Xi Jinping's Excerpts on Governing the Military According to Law Issued to Entire Armed Forces After Central Military Commission Approval
To comprehensively and accurately study and grasp Comrade Xi Jinping's important discourses on governing the military according to law, and to deeply implement the strategy of governing the military according to law, with the approval of the Central Military Commission, the Political and Legal Affairs Commission of the Central Military Commission organized the compilation and printing of the "Excerpts from Xi Jinping's Important Discourses on Governing the Military According to Law" (hereinafter referred to as "Excerpts"), which was officially issued to the entire military recently. The "Excerpts" are compiled from Comrade Xi Jinping's important speeches, reports, and other documents from November 2012 to June 2024, focusing on 10 special topics that reflect Comrade Xi Jinping's new concepts, new ideas, and new assertions on governing the military according to law. The Central Military Commission recently issued a circular deploying the study and use of the "Excerpts", requiring all levels to understand and implement the requirements, deepen their understanding of Comrade Xi Jinping's important discourses on governing the military according to law within the framework of studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military and Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, fully grasp the strategy of governing the military according to law, thoroughly understand its basic spirit, grasp its core essence, and clarify its practical requirements, so as to truly arm their minds, guide their practice, and promote their work. The study of the "Excerpts" should be incorporated into the theoretical study sessions of Party committees, serve as an important content for cadre theoretical training and rotation, and be combined with the implementation of the spirit of the Central Military Commission's political work conference, the special study of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law, and the in-depth education and practice activities focusing on "unwavering loyalty to the Party and joint efforts to fulfill missions," guiding officers and soldiers to deeply understand the decisive significance of "two establishments," enhance "four consciousnesses," strengthen "four self-confidences," achieve "two safeguards," and implement the system of the CMC Chairman assuming overall responsibility. The exemplary and leading role of the "key minority" should be fully leveraged, especially high-level Party committees and senior cadres, who should take the lead in respecting, learning, observing, and applying the law, strengthen education and guidance for the troops, and mobilize officers and soldiers to jointly build, practice, and safeguard the rule of law, thereby promoting a favorable situation where Party committees make decisions according to law, organs provide guidance according to law, troops act according to law, and officers and soldiers perform their duties according to law. The excellent style of integrating theory with practice should be vigorously promoted, transforming learning outcomes into the ability to carry out work with rule of law thinking and methods, achieving tangible results in promoting a fundamental transformation of military governance methods, accelerating the construction of a military legal system with Chinese characteristics, improving the rule of law level of national defense and military construction, and providing strong legal guarantees for advancing the cause of strengthening the military.
New Ideas Guiding New Journey: Hand in Hand Toward a Brighter "Digital Future"
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to Internet development, viewing it as a significant opportunity to advance reform and opening up and socialist modernization. Guided by General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on building China into a cyber superpower, China has upheld the concept of "building a community with a shared future in cyberspace," contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to promote global cyberspace development and governance system reform. The achievements of China's Internet development are benefiting people worldwide. The 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit has just concluded. From its permanent venue "settling" in Wuzhen in 2014 to today, this largest and highest-level Internet conference held in China has entered its 11th year. Here, people constantly explore the frontiers of technology, meeting the future by sharing opportunities and meeting challenges together. In 2015, President Xi Jinping first proposed the concept of "building a community with a shared future in cyberspace" when attending the World Internet Conference, which has become the purpose and proposition of the conference and has been widely recognized by the international community. Subsequently, President Xi Jinping has delivered video speeches or sent congratulatory letters to the World Internet Conference for many consecutive years, elaborating on China's solutions for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace. At the 2024 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, President Xi Jinping again sent a video congratulation, stating that China is willing to work with all countries in the world to grasp the historical initiative in the development of the information revolution, jointly build a community with a shared future in cyberspace, and let the Internet better benefit people and the world. President Xi Jinping's video congratulation resonated strongly with attendees from all walks of life. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has firmly grasped the "time" and "momentum" of the information revolution, highly valued the Internet, actively developed the Internet, effectively governed the Internet, and is committed to turning the Internet, the biggest variable, into the biggest increment for development. China's cybersecurity and informatization sector has continuously strengthened basic research, original innovation, and core technology R&D, and its comprehensive cyberspace governance system has been continuously improved. Today, China has become the country with the largest 5G network scale, the largest number of Internet users, the largest online retail sales, the highest mobile payment penetration rate, and the largest number of top-level domain names in the world. Development is jointly promoted, and achievements are jointly shared. From signing the "G20 Digital Economy Development and Cooperation Initiative" to initiating the "China-Africa Initiative on Building a Community with a Shared Future in Cyberspace," and then proposing the "Global AI Governance Initiative," China is not only an active advocate for building a community with a shared future in cyberspace but also a firm practitioner and powerful leader. From infrastructure construction to digitalization, "Chinese construction" has gone global, bringing tangible benefits to people in various countries around the world. In Asia, Chinese Beidou network services are visible in Pakistan's transportation and port management, and Brunei's urban modernization and smart tourism. As of now, the Beidou system serves users in more than 130 countries and regions worldwide. In Africa, Chinese digital technology has helped Kenya develop mobile payments, providing convenient services for the efficient operation of the local digital economy and people's economic activities; the "Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 Villages" project has successfully completed construction in 20 countries, covering 9,512 villages and directly benefiting over 190,000 households. Cyberspace is the common home of humanity, and never before have all human beings been so interdependent and closely linked in cyberspace. Facing the opportunities and challenges of the accelerating intelligent era, China is working with the international community to further strengthen international exchanges and cooperation in cyberspace, jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future in cyberspace to a new stage, and work together towards a better "digital future."
Zhao Leji Pays Official Friendly Visit to Portugal
At the invitation of Portuguese Parliament Speaker Aguiar-Branco, Zhao Leji, Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, paid an official friendly visit to Portugal from November 21 to 23. In Lisbon, he met separately with Portuguese President de Sousa and Prime Minister Montenegro, and held talks with Speaker Aguiar-Branco. During his meeting with de Sousa, Zhao Leji first conveyed the cordial greetings and good wishes from President Xi Jinping. Zhao Leji stated that in recent years, under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership has deepened and become more substantial. China appreciates Portugal's long-standing adherence to the one-China principle and is willing to be good friends who respect and trust each other, good partners who seek common development, and good confidants who learn from each other's civilizations with Portugal, to achieve common prosperity and progress. He expressed hope that Portugal will continue to play an active role within the European Union and inject more positive energy into the development of China-EU relations. De Sousa asked Zhao Leji to convey his sincere greetings to President Xi Jinping. He stated that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to China. Portugal is willing to work closely with China on high-level exchanges, deepen friendly exchanges, and strengthen practical cooperation. Portugal adheres to multilateralism and supports safeguarding the role of the United Nations and the authority of international law. It is very important for Europe and China to strengthen dialogue, and Portugal is willing to play an active role in this regard. During his meeting with Montenegro, Zhao Leji stated that China is willing to work with Portugal to firmly support each other's core interests and major concerns, consolidate political mutual trust; create new growth points for cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence and clean energy, and encourage enterprises from both countries to expand investment and cooperation; strengthen exchanges in scientific and technological innovation, talent training, and local areas, and deepen cultural and people-to-people cooperation; and continue to strengthen coordination within frameworks such as the United Nations to promote the healthy and stable development of China-EU relations. Montenegro stated that Portugal has always adhered to the one-China principle and highly appreciates the "one country, two systems" policy implemented in Macao. Portugal attaches importance to attracting investment from Chinese enterprises and hopes to carry out exchanges and cooperation with China in fields such as science and technology, marine economy, culture, and sports. During his talks with Aguiar-Branco, Zhao Leji stated that the National People's Congress of China is willing to work with the Portuguese Parliament to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, deepen friendly exchanges between legislative bodies, strengthen exchanges of experience in legislation and supervision, and provide legal guarantees for promoting bilateral cooperation in various fields. He hoped that Portuguese parliamentarians would continue to support China-EU friendship and cooperation in the European Parliament. Over the 25 years since Macao's return to China, the practice of "one country, two systems" has achieved remarkable successes. The Chinese central government will continue to fully and accurately, steadfastly and unswervingly implement the principles of "one country, two systems," "Macao people governing Macao," and a high degree of autonomy, and support Macao in better integrating into the overall national development. China is willing to work with Portugal to further solidify multi-field cooperation based on Macao as a platform and achieve more cooperative results. Aguiar-Branco stated that the Portuguese Parliament is willing to work with the National People's Congress of China to support and promote closer exchanges at all levels between Portugal and China, and make contributions from the legislative bodies to promoting practical cooperation and enhancing the friendship between the peoples.
Ice and Snow Season Kicks Off, Driving Booming "Ice and Snow Economy" Nationwide
As the new ice and snow season officially begins, many regions are introducing new measures and holding new events, continuously unleashing the growth potential of the "ice and snow economy." Currently, the four major ski resorts in Altay Prefecture, Xinjiang, have fully opened, with over 10,000 skiers enjoying the slopes daily. At the Jikepulin International Ski Resort in the Kanas scenic area, reporters observed long queues of tourists at the chairlifts leading to various runs. This year, new beginner slopes and a snowboard park have been added, offering more diverse skiing experiences. Since mid-October, Altay Prefecture has already received over 2.35 million tourists, a year-on-year increase of more than 60%. Leveraging "cold resources" according to local conditions creates new consumption scenarios. At the Qilian Mountain · Gangshika Snow Peak scenic area in Qinghai, tourists can experience the charm of the snow-capped mountains through mountaineering, skiing, hiking, and study tours. In Yabuli, Heilongjiang, the beginner slopes have opened, and this year, the Yabuli "Three Mountains Interconnected" system officially launched, offering 56 runs for tourists to choose from. In Genhe, Inner Mongolia, the local area has combined with Ewenki ethnic features to offer reindeer sleigh rides, birch bark painting, and other activities, enriching tourists' ice and snow experiences. Promoting the deep integration of "sports + tourism + consumption," from this month until March next year, Beijing, the "Dual Olympic City," will host nine international ice and snow events. Relying on these events, areas like Yanqing in Beijing have developed multiple tourist routes. Chongli's major ski resorts in Hebei have also launched new projects such as night skiing and snow season study tours, and the newly built "Snow Ruyi" ski resort will also be open to tourists. The warmth of "cold resources" has also reached the south. In Guangxi, Zhejiang, and other places, indoor ski resorts in many areas continue to attract beginner skiers and parent-child visitors. At an indoor ski resort in Taicang, Jiangsu, the five ski runs are bustling with people. This year, the ski resort has specially launched skiing lessons for beginners, allowing more and more people to enjoy the fun of ice and snow sports.
Policy Effects Emerge, SME Financing Continues to Improve
Since the beginning of this year, with the successive implementation of financial policies supporting economic development, financing for small and micro enterprises has continued to improve. This year, China has twice lowered the reserve requirement ratio by a total of 1 percentage point and twice lowered the central bank's policy interest rates, while also optimizing policies, which has helped alleviate the financing difficulties for small and micro enterprises. Not long ago, the National Administration of Financial Regulation and the National Development and Reform Commission deployed the establishment of a coordination mechanism to support financing for small and micro enterprises nationwide, requiring the establishment of special working groups at the district and county levels to comprehensively identify enterprise financing needs and promote the direct flow of low-cost credit funds to small and micro enterprises. In Xinchang County, Zhejiang, a high-tech enterprise established less than a year ago received a loan for importing equipment from a bank with the assistance of the small and micro enterprise financing coordination mechanism working group. The latest data from the National Administration of Financial Regulation shows that by the end of October, the balance of inclusive small and micro enterprise loans nationwide reached 32.45 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 14.98%, 7.47 percentage points higher than the growth rate of all loans. Among them, the balance of inclusive small and micro enterprise credit loans increased by 30.56% year-on-year, continuing to maintain high-speed growth.
Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei "One-Card Access" Expands to 30 Applications
Recently, Beijing launched the centralized replacement of third-generation social security cards, expanding the "one-card-for-all" application scenarios in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region to 30. Currently, some of the first batch of applicants in Beijing are receiving their new social security cards. In addition to basic social security inquiry and medical treatment functions, the third-generation social security card adds functions closely related to people's lives, such as public transportation and cultural tourism services. Currently, Hebei Province has replaced over 30 million third-generation social security cards, and Tianjin Municipality has issued over 6.3 million third-generation social security cards. With the third-generation social security card, people in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region can enjoy 25 human resources and social security services with "one card for all," "one card for settlement" at 64,000 medical institutions, "one card for rides" on over 3,900 public transport routes, "one card for tours" at 193 tourist attractions, "one card for viewing" at 23 museums, and "one card for reading" at 171 libraries. The three regions have also promoted the multi-purpose and cross-provincial use of social security cards through collaborative legislation.
Cultural China Tour: Sansu Temple - Ancient Charm, Enduring Cultural Legacy
Meishan City in Sichuan Province, formerly known as Meizhou, is home to Sansu Temple in Dongpo District, the former residence of the three famous litterateurs of the Northern Song Dynasty: Su Xun, Su Shi, and Su Che. The Sansu culture has a profound and lasting influence on Chinese culture, drawing from ancient wisdom to enrich the present. The three Sus occupy three of the eight great prose masters of the Tang and Song dynasties, with Su Shi's works being particularly widely circulated throughout his life. When Su Shi and his brother were young, they were mischievous and enjoyed teasing birds nesting in low trees. Their mother, Mrs. Cheng, knowing this, taught them to be benevolent and not to harm birds. These small influences shaped Su Shi, and after becoming an official, he consistently adhered to the governing philosophy of caring for the country and the people, and prioritizing the people. It was the family traditions and teachings passed down through generations of the Su family, such as "studying diligently, filial piety and benevolence, not taking what is unrighteous, and governing with integrity," that led to the remarkable story of "one family, three masters" and "both father and sons outstanding." Today, Sansu Temple preserves 16 ancient buildings and relics of the Su family, including the Mujia Mountain Hall, an ancient well, and the ink-washing pond. Su Shi loved bamboo deeply, once saying, "One would rather be without meat than without bamboo." In his view, bamboo represents the sentiments of resilience, humility, noble character, and peaceful detachment. The well-arranged bamboo groves in Sansu Temple also symbolize the lofty spirit of the Su family, "I wish to plant bamboo by the pond myself, to show my uprightness to my children and grandchildren." Walking through Meishan, Sansu culture is omnipresent, a continuous and ever-renewing heritage. The Sansu culture reflects the spirit, backbone, and confidence that a person, a country, and a nation should possess, shining brightly through a thousand years of history.
First Cold Wave of Second Half of Year Arrives, Bringing Snow and Temperature Drops to Northern Regions
Affected by the cold wave, many parts of northern China are experiencing snowfall and temperature drops. The National Meteorological Center today (November 24) continued to issue a blue cold wave warning. Some areas in northern Xinjiang recently experienced widespread snowfall and temperature drops. Railway departments suspended some passenger trains and organized thousands of personnel to carry out snow and ice removal operations overnight. Currently, affected passenger trains have gradually resumed operation. From last night to today, many areas in Qinghai and Gansu experienced moderate to heavy snow. Highway maintenance and traffic police departments promptly carried out traffic guidance and snow removal operations to ensure smooth traffic. In some areas of Zhangye, Gansu, the deepest snow reached 16 centimeters. Local authorities continued to clear snow from key sections of roads while intensifying patrols of bridges, culverts, and steep slopes to ensure the safety of public travel. In Taiyuan, Shanxi, temperatures dropped by 10-12℃ in the past two days. Local water supply departments are stepping up inspections and insulation protection of water pipes and meters to ensure normal water supply to the public. The National Meteorological Center forecasts that from today to the 28th, temperatures in most parts of China will drop by 6-10℃. During this period, many areas in the north will experience widespread rain and snow, with Inner Mongolia and Northeast China being the core areas of this rain and snow process. Heilongjiang is expected to experience the strongest snowfall from the day after tomorrow, with some northern areas experiencing heavy to extremely heavy blizzards. The meteorological department reminds the public that this cold wave has a wide impact range and strong winds and temperature drops. It is recommended that the public pay attention to weather changes in time, take measures to keep warm, and pay attention to daily fire, electricity, and gas safety.
Domestic News Briefs
China Leads First International Standard for Contactless Cold Chain Logistics Delivery. China's first international standard for contactless cold chain logistics delivery, led by China, was officially released recently. The standard specifies the requirements that cold chain logistics service providers should meet when delivering goods from the distribution center to the consignee through contactless delivery, including requirements for service providers, and requirements for facilities, equipment, operating procedures, and handling of abnormal situations involved in the contactless cold chain logistics delivery process. National Raw Coal Output Above Designated Size Reaches 3.89 Billion Tons in First Ten Months. Reporters learned from the China Coal Industry Association that in October this year, China's raw coal output above designated size was 410 million tons, a year-on-year increase of 4.6%. In the first ten months, the national raw coal output above designated size reached 3.89 billion tons. Currently, the national coal supply is sufficient, providing a guarantee for winter supply. China to Improve Grassroots Drug Linkage Management Mechanism. Six departments, including the National Health Commission, issued opinions to improve the grassroots drug linkage management mechanism, expand the variety of grassroots drugs, promote the downward shift of chronic and common disease drugs from the drug directories of secondary and tertiary hospitals to grassroots, and optimize drug delivery methods in remote areas. Starting from 2025, the variety of drugs used in township health centers will be linked with county-level hospitals. China Development Bank Completes 2024 National Student Loan Issuance. Reporters learned from the China Development Bank that as of yesterday (November 23), the China Development Bank has fully completed the issuance of the 2024 national student loans it undertook, totaling 80.3 billion yuan. Approximately 115 Million People Employed in China's Life Service Industry in 2024. The "2024 China Life Service Industry Development Report" recently released by the China General Chamber of Commerce shows that in 2024, China's life service industries such as accommodation, catering, and domestic services had 12.893 million operating outlets and employed approximately 115 million people. Two More Cross-Yellow River Passages Added in Shandong Section of Yellow River. Yesterday (November 23), two more cross-Yellow River passages were added in the Shandong section of the Yellow River, with the main line of Jinan Yellow River Bridge and Jinan Yellow River Qilu Bridge simultaneously opening to traffic. The completion of the two bridges has greatly shortened the travel time between the north and south banks of the Yellow River. So far, Jinan has 21 cross-Yellow River bridges and tunnels, further improving Jinan's cross-Yellow River passage network. National "Goddesses' Legal Popularization Rural Tour" Activity Held in Shanghai. Today (November 24), the national "Goddesses' Legal Popularization Rural Tour" activity, jointly organized by the All-China Women's Federation and other departments, was held in Shanghai. Through legal lectures, legal popularization markets and other forms, it brought legal knowledge and services to women and families. The event also invited 40 female diplomats from resident embassies in China and officials from UN agencies in China to observe and experience. Chinese Athlete Wins Women's Skeleton World Cup Yanqing Station. The 2024-2025 International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation Skeleton World Cup Yanqing Station competition was held last night (November 23). Chinese athlete Zhao Dan won the championship with a time of 2 minutes 04.27 seconds, which is the first World Cup gold medal won by a Chinese female athlete in this event. "Homes in Mountains and Rivers" Season 3 Concludes Tonight. The large-scale cultural and tourism exploration program "Homes in Mountains and Rivers" Season 3, jointly produced by China Central Radio and Television Station and the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, will conclude tonight (November 24) at 8:00 PM on the CCTV General Channel. This episode visits Laoniuwan Village in Hohhot City, Inner Mongolia, and Guzhuang Village in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, recording the beautiful new era rural landscapes. The program will be broadcast simultaneously online on CCTV.com and CCTV App.
UN Climate Change Conference in Baku Concludes, Achieving Outcomes on Post-2025 Climate Finance Goals
The UN Climate Change Conference in Baku concluded in the early hours of today (November 24). The conference reached a balanced outcome package named the "Baku Climate Solidarity Pact," particularly achieving the post-2025 climate finance goal and related arrangements to support climate action in developing countries, and completing the operational rules for Article 6 of the Paris Agreement on international carbon market mechanisms. The Chinese delegation fully participated in the negotiations and consultations on all agenda items of the conference. China called on all parties to adhere to multilateralism and ensure no backsliding in action based on the Paris Agreement and the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities."
Russia Claims Strikes on Ukrainian Airfields, Ukraine Reports Preventing Russian Breakthrough
The Russian Ministry of Defense stated on the 23rd that Russian forces launched airstrikes on Ukrainian military airfields using "Iskander" missiles, destroying one Ukrainian MiG-29 fighter jet. Russian air defense forces shot down three French-made "Hammer" guided bombs and 59 attack drones. The Ukrainian side stated on the same day that Ukrainian forces repelled multiple Russian attacks in the Kharkiv, Kupyansk, and Pokrovsk regions, and took all measures to prevent Russian breakthroughs. The Ukrainian side also stated that from the night of the 23rd to the early morning of the 24th, Russian forces attacked Kyiv from multiple directions using drones. French Foreign Minister says Ukraine can use French long-range missiles to strike targets in Russia; Russian official says France and UK will pay a price. According to British media reports on the 23rd, French Foreign Minister Barrot said in an interview with them that Ukraine could use French long-range missiles to strike targets within Russia for self-defense, but he did not specify whether such attacks had already occurred. When asked whether France would send troops to Ukraine, Barrot said that no possibility was excluded. Russia's TASS news agency reported today (November 24) that Mikhail Ulyanov, Russia's Permanent Representative to International Organizations in Vienna, said that France and the United Kingdom would pay a price for supporting Ukraine in launching attacks on targets within Russia.
Israeli Military Claims Multiple Airstrikes on Southern Beirut Suburbs, Hezbollah Claims Strikes on Israeli Troop Concentrations
The Israel Defense Forces stated on the 23rd that the Israeli military carried out multiple rounds of airstrikes on Hezbollah command centers and other targets in the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health and Lebanese media, the Israeli army bombed a densely populated area in downtown Beirut on the 23rd, destroying an 8-story residential building with bunker-buster bombs, resulting in at least 20 deaths. A Hezbollah MP said on the same day that there were no high-ranking Hezbollah officials, whom Israel was seeking, in the destroyed residential building. Hezbollah announced on the 23rd that it had launched rockets at several Israeli settlements and Israeli military gatherings in southern Lebanon on that day. The Israeli military stated on the 23rd that it had killed several Hamas militants and destroyed some Hamas infrastructure in Jabalia, northern Gaza Strip. The Gaza health department reported on the 23rd that Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip resulted in 120 deaths and 205 injuries in the past 48 hours. According to Jordanian media reports, a shooting occurred near the Israeli embassy in Jordan in the early hours of today (November 24), where one gunman opened fire on a patrol, and the attacker was killed, with three police officers injured.
International News Briefs
Severe weather affects multiple European countries. For several days, various European countries have experienced severe weather, including heavy snowfall. Affected by Storm Bert, many parts of the UK experienced heavy snowfall on the 23rd. According to British media reports, the severe weather caused at least two deaths. On the same day, road, rail, and air traffic in many parts of Romania were also affected by heavy snowfall. US patrol plane crashes, killing two. According to NBC News on the 23rd, a civilian air patrol plane crashed in Larimer County, Colorado, during an aerial photography training mission, killing the pilot and photographer on board and seriously injuring one other person. The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident in conjunction with other agencies.