CHINA MIRROR WEEKLY NEWS ISSUE 49

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Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Co-operation

Chinese Presi-

dent Xi Jinping believes that under the leadership of President Ranil Wickramesinghe, Sri Lanka will surely overcome temporary difficulties and advance the process of economic and social recovery. 2

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Close-up Ensuring the Yellow River benefits the people 7

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Wang Yi: South China Sea issue is for regional countries to solve

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Chinese premier meets with executive chairman 3 of WEF 8

2nd China International Consumer Products Expo opens in 8Hainan

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19-25 July 2022 along the Yellow River.

dong Province. He commended the lo-

Along the way, he was briefed on the

cal efforts to improve the river's envi-

status and challenges in the river basin's

ronment, encouraging those involved to

protection and management and made

keep up the good work.

detailed instructions on the matter.

However, according to Xi, there is still

Zhang Xiaolei, an explainer at the Yel-

much to do to further improve the

low River Museum in Zhengzhou, He-

river's environment.

nan Province, who accompanied Xi dur-

"We must not rest on our laurels," he

ing a tour of the museum in September

said during the inspection. "We ought to

2019, recalled that Xi was very knowl-

focus on solving problems, strive with

With the onset of frequent rain, north Chi-

edgeable of the history of the Chinese

renewed efforts and resolve, and push

na's Yellow River has entered its summer

nation's efforts to harness the Yellow

forward work on all fronts."

high-water season, and areas along its

River since ancient times.

To Xi, who has underscored the notion

course are guarding against possible

Xi was particularly interested in the

that "lucid waters and lush mountains

floods.

history of flood prevention, Zhang re-

are invaluable assets," the Yellow

The Yellow River and the Yangtze River

called. "He spent a long time in the hall

River's environmental protection must

are regarded as the "mother rivers" of the

dedicated to the ancient efforts to har-

follow a holistic approach.

Chinese nation. The Yellow River basin

ness the Yellow River, slowing down

Mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake,

had been the political, economic, and cul-

before a map of river harnessing work

grassland, and desert ecosystems must

tural centers of the country for as long as

from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)

be conserved, and industry must devel-

3,000 years in the 5,000-year history of the

and commenting, 'This is really extraor-

op in harmony with the natural environ-

Chinese civilization.

dinary.'"

ment.

Today, the 5,464-km-long waterway feeds

The next day, Xi noted at a meeting that

In implementing the national strategy

12 percent of China's population, irrigates

the protection of the river is critical to

on the Yellow River, both farsighted

17 percent of its arable land, and supplies

the great rejuvenation and sustainable

vision and down-to-earth work are

water to more than 50 large and medium-

development of the Chinese nation, call-

needed, Xi once said. For him, the pur-

sized cities.

ing it a major national strategy.

pose of all these efforts is simple: to

However, throughout its history, the Yel-

Regarding the river basin's ecological

make the Yellow River benefit the peo-

low River used to suffer from frequent

protection, Xi said that the upper, mid-

ple.

dike breaks and course changes.

dle and lower reaches of the river need

The Yellow River basin has seen great

Due to its incomparable historical, cultural

to be considered as a whole. He also

improvement in the ecological environ-

and economic significance, together with

stressed better use of water resources,

ment after continuous conservation ef-

the environmental impact it brings, the

with rational planning of the population

forts.

river and its basin must be protected and

and urban and industrial development to

The area of soil erosion in the Yellow

managed with the utmost effort.

resolutely curb unreasonable demand for

River basin decreased by 48 percent in

This point was made clear on multiple

water.

2020, compared with 1990, and that of

occasions by President Xi Jinping, who

Following Xi's persistent attention to the

intense soil erosion was reduced by 83

attaches great importance to the ecological

matter, in October 2021, central authori-

percent.

protection of the Yellow River.

ties issued a comprehensive guideline

Many places, which used to be suffering

Over the past few years, Xi, also general

on the ecological protection and high-

from sandstorms, saline and alkali soils,

secretary of the Communist Party of China

quality development of the Yellow Riv-

and flooding as a result of the river's

Central Committee and chairman of the

er basin through 2030 and beyond.

dike break or course change, have shak-

Central Military Commission, has visited

Later in the same month, Xi inspected

en off poverty thanks to continuous

all nine provinces or autonomous regions

the estuary of the Yellow River in Shan-

development efforts and improvements

Ensuring the Yellow River benefits the people .

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua)

to the environment.

19-25 July 2022

Wang Yi: South China Sea issue is for regional countries to solve Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a virtual symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea, July 25, 2022. / China's Foreign Ministry

Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on countries in the region to maintain their position in solving the South China Sea issue.

Wang made these remarks at a virtual symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea. He called for unswervingly practicing the norms and propositions of the DOC, making the South China Sea "a sea of peace, a sea of friendship and a sea of cooperation."

Representatives of the governments of China and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the DOC in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh in 2002. It is the first political document between China and the ASEAN countries on dealing with the South China Sea issue at the regional level.

South China Sea is not a 'safari park' The South China Sea is not a "safari park" for countries outside the region or a "fighting arena" for major powers to compete in, Wang stressed at the seminar.

He said the regional countries should support all efforts condu-

cive to the peaceful resolution of disputes, oppose words or actions that create tensions and provoke confrontation, and stand on the side of the peaceful aspirations of all peoples.

Calling dialogue and consultation the fundamental path to resolving conflicts, Wang urged related parties to continuously promote dialogue as it is also the DOC's spirit.

Wang also called for deepening maritime cooperation, as the South China Sea is the common wealth of the countries in the region.

He said related parties should actively promote pragmatic cooperation in scientific research, environmental protection, search and rescue and other fields, and explore the joint development of resources for the betterment of regional countries and people.

In addition, Wang urged efforts to steadily promote the consultation on the code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea to provide stronger institutional safeguards for managing differences and promoting cooperation.

Peace, stability are prerequisites Referring to the important insights from the successful practice of the signing and implementation of the DOC, Wang said peace and stability in the South China Sea are the important prerequisites for regional development.

Establishing that the regional countries are the "real masters" in deal-

ing with the South China Sea issue, Wang said the dual-track approach of dealing with the issue – peaceful and proper handling of the disputes – came through direct talks between the parties involved. It is in line with the regional reality and effective in maintaining the overall stability of the South China Sea, he added.

"In the process of implementing the DOC, we have always followed the Asian tradition of mutual respect and keeping promises, abandoned the zero-sum mindset, which has manifested the great value and vitality of the declaration," he said.

Observing that today's South China Sea is not calm, Wang said extraterritorial powers were throwing more strength in the region to maintain their hegemony, deliberately expanding conflicts and provoking tensions, which jeopardized the legitimate rights and interests of coastal countries and the normal order of the sea.

In this regard, the Chinese foreign minister said China and ASEAN countries should make their attitude clear that they welcome countries to come to the South China Sea in the cause of peace and cooperation while rejecting countries with an aim of making disorder and destruction in the region.

19-25 July 2022

were unwilling or unable to help Sri Lanka at that time.

"Today, from our impressive highway, railway expansion, port, airport and other infrastructure development, we can see the importance of China's timely help." Kohona said.

"The view that China is responsible for Sri Lanka's current poor situation is extreamly wrong." Dr.Palitha Kohona , Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China said.

GLOBEL TIMES. As for some Western reports claiming that China bears "key responsibility" for Sri Lanka's difficult financial situation, Kohona said that these re-

ports are politically motivated and "extremely wrong". Kohona stressed that when other countries are unwilling or unable to assist this South Asian island country, it is China's assistance that helps Sri Lanka achieve rapid development in infrastructure

construction and economic recovery.

"The view that China is responsible for Sri Lanka's current poor situa-

The ambassador also made spe-

tion is extreamly wrong." Kohona

cial mention of the port of Ham-

said.

bantota. He said that the feasibility study of the current "debt trap

Kohona pointed out: "it must be em- project" vilified by foreign mephasized that Sri Lanka owes only

dia for China was initially com-

about 10% of its external debt to

pleted by Canadian and Danish

China, and more to multilateral in-

companies. "They recommended

stitutions such as the world bank

the project with great enthusi-

and the Asian Development Bank.

asm. However, Sri Lanka did not

Similarly, a considerable part of its

obtain the funds required for the

external debt is owed to institutional construction project from any investors, mainly from the west, in- channel, including the world cluding wall street."

bank. After detailed negotiation,

More importantly, after the 27 year

we finally obtained the funds

long civil conflict in Sri Lanka end- from China." Kohona also pointed, it was China's help that enabled

ed out that China funded projects

Sri Lanka to recover and rebuild in

have helped Sri Lanka revitalize

the dilemma that other countries

its sluggish economy.

19-25 July 2022

Chinese Ambassidor Qi Zhenhong handed over the congratulatory message President Xi Jinping sent to Ranil Wickramasinghe on his election as president today. President Xi: I am willing to provide support & assistance within our capacity to President Wickremesinghe and Sri Lankan people in Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong felicitated Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry on assuming the new

office at Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The two sides exchanged views on current situation in Sri Lanka, friendship & other

19-25 July 2022

Dinesh Gunawardena (R, front) is sworn in as the prime minister of Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 22, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua) and Sri Lanka enjoy a profound

Chinese traditional friendship, and are Premier sends friendly neighbors and strategic cooperative partners. congratulaSince the establishment of their tions to Sri diplomatic ties 65 years ago, the Lankan new two sides have always treated each other with respect and as PM equals, continuously strengthened BEIJING, (Xinhua)

The Chinese side firmly supports the friendly cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, empathizes with the Sri Lankan people regarding the current difficulties facing them, and stands ready to continue

to provide them support and assistance within its capacity, Li said.

The Chinese premier said he

mutual political trust and promot-

would like to work with Prime

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on

ed mutually beneficial coopera-

Minister Gunawardena to

Tuesday sent a message to Dinesh

tion, and joined hands to deal with

strengthen solidarity and mutual

Gunawardena to congratulate him on difficulties and challenges, said taking office as Sri Lankan prime Li, adding that bilateral relations

support among developing coun-

minister.

have maintained sound and steady

ation in various fields, so as to

In his message, Li said that China

development.

bring more benefits to the two

tries, and deepen practical cooper-

countries and their peoples.

19-25 July 2022

gions, as well as over 1,200 do-

hibition booth during the second

mestic brands.

China International Consumer

The exhibition area has expanded

Products Expo in Haikou, south

to 100,000 square meters from

China's Hainan Province, July

80,000 square meters last year,

25, 2022.

with the international area cover-

The second China International

ing 80 percent of the total exhibi-

Consumer Products Expo

tion space.

(CICPE) opened Monday on the

As the guest country of honor,

resort island of Hainan.

France participates in the expo

The six-day expo has attracted

with nearly 50 enterprises and

1,107 overseas companies and

250 brands.

1,643 brands from 61 countries

The expo will showcase over 600

and regions, as well as over

new products from more than 200

1,200 domestic brands.

The second China International Con-

brands, organizers said.

The exhibition area has expand-

sumer Products Expo kicked off on

Co-hosted by China's commerce

ed to 100,000 square meters

Monday in Haikou, capital of south

ministry and the Hainan provin-

from 80,000 square meters last

China's Hainan Province.

cial government, the expo is ex-

year, with the international area

The six-day expo has attracted 1,107

pected to attract more than

covering 80 percent of the total

overseas companies and 1,643

40,000 buyers and visitors. ■

exhibition space. (Xinhua/Chen

2nd China International Consumer Products Expo opens in Hainan HAIKOU, July 25 (Xinhua)

brands from 61 countries and re-

Jianli).

A staff member decorates an ex-

19-25 July 2022

dialogue and communication," Li said.

Li said China appreciates the WEF's consistent focus on economic development and stronger cooperation with China, and deeper cooperation between the two sides

will help send to the world a posiChinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/

BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met virtually with Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab on Tuesday.

Li said cooperation between China

my and improving lives.

The premier said China will stay committed to the fundamental na-

Zhai Jianlan)

Chinese premier meets with executive chairman of WEF

tive message of growing the econo-

tional policy of opening-up, and and the WEF has traversed a jour- will work with all parties to intensi-

ney of over four decades, almost

fy dialogue and communication to

in tandem with China's reform and create conditions for win-win coopopening-up process.

eration of mutual benefit.

He pointed out that at present,

Noting that the WEF has main-

world development faces many

tained a good partnership with Chi-

uncertainties and destabilizing fac- na for more than four decades, tors, however, world peace and

Schwab said the WEF is ready to

development, and interaction and

deepen cooperation with China to

exchanges between countries are a promote global dialogue, leverage shared wish of the people and pre- the role of the business community, vailing trend of the time.

enhance global and regional ex-

"The international community

change and cooperation, and play a

needs to firm up confidence, safe- positive role for meeting the cliguard peace and stability, and

mate challenge, promoting industry

jointly meet challenges with closer transformation and advancing social fairness.

19-25 July 2022

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng (L), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, unveils the nameplate of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. as he attends the company's inaugural meeting in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

Chinese vice premier attends inaugural meeting of China Mineral Resources Group

which is crucial for the security in Beijing on Monday.

Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of

China Central Committee, unveiled the nameplate of the company at the meeting.

The establishment of the company

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua)

is a major move by the country to

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng

guarantee the supply of important

attended the inaugural meeting of

mineral resources by making good

China Mineral Resources Group Ltd.

use of the domestic and international markets and resources,

of industrial and supply chains and high-quality development.

Solely state-owned and centrally administered, the company will

adhere to openness, seek winwin cooperation, and adopt market-oriented and law-based operation in an effort to build itself into a world-class mineral resources company with global competitiveness and influence.

19-25 July 2022

People walk out of the venue of the 18th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Lu Boan) trolytic manganese dioxide before being sold domestically and exported to Japan as a raw material within new-energy batteries.

This particular case of crossborder trade, industry and sale illustrates the power of the recently instituted Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in bringing economic benefit to China and its regional partners.

NANNING, June 25 (Xinhua) The RCEP has helped reduce the tariff on manganese ore in On May 27, a cargo ship loaded with Malaysia from 3 percent to 2.4 Malaysian manganese ore arrived at percent, making the industrial Beibu Gulf Port in south China's chain connecting China, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous ReASEAN and Japan more comgion. petitive in the international market, and promoting the developThe ore was sent to the smelting ment of the regional economy. workshop of South Manganese The RCEP agreement, the Group Ltd., which has the longest world's largest free trade deal to manganese industry chain in the date, came into force on the first world. There, it was made into elec-

RCEP deepens China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation

day of 2022. Since then it has brought tangible dividends to economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries.

Customs data shows that, in the first quarter, China's imports and exports to ASEAN reached 1.35 trillion yuan (202.2 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 8.4 percent year on year, accounting for 14.4 percent of China's total foreign trade.

During the period, trade between China and ASEAN accounted for 47.2 percent -- or nearly half -- of China's foreign trade with RCEP partners, according to the data.

With the RCEP agreement, ASEAN has once again overtaken the EU to become China's largest trading partner.

19-25 July 2022

China's expressway network links 95 pct of population BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) China has made solid progress in

building a national road network to improve inter-area transport layout and increase traffic capacity, with its expressways linking about 95 percent of the population, official data showed.

At present, the expressway network covers 98.8 percent of cities each with an urban population of over

200,000 and prefecture-level admin-

istrative centers, while linking around 88 percent of county-level regions, Wang Tai, an official with the Ministry of Transport, told a press conference Monday.

National highways also basically cover administrative areas at and above the county level and border ports open all year round, Wang said.

As of the end of last year, China had built 117,000 km of national expressways and seen 257,700 km of national highways open to traffic.

The country aims to build national roads with a total length of about 461,000 km, consisting of 162,000-

km expressways and 299,000km highways by 2035, according to a circular released earlier this year.

To facilitate the construction of a modern, high-quality national road network, efforts will be made to promote key projects and an integrated road network

for city clusters, Wang said.

China will also step up green road construction by enhancing the effective use of resources, protecting ecological environment along the roads and effectively reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.

FM spokesperson warns of serious consequence over Pelosi's potential Taiwan visit

tial visit to Taiwan and our firm opposition to the visit," spokesperson Zhao

Lijian told a regular news briefing.

"We are fully prepared

BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) Speaker Nancy Pelosi's potential

for any eventuality," he said.

The Chinese side will take firm and

visit to Taiwan, a foreign ministry

The United States must assume

strong measures to safeguard sover-

spokesperson said Monday.

full responsibility for any serious

eignty and territorial integrity if the

"The Chinese side has repeatedly

consequence arising thereof,

United States insists on going ahead

made clear to the U.S. side our se-

Zhao added

with its House of Representatives

rious concern over Pelosi's poten-

19-25 July 2022

The long-time exposure photo taken on July 24, 2022 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) under maintenance in southwest China's Guizhou Province. Using FAST, or the "China Sky Eye," scientists have identified over 660 new pulsars. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) NEWS CONTRIBUTION Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, 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

25.07.2022