BEIJING, Nov. 11 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin on Tuesday called for more efforts to consolidate and develop an equal, unified, cooperative and harmonious relationship among all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups were inseparable, he said at a meeting with a 49-strong delegation of minority role models and local leaders in Beijing. Authorities in minority areas should work to rebuild shared growth and prosperity, and implement policies on minority regional development. The delegation from southwest China is scheduled to visit Shanghai, and southern China after leaving Beijing. Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference(CPPCC), meets with members of a delegation of China's ethnic minorities in Beijing, China, Nov. 11, 2008
BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The State Council, or Cabinet, agreed in an executive meeting on Wednesday to speed up the reform and development of the inland Chongqing municipality. China has four municipalities: Beijing, Tianjin in the north, Shanghai in the east, and Chongqing in the southwest. "Local authorities are required to accelerate the overall development of rural and urban areas and promote environmental protection and natural resources conservation, to turn Chongqing into an important growth pole in western region," according to the meeting, presided over by Premier Wen Jiabao. Local governments should help people in the Three Gorges area to develop local pillar industries, modern agriculture and improve rural production and living conditions, according to the meeting. The city should also step up construction of a new district in its north and a newly-approved bonded zone and carry out regional economic cooperation.
BEIJING, Oct. 22 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor has called for seriously studying the essence of the third plenary session of the 17th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which is ushering in a new round of rural reforms in the country. Great efforts should be made to push forward the rural reforms, so as to consolidate and develop the country's general situation featuring a stable and fast economic development and a harmonious and stable society, said Jia Qinglin, chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee. Jia, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of CPC Central Committee Political Bureau, made a study tour in Jilin Province on Oct. 18-22 in the company of Jilin's Party chief Wang Min and Governor Han Changfu. During his stay, he visited local factories, villages, schools, research institutions and construction sites, and heard reports by local officials to learn about the real situation in this northeastern province. Jia Qinglin (R front), a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, talks with a farmer at the Cerestar China Resources Maize Industry Co., Ltd. in northeast China's Jilin Province, Oct. 20, 2008. Jia made a study tour in Jilin Province on Oct. 18-22 Jia showed special interest in rural development and urged local grain-processing companies to play a leading role in promoting agricultural production, increasing farmers income and achieving prosperity in the countryside. He urged locals to probe ways in setting up new-type rural cooperatives to speed up the formation of a new-type public service system for farming and enhance the level of public service in the agricultural sector. In addition, the senior official highlighted the issue of improving the country's self-reliant and innovative abilities, while visiting a number of large companies in oil, railway, pharmaceuticals and research and educational institutions. Jilin, which boasts a sound industrial foundation and a large army of scientists and teachers, has the valuable conditions for increasing its self-reliant and innovative abilities and accelerating the pace of reforms, Jia said. Over the past few days, the top political advisor had meetings with local CPPCC officials and leaders of local branches of non-communist parties and the local federations of industries and commerce. Jia reiterated the important role of China's political consultative system, which puts the CPC at the center while making all these non-Communist parties as participants in the country's arena, the so-called United Front, which is aimed to unite all forces around the CPC in the governance. China must adhere to its correct political orientation and the leadership of the CPC, Jia said. He called for firmly taking the socialist road with China's own characteristics in the country's political development, under the guidance of the great banner of socialism.
BEIJING, Nov. 8 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao and U.S. president-elect Barack Obama Saturday discussed in a telephone conversation relations between China and the United States and major international issues of common concern, including the ongoing global financial crisis. In the telephone conversation, Hu expressed appreciation to Obama for emphasizing in his election campaign speeches the great importance of China-U.S. relations, and for advocating the strengthening of China-U.S. cooperation in jointly responding to global challenges and in sharing global development opportunities. Hu pointed out that since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries 30 years ago, bilateral relations have generally kept developing despite setbacks, scoring hard-earned achievements and bringing about tangible interests to both nations. As the largest developing nation and the largest developed nation, China and the United States share extensive common interests on issues related to world peace and development, and both assume important responsibility in this regard, Hu said. In the new historical period of time, China is willing to maintain high-level exchange with the United States and also contacts at all levels, continue strategic dialogue with the United States, increase exchange and cooperation between the two countries in all fields, and strengthen the exchange of opinion and coordination with the United States on major international and regional issues, the Chinese president noted. China and the United States should respect each other and accommodate each other's concerns, and appropriately settle sensitive issues between the two countries, particularly the Taiwan issue, in order to promote the China-U.S. relations of constructive cooperation to a higher level, he said. Speaking on the same occasion, Obama said that China is a great nation and that China's development and success meet U.S. interests. On today's international arena, U.S.-China relations are relations of vital importance. The development of U.S.-China relations is not only in the interest of both nations, but also benefits the world, Obama said. Saying that U.S.-China relations face many development opportunities, Obama expressed the hope that the United States and China will strengthen cooperation, and promote greater development of bilateral relations, to bring benefits to both nations. The United States hopes to strengthen consultation and coordination with China on security, climate change and regional hotspot issues, to promote settlement of the relevant issues. Hu pointed out that the current global financial crisis has seriously impacted economic development and people's livelihood in all countries around the world. The international community should increase confidence, strengthen coordination and have close cooperation, in effectively dealing with this global challenge. A world economic summit will be held in Washington on Nov. 15, and China attaches great importance to it. China is willing to discuss with other participants in the summit how to adopt powerful measures to reestablish market confidence as early as possible, how to prevent the global financial crisis from proliferation and spreading, and how to diminish its impact on real economies, in a bid to avert a possible global economic recession, Hu said. The global financial crisis has led to the exposure of many deep-hidden drawbacks of the global financial system. The international community should earnestly sum up the lessons from the global financial crisis and launch necessary reforms of the global financial system, on the basis of sufficient consultation among all interested parties, Hu said. In particular, efforts should be made to explore in an in-depth way solution of such major questions as how to strengthen international financial supervision and regulation, how to improve the system of international financial organizations and how to improve the international monetary system, the Chinese president said. Obama said that settlement of the global financial crisis requires close cooperation by governments of all countries, expressing the hope that the United States and China will strengthen cooperation at the world economic summit planned for November 15 in Washington.
HAVANA, Nov. 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Hu Jintao on Tuesday visited Fidel Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, in Havana. The two leaders warmly shook hands, exchanged greetings and had a long conversation in a sincere and friendly atmosphere. Hu said he was delighted to see Castro again. The comrades of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China "have all cared about your health and I brought their sincere greetings to you," he said. "I see in person that you have recovered and have been energetic so I feel very pleased," he told Castro. Chinese President Hu Jintao (L) visits Fidel Castro, first secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, in Havana, capital of Cuba, Nov. 18, 2008. Castro extended a warm welcome to Hu for his second state visit to Cuba. "We are old friends. I am happy to see that you are as energetic as when I met you last time," he said. Hu said that as the founder of the Cuban socialist revolution and construction, Castro is dearly adored by the Cuban people. During the past half century, Castro led the heroic Cuban people in their fearless struggle to safeguard state sovereignty and adhere to the path of socialism, thus winning respect from people worldwide, including the Chinese people. Hu said that Castro has followed closely his country's development, showed great concern about people's life and dedicated himself to profound reflections of major strategic issues, such as international affairs and national development. "Your thoughts and experience will surely guide the Cuban people to continue their march on the road of socialist construction," he said. On Sino-Cuban relations, Hu said relations between the two countries have withstood the changes of international situation thanks to the joint efforts to forge and nurture their bilateral ties by generations of Chinese leaders, including Mao Zedong, DengXiaoping and Jiang Zemin, and Castro and other Cuban leaders. "The brotherly friendship between our two countries and two parties has been deeply rooted in the hearts of our two peoples," he said. "The Chinese people will never forget that thanks to your concern and effort that Cuba became the first Latin American nation to forge diplomatic ties with China 48 years ago," he said. Thanks to the concerted efforts of both sides, the Sino-Cuban mutually beneficial and friendly cooperation in all areas have been expanding continuously, and bilateral ties have entered a new era of all-round development, said Hu. "Our two nations, parties and peoples have become reliable friends and brothers who share weal and woe," he said. "What affected me and other Chinese leaders most is that you always pay close attention to China's development and remain committed to promoting friendly cooperation between our two countries," Hu added. Hu noted that Castro ordered to send a medical team to China immediately after the devastating earthquake in Wenchuan, southwest China's Sichuan province on May 12. The Cuban leader also made constant phone calls to offer instructions on the team's work in China, Hu added. Moreover, in his article entitled China's Victory, Castro has showed his firm support for China on such major issues as Taiwan, Tibet and the Olympic Games in Beijing, the Chinese president said. The Cuban leader has also showed great concern about the Chinese students studying in Cuba and the progress of a joint ophthalmic hospital. "The Chinese people, the Communist Party of China and the Chinese government will for ever remember all these," he said. Castro expressed appreciation of China's relief and reconstruction efforts following the Wenchuan earthquake and other natural disasters. He once again congratulated China on its successful hosting of the Beijing Olympic Games and Paralympics as well as the success of the Shenzhou-7 manned space mission. Hu said that the Chinese government will always adhere to the principle of long-term friendship between China and Cuba. The Chinese people will, as always, support the just struggle of the Cuban people in safeguarding state sovereignty and opposing outside interference. China will continue to provide assistance for Cuba within its capacity, and will firmly support the country's socialist cause, he said. "We will work with the Cuban people to continuously push forward the development of friendship between China and Cuba," he added. Castro said he and other Cuban comrades have followed closely "everything that happened in China." "China has a large population and a culture of long standing and the Chinese people are known for their diligence," he said, adding that the Chinese people "have surmounted all manner of unimaginable difficulties and accomplished great achievements in construction." "As the current international financial crisis is spreading, the Chinese economy has kept a sound momentum for development, demonstrating that China is the most prepared country," he said. China is the most dynamic nation in the world and "no force can stop it from forging ahead," he said. The two leaders also exchanged views on the two countries' economic development and major international and regional issues, including the international financial crisis and the world economy. Before the conclusion of the meeting, Hu again expressed his heartfelt wish for Castro's good health. Castro, in return, expressed his gratitude. Cuba is the third leg of Hu's five-nation trip. He has attended a Group of 20 summit on the financial crisis in Washington and visited Costa Rica. He will also visit Peru and Greece, and attend the Economic Leaders' Informal Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in the Peruvian capital of Lima.
BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- China's State Council, or Cabinet, appointed Friday nine new counselors and six new members of the Central Research Institute of Culture and History. Premier Wen Jiabao conferred the appointments, saying this year was the 60th founding anniversary of the counselors' department and the 58th for the institute, both founded on proposals by then leaders Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai. The two institutions were a major part of the Communist Party of China's United Front work, established to unite all forces in the development the nation, as well as a component of the government work. Wen asked the counselors and researchers to advise the government by collecting public opinions and grassroots information, play a supervisory role, and helping boost the country's cultural sector. The global financial crisis had brought a new opportunity for cultural development as the confidence for dealing with the crisis relied on cultural heritage and scientific spirits, he said.
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WUHAN, Jan. 14 (Xinhua) -- Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter said Wednesday he believes the incoming administration of President-elect Barack Obama will expand common interests of the United States and China. Carter, 84, flew to central China's Hubei Province after attending a series of events in Beijing to mark the 30th anniversary of China-U.S. diplomatic ties. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (2nd L, front) and his wife (3rd L, front) pose in front of a local medical center at a village in Hong'an County, central China's Hubei Province, on Jan. 14, 2009. He visited a memorial hall for Li Xiannian, who was Chinese president from June 1983 to April 1988. The memorial hall is located in Hong'an County, the hometown of Li. Carter said the two countries had witnessed rapid growth in cooperation, and U.S.-China ties had become the most important bilateral link in the world. Meeting with Hubei Governor Li Hongzhong, Carter said he felt very proud of the decision with former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping to resume ties. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter (L) receives a souvenir from Li Hongzhong, governor of Hubei Province, in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, on Jan. 14, 2009. Carter said a deeper U.S.-China friendship helped to maintain peace and stability in the whole world. He said China's reform and opening-up policy brought about dramatic changes, creating an economic miracle. Deng Xiaoping and other Chinese leaders had indeed changed China with their wisdom. Calling Carter an old friend of the Chinese people, the governor appreciated the former U.S. president's important role in forging bilateral ties. He called for closer economic and cultural cooperation between both countries. Carter is scheduled to fly to Shanghai on Thursday.
BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's government on Friday pledged to make every effort to ensure the safe release of the crew of a Chinese fishing boat seized by Somali pirates off east Africa. The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying it was still assessing the situation and trying to obtain more information on the vessel, which was overrun late on Thursday. The ministry would work with organizations abroad to ensure the safe release of the crew, according to the statement. The vessel, owned by Tianjin Ocean Fishing Company, was hijacked by pirates armed with grenade launchers and automatic weapons off the coast of Kenya and was being held off the southern Somali port city of Kismanyu, according to reports on Friday. The 24 crew comprised 16 Chinese, one Japanese, three Filipinos and four Vietnamese, according to China's Ministry of Transport. A Somali pirate leader reportedly said all the crew members were "fine".
Lhasa, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- Four media organizations from China's neighboring countries will be invited for the first time to cover the annual session of the People's Congress of the Tibet Autonomous Region to be held on Jan. 14. The plenary session of the Regional Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference to be held on Jan. 12 will also be open to foreign press. According to a press conference held by the two sessions on late Saturday, the invitations to the four foreign media were an effort to "let the world know better about a real and new Tibet through an objective visual angle." Names of the foreign media organizations were not specified. Tibet authorities also revealed that they will invite diplomats with Nepal's consulate general to Lhasa, capital of the autonomous region, to attend the opening and closing ceremonies of the sessions. There will be nearly 200 journalists from 16 media organizations home and abroad to report the annual sessions this year, the press conference was told. At the two sessions, report on the work of the regional government will be discussed, as well as local budgets and plans for social and economic developments.
BEIJING, Jan. 19 -- Air China Ltd, the nation's largest international carrier, expects to report its first annual loss in at least eight years on waning travel demand and wrong-way bets on fuel prices. The carrier made paper losses of 6.8 billion yuan (994.5 million U.S. dollars) on fuel-hedging in 2008, it said on Friday in a Hong Kong stock exchange statement. The airline made a 3.88-billion-yuan annual profit in 2007. Air China joins China Southern Airlines Co and China Eastern Airlines Corp in forecasting a 2008 loss after the nation's cooling economy damped business and leisure travel. The Beijing-based carrier also reported hedging losses after jet-fuel prices tumbled 70 percent in less than six months. "Air China is more exposed to the global crisis" than China Southern and China Eastern, said Li Jun, an Everbright Securities Co analyst in Shanghai. "As such, most of its advantages turned into disadvantages last year." The carrier has been profitable since at least 2000, data complied by Bloomberg News showed, helped by having a wider overseas network than domestic rivals. "The aviation market experienced a general shrinking demand in 2008 and traffic revenue was significantly lower than expected," the Beijing-based company said in the statement. The hedging contracts "will have a considerable effect on the financial results for the year." The airline is also able to hedge a greater proportion of its fuel needs than rivals, as Chinese carriers are barred from hedging purchases of fuels for domestic flights. That has previously enabled Air China to limit the effect of increasing fuel prices. The airline's passenger numbers fell 1.7 percent in 2008 to 34.2 million, the first decline in five years. Its cargo and mail volume dropped 3.8 percent to 898,962 tons. The shares have dived 80 percent in the past year and closed 3.9 percent higher at 1.88 Hong Kong dollars (24 U.S. cents) a share on Friday in Hong Kong trading.