Xi, Brazil President Exchange Congratulatory Messages on 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties
On August 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Brazilian President Lula exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. Xi Jinping pointed out that China and Brazil are both major developing countries and important emerging market countries, and are good friends with common aspirations and good partners walking hand in hand. In the past half-century since the establishment of diplomatic ties, regardless of how the international situation changed, bilateral relations have always maintained stable development, with their overall, strategic, and global influence becoming increasingly prominent, playing an important role in promoting the development and revitalization of their respective countries, and also contributing to world peace, stability, and prosperous development. Xi Jinping emphasized that during President Lula's successful visit to China last year, we reached important consensus on leading and opening up a new future for China-Brazil relations in the new era. China is willing to work with Brazil, taking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as a new starting point, to continuously strengthen the alignment of their development strategies, deepen exchanges and cooperation in various fields, give new contemporary connotations to China-Brazil relations, and jointly promote the building of a China-Brazil community with a shared future. Lula stated that over the past half-century, Brazil-China friendship has continuously strengthened, and cooperation has become increasingly diversified. Currently, the two countries maintain cooperation in multiple fields and at various levels, jointly building a more prosperous, peaceful, and just world. Brazil-China relations are increasingly important for building a multipolar order and more just and effective global governance, and have played a supporting role in the stability and predictability of the two countries and the world. In the next 50 years of bilateral relations, we will work side by side to open up new paths and build a bright future with a shared destiny. On the same day, Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and Brazilian Vice President Alckmin exchanged congratulatory messages.
Vietnamese Party Chief, President to Visit China at Xi's Invitation
At the invitation of Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee and President of China, To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President of Vietnam, will pay a state visit to China from August 18 to 20.
New Vision Guides New Journey: Advancing Ecological Civilization for a Beautiful China
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out the need to firmly establish and practice the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, and to place the construction of a Beautiful China in a prominent position in building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, China's ecological environmental protection has undergone historic, transformative, and overall changes, and significant strides have been made in building a Beautiful China. The concept that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets" has become a consensus and action of the entire Party and society, and an ecological blueprint of bluer skies, clearer waters, and greener mountains is unfolding across a Beautiful China. Not long ago, five natural ecological spaces, including the Minquan Yellow River Old Course National Wetland Park and the Danjiang Wetland National Nature Reserve in Henan, successfully completed property rights registration and officially received their "household registration." This year, China will basically achieve full coverage of property rights registration for various natural resources. To date, nearly a hundred key areas have completed natural resource property rights registration, and more and more mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, and grasslands have their own "household registration." Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has always been deeply concerned about ecological civilization construction. Whether it's the Yangtze River and Yellow River, plateaus and hills, rural areas, or urban green spaces, wherever the General Secretary goes, he advocates the concept of ecological civilization construction, vigorously promotes theoretical, practical, and institutional innovation in ecological civilization, proposes a series of new concepts, new ideas, and new strategies, making Beautiful China a governing philosophy, forming Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, and profoundly changing the Chinese land. China's ecological environment legal and institutional construction has entered a period with the greatest legislative intensity, the most concentrated release of institutions, and the strictest regulatory enforcement, promoting ecological civilization construction with legal concepts and methods. The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee further deployed the deepening of reforms in the ecological civilization system, guiding the development of ecological civilization construction to greater depth and breadth. Today, China's ecological civilization institutional system is constantly being strengthened. Ecological civilization has been written into the Constitution, more than 30 ecological environmental protection laws and over 100 administrative regulations have been promulgated, a national park system has been established, an ecological protection redline system has been proposed, the central ecological environmental inspection system has been fully implemented, and ecological compensation and "Party and government responsibility for environmental protection" have been fully implemented. Governance measures are being implemented at multiple points. The battle against pollution is being deepened, with coordinated efforts to defend blue skies, clear waters, and clean land. Today's China has bluer skies. China has drawn the fastest curve for global air governance, with the continuous issuance of the "Action Plan for Air Pollution Prevention and Control," the "Three-Year Action Plan for Winning the Battle for Blue Skies," and the "Action Plan for Continuous Improvement of Air Quality," with unprecedented intensity. In the first half of this year, the average proportion of good or excellent air quality days in 339 cities at or above prefecture level nationwide was 82.8%. Water is clearer. The appearance of rivers and lakes has been fundamentally improved, with continuous progress in actions such as water pollution control in key river basins and treatment of urban black and odorous water bodies. Protection and governance of major rivers like the Yangtze River and Yellow River and important lakes have been successively launched, and the "river and lake chief system" has been fully implemented. In the first half of this year, among 3641 national surface water assessment sections, the proportion of excellent or good water quality sections was 88.8%. Land is greener. China has become the country with the fastest growth in forest resources globally, with the largest area of artificial forests and grasslands in the world. It has taken the lead in achieving the United Nations' goal of "zero land degradation by 2030," with a total wetland area of 845 million mu, ranking fourth globally. Integrated protection and restoration projects for mountains, rivers, forests, fields, lakes, grasslands, and deserts have accumulated over 100 million mu of restored area. This year, the "Opinions on Comprehensively Promoting the Construction of a Beautiful China" was officially released, further clarifying the "timetable" and "roadmap" for building a Beautiful China. In accordance with the deployment requirements of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the compilation of the ecological environment code, the land spatial use control and planning permit system, and other initiatives are currently underway. When ecology flourishes, civilization flourishes. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, the concept that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets has deeply rooted in people's hearts. By unswervingly following the path of ecological priority and green development, the construction of a Beautiful China will continue to make new strides, and a new chapter of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in China will continue to shine.
Promoting Volunteerism, Building a Beautiful China - Xi's Reply Letter to Hubei Environmental Volunteers Resonates Nationwide
On the occasion of the second National Ecological Day, General Secretary Xi Jinping wrote back to environmental volunteers in the Danjiangkou Reservoir area in Shiyan, Hubei. The General Secretary's warm encouragement resonated strongly across all sectors of society. Everyone expressed that they would persevere in the long run, continue to promote the spirit of volunteer service, and work together to build a Beautiful China with evergreen mountains, ever-flowing clear waters, and fresh air. In August, the Danjiangkou Reservoir's waters are crystal clear, and its shores are lush green, serving as the core water source for the middle route of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project. Not long ago, local environmental volunteers wrote to General Secretary Xi Jinping to report on their water conservation volunteer service. Upon receiving the General Secretary's reply, everyone was greatly encouraged. In his reply, General Secretary Xi Jinping encouraged them to continue promoting the spirit of volunteer service and motivate more people to consciously protect, conserve, and save water. Currently, at the Danjiangkou Reservoir, volunteers patrol the water daily to clear floating debris and plant trees and greenery along the shore, continuously improving the reservoir's ecological environment. The reservoir's water quality consistently remains at Class II or above throughout the year. To date, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project has cumulatively diverted over 74 billion cubic meters of water to northern regions, directly benefiting over 176 million people. Provinces along the route have kept General Secretary Xi Jinping's instructions in mind, continuously improving water quality monitoring and protection capabilities, and effectively safeguarding the safety of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, water supply, and water quality. Everyone is responsible, and perseverance is key. From the banks of the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers to the construction sites of the Three-North Shelterbelt Program, from Sanjiangyuan National Park to the Karst World Natural Heritage Site in Guizhou, everyone stated that ecological environmental protection is the common responsibility of the entire society. They expressed their determination to deeply practice Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization, live up to the General Secretary's trust, and work together to build a Beautiful China with evergreen mountains, ever-flowing clear waters, and fresh air, contributing to the modernization of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Authoritative Interview: Deepening Legislative Reform to Advance Chinese Modernization Under Rule of Law
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China made strategic deployments for further comprehensively deepening reform, emphasizing the need to improve the system of whole-process people's democracy and refine the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics. In the new era and on the new journey, how can we further comprehensively deepen reform and advance Chinese modernization on the track of the rule of law? Let's hear from Shen Chunyao, Director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, in an exclusive interview with CMG reporter. The Plenum proposed focusing on developing whole-process people's democracy, upholding the organic unity of Party leadership, the people as masters of the country, and law-based governance, promoting a more sound system for the people to be masters of the country, widespread and multi-level institutionalized development of consultative democracy, a more complete socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, and a higher level of socialist rule of law. The Plenum emphasized that the rule of law is an important guarantee for Chinese modernization. It is essential to fully implement the Constitution, uphold its authority, coordinate reforms in all aspects of legislation, law enforcement, judicial work, and law observance, improve mechanisms to ensure equality before the law, promote the spirit of socialist rule of law, safeguard social fairness and justice, and comprehensively advance the rule of law in all aspects of national work. Shen Chunyao stated that the Plenum put forward many new topics and requirements for legislative work, which need to be addressed through deepening reforms in the legislative field. Shen Chunyao stated that on the new journey, further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization should be organically combined with further comprehensively advancing law-based governance, striving to properly handle the relationship between reform and the rule of law. Next, the National People's Congress will formulate multiple laws in the legislative field, including the Law on Promoting the Private Economy, financial laws, and an ecological environment code. For institutional innovation measures that need to be advanced in stages, methods such as "decision + legislation" and "decision + amendment" can be adopted, first making relevant decisions in accordance with the law, and then promptly deploying and advancing related legislative and amendment work.
July Economic Performance Shows Steady Progress, New Growth Drivers Strengthened
The State Council Information Office held a press conference today (August 15) where relevant officials from the National Bureau of Statistics introduced the recent economic performance. Multiple latest data show that the national economy is operating steadily with progress, and new growth drivers continue to be cultivated and strengthened. From the perspective of production, industry maintained relatively fast growth. In July, the added value of industrial enterprises above designated size nationwide increased by 5.1% year-on-year, with the added value of equipment manufacturing increasing by 7.3%, continuing to play a "stabilizing" role. New quality productive forces accelerated development, with the added value of high-tech manufacturing increasing by 10.0%, 1.2 percentage points faster than the previous month. The output of smart green new products maintained rapid growth, with the output of virtual reality equipment products and service robots both increasing by over 40%. From the perspective of consumption, as various policies to expand domestic demand and promote consumption took effect, market sales growth rebounded. In July, total retail sales of consumer goods were 3,775.7 billion yuan, an increase of 2.7% year-on-year, with faster growth in sales of upgraded goods. From January to July, service retail sales increased by 7.2% year-on-year, and the potential of service consumption continued to be released. From the perspective of investment, from January to July, national fixed asset investment was 28,761.1 billion yuan, an increase of 3.6% year-on-year; investment in high-tech industries grew rapidly, with investment in high-tech manufacturing and high-tech services increasing by 9.7% and 11.9% respectively. From the perspective of imports and exports, from January to July, total goods imports and exports increased by 6.2%. Among them, imports and exports by private enterprises increased by 10.9%, accounting for 55.1% of the total imports and exports; exports of mechanical and electrical products increased by 8.3%, accounting for 59% of total exports. The trade structure continued to optimize.
Various Regions Promote Eco-Priority, Green Transformation Through Diverse Activities
As the 2024 National Ecological Day approaches, various regions are holding diverse activities to protect the good ecology of lucid waters and lush mountains, advocate comprehensive green transformation, and jointly paint a new picture of a beautiful China. Today (August 15), the main event for the 2024 National Ecological Day was held in Sanming, Fujian, with the theme of "Accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development." The National Development and Reform Commission and other departments released a series of important achievements in ecological civilization. An experience exchange meeting on ecological civilization construction and the first national ecological product promotion and exhibition were held simultaneously, showcasing the reform achievements of various regions in improving the mechanism for realizing the value of ecological products. In recent days, various regions have protected the beautiful ecology with practical actions that advocate ecological priority and green and low-carbon development. In the Mugedan Desert in Guinan County, Qinghai, local authorities are conducting sample screenings of data such as survival rate, growth volume, and planting density of newly planted seedlings to prepare for subsequent management and replanting. The aim is to deepen the concept of green and low-carbon living and inspire the whole society to participate in ecological protection. In Huzhou, Zhejiang, a unique "Approaching Original Ecology" children's painting巡展 tour exhibition allows children to draw and perceive a beautiful China with their own hands through colors and lines. At the Chizhou National Wetland Park in Anhui and the Yellow Sea Wetland Museum in Jiangsu, people learn about the importance of wetland ecological cycles by observing the breeding habitats of migratory birds and visiting specimen exhibitions. At Mount Yuntai, a World Natural Heritage site in Shibing, Guizhou, ecological study and practice activities enhance people's awareness of ecological protection while experiencing the beauty of ecological harmony.
79th Anniversary of Japan's Unconditional Surrender: Events Held Nationwide to Commemorate Martyrs, Remember History
Today (August 15) marks the 79th anniversary of Japan's unconditional surrender. Various events were held across the country to commemorate martyrs, remember history, and carry forward the great spirit of the War of Resistance. This morning, at the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders, descendants of Nanjing Massacre survivors, representatives of young students, and university volunteers left their handprints and signed their names on the handprint wall of anti-Japanese veterans, expressing their respect for the martyrs, their resolve to never forget national humiliation, and their wish for peace. At the Museum of the War of Chinese People's Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, more than 1,100 historical photos and over 2,800 precious artifacts recreated the glorious journey of the Chinese people bravely resisting Japanese imperialist aggression. Reviewing the history of the War of Resistance and inheriting the red lineage. At the Exhibition Hall of Evidence of Crimes by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army in Harbin, the Northeast Anti-Japanese Allied Forces Cultural Center in Tonghua, and the Eight Route Army Taihang Memorial Hall in Changzhi, people visited exhibitions, commemorated revolutionary martyrs and unfortunate compatriots, and fostered patriotism. At the former site of the New Fourth Army Headquarters Exhibition Hall in Nanchang, people from all walks of life listened to stories of martyrs bravely fighting the enemy in the War of Resistance, drawing strength for progress. In recent days, various units of the armed forces have organized diverse patriotic education activities, and broad numbers of officers and soldiers have commemorated anti-Japanese martyrs and inspired their will to serve the country by reviewing their Party oaths, visiting historical exhibition halls, and giving themed speeches.
Domestic News Briefs
Starting September 1, tax authorities will further optimize cross-district relocation services for taxpayers. The State Taxation Administration announced that from September 1, for taxpayers relocating across districts, the handling of pending matters will be optimized, and invoice usage procedures will be simplified. If taxpayers have overpaid taxes, the electronic tax bureau will automatically remind them to apply for a refund. At the same time, the tax authorities in the new location will ensure that taxpayers' tax credit levels, invoice quotas, and other rights and qualifications are continued. The Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Finance deploy pilot programs for service-based social assistance. The Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Finance recently jointly issued the "National Service-based Social Assistance Pilot Work Plan," deploying pilot programs for service-based social assistance nationwide to promote the transformation of social assistance from a single material assistance to a "material + service" comprehensive assistance model. Xiaolangdi Water Conservancy Project's second flood season water and sediment regulation exceeds 100 million tons. To cope with the recent high-sediment water inflow in the middle reaches of the Yellow River, the Xiaolangdi Water Conservancy Project launched its second flood season water and sediment regulation this year from August 9. As of today (August 15), accumulated sediment discharge has exceeded 120 million tons. The hub monitors sediment data in real time and conducts joint dispatch with upstream reservoirs to finely adjust the discharge volume, effectively ensuring flood control safety in the middle and lower reaches. CMG's large-scale cultural program "Exploring China Through Ancient Slips" creative seminar held. The creative seminar for China Media Group's (CMG) large-scale cultural program "Exploring China Through Ancient Slips" was held today (August 15). Experts, scholars, media representatives, and creators discussed the program's creativity, innovative practices, and social significance. It is reported that the program has cumulatively reached 727 million viewers on TV and has over 110 million video views.
New Conflict Claims Over 40,000 Palestinian Lives; Israeli, Palestinian Forces Clash in Gaza, West Bank
According to the Palestinian health authorities in the Gaza Strip today (August 15), the ongoing Israeli military attacks across the Gaza Strip in the current conflict have resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths and more than 92,000 injured. The Israeli Defense Forces stated on the 14th that the Israeli army continued to strike Palestinian armed faction infrastructure in Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza, and in the "Netzarim Corridor" in the central region. Palestinian armed factions stated on the 14th that they attacked Israeli soldiers along the supply line of the "Netzarim Corridor" with mortars and engaged in several hours of fierce clashes with Israeli forces in the West Bank city of Tubas. New round of Gaza ceasefire talks to be held in Doha on August 15. A new round of Gaza ceasefire talks is scheduled to be held in Doha, the capital of Qatar, on August 15. Foreign media reported that Hamas stated it would not directly participate in these talks. Israeli military carries out drone strike in southern Lebanon. On the 14th, the Israeli military announced that its forces conducted a drone strike in southern Lebanon, killing two Hezbollah militants. On the same day, officials in the northern Israeli town of Shmona stated that the area was hit by rockets fired from Lebanon, causing damage to facilities.
Russia Claims Strikes on Ukrainian Targets in Kharkiv; Ukraine Reports Fierce Fighting in Pokrovsk Direction
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 14th that Russian forces continued to launch offensives in the directions of Kharkov, Avdiivka, and Donetsk, striking Ukrainian personnel and US-made armored vehicles, among other targets. The Ukrainian side stated that Russian forces continued to launch intensive attacks in Pokrovsk. Russian forces also launched missiles on the evening of the 14th, striking infrastructure at the Odesa port. Russia claims to have repelled multiple Ukrainian attacks on Kursk border, Ukraine claims to be achieving its strategic goals. In addition, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 14th that Russian forces repelled multiple Ukrainian attacks in the border areas of Russia's Kursk region. According to Russian media reports on the 14th, a Russian Ministry of Defense official stated that approximately 12,000 Ukrainian personnel, including a large number of foreign mercenaries, had entered the Kursk region, most of whom had been eliminated by Russian forces. The Ukrainian side stated on the 14th that Ukrainian forces continued to advance in Russia's Kursk region and that Ukraine was achieving its strategic goals.
Japanese Civil Groups Call for Serious Reflection on War Crimes
Today (August 15), Japanese civic groups held a rally in Tokyo, urging the Japanese government to confront its history of aggression and avoid going further astray in the wrong direction. South Korea holds "Comfort Women" Memorial Day events in various locations. On the 14th, South Korean citizens held rallies and other events for "Comfort Women" Memorial Day in various locations including Seoul, Daegu, and Gwangju, urging the Japanese government to formally apologize and provide compensation for the "comfort women" issue.
International News Briefs
German media reported that Germany is pursuing Ukrainian suspects in the Nord Stream incident. Several German media outlets reported on the 14th that German prosecutors recently issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian suspect in connection with the Nord Stream gas pipeline sabotage, and requested Polish authorities to arrest the suspect residing there. Poland stated that the suspect had already returned to Ukraine. According to German media reports, the suspect is a diver believed to have placed explosives on the underwater pipelines. The reports also stated that German prosecutors have identified two other Ukrainian divers but have not yet issued arrest warrants for them. Neither Ukraine nor Russia has officially responded yet. In September 2022, Russia's Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines, which export natural gas to Europe, were simultaneously damaged, leading to massive gas leaks and the pipelines being out of service ever since. Monkeypox outbreak declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The World Health Organization announced on the 14th that the monkeypox outbreak constitutes a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern," which is WHO's highest level of public health alert. WHO data shows that since the beginning of this year, over 15,600 monkeypox cases have been reported, exceeding last year's total case count, with 537 deaths. WHO previously declared the monkeypox outbreak a "Public Health Emergency of International Concern" in July 2022 and lifted this status in May 2023. US astronauts still stranded in space after two months, return plan undecided. NASA announced on the 14th that it will conduct a situation assessment as early as next weekend to determine whether Boeing's Starliner spacecraft can safely return two astronauts to Earth after being stranded in space for two months. NASA stated that if the situation is optimistic, the two astronauts could return to Earth in early to mid-September; however, if serious safety risks are confirmed regarding the Starliner's thruster issues and helium leaks, the two astronauts will only be able to return in February next year aboard a Dragon spacecraft.