Xi Jinping Arrives in Paris for State Visit to France
On the afternoon of May 5, local time, President Xi Jinping arrived in Paris by special plane for a state visit to France at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. When Xi Jinping's special plane arrived at Paris Orly Airport, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and other senior representatives of the French government warmly welcomed him. Xi Jinping delivered a written speech. Xi Jinping pointed out that he was delighted to pay his third state visit to France and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France with the French people. As important representatives of Eastern and Western civilizations, China and France have long appreciated and been attracted to each other. Sixty years ago, China and France broke through the barriers of the Cold War and established ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations. For the past 60 years, China-France relations have always been at the forefront of China's relations with Western countries. The development of China-France relations has not only brought well-being to the people of both countries but also injected stability and positive energy into a turbulent world. During the visit, I will have an in-depth exchange of views with President Macron on the development of China-France and China-Europe relations under new circumstances, as well as current major international and regional issues. I hope that through this visit, we will consolidate the traditional friendship between the two countries, enhance political mutual trust, build strategic consensus, and deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, illuminating the path forward with the torch of history, creating a better future for China-France relations, and making new contributions to world peace, stability, and development. Accompanying President Xi Jinping on the same plane were his wife Peng Liyuan, Cai Qi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, and others. Chinese Ambassador to France Lu Shaye also greeted them at the airport. On the way from the airport to the hotel, overseas Chinese and Chinese students spontaneously waited on both sides of the road, holding red banners such as "Long Live China-France Friendship!" and "Wish President Xi Jinping's Visit to France a Complete Success!", waving Chinese and French national flags, beating gongs and drums, performing dragon and lion dances, and warmly welcoming President Xi Jinping's visit.
Xi Jinping Publishes Signed Article in French Media
On May 5, on the occasion of his state visit to France, President Xi Jinping published a signed article titled "Carrying Forward the Spirit of China-France Diplomatic Relations and Promoting World Peace and Development Together" in French newspaper Le Figaro. The full text of the article is as follows: Carrying Forward the Spirit of China-France Diplomatic Relations and Promoting World Peace and Development by Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China. At the invitation of President Macron, I am delighted to pay my third state visit to France. In the hearts of the Chinese people, France holds a unique charm. This land has given birth to many world-influencing philosophers, writers, and artists, providing intellectual inspiration for all humanity. More than 150 years ago, French individuals participated in the construction of the Fuzhou Shipyard and Fuzhou Naval Academy in China, and France was the first to accept Chinese students studying abroad on government scholarships; a century ago, young Chinese people went to France to study, and some of these ambitious youths later made outstanding contributions to the establishment and development of New China. France was the first major Western power to formally establish diplomatic relations with New China. 2024 is a particularly significant year. I come to France at this time with three messages from China. -- China is willing to carry forward the spirit of establishing diplomatic relations with France and promote the China-France relationship to inherit the past and usher in the future. This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France. Sixty years ago, General de Gaulle, from a strategic perspective of the times, decided to establish diplomatic relations with New China. Making this independent decision against the backdrop of the raging Cold War was extremely difficult, but it proved to be correct and far-sighted. The establishment of China-France diplomatic relations built a bridge connecting the East and the West and promoted the evolution of international relations toward dialogue and cooperation. For 60 years, China-France relations have always kept pace with the times. Among China's relations with Western countries, the two countries were the first to establish a comprehensive strategic partnership and launch institutional strategic dialogue; the first to carry out cooperation in aviation, nuclear energy, third-party markets, and other areas; and the first to establish cultural centers and hold cultural years, playing a leading role in global cultural exchanges. Cooperation between the two countries led to the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, powerfully advancing the global climate agenda. History is the best teacher. The current world is far from peaceful and faces numerous risks once again. China is willing to work with France to carry forward the spirit of establishing diplomatic relations, promote the continuous development of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership, and make new contributions to promoting stronger cooperation in the world. -- China will expand high-level opening up and deepen cooperation with all countries, including France. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. For 75 years, relying on the arduous struggle of all Chinese people, China has developed from a state of poverty to the world's second-largest economy, and hundreds of millions of rural poor people have been lifted out of poverty, creating a miracle in the history of human development. China's economy grew by 5.2% in 2023, and the target for 2024 is around 5%, with higher quality development. China will continue to provide impetus for global growth and bring opportunities to all countries in the world. An important experience of China's development is its unwavering commitment to opening up. We welcome more high-quality French agricultural products and cosmetics to enter the Chinese market to meet the growing needs of the Chinese people for a better life. We welcome enterprises from all countries, including France, to invest and do business in China. We have fully liberalized market access for manufacturing and will accelerate the relaxation of access to service industries such as telecommunications and healthcare. We have also granted 15-day visa-free entry to ordinary citizens from France and many other countries and formulated new measures to facilitate foreign personnel's travel and payment in China. China's opening up also includes encouraging enterprises to go global and carry out cooperation. Currently, France is promoting "reindustrialization" based on green innovation, and China is also accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. The two sides can deepen innovation cooperation and jointly promote green development. Some Chinese enterprises have already set up battery factories in France. The Chinese government supports more Chinese enterprises in investing in France and hopes that France will provide them with a fair and just business environment. -- China is willing to strengthen communication and coordination with France to maintain world peace and stability. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Seventy years ago, Premier Zhou Enlai first fully proposed the Five Principles of "mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence." For 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have been universally accepted and recognized by countries around the world and have become important norms of modern international relations. China is a faithful practitioner of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. In the more than 70 years since the founding of New China, it has never actively provoked a war or occupied an inch of another country's land. China is also the only country in the world that has enshrined adherence to the path of peaceful development in its Constitution and the only nuclear power that has pledged no-first-use of nuclear weapons. In recent years, I have successively put forward the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, contributing Chinese solutions to improving global governance and resolving human development challenges, which have been supported by more than 100 countries and international organizations worldwide. China understands the impact of the Ukraine crisis on the European people. China is neither the creator nor a party or participant in the Ukraine crisis, but we have always played a constructive role in promoting a peaceful resolution of the crisis. I have successively issued several appeals, including adhering to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and addressing the legitimate security concerns of all parties; emphasizing that nuclear weapons cannot be used and nuclear wars cannot be fought. China has provided multiple batches of humanitarian aid to Ukraine and has repeatedly dispatched special envoys to relevant countries for mediation. The longer the Ukraine crisis lasts, the greater the harm to Europe and the world. China hopes that the European continent will return to peace and stability as soon as possible and is willing to work with the international community, including France, to find a reasonable path to resolve the crisis. The Palestine-Israel conflict is also heartbreaking. The fundamental way out of the Palestine-Israel issue is the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. History has repeatedly proven that the fundamental reason why the Palestine-Israel situation has repeatedly fallen into turmoil is that UN resolutions have not been effectively implemented, the foundation of the "two-state solution" has been continuously eroded, and the Middle East peace process has deviated from its correct course. China and France have many consensuses on the Palestine-Israel issue and should strengthen cooperation to contribute to restoring peace in the Middle East. Confucius said, "The superior man is harmonious but not uniform, how strong he is! He stands in the middle and leans not to one side, how strong he is!" French writer Romain Rolland said, "Giving up independent thinking is the core of all misfortune." As two major countries with independent spirits, China and France have unleashed immense energy in every encounter throughout history, influencing the direction of the world. Standing at a new historical juncture, let us join hands and set off again, promoting new and greater achievements in China-France relations to benefit the two countries and the world!
Li Qiang Congratulates New Solomon Islands Prime Minister
On May 6, Premier Li Qiang of the State Council sent a congratulatory message to Jeremiah Manele on his assumption of office as Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands. Li Qiang stated that China and the Solomon Islands are comprehensive strategic partners in the new era, characterized by mutual respect and common development. In the five years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, bilateral ties have developed rapidly, political mutual trust has deepened continuously, and practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, becoming a model of South-South cooperation among developing countries. The Chinese government attaches great importance to China-Solomon Islands relations. I am willing to work with you and the new government of the Solomon Islands under your leadership to maintain high-level exchanges, strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhance friendly exchanges, so as to elevate the China-Solomon Islands comprehensive strategic partnership in the new era to a new level, benefiting both countries and their peoples.
Comrade Wu Yunqimuge's Remains Cremated in Beijing
The remains of Comrade Wuyunqimuge, an excellent member of the Communist Party of China, a loyal communist fighter, and an outstanding leader in China's ethnic work and socialist legal system construction, and Vice Chairperson of the Standing Committee of the Tenth and Eleventh National People's Congress, were cremated at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery in Beijing on the 6th. Entrusted by the CPC Central Committee, Zhao Leji, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and others paid their last respects to Comrade Wuyunqimuge at the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery on the 6th and expressed condolences to her family. Comrade Wuyunqimuge passed away due to illness at 0:33 on April 30, 2024, in Beijing, at the age of 81. On the morning of the 6th, the auditorium of the Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery was solemn and respectful, with mournful music playing softly. Above the main hall hung a black banner with white characters that read "Deeply Mourn Comrade Wuyunqimuge," and below it was a portrait of Comrade Wuyunqimuge. Comrade Wuyunqimuge's remains lay amidst fresh flowers and cypress branches, covered with the bright red flag of the Communist Party of China. At around 9 a.m., Zhao Leji and others slowly walked to Comrade Wuyunqimuge's remains amidst the mournful music, stood in silent tribute, bowed three times to Comrade Wuyunqimuge's remains, and shook hands with Comrade Wuyunqimuge's relatives one by one, conveying the deep condolences of General Secretary Xi Jinping and other central leaders. During Comrade Wuyunqimuge's severe illness and after her passing, Comrades Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng, Hu Jintao, and others visited her in the hospital or expressed profound condolences on Comrade Wuyunqimuge's passing and extended deep sympathies to her family through various means. Relevant leading comrades of the Party and the state attended the farewell ceremony or expressed condolences in various ways. Responsible comrades from relevant departments of central and state organs, friends of Comrade Wuyunqimuge during her lifetime, and representatives from her hometown also came to bid farewell.
295 Million Domestic Tourist Trips Made During May Day Holiday
According to calculations by the Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, during this year's "May Day" holiday, the total number of domestic tourist trips nationwide reached 295 million, a year-on-year increase of 7.6%; total domestic tourism expenditure was 166.89 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 12.7%. During the holiday, the national culture and tourism market was generally stable and orderly, with deep integration of culture and tourism, rich cultural activities such as intangible cultural heritage and folk customs. More than 6,000 museums and 55 national archaeological site parks across the country received over 54 million visitors during the holiday, reaching the highest level in the same period in history. In addition, new forms and scenarios of cultural and tourism consumption were very popular. Experiencing camping and smart tourism became popular ways for people to travel. The monitored national-level nighttime cultural and tourism consumption clusters had a night flow of 72.5758 million visitors, a 6.9% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
May Day Holiday Consumption Active, Big-Ticket Spending Grows Steadily
According to monitoring data from the Ministry of Commerce's big data platform, during the 2024 "May Day" holiday, sales at key retail and catering enterprises nationwide increased by 6.8% compared to the same period last year. Passenger flow in key business districts of 36 large and medium-sized cities increased by 15.1% year-on-year. Various regions actively organized trade-in activities, driving steady growth in bulk consumption. Sales of automobiles, home appliances, and furniture at key retail enterprises monitored by the Ministry of Commerce increased by 4.8%, 7.9%, and 4.6% year-on-year, respectively. Online consumption grew rapidly, with nationwide online retail sales of physical goods increasing by 15.8% year-on-year. Sales at key catering enterprises monitored by the Ministry of Commerce increased by 7.1% year-on-year, and accommodation sales on some e-commerce platforms increased by 6%.
[Frontline Survey: Accelerating New Productive Forces] Three "Surprises" in a Foundry
The foundry industry is an indispensable part of equipment manufacturing, and is therefore also known as one of the "foundations" of industry. In the first quarter of this year, like many traditional industries, the foundry industry accelerated its transformation and upgrading. When a reporter visited a foundry enterprise in Jiangsu, they saw unexpected new changes. Wujiang District in Suzhou is an area with a relatively high concentration of domestic foundry enterprises. When the reporter went to interview a leading enterprise there, they found that the entire industrial area was clean and tidy. What surprised the reporter even more was that opposite the factory, there was a strawberry picking garden, separated by just a road and neighboring the factory. The production manager of the foundry explained that the secret to harmonious coexistence with the surrounding environment is that the enterprise has upgraded to a green factory. Zhang Hongliang told the reporter that the core process of a foundry is to make sand molds for casting, so foundries were previously called sand casting factories. However, the new production line launched by the enterprise this year can not only better treat exhaust gas but also achieve a recycling rate of over 98% for quartz sand. "No sand in sand making" was the reporter's second surprise during the interview. The production manager said that now production is fully controlled by computer programs, and the previously manual "heavy labor" such as sand turning, transportation, and pouring are all completed by industrial robots in a confined environment. Zhang Hongliang said that with the new production line built, the real challenge has just begun. Taking the sand mold making process as an example, sand cores break with a touch. Engineers debugged nearly a thousand times to enable the robotic arm to accurately grasp the force and angle of gripping. To better integrate robots with casting technology, they also independently developed a backend system for the intelligent production line and simultaneously developed new materials suitable for the new process. To this end, in the first quarter of this year, the enterprise increased its recruitment efforts. The third thing that surprised the reporter was that the newly hired employees majored in interdisciplinary fields. During the interview, the enterprise负责人 told the reporter that after several rounds of transformation, the production efficiency has more than doubled, and their flagship product, heat exchanger castings, account for about one-third of the global market. However, they are now mainly focusing on how to open up new tracks. The new area the enterprise is targeting is to provide manufacturing and design solutions for emerging industries. Just in the past few days of the reporter's interview, an integrated accessory developed for photovoltaic enterprises was completed. Not only is this foundry enterprise transforming and upgrading, but in Wujiang, Suzhou, an intelligent foundry industrial park led by a leading enterprise has been built, and an industrial cluster with shared upstream and downstream resources and efficient collaboration is taking shape.
Domestic News Snippets
State-owned Enterprises' Operating Revenue Up 3.2% in Jan-Mar
The Ministry of Finance announced today (May 6) the economic performance of state-owned enterprises nationwide from January to March. Data shows that from January to March, the total operating revenue of state-owned enterprises nationwide was 19,811.18 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 3.2%; total profits were 1,075.76 billion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 2.8%.
Over 8.46 Million Inbound and Outbound Trips During May Day Holiday
The reporter learned from the National Immigration Administration that during this year's "May Day" holiday, national border inspection agencies processed a total of 8.466 million inbound and outbound trips by Chinese and foreign personnel, a 35.1% increase compared to the same period last year. Among them, mainland residents made 4.768 million inbound and outbound trips, Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan residents made 2.919 million inbound and outbound trips, and foreigners made 779,000 inbound and outbound trips, representing year-on-year increases of 38%, 20.8%, and 98.7% respectively.
May Day Holiday Box Office and Attendance Exceed Last Year's Figures
The reporter learned from the National Film Administration today (May 6) that the national film box office during the 2024 "May Day" holiday was 1.527 billion yuan, and attendance was 37.77 million, both exceeding the same period last year. In addition, as of May 5, 2024, the total annual box office was 20.124 billion yuan, with domestic films accounting for 83.76%.
National Social Stability and Good Public Order During May Day Holiday
The reporter learned from the Ministry of Public Security that during the "May Day" holiday, public security organs strengthened patrol and control in key areas and densely populated places, enhanced safety management in tourist attractions and public places, and maintained good public order. As of 5 p.m. on May 5, national criminal and public order cases decreased by 3.6% and 14.7% year-on-year respectively.
China Development Bank Supports Transportation and Logistics Infrastructure Construction Exceeding 100 Billion Yuan in Q1
In the first quarter of this year, the China Development Bank issued 104 billion yuan in loans for transportation and logistics infrastructure. These funds were primarily invested in key areas such as the main framework of highway networks, the construction of "eight vertical and eight horizontal" high-speed railways, and the expansion and renovation of hub airports, promoting cost reduction, quality improvement, and efficiency enhancement in transportation and logistics.
2024 Budget for Supporting Local College Reform and Development Allocated
The Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Education recently allocated approximately 4.04 billion yuan for the 2024 budget to support local college reform and development, plus an advance allocation of approximately 36.35 billion yuan, totaling approximately 40.39 billion yuan. The allocated funds are managed as direct funds, emphasizing support for key areas and tilting towards difficult regions, ethnic minority regions, and weak links.
China to Strengthen Identification and Dynamic Monitoring of Low-Income Population
The Ministry of Civil Affairs recently issued a notice requiring all localities to comprehensively carry out the identification of low-income populations, strengthen dynamic monitoring of low-income populations, and include more low-income populations with potential difficulties or risks, such as those monitored to prevent a return to poverty, into the low-income population dynamic monitoring information platform, so as to better play the role of social assistance in "ensuring basic needs, preventing risks, and promoting development."
First Batch of Medicines with Simplified Instructions Launched
The National Medical Products Administration is accelerating the pilot work of aging-friendly and barrier-free reforms for drug instructions. Recently, some medicines with simplified instructions have been launched. The simplified instructions feature large fonts for easy reading by the elderly. As of now, 270 types of medicines have completed the filing for aging-friendly and barrier-free versions of their instructions.
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei's First Regular Direct Shipping Route to South America Opens
The reporter learned from Tianjin Customs that Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei's first regular direct shipping route to South America opened today (May 6). The maiden voyage cargo ship, fully loaded with construction machinery, electrical appliances, and other goods, is heading for ports such as Rio de Janeiro and Santos in South America. The new route fills the gap in direct ocean shipping routes connecting the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region with the east coast of South America.
Ruijin, Jiangxi - Los Angeles, USA Intermodal Rail-Sea Transport Train Launched
Today (May 6), the intermodal rail-sea transport train from Ruijin, Jiangxi, to Los Angeles, USA, officially commenced operations. The train departed from Ruijin International Dry Port and will be transported by ship from Xiamen Port to Los Angeles, USA. The opening of this route will further extend international shipping services to the revolutionary base areas in southern Jiangxi.
China Wins 2024 Thomas Cup
Last night (May 5), in the 2024 Thomas Cup final held in Chengdu, the Chinese team defeated the Indonesian team 3-1, winning the Thomas Cup for the 11th time. This also marks the first time in 12 years that the Chinese team has simultaneously won both the Thomas and Uber Cups.
"Quotations by Xi Jinping – Classical Allusions He Loves" (International Edition) Broadcast in France
During Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to France, "Key Passages from Xi Jinping's Discourses" (International Edition), produced by China Media Group (CMG), was released in Paris on May 6, local time. "Key Passages from Xi Jinping's Discourses" (International Edition) takes ancient Chinese poems and allusions quoted by President Xi Jinping in his important speeches, articles, and talks as an entry point, focusing on themes such as green development, ecological civilization, rule of law, common prosperity, and cultural heritage protection, vividly showcasing President Xi Jinping's exceptional political wisdom and profound historical and cultural heritage. The program features on-site visits by CMG reporters and interviews with foreign guests, presenting contemporary China's development from an international perspective, leading the French public to perceive the unique charm of China in the new era, and demonstrating the cultural origins and profound wisdom of Chinese modernization to the world. Chinese and French attendees at the event expressed their expectation that this work would open a window for deeper understanding and enhanced mutual trust between China and France. "Key Passages from Xi Jinping's Discourses" (International Edition) has been successively broadcast online on platforms such as DailyMotion in France and the BFM Business Group in France. The program and its promotional videos have also been successively broadcast on European and global mainstream media outlets such as Euronews and BFM Business TV in France.
President Xi Jinping's Signed Article Evokes Warm Response from All Sectors in France
People from all walks of life in France said that President Xi Jinping's signed article in the French newspaper Le Figaro injected impetus into achieving new and greater achievements in China-France relations.
All Sectors in Serbia, Hungary Eagerly Await President Xi Jinping's Visit
People from all walks of life in Serbia and Hungary eagerly await President Xi Jinping's upcoming visits to their respective countries, believing that President Xi's visits will promote mutual understanding and trust between China and Europe, jointly provide more stability to the world, and offer more impetus for development.
Israeli Military Announces Operation in Eastern Rafah, Hamas Warns of Severe Consequences
The Israeli military today (May 6) dropped leaflets in the Gaza Strip, stating that it would launch military operations in the eastern Rafah area and demanding that local residents immediately relocate to the so-called "humanitarian zone" established by Israel in Mawasi, southern Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on May 5 that there were indications that the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) did not intend to reach a ceasefire agreement, and therefore Israel would launch a ground operation in Rafah. A senior Hamas official said today that the Israeli army's demand for Rafah residents to evacuate escalated the situation and would have serious consequences. Hamas political bureau leader Ismail Haniyeh said on May 5 that Hamas hoped to reach a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and demanded Israel withdraw from Gaza, but Israel sabotaged related efforts. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) said today that Israel's attack on Rafah would mean more suffering and death for civilians, and the organization would continue its humanitarian relief operations in Rafah. On May 5, the Israeli government announced that it would shut down Al Jazeera's operations and broadcasts in Israel with immediate effect. Al Jazeera condemned Israel's move as an attempt to cover up Israel's violations of international law in Gaza.
International News Snippets
Russia claims control of another settlement; Ukraine reports damage to power facilities.
Russia's Ministry of Defense claimed on May 5 that Russian forces had taken control of Ocheretyne, another settlement in Donetsk. The governor of Russia's Belgorod region said today (May 6) that the region was attacked by Ukrainian drones, resulting in casualties. Ukraine's energy company said that from the night of May 5 to the early morning of today, Russia used missiles and drones to attack energy infrastructure in Sumy and Kharkiv regions, causing damage to power facilities.
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UK Ruling Party Suffers Heavy Losses in Local Elections
The results of the local elections in England and Wales have been announced. According to British media reports on May 5, the vote count showed that in this partial election, the ruling Conservative Party only secured 515 seats, losing 474 seats compared to before, and lost control of 10 local councils, suffering heavy losses; the opposition Labour Party gained 1,158 seats, an increase of 186 seats. These local elections are seen as a bellwether for the UK general election. According to previous reports by British media, the UK general election should be held no later than January 2025.
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Two Dead, Nine Injured in Alabama Shootings
According to US media today (May 6), two shooting incidents occurred in Alabama on May 5, resulting in 2 deaths and 9 injuries. In the shooting incident in Birmingham, at least two groups of people fired more than 100 shots on the street, damaging multiple vehicles and a store.