peninsula,

possible speed," according to the

realizing denuclearization and re-

DPRK's official Korean Central

solving disputes through dialogue

News Agency (KCNA).

and consultation.

"The fundamental mission of our

nuclear forces is to deter a war, but our nukes can never be confined to the single mission of war deterrent even at a time when a situation we are not desirous of at all is created on this land," Kim said.

The DPRK held a military parade to

celebrate the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Korean People's Army at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang on Monday night, during which the country's largest intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), the Hwasong-17, was displayed, the KCNA reported.

Amid stalled denuclearization talks and escalated tensions on the peninsula, the DPRK conducted over a dozen weapons tests this year, including its first ICBM test since 2017.

19-25 April 2022

Bandung Spirit, first advocated by Asia, are all the more relevant today.

He urged honoring the principles of mutual respect, equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence, following a policy of goodneighborliness and friendship, and making sure that Asia always keeps

its future in the region's own hands.

Highlighting win-win cooperation a sure path to Asian development, Xi called for fostering a more open Asia

Xi calls for making Asia anchor for world peace, powerhouse for global growth, new pacesetter for int'l cooperation BEIJING, April 21 (Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called for making Asia an anchor for world peace, a powerhouse for global growth and a new pacesetter for international cooperation.

Xi made the remarks while delivering a keynote speech via video at the opening ceremony of the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2022.

Xi stressed that people in Asia deeply cherish the value of peace and understand that development

gains do not come easily as they

-wide market and making new

have been through hot and cold

strides in mutually beneficial cooper-

wars, hardships and tribulations.

ation.

"Over the past decades, Asia has

Xi said countries, no matter their size

enjoyed overall stability and sus-

and strength, and both in and outside

tained rapid growth, making pos-

the region, should all add splendor

sible the Asian Miracle," Xi said,

rather than trouble to Asia.

adding that the whole world ben-

"All should follow the path of peace

efits when Asia fares well.

and development, seek win-win co-

He called for efforts to continue

operation, and contribute to an Asian

developing and strengthening

family of unity and progress togeth-

Asia, and demonstrate Asia's re-

er," Xi said.

silience, wisdom and strength.

Hailing the broad-mindedness of

Xi stressed resolutely safeguard-

Asians, Xi called for choosing dia-

ing peace in Asia, vigorously ad-

logue and cooperation over zero-sum

vancing Asian cooperation and

games, openness and inclusiveness

jointly promoting Asian unity.

over a closed-door and exclusive ap-

"Peace and stability in our region

proach, and exchanges and mutual

does not fall into our lap auto-

learning over a sense of superiority.

matically or come as charity from

Xi also stressed ASEAN centrality in

any country," Xi said. "Rather, it

the regional architecture, and called

is the result of the joint efforts of

for upholding a regional order that

countries in the region."

balances the aspirations and accom-

Xi said the Five Principles of

modates the interests of all parties.

Peaceful Coexistence and the

19-25 April 2022

The First Sri Lanka Tea Shop and Cultural Centre Opened in Beijing The Embassy of Sri Lanka Beijing 21 April 2022 The Embassy of Sri Lanka in Beijing in collaboration with the China Sri Lanka Association for Trade and Economic Cooperation (CSLATE), and the Beijing Wanhongtai Technology Group Co., Ltd. Company opened the first Sri Lanka Tea Shop and Cultural Centre in Beijing on 20th April 2022 in the prestigious Xiu Shui Street, Chaoyang District. The Shop with its large outdoor

area has been made available to the Ambassador free of charge. This initiative is one of the range of activities undertaken by the Embassy to commemorate the 65th Anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations and 70th Anniversary of the Rubber-Rice Pact. The Deputy Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), Government officials, representatives from Diplomatic Missions in Beijing, and the Chinese business community attended the event.

The Ambassador, H. E. Dr. Palitha

Kohona, addressing the gathering, said that this was a pioneering initiative to promote Ceylon Tea in China and thanked CSLATE and the Beijing Wanhongtai Technology Group Co., Ltd. Company for their inspiring vision. This

was the first Ceylon Tea Shop and the Cultural Centre in China and he hoped that many more will follow. The Ambassador invited the attendees to bring their friends to visit the tea shop to taste Ceylon Tea

and relax.

Ceylon Tea was among the top black teas and the leader among the black teas of the world due to its unique flavour, colour and aroma.

Mr. Sampath Perera, Second Secretary (Tea Promotion) demonstrated Ceylon Tea preparation. He also highlighted the seven regions of Ceylon Tea and their distinct taste, flavour and aroma.

The invitees were later treated to Sri Lankan delicacies and Ceylon Tea.

19-25 April 2022

The China-aided Buam Aor Resettlement Village Project in Laos is expected to greatly improve local infrastructure, education, medical care and living conditions, and help promote local economic development.

NEWS CONTRIBUTION Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, CPAFFC, CAFIU, and other Chinese Media PUBLISHER

D30, Matha Road, Manning Town Colombo 8 Sri Lanka

Executive Editor Indrananda Abeysekera

Phone: +94 112695772 +94 710885588

714925151

E-mail: chinamirrorsl@gmail.com chinamirrorsl@yahoo.com

Editor in Chief Madushan Kularathne

25.04.2022