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Read in Chinese

Speakers: 

Mr. Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA)

Mr. Zhao Fengtao, vice chairman of the CIDCA

Mr. Deng Boqing, vice chairman of the CIDCA

Mr. Tang Wenhong, vice chairman of the CIDCA

Mr. Zhong Haidong, vice chairman of the CIDCA

Chairperson:

Ms. Shou Xiaoli, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO

Date:

Oct. 31, 2023

Shou Xiaoli:

Ladies and gentlemen, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). This is the 28th briefing in the series "Embarking on the New Journey — A Government Perspective." Today, we will brief you on the topic of continuously promoting global development cooperation and foreign assistance. Present today are Mr. Luo Zhaohui, chairman of the China International Development Cooperation Agency (CIDCA), along with Mr. Zhao Fengtao, Mr. Deng Boqing, Mr. Tang Wenhong and Mr. Zhong Haidong, vice chairmen of the CIDCA.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Luo for his introduction.

Luo Zhaohui:

Thank you, Ms. Shou. Friends from the media, we are living in an era of prosperity, but the world is far from peaceful. Regional conflicts are on the rise, major power competitions are intensifying, and the post-pandemic economic recovery is challenging. In contrast, China's development is remarkable. Developing countries have significantly raised expectations for us. Not long ago, I accompanied Chinese leaders on a visit to Indonesia, and we took a test ride on the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway. I was deeply impressed by the genuine gratitude and joy of the local people.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), President Xi Jinping has assessed the global situation, led the trend of the times, and proposed new ideas and strategies, including building a global community of shared future, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), and the Global Development Initiative (GDI). He advocates for the greater good and shared interests, the principles of sincerity, real results, affinity, good faith, mutual benefit and inclusiveness, and contributes to global common development by offering Chinese solutions, wisdom and strength. China's global development cooperation and foreign assistance are keeping pace with the times, excelling in both internal and external aspects, presenting a new outlook and achieving new development.

First, we have improved the foreign assistance mechanism and system. In 2018, the CPC Central Committee made significant adjustments to the foreign assistance mechanism and system, establishing the CIDCA directly under the State Council. This agency is responsible for international development cooperation and foreign aid work.

Second, we have continuously increased capital investment. China's foreign assistance budget has been increasing year by year. Within the framework of the GDI, the CIDCA, for the first time, mobilized a special fund of $12 billion from domestic and foreign financial institutions this year. It represents a significant breakthrough in our global development cooperation financing model, as our previous development assistance primarily relied on government funds. This time, it involves financing from both domestic and foreign financial institutions. In addition to fully utilizing traditional forms of foreign assistance, such as grants, interest-free loans and concessional loans, we have launched reforms in foreign aid methods, such as debt swaps and a combination of foreign aid with trade and investment.

Third, we continue to advance and upgrade our foreign assistance toward global development cooperation. We adhere to the distinctive Chinese foreign assistance model while aligning with international practices. We are gradually shifting from traditional foreign assistance, which primarily relies on government-to-government bilateral, one-way "blood transfusion" assistance with government resources, toward a transformation and upgrading of international development cooperation that involves more multilateral or bilateral approaches, multiple participating entities, multi-directional synergy, and increased resource inputs. For this reason, five years ago our agency was named the China International Development Cooperation Agency, rather than the China Foreign Assistance Agency.

Fourth, we have strengthened the supervision and evaluation of foreign assistance. When the CIDCA was established, we created a supervision and evaluation department to ensure the quality of foreign assistance projects through supervision and evaluation, as well as the responsible allocation of every dollar of foreign assistance funds. Last week, we held the Second Sunshine Forum on International Development Cooperation to promote clean foreign assistance.

Under the guidance and leadership of President Xi Jinping, the past 10 years has been China's most active, effective and biggest contributing decade in leading and shaping international development cooperation and foreign assistance, and fully participating in global governance.

First, we have been leading global cooperation against the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with a once-in-a-century pandemic, under the direct command of President Xi Jinping, the CIDCA initiated the largest and longest-lasting emergency humanitarian relief effort since the founding of the People's Republic of China. In nearly three years, we provided substantial pandemic relief supplies to 153 countries and 15 international organizations, dispatched medical expert teams to 34 countries, and supplied over 2.3 billion vaccine doses to more than 110 countries and four international organizations. In the five years since our agency's establishment, three years were particularly dedicated to this work. We contributed a large number of vaccines and pandemic relief supplies; especially, the number of vaccine doses we donated even exceeded the total provided by all other countries in the world.

Second, we have been promoting high-quality BRI cooperation. The BRI covers both land and maritime regions, spanning from east to west, connecting the past and present, and benefiting generations to come. Over the past decade, we have implemented more than 2,000 assistance projects in over 120 BRI partner countries, established over 80 economic and trade cooperation zones, mobilized nearly $1 trillion in investment, trained over 100,000 professionals in various sectors, and lifted nearly 40 million people out of poverty.

Third, we have been fully implementing the GDI. In 2021, President Xi Jinping introduced the GDI, and later launched 32 major implementation measures. This initiative is a significant enhancement and expansion of the BRI and has received support from over 100 countries, as well as various international organizations including the United Nations (U.N.). Under our agency's coordination, the GDI's project and funding pools are now operating smoothly, with over 200 small-yet-smart projects implemented. This July, we hosted the inaugural high-level conference of the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development , with more than 150 countries and international organizations participating. President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the event.

Fourth, we have made every effort to promote "small yet smart" livelihood d programs. In Cambodia, Myanmar, Zimbabwe, Djibouti, and other countries, we have carried out a variety of such programs, including drilling wells, building houses and rural roads, as well as offering medical care, which have proven to be highly effective and delivered more benefits to local people. Recently, Mr. Tang completed his visit to Africa. Earlier this year, he announced the launch of the Juncao project in Fiji, which is regarded as a regional center in the South Pacific, to promote technology that uses grass to grow mushrooms. This program has significantly improved the living standards of the local people. These signature "small yet smart" foreign assistance projects, including Juncao technology for mushroom farming, hybrid rice growing, the use of artemisinin, providing access to satellite TV to a total of 10,000 villages, and the Brightness Action program, have earned wide recognition from the international community. Furthermore, we have shared the Chinese model of modernization with other countries. We have established the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development at Peking University. Over the past seven years, more than 400 officials from over 70 countries have obtained their master's or doctor's degrees from this institute, with many of them becoming officials at or above the deputy ministerial level. The Confucius Institute and Luban Workshop have trained a large number of professionals to be proficient in Chinese. Hundreds of overseas demonstration villages for poverty alleviation and agricultural demonstration centers have also put into practice China's successful experience in poverty relief and agricultural development.

Fifth, we have actively carried out humanitarian aid. Over the past 10 years, we have provided emergency aid on more than 1,000 occasions to more than 70 countries. During the recent Palestine-Israel conflict, we have provided humanitarian aid in the first place, with additional supplies already en route. We were the first to extend an all-around relief to quake-hit Turkey and Syria. We made considerable efforts last year to assist Pakistan in coping with devastating floods. Since last year, we have provided emergency food assistance to more than 30 countries. 

Sixth, we have focused on enhancing multilateral and trilateral cooperation. Entering the new era, we have worked with more than 20 international organizations, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), to carry out third-party cooperation on poverty alleviation, food security, public health, climate change, and environmental protection. More than 130 projects have been launched in over 60 countries, benefiting over 30 million people.

As the saying goes, when you give others roses, their fragrance lingers on your hand. By promoting global development cooperation and foreign assistance, developing countries mutually support one another, fostering benefits for all parties involved. We don't ask for returns, yet we have forged profound friendships with developing countries and their people.

That concludes my opening remarks. Next, my colleagues and I will answer your questions. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

Thank you, Mr. Luo. The floor is now open to questions. Please identify the media outlets you represent before raising your questions. 

Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:

Foreign assistance is one of the pillars underpinning high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. China recently successfully held the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. What work has the CIDCA done to promote the BRI? Thank you.

Deng Boqing:

Thank you. The past decade has been a journey of fruitful outcomes. Foreign assistance has played an instrumental role in Belt and Road cooperation, which can be summarized in the following way:

We have strengthened strategic planning. We have synergized development plans and strategies with the BRI participating countries and provided extensive technical consulting services. Our focus has been on areas such as infrastructure connectivity, the standardization of international production capacity and equipment manufacturing, trade facilitation, and technical standardization. In addition, we have designed signature foreign assistance projects and "small yet smart" livelihood programs.

We have supported global anti-pandemic cooperation. In the battle against COVID-19, the most serious pandemic in a century, China provided a substantial amount of anti-pandemic materials and vaccines to nearly all major BRI partners. China has implemented an action plan to support anti-pandemic cooperation with neighboring countries and established the China-South Asia Emergency Supplies Reserve. On the basis of effectively controlling the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in neighboring countries, we have worked diligently to prevent both imported cases and domestic resurgences. Additionally, the China-aided Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has become the largest public health institution in Africa. China has supported various countries in the construction of medical facilities and laboratories, provided medical equipment, and offered medical assistance in the prevention and control of malaria, schistosomiasis, and poliomyelitis.  

We have promoted major projects. China has focused on six corridors, six connectivity routes, and multiple countries and ports, as well as supported the construction of major strategic projects along key trunk lines and junctions. China has supported the building of the New Gwadar International Airport, the Gwadar Eastbay Expressway, and a desalination plant in Pakistan, along with the roads, bridges, and tunnels in Bangladesh, Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. We have also worked on the resettlement village and railway vocational technical college for the construction of the China-Laos Railway, the road and infrastructure restoration projects in Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, and the upgrading and expansion of airports and ports in countries in Africa and Latin America. These achievements are the result of the efforts and hard work of Chinese people engaged in global assistance initiatives.

We have built a brand matrix. Global forums like the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development, the China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, and the Sunshine Forum on International Development Cooperation have become crucial platforms for fostering extensive consensus and promoting shared development, gaining significant global influence. Notable foreign assistance programs related to Juncao technology for mushroom farming, the use of artemisinin in treating malaria, hybrid rice growing, and the Institute of South-South Cooperation and Development have garnered widespread recognition worldwide. Furthermore, we have released a book titled "Rose Stories Along the Belt and Road,” which provides an authentic and amicable perspective on stories about the assistance China has provided to countries along the Belt and Road. These books have been widely appreciated and shared by many countries.

The third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation was successfully convened, yielding over 30 outcomes related to foreign assistance, including 1,000 small-scale livelihood assistance projects. We are committed to diligently implementing these outcomes and continuing to make unique contributions to high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. Thank you.

CCTV:

At the 20th CPC National Congress, it was explicitly emphasized that China is prepared to invest more resources in global development cooperation . This reflects the high importance that China attaches to global development cooperation. What specific plans will the CIDCA consider for the next steps? Thanks.

Luo Zhaohui:

It is a big and good question. I will answer it. In the Report to the 20th CPC National Congress, President Xi Jinping clearly stated that China is prepared to invest more resources in global development cooperation. It is committed to narrowing the North-South gap and supporting and assisting other developing countries in accelerating development. This commitment is not only a firm pledge to persistently advance China's global development cooperation and foreign assistance, and to uphold the concept of a community with a shared future for mankind, but it also marks the continuation of China's trajectory in foreign assistance during the first decade of the new era, garnering widespread acknowledgment from the international community.

Not long ago, a fifth-grader from a Lao primary school wrote a letter to our state leader, expressing his gratitude for China's assistance. He said a railway built with China's assistance passed through his hometown, bringing about significant changes. There are many similar stories. Just now, Mr. Deng mentioned a book titled "Rose Stories Along the Belt and Road," which we compiled.

In the face of a grand era and a broader perspective, we must adopt new concepts and take new actions. As China develops further, it assumes greater international responsibilities, faces higher expectations from other developing countries, and experiences increased pressure concerning issues related to Taiwan, maritime territory, and human rights. Accordingly, it needs more support from its friends. Against this backdrop, the irreplaceable and unique role of China's global development cooperation and foreign assistance will become increasingly prominent.

As we enter the second decade of the building of a community with a shared future for mankind, we are committed to deeply implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress. We aim to drive China's international development cooperation in this new era toward new progress.

First, we will spare no effort to serve head-of-state diplomacy and China's diplomatic strategies. Despite changes in an evolving global environment, head-of-state diplomacy will help set the direction and lead the navigation. Therefore, China's international development cooperation will certainly witness greater achievements and contributions. We will further implement the GDI and major foreign assistance measures proposed by President Xi Jinping at multilateral and bilateral meetings, making greater efforts in areas such as poverty alleviation, climate change, food security, digital economy and connectivity, and advancing "small yet smart" programs. Meanwhile, we will better tell China's stories of foreign assistance, continue to publicize and introduce Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and expound on the core values of Chinese modernization and its significance to the world.

Second, we will focus on advancing the common development of the Global South. Naturally a member of the Global South, China will maintain its position as a developing country, strengthen theoretical guidance for South-South cooperation, and promote synergy between the GDI and other major initiatives. The Forum on Global Action for Shared Development will be held regularly, the roles of the GDI project pools and fund pools will be fully utilized, and the experience of Chinese modernization will be shared to align with the development strategies of other countries and regions. At the same time, we must resolutely oppose decoupling and the disruption of supply chains and work to resolve regional conflicts, contributing to a favorable environment for the common and shared development of the world.

Third, we will continue to enhance governance in international development cooperation. We must adhere to genuine multilateralism and continue to stimulate the transformation and upgrading of international development cooperation. With the implementation of the GDI as our primary task, we will intensify synergy and cooperation with multilateral institutions such as the U.N., focus on the two major development bottlenecks of projects and funds, and solidify the international development cooperation pattern with North-South cooperation as the main channel and South-South cooperation as a supplement. We will fulfill our "common but differentiated responsibilities" and expand tripartite and multi-party cooperation. The GDI is an initiative that also includes developed countries. We should urge developed countries to take the lead in fulfilling their commitments to development assistance and climate financing, and we will carry out development cooperation with them in the fields on which we agree.

Fourth, we will facilitate the creation of a new development pattern. While providing assistance to partner countries for their economic growth and livelihood improvement, we should effectively promote the global reach of China's high-quality products, advanced technologies, and industrial standards. We will act on our commitment to invest more resources in global development cooperation, fully utilize the leveraging and guiding role of foreign assistance, and pool more efforts to synergize foreign assistance with investment and trade, contributing to high-quality growth and opening-up. Thanks.

Associated Press of Pakistan:

Please brief us on the cooperation between the CIDCA and Pakistan and other neighboring countries in poverty reduction and people's livelihood development and consolidating the foundation of economic development. What of those have been achieved, and what are the plans for the next step? Thank you.

Luo Zhaohui:

Although I am the former Chinese ambassador to Pakistan, I prefer to defer this question to Mr. Deng, who is more familiar with this area.

Deng Boqing:

Thank you, my Pakistani friend. Your questions have prompted me to recall something. Previously, also at this venue, we held a press conference during a critical time in the fight against the pandemic. Before asking questions, a Pakistani friend first thanked the Chinese government’s on-time assistance to Pakistan. Seeing you here, I am filled with a sense of familiarity and warmth. China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. Our bilateral development and cooperation have yielded numerous heartwarming stories, as well as many “firsts,” and here I would like to give you some examples.

We established the first mechanism for social and livelihood cooperation. Over the past five years, the two countries have engaged in pragmatic and efficient cooperation in six areas including agriculture, education, medical treatment, poverty alleviation, water supply, and vocational education, advancing 27 priority projects in an orderly manner.

We signed the first memorandum to implement the GDI, which has charted the right course for bilateral development and cooperation. Additionally, we constructed the first subway line in Pakistan, which has not only greatly improved travel efficiency for residents in Lahore, but also mostly alleviated traffic congestion in the surrounding urban area.

As I mentioned earlier, following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately provided anti-pandemic materials and vaccines to Pakistan, dispatched medical groups to the country, and supported Pakistan in establishing isolation hospitals. Mr. Luo served as Chinese ambassador to Pakistan during that time and holds deep affection for the country. Many initiatives were carried out under his direct command.

Last August, when Pakistan experienced a severe flood disaster, China immediately provided emergency humanitarian assistance through sea, land, and air channels. The cooperative development between China and Pakistan serves as the epitome of the CIDCA’s efforts to implement the concepts of China’s neighborhood diplomacy, as proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping. Over the past decade, China has actively practiced the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness, and pursued friendly and cooperative relations with neighboring countries. Significant efforts have been made to boost cooperation in poverty alleviation and other areas important to the people’s lives, which has improved people’s well-being and achieved fruitful results.

Extending a helping hand in critical moments demonstrates the principle of amity. After the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, we immediately provided free vaccines and other anti-pandemic materials including masks and breathing machines to neighboring countries. According to preliminary statistics, we have provided more than 600 million doses of vaccines to ASEAN countries.

We believe in sincerity and honor commitments, which embodies the principle of sincerity. China's assistance goes beyond simply giving a fish; we aim to show people how to fish. We share governance experience and practical agricultural techniques, establish Luban Workshops, and help train vocational and skilled personnel.

Tangible achievements in bilateral cooperation showcase the principle of mutual benefit. Former Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen once noted that the prosperous development of projects such as the Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone and the Phnom Penh-Sihanoukville Expressway not only enhances the country’s infrastructure but also boosts its tourism, commerce, and agriculture sectors.

Expanding trilateral cooperation widely reflects the principle of inclusiveness. We collaborate with over 20 international organizations, including the World Food Programme (WFP), the UNDP, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Additionally, we have promoted numerous “small yet smart” livelihood programs in neighboring countries. According to preliminary statistics, these programs have already benefited millions of people.

Next, the CIDCA will continue to actively support neighboring countries in enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, and provide assistance in poverty alleviation and livelihood improvement, all in an effort to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future among neighboring countries. Thank you.

Yicai:

This year marks the mid-term evaluation period for the U.N. 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, and this is also a time when the cause of global development is facing tremendous challenges. As a specialized government organ dedicated to foreign assistance, as well as international cooperation and development, what actions has the CIDCA taken to implement the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the GDI? Thank you.

Luo Zhaohui:

This’s also a good question, and Mr. Zhao will answer.

Zhao Fengtao:

Thanks for your question. In 2021, Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the GDI, which closely aligns with the implementation of the U.N. 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and makes a strong call for focusing on development and enhancing cooperation. The GDI is a Chinese initiative, a global public development platform, and an extension of the Belt and Road Initiative. In the two years since the GDI’s introduction, the CIDCA has undertaken extensive work, resulting in numerous achievements.

We have expanded our development partnerships and enhanced our cooperative mechanisms. The Group of Friends of the GDI was launched by China’s Permanent Mission to the U.N., drawing participation from more than 70 countries. We established a GDI promotion group to accelerate the implementation of various measures. The CIDCA has fostered close connections with more than 30 countries and international organizations, as well as Chinese financial organizations, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, resulting in the signing and implementation of related cooperation documents. Additionally, the Global Development Promotion Center was established within the CIDCA, attracting 44 countries and regional and international organizations to take part in its network.

We have raised plenty of development resources to promote pragmatic cooperation, such as upgrading the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and increasing its funding to $4 billion, establishing pools of global development projects and its funds, releasing guidelines for the project pool and its financing, and attracting participation of multiple entities from the government and society through joint investment, targeted donations, beneficiary financing, etc. Just as our chairman mentioned, we have also raised a special fund of $12 billion to support the implementation of GDI projects. At the same time, we follow a market-oriented approach and flexibly use multiple models to combine free assistance with the $12 billion special fund to accelerate the creation of new development assistance demonstration projects.

We have built a consensus on development and set up action platforms. The CIDCA will organize the Forum on Global Action for Shared Development in an institutionalized manner since the first edition held in July of this year, and will host the Sunshine Forum on International Development Cooperation and China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation under the framework of GDI. In April and September of this year, we held a briefing on the promotion of the GDI and a high-level meeting on the GDI cooperation achievement demonstration at the UN headquarters, establishing international platforms for promoting GDI implementation.

We have enhanced development capacities and promoted common prosperity. Under the GDI framework, a total of 100,000 training opportunities have been provided to support the post-pandemic economic recovery in developing countries. So far, 30,000 people have been trained, covering all countries of the Group of Friends of the GDI. An innovation training base of the Global Development Promotion Center has been set up in Xiamen and offered offline training classes for students from 36 countries this year.

Although the journey ahead may be long and arduous, with sustained actions, we will eventually reach our destination. Only when we walk together can the development path become broader and smoother. We expect to join hands with all parties that aspire to join in global development, further leverage the role of GDI as a treasure house, catalyst, and accelerator, and make more contributions to the implementation of the GDI and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Thank you!

CGTN:

Over a long period, China has offered assistance to African, Latin American, and Caribbean countries, and countries in the South Pacific region, playing a positive role in advancing development in the above-mentioned regions. Could you please briefly introduce China’s aid in those regions? Thank you.

Luo Zhaohui:

This is a very good question. Let’s give the floor to Mr. Tang Wenhong, who’s in charge of the work. He has just completed a visit to three countries in Africa. 

Tang Wenhong:

I just came back to Beijing from Africa the day before yesterday, and I went to the South Pacific region in the first half of this year. Through my experience, I truly felt that China is a good partner, friend, and brother of African, Latin American, and Caribbean countries, and countries in the South Pacific region in pursuing common development. In recent years, under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, we have conducted cooperation with African countries on poverty reduction, rural work, hygiene and health, food security, digital innovation, green development, and other areas. For example, just as Mr. Luo mentioned, we helped drill over 1,000 wells in Zimbabwe, enabling people there to drink clean and sweet well water and resolving the water safety issue that has bothered local people for generations. We helped build the headquarters of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to improve the general capacity of disease control in Africa. We helped build Bobo-Dioulasso University Hospital Center in Burkina Faso and aided the renovation and expansion of Masaka Hospital in Rwanda , making it easier for local people to access medical treatment. We carried out photovoltaic aid projects based on local conditions, bringing light and warmth to tens of thousands of households. We carried out a batch of information and communication projects in Africa, helping African countries develop digital industries, narrow digital gaps, and embrace the digital era. We implemented the Riverside Green Development Project in Ethiopia, offering local people a good place for leisure and sightseeing. China-aided projects in Africa demonstrate the profound friendship between China and Africa, bringing health, happiness, knowledge, and employment to the African people.

We have cooperated in implementing nearly 100 complete projects, material and technical assistance projects in Latin America, the Caribbean and the South Pacific, strongly supporting local economic and social development and improvement of people's livelihood. Specifically, we have helped those countries to address natural disasters like hurricanes and tsunamis and helped recipient countries rebuild homes and resume production. At the beginning of 2022, the volcanic eruption in Tonga triggered a tsunami and other severe secondary disasters. China immediately launched a multi-dimensional rescue operation, winning high praise from the international community. In March this year, Vanuatu was twice hit by strong hurricanes, and most of its islands were severely affected, with many residences and public facilities destroyed. We quickly provided humanitarian aid and helped the Vanuatu government and people carry out disaster relief, and post-disaster reconstruction.

In the next phase, we will accelerate the advancement of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, actively implement the GDI, deepen international development cooperation, and make more contributions to improving people’s well-being in developing countries. Thank you.

China Daily:

Currently, due to the impact of geopolitical conflicts, extreme weather, food and energy crises, humanitarian crises are occurring with high frequency. Could you please brief us on China’s efforts to provide emergency humanitarian aid? Thanks.

Luo Zhaohui:

This is a good question. Indeed, we have done a lot of work in this respect and enjoy a high reputation internationally. Let’s give the floor to Mr. Zhong Haidong, who’s in charge of the work. 

Zhong Haidong:

Thank you for your question. Mr. Luo Zhaohui has already briefed us on our emergency humanitarian assistance and global anti-pandemic cooperation in his opening remarks. I would like to give more details.

Currently, the Israeli- Palestinian conflict continues. China has provided emergency humanitarian cash assistance of $1 million dollars to the Palestinian government and the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East each. China will also provide 15 million yuan in emergency humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip through Egypt to help alleviate the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

All nations in the world live in the same global village and belong to a community with a shared future. When other countries suffer from a humanitarian crisis, China is always ready to provide help. China has upheld the spirit of internationalism and humanitarianism , put life first, and provided emergency humanitarian assistance to address the urgent needs of recipients. From 2018 to 2022, China provided over 800 foreign emergency humanitarian aid projects worth more than 15 billion yuan to countries in Asia, Africa, Latin America, the South Pacific, and Europe.

Since the beginning of this year, China has provided cash and emergency humanitarian supplies to countries like Türkiye, Syria, Libya, Morocco, and Afghanistan, which have suffered from earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters. These have effectively alleviated the humanitarian crisis in the disaster-stricken countries and provided strong support for local resettlement, production resumption, and home reconstruction. These actions have been praised by recipient countries and the international community.

China's emergency humanitarian assistance has been a vivid reflection of solidarity and mutual assistance between China and other countries and a vivid practice of China's efforts to build a community with a shared future for mankind. It not only demonstrates China's responsibility as a major country but also injects positive energy and stability into the world.

Next, the CIDCA will continue to resolutely implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, try its best to provide emergency humanitarian assistance, and make new contributions to building a peaceful world. Thanks!

CRNTT:

As just mentioned, Chinese foreign aid has launched "small yet beautiful" projects, such as those related to Juncao , artemisinin, and hybrid rice. Could you introduce how Chinese foreign aid implements and promotes these aid projects? Thanks.

Tang Wenhong:

In 2021, at the third symposium on the development of the BRI , President Xi Jinping pointed out that "small yet beautiful" projects should be a priority for foreign cooperation. Mr. Luo Zhaohui has already introduced this in his opening remarks. The CIDCA has deeply understood President Xi's important instructions, strengthened overall planning, and made key arrangements for promoting "small yet beautiful" projects. Since 2021, a large number of such projects have been set up and implemented. Among them, projects related to Juncao, artemisinin, hybrid rice, the Luban workshop, etc., have become high-quality aid projects and models of "small yet beautiful" projects. For example, Juncao technology replaces wood with grass, which can be used as livestock feed, used to grow edible and medicinal mushrooms , or used in sand prevention and sand fixation, etc. It has been promoted to over 100 countries and is praised as "happiness grass" and "fortune grass" by the local people. It has also solved issues relating to local women's employment. Artemisinin was the first special antimalarial drug discovered and successfully extracted by China. It is a gift of traditional Chinese medicine to the world. We have provided artemisinin technical assistance to Comoros, helping the local malaria incidence rate to drop by 98%, and there have been zero deaths. Hybrid rice technology is a monument in the history of agricultural science and technology in China and has made an important contribution to solving the global food shortage. With the use of this technology, the rice yield per hectare in Mozambique increased from 1.5 tons to 8 tons. Finally, the Luban workshop is a brand project for international cooperation in vocational education created by China. It has trained a large number of professional and technical talents for partner countries. Relevant assistance projects have been implemented in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian countries. Nowadays, "small yet beautiful" has become a frequently used phrase when it comes to China's international development cooperation.

Next, the CIDCA will continue to increase assistance to the "small yet beautiful" projects, implement the 1,000 small-scale livelihood assistance projects announced by President Xi Jinping, and support developing countries in achieving green, universally beneficial, and inclusive development. Thanks!

Red Star News:

China's foreign aid and international development cooperation focuses on combining soft and hard aid , especially in helping developing countries build their capacity. What progress has China made in human resources development of foreign aid?

Zhao Fengtao:

You raised a good issue. As we know, science, technology, and management are the basic driving forces for the development of human society, and talent is fundamental in the development of all countries. China's foreign aid and international development cooperation include not only hard aid — "give people fish and you feed them for a day," — but also soft aid that promotes the idea of "teach people how to fish and you feed them for a lifetime." Over the past 70 years, China has vigorously promoted cooperation on human resources development and unreservedly shared advanced technology, management experience, and development concepts, making China's contribution to the development capacity of developing countries.

Human resources development programs are also typical "small yet smart" programs, as Mr. Tang just mentioned. Over the past 70 years, our areas of cooperation have become increasingly abundant. China's human resources development cooperation now spans 17 fields and over 100 majors. In addition to traditional areas of strength such as agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, and fisheries, we have continued to expand cooperation into emerging fields, including 5G communication, the Beidou Navigation Satellite System, and mobile payments. We have also organized over 500 sessions of special training focused on governance. The experience of Chinese modernization has been shared overseas, and the book "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China" has been read by political leaders in many countries.

The forms of cooperation have become increasingly varied. We have engaged in both bilateral and multilateral cooperation, integrated online and offline channels, and conducted cooperation in various forms, including short- and medium-term training programs in China, higher education degree and diploma programs, overseas experts and consultants, and young volunteers. At the same time, we have initiated tripartite cooperation with developed countries such as Germany and Japan, as well as international organizations, including the UNDP and the ECOSOC, to jointly assist developing countries in enhancing their capacity.

Our cooperation has achieved increasingly significant progress. Over the past 70 years, we have organized about 15,000 training sessions for more than 180 countries and organizations worldwide, training over 400,000 professionals across various fields. This has effectively enhanced the capacity for development in relevant areas of these countries. The students, coming from multiple levels and fields around the world, have played crucial roles in building their countries and coordinating international affairs.

We believe that a single flower does not make spring; human society needs to develop and thrive together. China will expedite the establishment of a comprehensive and multidimensional cooperation system for international human resources development across various fields, contributing China's strength to advancing global development with the development philosophy and experience of Chinese modernization. Thank you.

Shou Xiaoli:

The last question, please.

Cover News:

This spring, northern China experienced large-scale sand and dust weather, significantly affecting the country's air quality. According to the data, the sand and dust primarily originated from outside China. What efforts have been made in environmental cooperation with the relevant countries, and what are the future plans? Thank you.

Luo Zhaohui:

You've raised excellent questions, all closely related to the quality of people's lives. This spring, everyone felt as though the sand and dust weather, which we hadn't seen for many years, had come back again. In fact, we have been practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization and have made notable progress in expanding afforestation and curbing desertification. Therefore, experts generally believe that the sandstorm reemerging in northern China this spring originated from outside China. When the leaders of Mongolia visited China at the end of last year, they sincerely proposed that they hoped China could support their "Plant a Billion Trees" Plan. They received an immediate positive response from Chinese leaders. China and Mongolia have long been friendly neighbors. During the fight against COVID-19, Mongolia offered a donation of sheep to China, and China reciprocated with tea, which has become a widely shared touching story. Mongolia, China, and Japan, as well as South Korea in Northeast Asia, are all victims of desertification. Therefore, desertification control and afforestation serve the current and long-term interests of all countries in the region and their people, and conform to our commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Control of Desertification and Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization. Therefore, within a short time, the CIDCA arranged for the Mongolian delegation to visit Ningxia and Inner Mongolia to learn about expanding afforestation and curbing desertification. Last month, the CIDCA and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration formed a group to visit Mongolia, signed a framework document on desertification control and afforestation cooperation, and attended the unveiling ceremony for the China-Mongolia Desertification Prevention and Control Cooperation Center. Decisions were made to construct three ecological protection and restoration demonstration areas and seven monitoring stations for sandstorm prevention and control, and to carry out 10 sessions of training programs, with the first session completed recently.

Indeed, for flagship projects in ecological conservation and restoration jointly initiated by China and Mongolia, the efforts of Mongolia alone are not enough; cooperation between China and Mongolia, as well as the collective efforts of neighboring countries and relevant U.N. agencies, are indispensable. We always say that solving cross-border issues requires multinational cooperation. In the past, Japan and South Korea have engaged in tripartite cooperation in the Gobi Desert region in the southern part of Mongolia. When I visited Mongolia in September this year, representatives from the UNDP, IFAD, and international financial institutions such as the AIIB were all present, and they all showed great interest and enthusiasm in assisting Mongolia with desertification control and afforestation.

Next, we will act upon the important consensus reached between our two presidents, as well as the consensus on specific cooperation between the two sides, and act promptly to keep our skies blue. Thank you!

Shou Xiaoli:

Thanks to Mr. Luo and all the speakers, as well as the participation of friends from the media. Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Goodbye!

Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Wang Wei, Cui Can, Zhou Jing, Liu Sitong, Lin Liyao, Wang Yanfang, Mi Xingang, Huang Shan, Yan Xiaoqing, He Shan, Wang Qian, Xu Kailin, Li Huiru, David Ball, Tom Arnsten, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.