Nigeria Times

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech titled “Working Together to Meet the Challenges of Our Times and Build a Better Future” here Tuesday at the first session of the 17th summit of the Group of 20 (G20).

The following is the full text of the speech:

Working Together to Meet the Challenges of Our Times and Build a Better Future

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People’s Republic of China

At Session I of the 17th G20 Summit

Bali, 15 November 2022

Your Excellency President Joko Widodo,

Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to attend the G20 Bali Summit. At the outset, I wish to thank President Joko Widodo and the Indonesian government for making these thoughtful arrangements for the Summit. I also salute the Indonesian presidency for its important role in promoting G20 cooperation.

We meet at a time of momentous changes unseen in a century, changes that are consequential to the world, to our times, and to history. The COVID-19 pandemic still drags on with cases surging here and there. The world economy is getting more fragile. The geopolitical environment remains tense. Global governance is seriously inadequate. Food and energy crises are compounded with one another. All this poses formidable challenges to our development.

Faced with these challenges, it is imperative that all countries embrace the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, and advocate peace, development, and win-win cooperation. All countries should replace division with unity, confrontation with cooperation, and exclusion with inclusiveness. All countries should join hands together to answer the question of our times — “what is wrong with this world, what we should do about it” — so as to tide over difficulties and create a better future together.

All G20 members should take the responsibility inherent in being major international and regional players, and should lead by example in promoting development of all nations, improving the well-being for the whole mankind, and advancing progress of the entire world.

— We should make global development more inclusive. Solidarity is strength, but division leads nowhere. Living in the same global village, we should stand with each other in the face of risks and challenges. Drawing ideological lines or promoting group politics and bloc confrontation will only divide the world, and hinder global development and human progress. With human civilization already in the 21st century, the Cold-War mentality has long been outdated. What we need to do is to join hands together and elevate our win-win cooperation to a new height.

Countries should respect each other, seek common grounds while reserving differences, live together in peace, and promote an open world economy. No one should engage in beggar-thy-neighbor practices, building “a small yard with high fences,” or creating closed and exclusive clubs.

I always believe that the G20 should stay committed to its founding purpose of unity and cooperation, carry forward the spirit of solidarity, and uphold the principle of consensus. “Sugarcane and lemongrass grow in dense clumps.” This Indonesian proverb well captures the value of solidarity. Division and confrontation serve no one’s interest. Only solidarity and common development is the right choice to make.

— We should make global development beneficial to all. Development is real only when all countries develop together. Prosperity and stability cannot be possible in a world where the rich become richer while the poor are made poorer. Every nation aspires for a better life, and modernization is not a privilege reserved for any single country. Frontrunners in development should sincerely help others develop, and provide more global public goods. All major countries should perform their due responsibilities, and do their best for the cause of global development.

The Global Development Initiative (GDI) that I proposed is aimed at meeting the long-term objective and immediate needs of common development of the world, fostering international consensus on promoting development, cultivating new drivers for global development, and facilitating common development and progress of all countries.

Within one year, more than 60 countries have joined the Group of Friends of the GDI. China has established the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and will increase its funding for the China-UN Peace and Development Fund. We will make a list of items for practical cooperation, set up an open-ended pool of GDI projects, and draw up a roadmap for GDI implementation. We are working with 100-plus countries and international organizations on the GDI, thus providing new impetus for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. China has submitted 15 projects to the “G20 Action for Strong and Inclusive Recovery,” and has participated in five other projects within this framework. We will work with fellow G20 members to deliver on these projects.

— We should make global development more resilient. Economic globalization is encountering headwinds, and the world economy is at risk of recession. Everyone is having a hard time, but developing countries are bearing the brunt. It is therefore more imperative than ever for us to focus on the issue of development. The theme of the Bali Summit, “Recover Together, Recover Stronger,” sends a positive message of the G20’s commitment to supporting the growth of developing countries and preventing divergent and unbalanced global recovery. We need to build a global partnership for economic recovery, prioritize development and put the people at the center, always keep in mind the difficulties faced by developing countries, and accommodate their concerns. China supports the African Union in joining the G20.

All parties should continue to deepen international cooperation against COVID-19, and raise the accessibility and affordability of vaccines, medicines, and diagnostic and treatment methods in developing countries so as to create a sound environment for economic recovery. We should curb global inflation, and defuse systemic economic and financial risks. In particular, developed economies should mitigate the negative spillovers from their monetary policy adjustment, and keep their debts at sustainable levels. The IMF should speed up the on-lending of SDRs to low-income countries. International financial institutions and commercial creditors, which are the main creditors of developing countries, should take part in the debt reduction and suspension for developing countries. China is implementing the G20’s Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) in all respects, and has suspended the largest amount of debt service payment among all G20 members. Meanwhile, China is working with some G20 members on the debt treatment under the Common Framework for Debt Treatment beyond the DSSI, thus helping relevant developing countries navigate through the difficult time.

Global trade, digital economy, green transition and fighting corruption are key factors driving global development. We should continue to uphold the WTO-centered multilateral trading system, actively push forward WTO reform, enhance trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, and promote an open world economy. China has proposed the G20 Action on Digital Innovation and Cooperation. We look forward to working with all parties to foster an open, fair, and non-discriminatory environment for digital economy so as to narrow the North-South digital divide. In tackling climate change and transitioning toward green and low-carbon development, the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities must be upheld. It is also important to provide funding, technology and capacity-building support for developing countries and promote cooperation on green finance. International cooperation is very important for fighting corruption. G20 members must maintain zero tolerance for corruption, step up international cooperation on fugitive repatriation and asset recovery, and refuse to provide “safe havens” to corrupt individuals and assets.

Global development would be impossible without a peaceful and stable international environment. With this in mind, I have put forward the Global Security Initiative (GSI). Our goal is to work with all parties to champion the spirit of the UN Charter, act on the principle of indivisible security, uphold the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, advocate the resolution of conflicts through negotiation and settlement of disputes through consultation, and support all efforts conducive to the peaceful settlement of crises.

Colleagues,

Food and energy security is the most pressing challenge in global development. The root cause of the ongoing crises is not production or demand, but interrupted supply chains and international cooperation. The way out of this is for all countries to, with the coordination of the UN and other multilateral international organizations, enhance cooperation on market supervision and regulation, build partnerships on commodities, develop an open, stable and sustainable commodities market, and work together to unclog supply chains and stabilize market prices.

We must resolutely oppose the attempt to politicize food and energy issues or use them as tools and weapons. Unilateral sanctions must be removed, and restrictions on relevant scientific and technological cooperation must be lifted. In reducing the consumption of fossil fuel energy and transitioning toward clean energy, we need to give balanced consideration to various factors, and make sure that the transitional process does not hurt the economy or people’s livelihood. Developing countries face more acute risks in food and energy security. The G20 should keep this in mind, and provide necessary support in production, collection, storage, funding and technology. Since the UN has established the Global Crisis Response Group on Food, Energy and Finance, the G20 should voice its support for it.

Over the years, China has made major contribution to global food and energy security. This year, China has proposed, together with six partners including Indonesia and Serbia, the Initiative of International Cooperation on Resilient and Stable Industrial and Supply Chains, joined other countries in calling for the establishment of the Global Clean Energy Cooperation Partnership, and put forward the International Cooperation Initiative on Global Food Security in the G20. We look forward to deepening cooperation with all parties in these areas.

Colleagues,

The Communist Party of China has recently convened its 20th National Congress, laying out the goals, tasks and guiding policies for the cause of the Party and the country in the next five years and beyond. China will stay committed to the path of peaceful development, stay committed to deepening reform and opening-up, and stay committed to promoting national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. A China marching toward modernization will bring more opportunities to the world, inject stronger momentum for international cooperation, and make greater contribution to human progress!

Thank you.

By Liu Fawei, Fan Haotian

The 14th Meeting of the Conference of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (COP14) was held in China’s Wuhan and Switzerland’s Geneva between Nov. 5 and 13.

After launching a series of activities, the meeting concluded with 21 resolutions.

It comprehensively demonstrated China’s firm determination, concrete measures and glorious achievements in wetland conservation, and contributed Chinese wisdom and a Chinese approach to global wetland governance.

Among the important outcomes of the gathering were the Wuhan Declaration as well as the Global Strategic Framework for Wetland Conservation 2025-2030. The latter specified that it will ensure the consistency and continuity between the fifth strategic plan and the objectives of the fourth phase, while focusing on the role of wetland conservation and restoration in promoting sustainable development and addressing global environmental challenges. It also called for accelerating wetland conservation and restoration actions, and curbing wetland degradation.

Musonda Mumba, secretary-general of the Ramsar Convention, said she was glad to see the publication of the Wuhan Declaration, from which she saw China’s commitment to increase input in wetland protection.

This year marks the 30th anniversary of China’s accession to the Ramsar Convention. A side event titled “China’s 30 Anniversary of Accession to the Ramsar Convention: Achievement and Outlook” was held during the COP14, which placed visitors in a virtual wetland environment.

At the side event, visitors could hear the bleat of deer, chirps of birds, as well as the sound of wind brushing against rice fields. By pressing “smell boxes,” they could embrace the aroma of sweet flag, lotus, mint, chameleon plant and other wetland plants. Besides, visitors could also put their hands in “blind boxes” to feel the rough bark of the trees, the soft moss and other life forms in wetlands.

China’s remarkable progress in wetland conservation over the past 30 years could be seen from the statistics showcased at the side event.

The country boasts 56.35 million hectares of wetlands, the largest in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. Its wetlands account for only four percent of the world’s total wetland coverage, but they have well satisfied the demands of 1/5 of the global population.

The total number of wetland-type nature reserves in China has reached more than 2,200, while 11 million hectares of wetlands are included in the country’s national park system with stringent protection management.

Apart from state-level wetland protection laws, 28 provinces, municipalities and autonomous regions have launched local protection regulations.

China’s wetlands not only build a shield for ecological security for coastal areas and provide valuable water resources for the people, but also play a crucial role in coping with climate change.

China has put over 55 percent of its mangrove forests in nature reserves, with the total area of mangrove forests increasing to 27,000 hectares from 22,000 hectares in 2001, according to a side event of the COP14 in Geneva. China is one of the few countries in the world that have witnessed a net growth in mangrove coverage.

Mumba said China’s achievements in wetland protection over the past 30 years, as well as the goals the country has set and its management models have set a good example for the rest of the world. China’s experiences will help build global synergy in wetland protection, she added.

Wuhan, the main venue of the COP14, is a city by the water. It is home to 1,642 square kilometers of wetlands, or 18.9 percent of the city’s total area. It was listed as an international wetland city in June this year, becoming one of the 13 cities in China that have won the title.

Cai Song, head of the Wuhan Municipal Bureau of Gardening and Forestry, said that Wuhan has set up five wetland nature reserves and 10 wetland parks, including six wetland parks at the national level. Besides, 71 lakeside parks are built or currently under construction in the city. Wuhan is the provincial capital that owns the most national wetland parks, Cai added.

Thanks to the city’s efforts to advance ecological compensation, return fishing to wetlands, and increase plant vegetation, Wuhan had discovered and recorded 447 wild bird species as of October this year, including 96 under key national protection.

Through the COP14, Wuhan showed its charm to the world as an international wetland city, and has become an important window for the world to better observe China’s wetland protection achievements.

By Liu Shaohua

The 14th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, also known as Airshow China 2022, was held at the Zhuhai International Airshow Center, Zhuhai, south China’s Guangdong province, between Nov. 8 and 13.

The event was joined by over 740 enterprises from 43 countries inperson and online, attracting around 200,000 visitors. Cooperation agreements for 549 aircraft, worth $39.8 billion, were inked at the event.

The Airshow China is an important platform showcasing the cutting-edge technologies and innovations of the Chinese aviation and aerospace industry as well as national defense.

It is reported that the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) took over 200 pieces of independently developed aviation equipment and technologies to the Airshow China 2022, up 34 percent from a year ago. Fifty-five of them were exhibited for the first time at the event.

The exhibition is a witness to the huge progress made by the Chinese aviation and aerospace industry, as well as the improving capability of China in manufacturing high-end weapons and equipment.

It only took three years for China to unveil its stealth fighter jet J-20 after the Chinese transport aircraft Y-20 debuted, and the medium-lift helicopter Z-20 with double China-made engines was also launched three years after the J-20 was unveiled.

Li Weipeng, who flies the J-20, said the engines and the avionics of the J-20 jets exhibited this time have been comprehensively updated, though their appearance remained the same.

Y-20U, a tanker variation of the Y-20; C919, China’s first homemade large jetliner; and AG600, China’s independentlydeveloped large amphibious firefighting plane, took part in a flying display at the Airshow China 2022.

Besides, the Chinese passenger aircraft MA60, the AC352 helicopter that had just obtained airworthiness certification, the newly developed Lingyan AG50 light-sport aircraft, as well as some new unmanned aerial vehicles, all appeared at the exhibition in real aircraft.

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC), apart from displaying its C919 passenger jet, also took the medical version of its ARJ21, China’s first turbofan regional passenger jetliner, to the airshow.

The COMAC said it has received 300 new orders for the C919 and 30 for the ARJ21 from seven leasing firms.

The SLC-18, a new P band solid-stateactive phased array radar developed by China, was exhibited at the Airshow China 2022. The radar can scan a wide field of space and work in tough weather and environments around the clock. It is used for upper atmosphere and space surveillance.

The Dialogue with the World, China Aviation & Aerospace Forum 2022, and the 2nd China International Aerospace Leadership Summit and Aerospace Industry Open Source Innovation and Sustainable Development Forum were held during the airshow, attracting a number of experts from home and abroad.

An information release area was set up at the airshow by the Equipment Development Department of the Central Military Commission of China, which hosted some 20 lectures, including the ones given by the first taikonaut of China, Yang Liwei, and military expert Du Wenlong.

Exhibitors such as the AVIC, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), and the China Electronics Technology Group Corporation held a number of signing ceremonies and negotiation meetings with overseas guests.

“I can say that I’ve been to the space since I’m here,” said a visitor to the airshow, standing in front of the exhibition booth of the CASC.

The CASC brought to the airshow a 1:1 model of China’s space station combination in its T-shape configuration, bringing visitors closer to the “home” of the Chinese people in space.

The “Mars Base 1 Camp” in Jinchang, northwest China’s Gansu province, also joined the Airshow China 2022. It displayed a Mars suit designed according to the real environmental data on the red planet. Besides, it exhibited Mars-themed creative products, launched an online question game about Mars, and presented simulated Martian scenes, attracting huge attention.