China-Africa cooperation, “Xizang affairs [as] China’s internal affairs, selfish agendas, fundamental interests, and bad checks

Terms to note from today’s PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference:

• 对口援  [duì kǒu yuan]  pairing assistance: 

今年恰逢全国对口援藏30周年，西藏自治区举办了“全国对口援藏30周年成就展”。 

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the program of national pairing assistance to Xizang. The Xizang Autonomous Region held the Achievement Exhibition for the 30th Anniversary of National Pairing Assistance to Xizang.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024)

• 根本利益  [gēn běn lì yì]  fundamental interest: 

Today’s quote:

中国对非洲合作始终秉持真实亲诚理念和正确义利观，出发点始终是中非双方人民的根本利益，主线底色始终是真诚平等、互利共赢、公道正义、开放包容。 

In its cooperation with Africa, China always follows the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, and always bears in mind the fundamental interest of both Chinese and African people. The underlying feature of China-Africa cooperation has always been sincerity and equality, mutual benefit, fairness and justice, and openness and inclusiveness.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024) 

Previous PRC history of the term:

♦  中方愿同印方一道努力，从两国和两国人民的根本利益出发，着眼大局，面向未来，推动两国关系沿着健康稳定的轨道向前发展。 

China stands ready to work with India to act in the fundamental interests of the two countries and the two peoples, bear in mind the overall interest of our ties, look to the future and advance bilateral relations on a healthy and stable track.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 5, 2024) 

♦  中俄关系健康稳定发展，不仅符合两国和两国人民根本利益，也有利于地区乃至世界和平稳定繁荣。 

The sound and stable growth of China-Russia relationship not only serves the fundamental interests of our two countries and two peoples, but also contributes to peace, stability and prosperity in the region and the world.  (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on May 30, 2024) 

♦  维护人民根本利益，增进民生福扯，不断实现发展为了人民、发展依靠人民、发展成果由人民共享，让现代化建设成果更多更公平惠及全体人民。 

We must protect the people's fundamental interests, improve their wellbeing, and work tirelessly to ensure that development is for the people and by the people and that its fruits are shared by the people. We must do a better job of seeing that the gains of modernization benefit all our people fairly.  (Xi_Jinping_Speech at the 20th National Party Congress_2022_10_16) 

♦  中国共产党领导的多党合作和政治协商制度，真实、广泛、持久代表和实现最广大人民根本利益、全国各族各界根本利益，有效避免了旧式政党制度代表少数人、少数利益集团的弊端； 

The system of multiparty cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC is an extensive and reliable means of representing and fulfilling the interests of the maximum number of people of all ethnic groups and social sectors. It avoids the drawbacks of the old political party system that stood for only a small number of people and interest groups.  (White_Paper_Democracy in China_《中国的民主》_2021_12_04)

• 空头支票  [kōng tóu zhī piào]  bad check; empty promise: 

Today’s quote:

我们发展中非关系没有私心杂念，只有真情厚谊；从不搞你输我赢的零和游戏，只有脚踏实地的真抓实干；从不开口惠无实的空头支票，只有以诚相待、言出必行的举措成果。 

In our effort to grow ties with Africa, there’s no selfish agenda, but only profound friendship; there’s no zero-sum game, but only solid steps; there’s no empty promise, but only sincerity and tangible result.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024) 

Previous PRC history of the term:

♦  秦刚外长表示，中国从不开“空头支票”，更不会强人所难。 

Foreign Minister Qin said that China makes no empty promises, still less presses others against their own will.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on January 12, 2023) 

♦  台湾前途在于国家统一，台湾同胞福祉系于民族复兴。那些外部势力的“空头支票”，终究是靠不住的。 

The future of Taiwan lies in national reunification, and the wellbeing of Taiwan compatriots is linked to national rejuvenation. Those bad checks from external forces are ultimately unreliable.  (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on March 31, 2022) 

♦  台湾的前途希望在于两岸关系和平发展，在于实现国家的统一，而不是依靠什么外部的“空头支票”。 

Taiwan’s future and hope lies in the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations and reunification with the mainland, not in counting on the empty promises of external forces. Seeking foreign support to gain independence is a dead end.  (Wang_Yi_Press Conference_2022_03_07) 

♦  中国对非合作重信守诺，从不开“空头支票”。 

China honors its commitment to cooperation with Africa, and never makes empty promises.  (Wang_Yi_Press Conference_2022_03_07) 

• 联合国人权高专办  [lián hé guó rén quán gāo zhuān bàn]  Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, OHCHR: 

Today’s quote:

中国愿在相互尊重基础上同联合国人权高专办开展建设性交流与合作。我们认为人权高专办应公正客观履职，尊重各国主权，尊重客观事实，同各国开展建设性对话与合作，自觉抵制人权政治化和搞分裂对抗的行径，不要被图谋遏制抹黑中国的政治势力利用。 

China stands ready to have constructive exchange and cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on the basis of mutual respect. We believe that the OHCHR needs to fulfill its mandate in a just and objective manner, respect countries’ sovereignty, respect facts, conduct constructive dialogue and cooperation with countries, reject acts that politicize human rights or stoke division and confrontation, and refrain from being used by political forces aiming at containing and vilifying China.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024) 

Previous PRC history of the term:

♦  ... 所谓联合国人权高专办涉疆人权评估报告是美国及一些西方势力一手策划、制造的，完全非法、无效。该报告是虚假信息的大杂烩，是服务美西方以疆制华战略的政治工具。 

... the so-called assessment of the human rights condition in Xinjiang released by the OHCHR is orchestrated and produced by the US and some Western forces and is completely illegal, null and void. It is a patchwork of disinformation that serves as a political tool for the US and some Western forces to strategically use Xinjiang to contain China.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 22, 2022) 

♦  昨天，中方已就联合国人权高专办涉疆报告阐明严正立场。这份涉疆报告是虚假信息的大杂烩，是美国等一些西方势力出于政治目的一手策划、制造的，完全非法、无效。中国有句话叫不打自招。涉疆报告一发表，少数西方国家就迫不及待跳出来，拿这个报告作文章，再次暴露了他们借涉疆谎言遏制中国的险恶意图，充分表明他们就是这份涉疆虚假报告的幕后黑手，也再次证实人权高专办基于境外一些反华势力的政治图谋杜撰报告，已经沦为美西方整治广大发展中国家的打手和帮凶。美国等少数西方国家根本代表不了国际社会。国际社会的主流反对发布这份虚假报告，十分关切美西方势力不遗余力地向人权高专办施加压力，逼迫发布这份虚假报告。近日，60多国向人权高专联合致函，强调新疆事务纯属中国内政，对高专办未经授权撰写所谓涉疆报告表示严重关切。近千家中外非政府组织向人权高专联合致函，强烈反对高专办发布一份没有授权、违背事实的涉疆报告。人权高专办真正应当关注的，是美西方势力对印第安人等原住民实施种族灭绝和文化灭绝、从境外贩卖劳动力实施现代奴役和强迫劳动、针对少数族裔进行系统性种族歧视、枪支暴力造成大量平民伤亡、妇女权利出现历史性严重倒退、在海外“黑监狱”滥施酷刑和虐待、搞单边制裁严重侵犯他国人权、搞海外军事行动滥杀平民。对于这些问题，外交部发言人已经多次进行过介绍。我们要求人权高专办对上述严重侵犯人权问题加大关注和问责并发布报告，给国际社会和广大受害者一个负责任的交待。我也想请你们深入调查人权高专办的人员构成和经费来源。美西方几个国家在全世界人口不到10%，却占据了人权高专办80%以上的职位，你真的认为他们能够代表世界上大多数国家吗？联合国人权高专办基于境外一些反华势力的政治图谋和压力，根据虚假信息杜撰报告，严重违背普遍、客观、非选择性、非政治化原则，恰恰证明人权高专办已经沦为美西方整治广大发展中国家的打手，人权则是这些西方国家惯用的廉价武器大棒。这种行径根本代表不了联合国，更代表不了国际社会。联合国人权高专办作为联合国秘书处的一部分，必须遵守和维护《联合国宪章》宗旨和原则，维护会员国的主权，不干涉会员国内政。在美西方势力操弄下，人权高专办的所谓报告与此背道而驰，联合国广大会员国应对其严肃问责。中方将继续坚定不移走中国特色人权发展道路，继续为促进中国人权事业和世界人权事业作出贡献。 

The Chinese side made clear our solemn position on the OHCHR assessment on Xinjiang yesterday [September 2, 2022]. It is a patchwork of disinformation politically driven by the US and some Western forces and is completely illegal, null and void. A handful of Western countries easily gave themselves away when they rushed to hype up this assessment the moment it was released. There’s a Chinese idiom for that which describes it as a voluntary confession without even being coerced. This once again exposes their pernicious aim of using lies on Xinjiang to contain China. It tells us who are the ones behind this false assessment. This is also evidence that the OHCHR assessment is predicated on the political scheme of some overseas anti-China forces. And the OHCHR has become an enforcer and accomplice of the US and some Western forces in bullying the developing countries. The US and few Western countries can by no means represent the international community. The mainstream of the international community opposes the release of this untrue assessment and is quite concerned about the fact that the US and other Western forces have gone to great lengths to pressure the OHCHR to release it. Recently, more than 60 countries have sent a co-signed letter to the High Commissioner, where they stressed that Xinjiang affairs are purely China’s internal affairs and expressed deep concern over the OHCHR’s unauthorized compilation of the so-called assessment on Xinjiang. Nearly 1,000 Chinese and foreign NGOs have also sent a co-signed letter to the High Commissioner to voice their strong opposition to the OHCHR’s release of an “unauthorized and untruthful assessment” on Xinjiang. What the OHCHR really needs to focus on is the human rights violations involving the US and some Western forces: physical and cultural genocide of Native Americans, human trafficking from overseas for modern-day slavery and forced labor, systemic racial discrimination against minorities, deadly gun violence, serious regression of women’s rights, torture and abuse in overseas black sites, unilateral sanctions that jeopardize human rights in other countries, killings of civilians in overseas military operations and so on. Foreign Ministry spokespersons have mentioned these violations several times. We ask the OHCHR to shed light on these violations, pursue accountability and release assessments. This is the responsible thing to do for the international community and the victims of these violations. I would also like to ask you to look into the composition of the staff and source of funding of the OHCHR. The US and several other Western countries, with less than 10% of the world population, take up more than 80% of OHCHR posts. Can they represent the majority of the world? The OHCHR assessment is predicated on the political scheme and pressure of some overseas anti-China forces. It’s based on disinformation and drives the OHCHR further away from the principles of universality, objectivity, non-selectivity and non-politicization. It shows exactly how the OHCHR has been reduced to an enforcer of the US and some Western forces in forcing the developing countries to toe their line. To these Western countries, human rights is nothing but an easily accessible cheap weapon. An agency that acts like this can in no way represent the UN, still less the international community. As part of the UN Secretariat, the OHCHR must follow and uphold the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, defend the sovereignty of member states, and refrain from interfering in their internal affairs. With the manipulation of the US and other Western forces, the so-called assessment of the OHCHR runs counter to these principles. UN member states should seriously hold it accountable. China will continue to steadfastly pursue human rights development with Chinese characteristics, and contribute more to the advancement of human rights in China and the whole world.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 2, 2022)

• 全球南方  [quán qiú nán fang]  Global South: 

Today’s quote:

作为“全球南方”的天然成员，中国从不追求“赢得‘全球南方’”，而是致力于支持包括非洲等“全球南方”伙伴真正实现发展振兴；中国也不在非洲搞地缘政治博弈，而是乐见各国共同为非洲发展作出实质贡献。 

As a natural member of the Global South, China never seeks to “win the Global South,” but is committed to helping Global South partners, including African countries, truly realize development and prosperity. China never engages in geopolitical games in Africa either, but is glad to see concrete contribution from all countries to Africa’s development.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024) 

Previous PRC history of the term:

♦  作为最大的发展中国家、不结盟运动的伙伴、“全球南方”的一员，中国将始终同其他发展中国家风雨同舟、携手同行。今年是和平共处五项原则发表70周年，我们期待与广大发展中国家一道，在新形势下传承弘扬这一广为认同的国际关系基本准则和国际法基本原则，积极倡导平等有序的世界多极化和普惠包容的经济全球化，致力于实现共同发展振兴，推动构建人类命运共同体。 

As the largest developing country, a partner of the Non-Aligned Movement and a member of the Global South, China will always work with fellow developing countries to share weal and woe like passengers in the same boat. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. China looks forward to working with fellow developing countries to carry forward and champion this widely-recognized basic norm in international relations and basic principle in international law under the new circumstances, actively advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization for common development and rejuvenation as well as a community with a shared future for mankind.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 21, 2024) 

♦  作为发展中国家，中国是“全球南方”的当然成员，始终同广大发展中国家同呼吸、共命运，坚定维护发展中国家共同利益。习近平主席就巩固和深化同发展中国家关系提出一系列重要战略思想和方针政策。我们秉持真实亲诚理念和正确义利观，坚决捍卫主权独立和不干涉内政原则，坚决维护发展中国家的正当权利和发展空间。我们主张平等有序的世界多极化，推动国际秩序朝着更加公正合理的方向发展，提升发展中国家代表性和话语权。我们倡导普惠包容的经济全球化，同发展中国家共享机遇，实现共同发展。中国将始终与广大发展中国家站在一起，以构建人类命运共同体为指引，推动落实全球发展倡议、全球安全倡议、全球文明倡议，高质量共建“一带一路”，践行全人类共同价值，推动世界走向和平、安全、繁荣、进步的光明前景。 

As a developing country, China, a natural member of the Global South, has invariably stood in solidarity with fellow developing countries through thick and thin and firmly upheld the common interests of developing countries. President Xi Jinping has put forth important strategic guidelines and policies to consolidate and deepen our relations with fellow developing countries. We follow the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, and firmly uphold sovereignty, independence, the principle of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, and the legitimate rights and development opportunities of developing countries. We call for an equal and orderly multipolar world to make the international order more just and equitable and to raise the representation and say of developing countries. We call for a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization to share opportunities with other developing countries for common development. China will always stand together with developing countries, work towards building a community with a shared future for mankind, advance together the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, pursue high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, apply the common values of humanity and work for a peaceful, safer and prosperous world with a bright future.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 29, 2024) 

♦  习近平主席在第三届“一带一路”国际合作高峰论坛开幕式上宣布中方提出《全球人工智能治理倡议》，得到国际社会的高度关注和积极评价。 。。。 一些发展中国家认为，人工智能规则制定不能仅由少数发达国家说了算，应增强“全球南方”在人工智能领域的话语权，推动构建公平公正的人工智能国际治理体系。 

President Xi Jinping announced China’s Global AI Governance Initiative at the opening ceremony of the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. The Initiative has received high attention and positive comments from the international community. ... Some developing countries noted that AI rules-making cannot be determined by a few developed countries. It is important to increase the say of the Global South and build a fair and equitable international governance system in the area of AI.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 28, 2023) 

♦  我们注意到，金砖扩员受到国际社会广泛关注。国际媒体评论称，此次扩员是金砖机制发展的重要里程碑，体现了“全球南方”崛起的历史潮流，也体现了不同区域国家对多极化国际秩序的共同期待。 

We noted that the BRICS expansion has attracted wide attention from the international community. International media outlets say that it is an important milestone for the development of the BRICS mechanism. It represents the historical trend of the rise of the Global South and the common expectation from countries in different regions for a multipolar international order.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2023)

• 社会稳定  [shè huì wěn ding]  social stability: 

Today’s quote:

当前新疆社会稳定、经济发展，人民安居乐业，正处于历史上最好的发展时期，各族人民正携手为美好生活而奋斗。 

Xinjiang today enjoys social stability and economic growth and the people there live a happy life. It is at its best in history where people of all ethnic groups are working together for a better life.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024) 

Previous PRC history of the term:

♦  新疆社会稳定、经济发展、民族团结、宗教和睦，各族人民的人权得到充分保障。 

Xinjiang is a place that enjoys social stability, economic prosperity, ethnic unity and religious harmony, and the human rights of people of all ethnic groups are under full protection.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on September 20, 2023) 

♦  当前，太平洋岛国普遍面临维护社会稳定、加快经济复苏等任务，期望国际社会加大关注和投入。 

With social stability and post-COVID economic recovery high on their agenda, PICs [Pacific Island Countries] look to the international community for more support and resources.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 23, 2022) 

♦  必须坚定不移贯彻总体国家安全观，把维护国家安全贯穿党和国家工作各方面全过程，确保国家安全和社会稳定。 

National security is the bedrock of national rejuvenation, and social stability is a prerequisite for building a strong and prosperous China. We must resolutely pursue a holistic approach to national security and promoting national security in all areas and stages of the work of the Party and the country, so as to ensure national security and social stability.  (Xi_Jinping_Speech at the 20th National Party Congress_2022_10_16) 

♦  好的民主，应凝聚社会共识，而不是造成社会撕裂和冲突；应维护社会公平正义，而不是导致社会阶层和利益固化；应保持社会稳定有序，而不是带来混乱和动荡；应让社会充满向美向善向上的正能量，而不是充斥假恶丑的负能量。 

A good model of democracy should build consensus rather than creating social rifts and conflicts, safeguard social equity and justice rather than widening social disparities in favor of vested interests, maintain social order and stability rather than causing chaos and turmoil, and inspire positivity and appreciation of the good and the beautiful rather than instigating negativity and promoting the false and the evil.  (White_Paper_Democracy in China_《中国的民主》_2021_12_04)

• 私心杂念  [sī xīn zá niàn]  selfish thoughts; selfish agenda: 

Today’s quote:

我们发展中非关系没有私心杂念，只有真情厚谊；从不搞你输我赢的零和游戏，只有脚踏实地的真抓实干；从不开口惠无实的空头支票，只有以诚相待、言出必行的举措成果。 

In our effort to grow ties with Africa, there’s no selfish agenda, but only profound friendship; there’s no zero-sum game, but only solid steps; there’s no empty promise, but only sincerity and tangible result.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024) 

Previous PRC history of the term:

♦  中方敦促有关国家认清时代发展大势，摒弃损人利已的私心杂念，虚心倾听国际社会呼声，切实履行自身国际责任义务，多做有利于地区和平稳定的事。 

China urges relevant countries to recognize the development trend of the times, abandon the selfish ideas that undermine the interests of others, listen to the voices of the international community with an open mind, earnestly fulfill their international responsibilities and obligations, and contribute more to regional peace and stability.  (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on March 30, 2023)

• 西藏事务是中国内政，不容任何外部势力干涉  [xī zàng shì wù shì zhōngg uó nèi zhèng, bù róng rèn hé wài bù shì lì gān shè]  Xizang affairs are China’s internal affairs which brook no interference by any external forces: 

Today’s quote:

中方在涉藏问题上的立场是一贯、明确的。西藏事务是中国内政，不容任何外部势力干涉。长期以来，西藏经济持续健康发展，社会大局和谐稳定，文化传统得到保护和弘扬，人民生活水平和质量大幅提高，得到西藏各族人民的衷心拥护，国际社会对此也有目共睹。 

China’s position on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. Xizang affairs are China’s internal affairs which brook no interference by any external forces. Over the years, Xizang has seen continued and sound economic growth, social harmony and stability, sound preservation of its cultural heritage, and significantly better life for its people. This is a fact that has the wholehearted recognition of people of all ethnic groups in Xizang and is seen by many in the international community.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024) 

Previous PRC history of the term:

♦  中国政府在涉藏问题上的立场是一贯的、明确的。西藏事务是中国内政，不容任何外部势力干涉。长期以来，西藏经济蓬勃发展，社会和谐稳定，文化传统得到保护和弘扬，各族人民包括宗教信仰自由、使用和发展本民族语言文字的自由在内的各项权利和自由得到充分保障。国际社会对此有目共睹。 

The position of the Chinese government on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. Xizang affairs are China’s internal affairs which brook no interference by any external forces. Over the years, Xizang has enjoyed a booming economy, social harmony and stability, and sound preservation of its cultural heritage. The rights and freedoms of all ethnic groups in Xizang, including the freedom of religious belief and the freedom to use and develop their own spoken and written languages, are fully protected. This is a fact and seen by many in the international community.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 8, 2024) 

♦  我们此前已经就相关问题阐明了中方的严正立场。中国政府在涉藏问题上的立场是一贯的、明确的。西藏事务是中国内政，不容任何外部势力干涉。我们敦促美方充分认清涉藏问题的重要性和敏感性，切实尊重中方核心利益，恪守在涉藏问题上的承诺，不同达赖集团进行任何形式的接触，停止向外界发出错误信息。 

We made clear China’s position on the related issues previously. The Chinese government’s position on Xizang-related issues is consistent and clear. Xizang’s affairs are China’s internal affairs, which brook no external interference. We urge the US to fully recognize the importance and high sensitivity of Xizang-related issues, earnestly respect the core interests of China, abide by the commitments it has made to China on Xizang-related issues, have no contact with the Dalai group in any form, and stop sending the wrong signal to the world.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 20, 2024) 

♦  西藏事务是中国内政，不容任何外部势力干涉。中方坚决反对任何国家的官方人士同十四世达赖进行任何形式的接触。 

Tibet-related affairs are China’s internal affairs and brook no interference by any external forces. China firmly opposes all forms of contact between foreign officials and the Dalai Lama.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 7, 2022) 

• 真诚平等、互利共赢、公道正义、开放包容  [zhēn chéng píng děng, hù lì gòng yíng, gōng dào zhèng yì, kāi fàng bāo róng]  sincerity and equality, mutual benefit, fairness and justice, and openness and inclusiveness (descriptive of China-Africa cooperation): 

中国对非洲合作始终秉持真实亲诚理念和正确义利观，出发点始终是中非双方人民的根本利益，主线底色始终是真诚平等、互利共赢、公道正义、开放包容。 

In its cooperation with Africa, China always follows the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests, and always bears in mind the fundamental interest of both Chinese and African people. The underlying feature of China-Africa cooperation has always been sincerity and equality, mutual benefit, fairness and justice, and openness and inclusiveness.  (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on August 28, 2024)

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