BEIJING, March 23 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping met with visiting Bulgarian Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ivailo Kalfin here Monday. The two sides vowed to step up bilateral relations. Xi highlighted growth of bilateral relations in recent years, saying the two nations have witnessed a boom of cooperation in such fields as politics, economy, culture, science and technology. China values the traditional friendship with Bulgaria, Xi said, citing the fact that Bulgaria was the second country to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1949. Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping (R Front) meets with visiting Bulgarian Foreign Minister Ivailo Kalfin (L Front) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 23, 2009 China is willing to join hands with Bulgaria to step up bilateral relations in an effort to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Sino-Bulgarian diplomatic relationship, Xi noted. Echoing Xi's views on bilateral relations, Kalfin said Bulgaria and China share similar views on many international issues, promising his country will continue to adhere to the one-China policy. Bulgaria would work closer with China to promote bilateral relations to a higher level, Kalfin said. Kalfin is on an official visit to China from March 21-25. Besides Beijing, he will also pay a visit to China's economic powerhouse Shanghai.
BEIJING, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao Thursday called on the nation to strengthen "conviction for victory" as he unveiled an unprecedented stimulus package to shore up economic growth amid global downturn. In a work report to the National People's Congress (NPC), the country's parliament, Wen said China is facing "unprecedented difficulties and challenges" as economic growth slows, employment pressure mounts and social uncertainties increase in 2009, the most difficult year since the new millennium. PREMIER'S ECONOMICS China's economy cooled to a seven-year low of 9 percent last year, and broke a five-year streak of double-digit expansion, as the global financial crisis took its toll on the world's fastest growing economy. The country, however, is "able to achieve" an economic growth at about 8 percent as long as right policies and appropriate measures are adopted and implemented, Wen said. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao delivers a government work report during the opening meeting of the Second Session of the 11th National People's Congress (NPC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 5, 2009In his report, Wen outlined an aggressive stimulus package, including huge government investment, tax reform, industrial restructuring, scientific innovation, social welfare and promoting employment. In addition to a 4-trillion yuan (585.5 billion U.S. dollars) stimulus package that was announced in November, the premier also proposed a budgeted fiscal deficit of 950 billion yuan (139 billion U.S. dollars) for 2009, a record high in six decades and nearly three times over the last record of 319.8 billion yuan set in 2003. The deficit accounted for less than 3 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP), nearly surpassing an internationally accepted risky line. Wen said increasing government spending is the most active, direct and efficient way to expand domestic demand, while economists believe China's 2-trillion U.S. dollar foreign reserves, current-account surplus and budget surplus offers the government lots of room to do so. Other key economic and social targets included creating more than 9 million jobs in the city, controlling urban registered unemployment rate under 4.6 percent and keeping the rise of Consumer Price Index (CPI) at about 4 percent. EXPECTATIONS OF A MIGRANT WORKER AND MORE While nearly 3,000 lawmakers convened at the Great Hall of the People in the center of Beijing, Zhang You, a migrant worker from central Anhui Province who was waiting in his rented room for a job opportunity in the outskirts of the capital, also watched Wen's nationally televised speech, though the Premier's economics might be beyond his imagination. "I didn't quite understand what those figures meant," he said. "But I was impressed by Premier Wen's vow to expand social security for migrant workers and help us find jobs," the 30-year-old man said. "I am happy about that." Zhang, a painter, said he has had no work to do for months. "I guess it's because fewer people are buying houses," he said. China's real estate sector was also hit by the international financial crisis with fewer people buying houses. But Zhang said he believes he will soon be able to find a job. "I feel the government is trying hard to overcome the difficulties. This kind of situation won't last long." "I hope the economy will get better. My whole family is depending on me," said Zhang, one of the 20 million migrant workers who have lost jobs following the financial crisis. In addition to millions of migrant workers seeking jobs in the cities, another 6.1 million college students are due to graduate this year, worsening the country's unemployment woes. Announcing a 42-billion-yuan central government investment to boost job opportunities, Wen said in his report "the government will do everything in its power to stimulate employment." He said the government will make full use of the role of the service sector, labor-intensive industries, small and medium-sized enterprises, and the non-public sector of the economy in creating jobs, he said. Hao Ruyu, vice president of the Capital University of Economics and Business, said to maintain an 8 percent growth rate is "vital" to the Chinese economy and the country's stability. "One percentage point growth could create 800,000 to 1 million jobs," said Hao, vice chairman of the NPC Financial and Economic Affairs Committee. Despite worsening world economy, economists are optimistic about China's economic growth as previous stimulus measures have started to show initial effects. Economist Li Yining told Xinhua that he believes China's economic growth this year could reach 8 percent, or even higher. The Chinese economy is also very likely to recover before other major economies, even though the world economy is still shrouded in uncertainty, said Li, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the nation's top political advisory body. "The economic slowdown is beginning to bottom out, and the economy is bound to rebound on huge government investment," he said. According to a survey of factories issued Monday by the brokerage CLSA, China's manufacturing activity contracted for a seventh consecutive month in February, but at a slower rate than previous months. INVESTMENT FOR A HARMONIOUS SOCIETY While explaining the stimulus plan, Wen said the government will "give top priority to ensuring people's wellbeing and promote social harmony." He said a total of 908 billion yuan of the central government investment this year will go to projects aiming at improving people's life. Those projects covered low-income housing, education, health care, culture, environmental protection, and reconstruction in regions affected by the May 12 earthquake in Sichuan Province. As part of the efforts to shore up domestic demand, Wen said China will increase investment to improve China's social security network, whose low coverage has long been blamed for the country's high saving rate. He said the central government plans to spend 293 billion yuan on the social safety net this year, up 17.6 percent or 43.9 billion yuan over the estimated figure for last year. The money will be used to fund social welfare programs, including pension, medical insurance, unemployment insurance and living allowances to low-income groups. Wen also promised that his government will improve efficiency and continue to combat corruption. "We must discharge our duties with great diligence and, through our actions and achievements, build a government that is for the people and is pragmatic, clean, efficient to satisfy people's needs and win their trust," he said. CHINA IMPETUS LIMITED? As the world's fastest expanding economy, China's policy making has captured international attention since the world was hit by the financial turmoil. Before Wen delivered his report, U.S. stocks broke a five-day losing streak with the Dow Jones industrial average rising 149.82, or 2.2 percent, to 6,875.84 on Wednesday. Some analysts said expectations on China's economic stimulus package might have contributed to the stock jump. But Wang Xiaoguang, a Beijing-based economist, said such an influence is very "limited." Wang said China's stimulus package might help store up some investors' confidence in world economy, but the recovery of the world depends on both China and the United States. China's economic growth could help cushion the blows of world economic downturn, Wang said. "But if the U.S. economy continued to worsen, China alone could not revive the world," he said.
BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Credit extended by China's banks in the first quarter hit 4.58 trillion yuan (670 billion U.S. dollars), the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said Saturday. In March alone, new yuan-denominated loans increased 1.89 trillion yuan. It was the third straight month that new loans exceeded 1 trillion yuan. "It is not beyond market expectations. The increase was boosted by the 4-trillion-yuan stimulus plan and showed the possibility of a faster economic recovery in China compared with other countries," said Zhang Qizuo, vice director of China International Economy Society. Premier Wen Jiabao said on March 5 at the opening of the annual session of the National People's Congress, China's legislature, that new yuan-denominated loans this year were expected to reach 5 trillion yuan. Historical data show the first-quarter bank credit usually accounts for more than 60 percent of the year's total. "There is a time lag between the credit increase and actual use of capital, but the big increase will surely lay a solid foundation for the recovery of the real economy," said Zhang. In the first quarter, the central bank withdrew 47.3 billion yuan from circulation, 78.5 billion yuan more than the same period of last year. "The increase in currency withdrawal from circulation showed the central bank was carefully watching the credit growth," said Yuan Gangming, an economist with Tsinghua University. Zhuang Jian, an economist at the Asian Development Bank, said the regulators should pay attention to the quality of new loans and prevent bad loans. By the end of February, non-performing loans by Chinese banks totaled 1.53 trillion yuan, 17.5 billion yuan less than the start of the year. The structure of credit growth was also improving. The proportion of bill financing fell to about 22 percent in March from 47 percent in February, though still much higher than the average of 5 percent. "The decline in bill financing is a good sign. It means company activities are increasing and the credit's impact on the economy is strengthening," said Zhuang. Through March, the M2 figure -- a broad measure of money supply,which covers cash in circulation and all deposits -- grew 25.5 percent from a year earlier to 53.06 trillion yuan. The narrow measure of money supply, M1 (cash in circulation pluscorporate current deposits), was up 17.04 percent year on year to 17.65 trillion yuan. "The fast rebound of M2 indicates China's liquidity is abundant. This is very important to the economic recovery. The sharp rise of M1 shows companies are increasing spending on investment and management." said Zhang Bin, an economist with Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China's top political advisor Jia Qinglin Friday urged the Tibetan people to maintain stability and cherish prosperity achieved in the autonomous region ahead of Serfs Emancipation Day. Jia, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made those remarks at a meeting held here to commemorate the event which falls on Saturday. Jia appreciated the endeavors of people living in the Tibet Autonomous Region who have made great contributions to the social and economic development of the region. Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), speaks at the symposium marking the 50th anniversary of serfs emancipation in Tibet held in Beijing, capital of China, on March 27, 2009The establishment of Serfs Emancipations Day is to make all Chinese people remember the historical event 50 years ago in which Tibetan people abolished the feudal serfdom system, Jia said. It will also remind Tibetan people of the nature of the ** Lama clique which has sought separation of the country, he said. Tibet's development has proved that only the democratic reform under the leadership of Communist Party of China could save the region and make it more prosperous, the official stressed. Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), shakes hands with the 11th Panchen Lama Gyaincain Norbu during the symposium marking the 50th anniversary of serfs emancipation in Tibet held in Beijing, capital of China, on March 27, 2009Jia urged the Tibetan people to fully understand President Hu Jintao's keynote speech on Tibet during the top legislature's annual session and implement the Party's religious policies in the region. No matter what the ** Lama claims, it will not change the reality that Tibet was, is and will always be part of China, Jia said. It will not change the great achievement made by the Tibetan people in the past five decades and Chinese people's strong will to maintain the nation's unity, Jia said.
BEIJING, March 25 (Xinhua) -- China voiced its strong dissatisfaction Wednesday against a U.S. Congress resolution on the Taiwan Relations Act saying it is an interference in its internal affairs. "China is strongly dissatisfied and has lodged a solemn representation over the resolution adopted to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Taiwan Relations Act," Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesman Qin Gang said in a statement. The U.S. House of Representatives voted for the resolution Tuesday. The Taiwan Relations Act, passed by the U.S. Congress in 1979, required the United States to provide Taiwan with arms of a defensive character. China has never recognized the legitimacy of the act. Qin said the Chinese government and people, from the very start, resolutely opposed the Act adopted by the United States unilaterally. "We urge the United States to follow the basic norms guiding international relations and the three Sino-U.S. joint communiques, and stop the wrongful act of using the Taiwan issue to interfere in China's internal affairs," Qin said.
BEIJING, Feb. 20 (Xinhua) -- Jia Qinglin, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, met here Friday with visiting Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni. Jia spoke highly of the contribution of the Cambodian royal family to promoting Sino-Cambodian ties. He said the China-Cambodia relationship remains solid and has been growing stronger with joint efforts of the two peoples and cultivation of leaders of the two sides. Jia Qinglin (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Cambodian King Norodom Sihamoni at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, Feb. 20, 2009. China highly values its relations with Cambodia, and would work with Cambodia to advance high-level exchanges, promote practical cooperation, so as to realize common prosperity and cement bilateral relations, he said. Sihamoni said China is the "most reliable friend" of Cambodia, expressing his gratitude for China's long-term support and economic assistance and for its contribution to Cambodia's national reconciliation, peace and development. He said Cambodia would join hands with China to continue to promote the bilateral relations to a higher level.
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BEIJING, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Irrigation has covered 52.7 percent of the wheat farmland in drought-hit provinces in China by Saturday, said the Ministry of Agriculture. A total of 85 million mu (about 5.67 hectares) of wheat land have been irrigated in eight drought-stricken provincial regions, the ministry told a meeting on Sunday. Minister Sun Zhengcai said it is of importance to fully use machines in the fight against drought. People irrigate a wheat field in Laocheng Township of Changge County, central China's Henan Province, Feb. 3, 2009. Henan, one of China's key wheat producing regions, has suffered from drought since Oct. 24, 2008. Some 2.9 million hectares of farmland in Henan were affected He asked local governments to increase subsidies for farmers to buy more irrigation-related and water-saving equipments, and make every effort to expand the irrigation coverage and save water. By Saturday, 152 million mu of wheat farmland, which accounted for 95 percent of the drought-stricken crops in China, was affected in eight provincial regions including Hebei, Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, Henan, Shandong, Shaanxi and Gansu. Rain and snow from Friday to Sunday in the southeastern part of northwest China and the southwestern part of north China has reduced the area of drought-affected farmland by 20 million mu. China experienced the most severe drought for decades. As of Saturday, 299 million mu of crops, 4.42 million people and 2.2 million heads of livestock were affected. The crops affected was 110 million mu more than the average level during the same period in past years. During a visit to central China's drought-hit Henan Province on Saturday and Sunday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has urged officials in drought-hit areas to place "top priority" on relief work as agricultural stability concerns China's bid to revive its economy. China has declared the highest level of emergency in response to the drought, employing artificial means to induce rains and allocating 86.7 billion yuan (about 12.69 billion U.S. dollars) as subsidies to farmers. In addition, the central government has decided to earmark 400 million yuan to local governments for drought relief.
HAIKOU, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Traffic had been resumed on Sunday on the highway that had been flooded by collapse of a small reservoir on March 27, in south China's Hainan Province, local authorities said. The Wanning section of the province's eastern expressway had been resumed in both directions at 8:00 p.m. after nine days of reconstruction work, said an official with the provincial Communication Department. The Bofeng reservoir, with a designed water storage capacity of1.02 million cubic meters, collapsed at about 10 p.m. in Xinglong Town, Wanning City. The ensuing floods washed out a slip road to the province's eastern expressway and swept away two cars, injuring three people in the vehicles. The water also inundated 20 hectares of farmland and caused slight damage to three riverside houses. The municipal water conservancy administration had claimed that only 100,000 cubic meters of water burst from the reservoir. However, Chen Xingzhang, secretary of the CPC municipal committee of Wanning, doubted its credibility. Vehicles had to detour around the flooded road over the past days. The reservoir was being reinforced at the time of the accident. An investigation showed that workers of a company in charge of the project exploded part of the cofferdam before the water dropped to the safety level, which led to the collapse. The scheme had no approval from authorities at the time. The construction contractor, Hongda Water Conservancy Projects Co, Ltd., based in Henan Province, and the project supervising company, Hainan Institute of Water Conservancy and Power Construction Survey and Design, were banned from carrying out further business in the city. Police have detained four project workers in connection with alleged safety violations that led to the collapse in the province, the local Communist Party of China (CPC) committee said Monday. Chen Ruchuan, former head of the water conservancy administration of Wanning City, and two deputy heads, were also sacked from their posts Monday, according to the Wanning municipal committee of the CPC. The local government has been working on a plan to compensate people affected in the accident.
BEIJING, April 12 (Xinhua) -- China Pacific Insurance, one of the country's largest insurers, announced Saturday that its net profit dropped 80.6 percent to 1.339 billion yuan (196 million U.S. dollars) in 2008. The Shanghai-based insurer attributed the profit decrease to the sluggish stock market performance and the large amount of insurance indemnity after several natural disasters last year. However, the premium income of the company rose 26.6 percent to94.02 billion yuan, said the firm in its 2008 annual report. Its life insurance premium income increased 30.4 percent to 66.09 billion yuan last year, ranking the third in the domestic market. Its property insurance premium rose 18.7 percent to 27.88 billion yuan, making it the second largest among its peers.
BEIJING, March 27 (Xinhua) -- China Friday called on the international community to "act cautiously" on the Darfur issue as it is afraid rash action could damage peace and stability in Sudan. "The involved parties should fully respect and listen carefully to the voices of the African Union (AU), the Arab League and African and Arabian countries," Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping said in his meeting with visiting Sudanese president's envoy Awad Ahmed al-Jaz in Beijing. "The international community should further promote the deployment of the UN/AU hybrid operation in Darfur", Xi said. Xi called on the international community to help advance the political process, to ensure the Doha-mediated dialogue will achieve substantive progress and facilitate the smooth progress ofthe humanitarian aid in the Darfur region. Under joint mediation of the United Nations (UN) and the AU, as well as the sponsorship of Qatar, the Sudanese government and rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) signed in Doha last month a goodwill agreement to pave the way for resumption of peace negotiations. During the meeting, Xi also highlighted the growth of relations between China and Sudan since the two forged diplomatic relations 50 years ago. Xi noted China would regard the 50th anniversary as an opportunity to push traditional friendly relations to a higher level. Echoing Xi's views, al-Jaz said that Sudan expected to continue to cement bilateral friendly cooperation with China in various fields and would firmly support China on the issues of Taiwan and Tibet. He said the Sudanese government would never recognize the arrest warrant against President al-Bashir but still remained committed to working with the UN and AU and take effective measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Darfur and coordinate with the implementation of the UN/AU hybrid operation in the region.