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Association for Sri Lanka China Social and Cultural Co-operation
Chinese Presi-
dent Xi Jinping believes that under the leadership of President Ranil Wickramesinghe, Sri Lanka will surely overcome temporary difficulties and advance the process of economic and social recovery. 2
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Close-up Ensuring the Yellow River benefits the people 7
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Wang Yi: South China Sea issue is for regional countries to solve
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Chinese premier meets with executive chairman 3 of WEF 8
2nd China International Consumer Products Expo opens in 8Hainan
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19-25 July 2022 along the Yellow River.
dong Province. He commended the lo-
Along the way, he was briefed on the
cal efforts to improve the river's envi-
status and challenges in the river basin's
ronment, encouraging those involved to
protection and management and made
keep up the good work.
detailed instructions on the matter.
However, according to Xi, there is still
Zhang Xiaolei, an explainer at the Yel-
much to do to further improve the
low River Museum in Zhengzhou, He-
river's environment.
nan Province, who accompanied Xi dur-
"We must not rest on our laurels," he
ing a tour of the museum in September
said during the inspection. "We ought to
2019, recalled that Xi was very knowl-
focus on solving problems, strive with
With the onset of frequent rain, north Chi-
edgeable of the history of the Chinese
renewed efforts and resolve, and push
na's Yellow River has entered its summer
nation's efforts to harness the Yellow
forward work on all fronts."
high-water season, and areas along its
River since ancient times.
To Xi, who has underscored the notion
course are guarding against possible
Xi was particularly interested in the
that "lucid waters and lush mountains
floods.
history of flood prevention, Zhang re-
are invaluable assets," the Yellow
The Yellow River and the Yangtze River
called. "He spent a long time in the hall
River's environmental protection must
are regarded as the "mother rivers" of the
dedicated to the ancient efforts to har-
follow a holistic approach.
Chinese nation. The Yellow River basin
ness the Yellow River, slowing down
Mountain, river, forest, farmland, lake,
had been the political, economic, and cul-
before a map of river harnessing work
grassland, and desert ecosystems must
tural centers of the country for as long as
from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644)
be conserved, and industry must devel-
3,000 years in the 5,000-year history of the
and commenting, 'This is really extraor-
op in harmony with the natural environ-
Chinese civilization.
dinary.'"
ment.
Today, the 5,464-km-long waterway feeds
The next day, Xi noted at a meeting that
In implementing the national strategy
12 percent of China's population, irrigates
the protection of the river is critical to
on the Yellow River, both farsighted
17 percent of its arable land, and supplies
the great rejuvenation and sustainable
vision and down-to-earth work are
water to more than 50 large and medium-
development of the Chinese nation, call-
needed, Xi once said. For him, the pur-
sized cities.
ing it a major national strategy.
pose of all these efforts is simple: to
However, throughout its history, the Yel-
Regarding the river basin's ecological
make the Yellow River benefit the peo-
low River used to suffer from frequent
protection, Xi said that the upper, mid-
ple.
dike breaks and course changes.
dle and lower reaches of the river need
The Yellow River basin has seen great
Due to its incomparable historical, cultural
to be considered as a whole. He also
improvement in the ecological environ-
and economic significance, together with
stressed better use of water resources,
ment after continuous conservation ef-
the environmental impact it brings, the
with rational planning of the population
forts.
river and its basin must be protected and
and urban and industrial development to
The area of soil erosion in the Yellow
managed with the utmost effort.
resolutely curb unreasonable demand for
River basin decreased by 48 percent in
This point was made clear on multiple
water.
2020, compared with 1990, and that of
occasions by President Xi Jinping, who
Following Xi's persistent attention to the
intense soil erosion was reduced by 83
attaches great importance to the ecological
matter, in October 2021, central authori-
percent.
protection of the Yellow River.
ties issued a comprehensive guideline
Many places, which used to be suffering
Over the past few years, Xi, also general
on the ecological protection and high-
from sandstorms, saline and alkali soils,
secretary of the Communist Party of China
quality development of the Yellow Riv-
and flooding as a result of the river's
Central Committee and chairman of the
er basin through 2030 and beyond.
dike break or course change, have shak-
Central Military Commission, has visited
Later in the same month, Xi inspected
en off poverty thanks to continuous
all nine provinces or autonomous regions
the estuary of the Yellow River in Shan-
development efforts and improvements
Ensuring the Yellow River benefits the people .
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua)
to the environment.
19-25 July 2022
Wang Yi: South China Sea issue is for regional countries to solve Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi speaks at a virtual symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea, July 25, 2022. / China's Foreign Ministry
Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Monday called on countries in the region to maintain their position in solving the South China Sea issue. Wang made these remarks at a virtual symposium commemorating the 20th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea. He called for unswervingly practicing the norms and propositions of the DOC, making the South China Sea "a sea of peace, a sea of friendship and a sea of cooperation." Representatives of the governments of China and the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed the DOC in Cambodian capital Phnom Penh in 2002. It is the first political document between China and the ASEAN countries on dealing with the South China Sea issue at the regional level. South China Sea is not a 'safari park' The South China Sea is not a "safari park" for countries outside the region or a "fighting arena" for major powers to compete in, Wang stressed at the seminar. He said the regional countries should support all efforts condu-
cive to the peaceful resolution of disputes, oppose words or actions that create tensions and provoke confrontation, and stand on the side of the peaceful aspirations of all peoples. Calling dialogue and consultation the fundamental path to resolving conflicts, Wang urged related parties to continuously promote dialogue as it is also the DOC's spirit. Wang also called for deepening maritime cooperation, as the South China Sea is the common wealth of the countries in the region. He said related parties should actively promote pragmatic cooperation in scientific research, environmental protection, search and rescue and other fields, and explore the joint development of resources for the betterment of regional countries and people. In addition, Wang urged efforts to steadily promote the consultation on the code of conduct (COC) in the South China Sea to provide stronger institutional safeguards for managing differences and promoting cooperation. Peace, stability are prerequisites Referring to the important insights from the successful practice of the signing and implementation of the DOC, Wang said peace and stability in the South China Sea are the important prerequisites for regional development. Establishing that the regional countries are the "real masters" in deal-
ing with the South China Sea issue, Wang said the dual-track approach of dealing with the issue – peaceful and proper handling of the disputes – came through direct talks between the parties involved. It is in line with the regional reality and effective in maintaining the overall stability of the South China Sea, he added. "In the process of implementing the DOC, we have always followed the Asian tradition of mutual respect and keeping promises, abandoned the zero-sum mindset, which has manifested the great value and vitality of the declaration," he said. Observing that today's South China Sea is not calm, Wang said extraterritorial powers were throwing more strength in the region to maintain their hegemony, deliberately expanding conflicts and provoking tensions, which jeopardized the legitimate rights and interests of coastal countries and the normal order of the sea. In this regard, the Chinese foreign minister said China and ASEAN countries should make their attitude clear that they welcome countries to come to the South China Sea in the cause of peace and cooperation while rejecting countries with an aim of making disorder and destruction in the region.
19-25 July 2022
were unwilling or unable to help Sri Lanka at that time. "Today, from our impressive highway, railway expansion, port, airport and other infrastructure development, we can see the importance of China's timely help." Kohona said.
"The view that China is responsible for Sri Lanka's current poor situation is extreamly wrong." Dr.Palitha Kohona , Ambassador of Sri Lanka to China said. GLOBEL TIMES. As for some Western reports claiming that China bears "key responsibility" for Sri Lanka's difficult financial situation, Kohona said that these re-
ports are politically motivated and "extremely wrong". Kohona stressed that when other countries are unwilling or unable to assist this South Asian island country, it is China's assistance that helps Sri Lanka achieve rapid development in infrastructure
construction and economic recovery.
"The view that China is responsible for Sri Lanka's current poor situa-
The ambassador also made spe-
tion is extreamly wrong." Kohona
cial mention of the port of Ham-
said.
bantota. He said that the feasibility study of the current "debt trap
Kohona pointed out: "it must be em- project" vilified by foreign mephasized that Sri Lanka owes only
dia for China was initially com-
about 10% of its external debt to
pleted by Canadian and Danish
China, and more to multilateral in-
companies. "They recommended
stitutions such as the world bank
the project with great enthusi-
and the Asian Development Bank.
asm. However, Sri Lanka did not
Similarly, a considerable part of its
obtain the funds required for the
external debt is owed to institutional construction project from any investors, mainly from the west, in- channel, including the world cluding wall street."
bank. After detailed negotiation,
More importantly, after the 27 year
we finally obtained the funds
long civil conflict in Sri Lanka end- from China." Kohona also pointed, it was China's help that enabled
ed out that China funded projects
Sri Lanka to recover and rebuild in
have helped Sri Lanka revitalize
the dilemma that other countries
its sluggish economy.
19-25 July 2022
Chinese Ambassidor Qi Zhenhong handed over the congratulatory message President Xi Jinping sent to Ranil Wickramasinghe on his election as president today. President Xi: I am willing to provide support & assistance within our capacity to President Wickremesinghe and Sri Lankan people in Chinese Ambassador Qi Zhenhong felicitated Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Sabry on assuming the new
office at Ministry of Foreign Affairs yesterday. The two sides exchanged views on current situation in Sri Lanka, friendship & other
19-25 July 2022
Dinesh Gunawardena (R, front) is sworn in as the prime minister of Sri Lanka in Colombo, Sri Lanka, July 22, 2022. (Photo by Ajith Perera/Xinhua) and Sri Lanka enjoy a profound
Chinese traditional friendship, and are Premier sends friendly neighbors and strategic cooperative partners. congratulaSince the establishment of their tions to Sri diplomatic ties 65 years ago, the Lankan new two sides have always treated each other with respect and as PM equals, continuously strengthened BEIJING, (Xinhua)
The Chinese side firmly supports the friendly cooperation between China and Sri Lanka, empathizes with the Sri Lankan people regarding the current difficulties facing them, and stands ready to continue
to provide them support and assistance within its capacity, Li said. The Chinese premier said he
mutual political trust and promot-
would like to work with Prime
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on
ed mutually beneficial coopera-
Minister Gunawardena to
Tuesday sent a message to Dinesh
tion, and joined hands to deal with
strengthen solidarity and mutual
Gunawardena to congratulate him on difficulties and challenges, said taking office as Sri Lankan prime Li, adding that bilateral relations
support among developing coun-
minister.
have maintained sound and steady
ation in various fields, so as to
In his message, Li said that China
development.
bring more benefits to the two
tries, and deepen practical cooper-
countries and their peoples.
19-25 July 2022
gions, as well as over 1,200 do-
hibition booth during the second
mestic brands.
China International Consumer
The exhibition area has expanded
Products Expo in Haikou, south
to 100,000 square meters from
China's Hainan Province, July
80,000 square meters last year,
25, 2022.
with the international area cover-
The second China International
ing 80 percent of the total exhibi-
Consumer Products Expo
tion space.
(CICPE) opened Monday on the
As the guest country of honor,
resort island of Hainan.
France participates in the expo
The six-day expo has attracted
with nearly 50 enterprises and
1,107 overseas companies and
250 brands.
1,643 brands from 61 countries
The expo will showcase over 600
and regions, as well as over
new products from more than 200
1,200 domestic brands.
The second China International Con-
brands, organizers said.
The exhibition area has expand-
sumer Products Expo kicked off on
Co-hosted by China's commerce
ed to 100,000 square meters
Monday in Haikou, capital of south
ministry and the Hainan provin-
from 80,000 square meters last
China's Hainan Province.
cial government, the expo is ex-
year, with the international area
The six-day expo has attracted 1,107
pected to attract more than
covering 80 percent of the total
overseas companies and 1,643
40,000 buyers and visitors. ■
exhibition space. (Xinhua/Chen
2nd China International Consumer Products Expo opens in Hainan HAIKOU, July 25 (Xinhua)
brands from 61 countries and re-
Jianli). A staff member decorates an ex-
19-25 July 2022
dialogue and communication," Li said. Li said China appreciates the WEF's consistent focus on economic development and stronger cooperation with China, and deeper cooperation between the two sides
will help send to the world a posiChinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with Klaus Schwab, executive chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF), via video link at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, July 19, 2022. (Xinhua/
BEIJING, July 19 (Xinhua) -Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met virtually with Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Klaus Schwab on Tuesday. Li said cooperation between China
my and improving lives. The premier said China will stay committed to the fundamental na-
Zhai Jianlan)
Chinese premier meets with executive chairman of WEF
tive message of growing the econo-
tional policy of opening-up, and and the WEF has traversed a jour- will work with all parties to intensi-
ney of over four decades, almost
fy dialogue and communication to
in tandem with China's reform and create conditions for win-win coopopening-up process.
eration of mutual benefit.
He pointed out that at present,
Noting that the WEF has main-
world development faces many
tained a good partnership with Chi-
uncertainties and destabilizing fac- na for more than four decades, tors, however, world peace and
Schwab said the WEF is ready to
development, and interaction and
deepen cooperation with China to
exchanges between countries are a promote global dialogue, leverage shared wish of the people and pre- the role of the business community, vailing trend of the time.
enhance global and regional ex-
"The international community
change and cooperation, and play a
needs to firm up confidence, safe- positive role for meeting the cliguard peace and stability, and
mate challenge, promoting industry
jointly meet challenges with closer transformation and advancing social fairness.
19-25 July 2022
Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng (L), also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, unveils the nameplate of China Mineral Resources Group Ltd. as he attends the company's inaugural meeting in Beijing, capital of China, July 25, 2022. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)
Chinese vice premier attends inaugural meeting of China Mineral Resources Group
which is crucial for the security in Beijing on Monday. Han, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of
China Central Committee, unveiled the nameplate of the company at the meeting. The establishment of the company
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua)
is a major move by the country to
Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng
guarantee the supply of important
attended the inaugural meeting of
mineral resources by making good
China Mineral Resources Group Ltd.
use of the domestic and international markets and resources,
of industrial and supply chains and high-quality development. Solely state-owned and centrally administered, the company will
adhere to openness, seek winwin cooperation, and adopt market-oriented and law-based operation in an effort to build itself into a world-class mineral resources company with global competitiveness and influence.
19-25 July 2022
People walk out of the venue of the 18th China-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, capital of south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Sept. 11, 2021. (Xinhua/Lu Boan) trolytic manganese dioxide before being sold domestically and exported to Japan as a raw material within new-energy batteries. This particular case of crossborder trade, industry and sale illustrates the power of the recently instituted Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement in bringing economic benefit to China and its regional partners. NANNING, June 25 (Xinhua) The RCEP has helped reduce the tariff on manganese ore in On May 27, a cargo ship loaded with Malaysia from 3 percent to 2.4 Malaysian manganese ore arrived at percent, making the industrial Beibu Gulf Port in south China's chain connecting China, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous ReASEAN and Japan more comgion. petitive in the international market, and promoting the developThe ore was sent to the smelting ment of the regional economy. workshop of South Manganese The RCEP agreement, the Group Ltd., which has the longest world's largest free trade deal to manganese industry chain in the date, came into force on the first world. There, it was made into elec-
RCEP deepens China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation
day of 2022. Since then it has brought tangible dividends to economic and trade cooperation between China and ASEAN countries. Customs data shows that, in the first quarter, China's imports and exports to ASEAN reached 1.35 trillion yuan (202.2 billion U.S. dollars), an increase of 8.4 percent year on year, accounting for 14.4 percent of China's total foreign trade. During the period, trade between China and ASEAN accounted for 47.2 percent -- or nearly half -- of China's foreign trade with RCEP partners, according to the data. With the RCEP agreement, ASEAN has once again overtaken the EU to become China's largest trading partner.
19-25 July 2022
China's expressway network links 95 pct of population BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) China has made solid progress in
building a national road network to improve inter-area transport layout and increase traffic capacity, with its expressways linking about 95 percent of the population, official data showed. At present, the expressway network covers 98.8 percent of cities each with an urban population of over
200,000 and prefecture-level admin-
istrative centers, while linking around 88 percent of county-level regions, Wang Tai, an official with the Ministry of Transport, told a press conference Monday. National highways also basically cover administrative areas at and above the county level and border ports open all year round, Wang said. As of the end of last year, China had built 117,000 km of national expressways and seen 257,700 km of national highways open to traffic. The country aims to build national roads with a total length of about 461,000 km, consisting of 162,000-
km expressways and 299,000km highways by 2035, according to a circular released earlier this year. To facilitate the construction of a modern, high-quality national road network, efforts will be made to promote key projects and an integrated road network
for city clusters, Wang said. China will also step up green road construction by enhancing the effective use of resources, protecting ecological environment along the roads and effectively reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions.
FM spokesperson warns of serious consequence over Pelosi's potential Taiwan visit
tial visit to Taiwan and our firm opposition to the visit," spokesperson Zhao
Lijian told a regular news briefing. "We are fully prepared
BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) Speaker Nancy Pelosi's potential
for any eventuality," he said.
The Chinese side will take firm and
visit to Taiwan, a foreign ministry
The United States must assume
strong measures to safeguard sover-
spokesperson said Monday.
full responsibility for any serious
eignty and territorial integrity if the
"The Chinese side has repeatedly
consequence arising thereof,
United States insists on going ahead
made clear to the U.S. side our se-
Zhao added
with its House of Representatives
rious concern over Pelosi's poten-
19-25 July 2022
The long-time exposure photo taken on July 24, 2022 shows China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope (FAST) under maintenance in southwest China's Guizhou Province. Using FAST, or the "China Sky Eye," scientists have identified over 660 new pulsars. (Xinhua/Ou Dongqu) NEWS CONTRIBUTION Embassy of China in Sri Lanka, and other Chinese Media PUBLISHER
D30, Matha Road, Manning Town Colombo 8 Sri Lanka
Executive Editor Indrananda Abeysekera
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Editor in Chief Madushan Kularathne
25.07.2022