New Ideas Guide New Era of Reform and Opening-Up: Cultural Confidence Fortifies National Rejuvenation, Building a Modern Chinese Civilization
A thriving culture leads to a prosperous nation, and a strong culture makes a strong nation. Without a high degree of cultural confidence and the flourishing of culture, there can be no great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with a strong sense of cultural consciousness and historical responsibility, has guided specific practices with major theoretical innovations. He has made strategic deployments for cultural development within the "Five-sphere Integrated Plan," and vigorously advanced cultural system reforms in the process of comprehensively deepening reforms. This has led the construction of a socialist cultural powerhouse to achieve historic achievements and changes through rectification and innovation. The cultural confidence of the entire Party and all ethnic groups nationwide has significantly increased, and the cohesion and centripetal force of society have greatly improved, gathering immense spiritual power for national construction and rejuvenation. Looking at China today, the "museum craze" continues, the "cultural and creative wave" is strong, and "Guochao" (national trend) is in full swing. Excellent traditional culture has opened a new chapter through creative transformation and innovative development. The cultural confidence of over 1.4 billion Chinese people is firmer, and their cultural consciousness is continuously strengthening. Great thought leads to great change. How to ensure the continuity of the long-standing Chinese cultural lineage and allow ancient wisdom to nourish contemporary cultural construction is a "mandatory question" in the process of cultural system reform. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping, standing at the strategic height of the everlasting inheritance of the Chinese nation and civilization, has put forward a series of important discourses on promoting and developing Chinese culture. He has made significant original contributions to adhering to and developing Marxist cultural theory, and has provided a source of vitality and pointed the way forward for building a socialist cultural powerhouse. In Confucius' hometown, General Secretary Xi Jinping carefully read through "Kong Zi Jia Yu Tong Jie" and "Lun Yu Quan Shi"; at Yuelu Academy, he gazed at the "Seek Truth from Facts" plaque and emphasized the need to localize truth; at the Sansu Ancestral Temple, he stressed the importance of drawing governance concepts and thinking from excellent traditional Chinese culture; and at Zhuxi Garden in Wuyi Mountain, he proposed activating the vitality of excellent traditional Chinese culture with the spirit of the times. Xi Jinping said: "We must respect and promote our five-thousand-year civilization, combining its essence with the Marxist stance, viewpoints, and methods we adhere to today. This is socialism with Chinese characteristics." In June 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over a symposium on cultural inheritance and development, systematically elaborating on the five prominent characteristics of Chinese civilization, and further explaining the great significance of the "Two Combinations," especially the "Second Combination." He pointed out that opening up and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics on the profound foundation of over five thousand years of Chinese civilization, and combining the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and excellent traditional Chinese culture, is the only path. In October 2023, the National Conference on Publicity and Ideological Work was held in Beijing, where Xi Jinping Thought on Culture was first proposed, leading cultural reform and development work on the new journey to open up new prospects and form a new格局 (pattern). Chinese modernization is modernization that coordinates material and spiritual civilization. From the National Conference on Publicity and Ideological Work to the Symposium on Literature and Art Work and the Symposium on Philosophy and Social Sciences Work, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended a series of important meetings and delivered important speeches, promoting cultural system reforms in the new era towards the correct direction through rectification. Reforms in systems and mechanisms stimulate cultural creativity. The "Implementation Plan for Deepening Cultural System Reform" was the first special group reform plan deliberated and approved by the Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reforms, providing a blueprint for cultural reform and development; the "Opinions on Implementing the Project for the Inheritance and Development of Excellent Traditional Chinese Culture" was the first central document to deploy cultural inheritance and development, promoting the creative transformation and innovative development of excellent traditional Chinese culture. Adhering to prioritizing social benefits while achieving a balance between social and economic benefits. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, supply-side structural reforms in the cultural sector have been deeply advanced, cultural tourism has been deeply integrated, cultural industries have developed healthily, the system for the protection and inheritance of intangible cultural heritage has been continuously improved, and the public cultural service system has been increasingly perfected, significantly enhancing the public's sense of cultural gain and happiness. From the in-depth implementation of the Chinese Civilization Origin Project to the high-standard promotion of national cultural park construction, from the completion of a series of cultural landmarks such as the Museum of the Communist Party of China and the National Archives of Publications and Culture to the publication of major cultural projects like "The Revival Library" and "The Great Series of Chinese Paintings Through the Ages," excellent traditional Chinese culture, revolutionary culture, and advanced socialist culture are integrated and interconnected. Across the magnificent land, cultural heritage is splendid and cultural symbols are diverse. Adhering to guiding cultural construction with socialist core values. In the process of comprehensively deepening reforms, contemporary China's values, moral norms, and spiritual outlook have undergone a complete transformation. Deepening reforms of state-owned performing arts troupes and establishing a people-centered creative orientation have led a large number of literary and art workers to delve into life and root themselves among the people, striving to reach new heights and create a large number of excellent works worthy of the times. China has become a major producer in fields such as books, TV dramas, and animation. The digital cultural industry has become a "new engine" for unleashing consumption potential, and the film market scale has repeatedly reached new highs. The cultural lineage continues without interruption, and ancient civilization continues to innovate. China today is not only China's China but also the world's China. From the mutual broadcasting and translation of film and television works and classic literature to the exchange of governance experiences, and from telling China's story to the world to jointly embarking on development cooperation towards the stars and the sea, the concepts and wisdom contained in Chinese culture are transcending time and national boundaries, bringing profound inspiration for the development and progress of world civilization. Responding to historical changes and addressing contemporary questions. The practice of comprehensively deepening reforms demonstrates the breadth of vision that "one who does not plan for the whole cannot plan for a part"; the inexhaustible innovative impetus released by high-quality development is a vivid 注脚 (footnote) to the pioneering spirit of "if you can make it new in a day, then make it new every day, and make it new again and again." Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era draws essential nourishment from the accumulated humanistic spirit, moral values, and historical wisdom of China's five-thousand-year civilization, guiding China in the new era to stride forward on the great journey of national rejuvenation, and to build a modern Chinese civilization with more confident cultural self-assurance and a more vibrant spiritual outlook, writing a magnificent new chapter in the construction of a socialist cultural powerhouse!
Zhao Leji Pays Official Friendly Visit to Russia, Attends 9th Meeting of China-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee
At the invitation of Valentina Matviyenko, Chairperson of the Federation Council, and Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) of China, paid an official friendly visit to Russia from July 9 to 13. During his visit, Zhao Leji met with President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg and held separate talks with Matviyenko and Volodin in Moscow. He also attended the ninth meeting of the China-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. Zhao Leji conveyed President Xi Jinping's cordial greetings and best wishes to President Putin. Zhao Leji stated that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Russia. Under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era has achieved high-level and high-quality development, bringing tangible benefits to the people of both countries. The National People's Congress of China is willing to work with the Federal Assembly of Russia to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state at the legislative level, contributing to the consolidation of political mutual trust, the deepening of practical cooperation, and the enhancement of friendship between the two peoples. Putin asked Zhao Leji to convey his cordial greetings to President Xi Jinping. He said that the legislative bodies of Russia and China have always maintained high-level cooperation, which helps advance priority issues in bilateral cooperation at the legislative level and creates a favorable economic, cultural, and legal environment for achieving various goals. Strengthening the work of the Russia-China Parliamentary Cooperation Committee is not only conducive to the exchange of experience and mutual learning between the two countries, and to promoting cooperation in various fields such as legislation and local affairs, but also to enhancing the friendship between the two peoples. During his separate talks with Matviyenko and Volodin, Zhao Leji said that guided by the important consensus of the two heads of state, both sides should maintain strategic focus, strengthen confidence in their respective paths, and firmly support each other on issues concerning their core interests. The legislative bodies of the two countries should leverage their functions and responsibilities, make good use of mechanisms and platforms such as the China-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee and bilateral friendship groups, deepen multi-level, multi-field, and multi-channel exchanges and cooperation, learn from each other's legislative experience, and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation. Matviyenko stated that developing relations with China has received broad recognition and support from Russian society. The legislative bodies of the two countries should strengthen legislative cooperation, promote exchanges between local legislative bodies, young parliamentarians, and NPC deputies, and advance cooperation in various fields such as economy, trade, and humanities. Volodin stated that the Russian State Duma, across different parties, is highly consistent in developing relations with China. Russia firmly adheres to the One-China principle and opposes any external forces interfering in China's internal affairs. On July 10, Zhao Leji attended and addressed the ninth meeting of the China-Russia Parliamentary Cooperation Committee. He pointed out that the legislative bodies of the two countries should strengthen strategic coordination to serve the overall development of China-Russia relations; exchange experiences in state governance to promote their respective national development and revitalization; leverage the functions of legislative bodies to promote practical cooperation through legal means; inherit and carry forward traditional friendship, continuously consolidating the social and public opinion foundation of state relations; and strengthen multilateral coordination to unite and strengthen the forces of the "Global South" at the legislative level. During his visit, Zhao Leji laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow.
On the Fields of Hope: China's Summer Grain Output Hits Record High
Summer grain is the first battle in annual grain production. This year, China's summer grain output reached 299.6 billion jin, an increase of 7.25 billion jin compared to 2023, setting a new historical record. The successful harvest of summer grain was hard-won, overcoming multiple natural disasters. This year, the per-unit yield of summer grain reached a new historical high of 375.2 kilograms per mu, with wheat per-unit yield reaching 399.1 kilograms, an increase of 10 kilograms compared to 2023. The restorative growth in per-unit yield is the main reason for the increase in summer grain output. To significantly improve per-unit yield across large areas, the central government has deeply promoted the strategy of "ensuring food security through farmland protection and technological innovation." More than 1 billion mu of high-standard farmland have been established nationwide, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs has launched a three-year action plan to enhance wheat per-unit yield. For the first time, the central government allocated 1.6 billion yuan in advance for wheat "one spray and three defenses" (integrated pest and disease control, and drought resistance measures), which played an important role in boosting per-unit yield. The quality of wheat reached its best level in recent years, which is also a highlight of this year's summer grain. Due to the promotion and application of integrated wheat production technologies, scientific disaster prevention and mitigation, and timely harvesting and drying, the proportion of first- and second-grade wheat in major producing areas was generally high. The successful first battle of summer grain laid a solid foundation for a bumper harvest throughout the year.
National Railway Freight Volume Sees Stable Growth in June
The reporter learned today (July 14) from China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. (China Railway) that in June, multiple indicators for national railway freight volume and freight turnover reached new historical highs for the same period. Data from China Railway shows that in June, national railways transported 332 million tons of goods and completed 266.5 billion ton-kilometers of freight turnover, representing year-on-year increases of 6.1% and 5.3% respectively, setting new historical records for the same period. Currently, China's railway freight volume, freight turnover, and other indicators rank first in the world. Key material transportation was strongly guaranteed. By category, the volume of fertilizers and pesticides increased the most, by 26.2% year-on-year. The daily average loading volume of coal, and the transport volume of containers, commercial vehicles, and cold chain goods all reached new historical highs for the same period. The domestic transportation network is more complete. Multimodal express trains connecting inland logistics hub cities now cover all provincial capitals, and rail-sea express trains connecting ports and inland hinterland cities now cover all major national ports. International intermodal transport has seen both increased volume and improved quality. In June, a total of 1,719 China-Europe freight train services were operated, transporting 180,000 TEUs of goods, representing year-on-year increases of 15% and 11% respectively, effectively ensuring the stability and smooth flow of international supply chains.
China's Express Delivery Sector Accelerates in H1
In the first half of this year, China's express delivery volume exceeded 80 billion parcels, with accelerated industry development and continuously unleashed momentum. In the first half of this year, Chinese express delivery companies operated over 40 international air routes, opened land routes to Southeast Asia, and operated West Coast (US) sea routes. International transport capacity has steadily increased. While enabling and upgrading cross-border warehouses in many locations, the coverage of China's rural delivery network is also gradually expanding. Currently, over 100 million express parcels flow in rural areas every day, especially from May to June, when fresh produce enters its peak sales season, e-commerce promotions drive online consumption, and the daily average express delivery volume approaches 500 million parcels. As of June 30, China's express delivery volume this year has reached 80 billion parcels. From rural fields to urban workshops and factories, the express delivery industry continues to enrich service scenarios, expand service areas, and achieve integrated development with manufacturing.
China's Oil and Gas Pipeline Network Construction Speeds Up, "National Grid" Continues to Improve
Since the beginning of this year, the construction of China's oil and gas pipeline infrastructure has accelerated, with an estimated addition of over 4,000 kilometers of new pipelines throughout the year. The "national grid" is continuously improving, and supply security capabilities are steadily increasing. The main pipeline engineering for the Turpan to Zhongwei section of the West-to-East Gas Pipeline IV has been completed. After its operation this year, the annual gas transmission capacity of the West-to-East Gas Pipeline will increase by 15 billion cubic meters. At the same time, pipeline projects such as the West-to-East Gas Pipeline II and the Hulin-Changchun natural gas pipeline are also accelerating. With the continuous acceleration of network expansion, China's energy supply and security capabilities have further improved. Currently, China's main oil and gas pipeline network spans approximately 100,000 kilometers, with gas transmission capacity increasing from 223 billion cubic meters in 2020 to 329 billion cubic meters, an increase of 48%. The "national grid" for natural gas has a daily gas supply capacity of over 1 billion cubic meters. According to the plan, by 2025, China's "national grid" for natural gas, which spans east-west, traverses north-south, covers the entire country, and connects overseas, will be more complete. It will initially form four major oil and gas strategic channels in the Northeast, Northwest, Southwest, and offshore areas, while also building a "five vertical and five horizontal" natural gas trunk pipeline network, further enhancing oil and gas supply security capabilities.
Chongqing, Sichuan, Anhui and Other Regions Actively Respond to Rainfall
From 8 AM yesterday (July 13) to 8 AM today, Chongqing's Jiulongpo, Jiangbei, and 28 other districts and counties experienced heavy rainfall, with 13 districts and counties, including Shapingba and Jiangjin, experiencing torrential rain. Local authorities organized staff for overnight emergency rescue and drainage efforts, striving to ensure road accessibility. In Sichuan, heavy rain caused urban flooding and landslides in some areas of Neijiang, prompting emergency dispatch of fire and rescue personnel to evacuate stranded residents. The heavy rainfall caused water levels to rise in multiple rivers in Anhui. In Quanjiao County, Chuzhou City, staff strengthened dike patrols and promptly dealt with seepage and piping incidents on the embankments. The Ministry of Water Resources has made arrangements for flood control on a basin-by-basin basis, in anticipation of the upcoming critical flood season from mid-July to early August. Currently, Yangtze River Floods No. 1 and No. 2 are progressing. The Three Gorges Reservoir is expected to face another flood peak with a flow of around 45,000 cubic meters per second on July 15. The Ministry of Water Resources today jointly dispatched upstream trunk and tributary reservoir clusters, including the Jialing River Tingzikou Reservoir, to reduce the inflow flood peak into the Three Gorges Reservoir.
Domestic News Snippets
In the first half of this year, all 320 major municipal projects in Beijing commenced construction. In the first half of this year, all 320 major municipal projects planned to commence construction in Beijing have successfully begun. These projects, with a total investment exceeding 400 billion yuan, include the Lize Digital Financial Technology Demonstration Park and the Wenyu River ecological governance project, focusing on modern industries, infrastructure, and urban renewal. Northern Main Tower of Yanji Yangtze River Bridge Topped Out Today (July 14), the northern main tower of the Yanji Yangtze River Bridge was topped out. The next stage will be the main cable construction. The Yanji Yangtze River Bridge connects Ezhou and Huanggang in Hubei Province, with a main span of 1,860 meters. The upper deck is designed for expressways, and the lower deck for urban expressways. Upon completion, the bridge will become an important cross-river passage for the integrated air-rail and air-land transportation system in eastern Hubei. 23rd Tour of Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race Concludes Today (July 14), the 23rd Tour of Qinghai Lake International Road Cycling Race concluded in Menyuan County, Haibei Prefecture. After 8 days and 8 stages of competition, 154 athletes from 22 domestic and international teams competed for the championships in 5 categories, including the general classification, climbing points, and team general classification. 34th Inner Mongolia Grassland Nadam Today (July 14), the 34th Inner Mongolia Grassland Nadam opened in Xilinhot City. This Nadam, themed "Meet on the Grassland, Encounter Nadam," will last until the end of August. During this period, sports events, cultural performances, food tasting, and intangible cultural heritage exhibitions will be held, allowing visitors to experience the unique charm of the Grassland Nadam. "China-Africa Children Hand-in-Hand" Event Launched in Beijing Today (July 14), the "China-Africa Children Hand-in-Hand" event, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the All-China Women's Federation, was launched at the China National Children's Center. During the event, child representatives from Namibia, South Africa, Central Africa, Somalia, and Uganda will visit Beijing and Henan, participate in friendly gatherings with Chinese children, and enhance understanding and friendship through various activities.
Many International Figures Highly Praise China's Great Achievements in Deepening Reform and Expanding Opening-Up
People from various countries are closely following the upcoming Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. They stated that China's comprehensive deepening of reforms and expansion of opening-up have brought about historical changes in many fields, contributing wisdom and strength for a better future for humanity. Individuals from various countries stated that China's advancement of deep-seated reforms and high-level opening-up not only opens up development space for China and enables the Chinese people to live better lives, but also provides broader markets and development opportunities for the world.
FBI Says Ex-President Trump Target of Assassination Attempt at Rally
On July 13, a shooting occurred at a campaign rally for former US President and Republican Donald Trump in Butler, Pennsylvania. Trump claimed on social media that he was shot in his right ear. Trump's campaign team stated the same day that Trump was in "good condition." The shooting also resulted in the death of one audience member and serious injuries to two others. The US Secret Service reported that at the time of the incident, a gunman fired "several shots" from a high position outside the rally venue towards the stage where Trump was speaking. According to US media reports, the rooftop where the gunman was located was approximately 180 to 270 meters away from Trump's stage. The gunman was killed by Secret Service snipers after opening fire. The FBI stated that Trump was the target of an attempted assassination and is investigating the incident. The gunman was identified as a male in his 20s from Pennsylvania, and his specific motive remains under investigation.
Israeli Airstrikes Kill 90 in Gaza's Mawasi Area; Palestine Condemns Israeli Violation of International Law
According to data released by the Palestinian Gaza Strip health authorities, an Israeli airstrike on the Mawasi area of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on July 13 killed 90 people and injured approximately 300 others, including many women and children. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on the evening of July 13 that the Israeli airstrike targeted Mohammed Deif, leader of Hamas's armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and Salama, commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade, and that Israel would continue to launch similar attacks in the future. Hamas stated that the Israeli attack represented a "serious escalation" of the situation. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a statement the same day, condemning the Israeli military for violating international law. Jordan, Qatar, Egypt, and other countries also issued statements condemning the Israeli actions. Additionally, the Israeli military stated on July 13 that it had struck Palestinian militants and military facilities in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and Gaza City in the north. Palestinian armed factions stated on the same day that they had used mortars and rockets to strike Israeli positions and tanks in Rafah and Gaza City. Israeli Army Attacks Lebanese Border Villages, Hezbollah Claims to Strike Israeli Troop Concentrations Lebanese media reported on July 13 that several Lebanese border villages were hit by Israeli airstrikes, artillery shelling, and machine gun fire. Some areas caught fire due to Israeli white phosphorus attacks, and many houses were destroyed by gunfire. The Lebanese Hezbollah armed group issued a statement the same day, claiming it had struck Israeli troop concentrations in northern Israel, as well as Israeli intelligence facilities. The Syrian military stated today (July 14) that several locations in the Syrian capital Damascus, including the Kafr Sousa area, were hit by airstrikes early this morning, resulting in the death of one government soldier and three injuries. The Israeli Defense Forces later stated that the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Syrian military command centers and air defense systems early this morning.
International News Snippets
Russia Claims to Strike Ukrainian Military Train Point, Ukraine Claims to Repel Russian Attacks Russia's Ministry of Defense stated on July 13 that Russian forces used "Iskander-M" missiles to strike a Ukrainian military train parking point in the Kharkiv direction, destroying 20 pieces of Ukrainian equipment, including three German-made infantry fighting vehicles. On the same day, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine stated that Ukrainian forces engaged in over 100 clashes with Russian forces in front-line areas, repelling 17 Russian attacks in the Pokrovsk direction. Wildfires Spread in Northeastern Canada, Over 9,000 People Evacuated On July 13, wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador province in northeastern Canada spread rapidly. The affected area currently covers 100 square kilometers, and 9,600 people have been evacuated from Labrador City. Firefighters stated that with the rapid escalation of the fires, it was no longer possible to use firefighting aircraft. Canada is currently battling over 500 active wildfires, more than 400 of which are out of control.
Deepening Reform: Myriad Vistas of Chinese Modernization
In the new era of national rejuvenation, Shanghai and Zhejiang are unwavering in comprehensively deepening reforms and expanding opening-up, leading the way in advancing Chinese modernization. Today (July 14), in "Comprehensively Deepening Reforms: The Myriad Aspects of Chinese Modernization," let us explore Shanghai and Zhejiang.