China's parliament unanimously handed President Xi Jinping a second term Saturday and elevated his right-hand man to the vice presidency, giving him a strong ally to consolidate power and handle US trade threats. Xi's reappointment by the legislature was a foregone conclusion, but all eyes had been on whether his former anti-corruption enforcer, Wang Qishan, would become his deputy. The National People's Congress has widely expanded Xi's already considerable authority during its annual session, adding his name to the constitution and lifting the two five-year term limit for the presidency and vice presidency. Xi received a standing ovation after winning all 2,970 votes. Only one delegate voted against Wang's appointment, with 2,969 in favour. In 2013, Xi had received 2,952 votes, with one against and three abstentions, a 99.86 percent share. Xi and Wang shook hands as the legislators applauded. As part of the package of constitutional amendments, Xi and Wang for the first time took the … [Read more...] about China’s Xi gets second term with powerful ally as VP
China
China’s top political advisory body concludes annual session, stressing CPC leadership
"Taking a clear political stand is an essential feature of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC)," said Wang Yang, newly-elected chairman of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, when addressing the closing of the session. The CPC leadership is a fundamental political guarantee for the development of the CPPCC and a basic political principle that the advisory body must observe in the new era, Wang said. Wang asked political advisors to uphold the CPC leadership, take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guiding principle for the work of the CPPCC, perform their duties for the people, improve their consultation competence, and act within the boundaries of the Constitution and laws. A resolution on an amendment to the CPPCC Charter was passed at the meeting in a move widely believed by observers as representing an important chapter in the development of democracy in China. This was the fourth amendment to the CPPCC … [Read more...] about China’s top political advisory body concludes annual session, stressing CPC leadership
15th China-ASEAN Expo slated for September
The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) will be held in Nanning from September 12-15. — Photo VNA The China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) is scheduled to return to Nanning, the capital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in southwestern China, for its 15th edition from September 12-15. The theme of this year’s event is “Jointly building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the China-ASEAN community of innovation”. More countries, especially those along the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, will be invited to attend the expo to create more business opportunities, said Wang Lei, the expo’s secretary-general. Guo Chuanwei, an official from the Chinese Ministry of Commerce, said he hoped China and ASEAN nations could bring more top-level firms to the trade event to deepen cooperation between the two sides. Launched in 2004, CAEXPO provides an important platform to promote trade and other relations between China and ASEAN countries. Last year, … [Read more...] about 15th China-ASEAN Expo slated for September
China, Russia welcome Korean peace drive
During the past week, National Security Office head Chung Eui-yong briefed officials in Beijing and Moscow following his dramatic success in arranging summits between the DPRK, the RoK and US leaders. "Xi Jinping offered a Chinese phrase that says 'once hard ice melts, spring comes and flowers bloom' to describe the situation on the Korean peninsula and expressed his willingness to support the current situation," Chung told reporters on his return to Incheon International Airport. DPRK leader Kim Jong Un told the RoK delegation led by Chung that he was open to addressing denuclearising with the United States, an offer that led to US President Trump agreeing to meet Kim for a summit expected to happen sometime in May. RoK President Moon Jae-in is set to hold a summit with the DPRK's Kim by the end of April. "China and Russia agreed to continue cooperation to uphold the peace that has been created, as well as the momentum for stability through close communication," Chung said. Chung said … [Read more...] about China, Russia welcome Korean peace drive
Vietnamese families in search of peace 30 years after sons died defending Spratlys from China
Family photos show Nguyen Van Hoa (L), Vo Van Duc (C) and Hoang Van Tuy, who are among 64 Vietnamese soldiers who died defending Spratly reefs from China in 1988. Hoang Do holds a party to commemorate the death of his son every year. It is barely anything more than 64 cups of rice wine, one each for his son Hoang Van Tuy and the other soldiers who died with him during the battle to defend the Spratly Archipelago from China in 1988. Do is 90 now and not planning on throwing many more parties for the fallen soldiers. “I just hope to join my son soon,” he said. Vietnam is commemorating 30 years since it lost the Gac Ma Reef in the Spratly Archipelago to China, and many families of the dead soldiers have yet to find peace because they have been unable to bid their loved ones a proper farewell. On March 14, 1988, the Vietnamese Navy’s Brigade 125 sent three ships carrying nearly 100 officers and soldiers to the Gac Ma (Johnson South), Co Lin (Collins or Johnson … [Read more...] about Vietnamese families in search of peace 30 years after sons died defending Spratlys from China