XI'S TRIP TO INDIA AND NEPAL

DIPLOMACY

Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi meet at the Second India-China Informal Summit in Chennai, India, on October 12.

Upon the invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and President Bidhya Devi Bhandari of Nepal, President Xi Jinping traveled to Chennai, India to attend the second informal meeting between Chinese and Indian leaders and make a state visit to Nepal from October 11 to 13.

This was President Xi's first trip abroad since the grand celebrations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China as well as the first visit to Nepal by a Chinese president in 23 years.The trip injected fresh impetus into the development of China-India relations, China-Nepal relations and the relations between China and countries in South Asia.The meetings created new space for enhancing regional connectivity and practical cooperation in economics and trade, built new platforms for mutual benefits and friendship among peoples in the region and made new contributions to world peace and prosperity.

During his stay in Chennai, President Xi Jinping discussed with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the international situation,including overarching, long-term and strategic issues concerning the development of bilateral relations.The two leaders set the tone and charted the course for the development of bilateral relations.

In Nepal, President Xi attended a welcome ceremony and banquet,met with President Bidhya Devi Bhandari, held talks and witnessed signing of cooperation agreements across various sectors with Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli.Xi also met with Co-Chairman of the Nepal Communist Party Pushpa Kamal Dahal, principals of the Federal Parliament of Nepal and leaders of relevant political parties.Leaders of the two countries planned future development of China-Nepal relations, opened a new era of rapid development of bilateral relations together, deepened political mutual trust, consolidated the public opinion foundation for lasting friendship between China and Nepal,advanced high-quality construction of the Belt and Road Initiative,accelerated building of the trans-Himalayan multi-dimensional connectivity network and injected new drivers into bilateral practical cooperation in various areas.

CHINA-SINGAPORE TIES

CHINA, SINGAPORE TO ENHANCE BRI,TRADE COOPERATION

China and Singapore announced on October 15 that the upgraded version of the China-Singapore Free Trade Agreement would take effect the next day.

The two sides made the announcement after four bilateral cooperation mechanism meetings in Chongqing cochaired by Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng and Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat.

The four meetings were the 15th China-Singapore Joint Council for Bilateral Cooperation Meeting, the 20th China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Joint Steering Council Meeting,the 11th China-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City Joint Steering Council Meeting and the third China-Singapore (Chongqing)Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity Joint Steering Council Meeting.

During them, the two sides comprehensively reviewed implementation of high-level consensus and the process of practical cooperation.

The two sides exchanged views on the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road, promoting regional development and cooperation and upholding multilateralism and free trade, while making plans to direct and focus future cooperation.

Both parties agreed to enhance connectivity, financial support,third-party cooperation, law and judicial cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, increase investment in the new land-sea corridor and promote upgrading of major cooperation projects.

Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng (right) meets with Singaporean Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat in China's Chongqing Municipality on October 15.

The two sides agreed to improve regional free trade arrangements, promote regional integration, enhance multilateral economic and trade cooperation and push forward the building of an open world economic system.

After the mechanism meetings, Han and Heng witnessed the signing of a series of cooperation documents covering exchange and training,technological innovation, smart cities and intellectual property.

FORUM

BELT & ROAD JOURNALISTS NETWORK

The Belt and Road Journalists Network (BRJN) and its first presidium were founded at the 2019 Belt and Road Journalists Forum in Beijing on September 30.

The platform for exchange and cooperation was jointly initiated by the All-China Journalists Association and similar journalist groups in countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiative.China International Publishing Group (CIPG) has become a strategic partner of the network.

Establishment of the presidium marked a milestone for institutionbuilding through the Belt and Road journalist organizations cooperation platform, which will facilitate international communication between journalist organizations and boost mutual trust and cultural exchange between peoples of different countries.

Distinguished guests pose for a group picture at the 2019 Belt and Road Journalists Forum.

FRIENDSHIP AWARD

PREMIER RECOGNIZES FOREIGN ExPERTS' SUPPORT

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (left)meets with a group of foreign experts receiving the Friendship Award at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on September 30.

The Chinese people will not forget foreign experts' support and assistance towards China's development over the 70 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC), declared Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at a September 30 meeting with a group of foreign experts receiving the Friendship Award, given annually by the Chinese government to honor outstanding foreign experts working for China.

Applauding the awardees' contributions to China, Li noted that over the past 70 years, many foreign experts contributed significant efforts to help China overcome early difficulties.Some introduced advanced technologies, experience and management concepts to China after the beginning of the country's reform and opening-up.

He noted that China will continue to expand international cooperation in technological innovation, further open sci-tech projects to foreign experts and encourage outsiders to lead and take part in the country's sci-tech programs.

China will pursue a more proactive, open and effective policy on training competent professionals, provide more comprehensive convenience for foreign experts and create a market-based, legal and international business environment, Li said.

The awardees thanked Li and the Chinese government, congratulated the PRC on its 70th anniversary and assured attendees that they would continue to play a positive role in China's modernization and the development and progress of human society.

A total of 100 foreign experts from 31 countries received the Friendship Award this year.

CHINA-INDONESIA TIES

CHINESE VICE PRESIDENT VISITS INDONESIA

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan wrapped up a friendly visit to Indonesia as a special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping on October 21.

During the trip, Wang attended the secondterm inauguration ceremony of Indonesian President Joko Widodo and met separately with Widodo and Indonesian Vice President Jusuf Kalla as well as his successor, Ma'ruf Amin.

In the meeting with Widodo, Wang conveyed Xi's warm congratulations and best wishes, noting that China and Indonesia are good neighbors, good friends and good partners.

The relationship between China and Indonesia, both major developing countries in Asia and the world, carries significance that transcends the bilateral scope, added the Chinese vice president.

Wang noted that Beijing appreciates Widodo's commitment to promoting the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and his active support in synergizing the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)with Indonesia's development strategies.

He noted that the Jakarta-Bandung high speed rail (HSR) project, which has earned the care and support from heads of state of both countries, is proceeding smoothly and has become a model for bilateral cooperation in infrastructure construction.

Wang also expressed confidence in Widodo to lead the Southeast Asian country to greater achievements over the next five years as China-Indonesia relations are lifted to higher levels.

Widodo thanked Xi for sending a special envoy to his inauguration ceremony, adding that the gesture epitomizes the close relationship between the two countries.

The Indonesian president extended warm congratulations for the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC) and wished China greater prosperity and greater contributions to global and regional peace and stability.He added that the new Indonesian government is enthusiastic about further consolidating the bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership, enhancing synergy between Indonesia's Global Maritime Fulcrum vision and the BRI and expanding cooperation with China in building regional economic corridors.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan (left) meets with Indonesian President Joko Widodo in Jakarta, Indonesia, on October 20.

MILITARY WORLD GAMES

7TH CISM MILITARY WORLD GAMES

The 7th CISM Military World Games in China has provided a platform for friendly exchange and mutual learning among military personnel from various countries, according to several foreign officials and experts.

Chinese President Xi Jinping officially opened the games on October 18 in Wuhan,capital of central China's Hubei Province.

Viktor Baranets, a military observer for Russia'sKomsomolskayaPravdanewspaper,reported that the Games could bring soldiers closer, making important contributions to the development and enhancement of mutual understanding and contacts between different countries.

Adhere Cavince, a Kenyan international relations expert with a focus on China-Africa relations, opined that the event demonstrates that China does not seek to use its military power to harm, threaten, or coerce other nations.

China conducted world-class preparation and organization for the games, which was quite impressive to Brigadier-general Hazim Ali Ibrahim, head of the sports sector of the Egyptian Armed Forces.The Military World Games has been a multisport event for armed forces organized by the International Military Sports Council (CISM)since 1995.This year's games from October 18 to 27 attracted around 10,000 athletes from more than 100 countries.

CARNIVAL

CHINA-MYANMAR PAUKPHAW CARNIVAL

The 19th China-Myanmar Paukphaw(fraternal) Friendship Carnival kicked off in the border city of Ruili in southwestern China's Yunnan Province on October 3.

At the opening ceremony, citizens and visitors were treated to a carnival parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and friendship between China and Myanmar.

This year's carnival featured a series of activities including a China-Myanmar sepak takraw (kick volleyball) competition, a commodities spotlight fair and a food festival.

Since 2000, the China-Myanmar Paukphaw Friendship Carnival has promoted cultural and trade exchange between the two countries.

Decorated ox carts highlight the carnival parade held on October 3.

SEMINAR

CHINA, ASEAN EXPERTS SHARE EXPERIENCE ON MARITIME SECURITY, RESCUE

Nearly 40 officials and experts from China and ASEAN member states exchanged views on maritime security and rescue missions at a weeklong seminar that opened on October 21 in the city of Haikou, capital of southern China's Hainan Province.

Participants focused on topics including maritime security, maritime search and rescue and fishery management during the training program.

Alongside lectures, mock drills, round-table discussions and group work, attendees also visited maritime organizations in Hainan.

Giovanni G.Bergantin from the Philippines called the ocean a bridge between countries and noted that the seminar provided an opportunity for the participants to exchange views and explore future cooperation.

YOUNG TALENT FORUM

FORUM PROMOTES YOUNG TALENT EXCHANGE

The International Forum of Young Talent in Science and Technology organized by South and Southeast Asian University Network (S&SE AUN) kicked off in Kunming, capital of southwestern China's Yunnan Province, on October 22.The event brought together young experts and academics from 16 universities in China and 11 South and Southeast Asian countries.

Attendees discussed various topics during the two-day event, including new trends in science and technology,priority fields for scientific cooperation among members of the network, talent exchange and training.

Established in December 2018, the S&SE AUN is expected to evolve into a platform to promote international exchange in higher education and cooperation among universities in China, South Asia and Southeast Asia.

With a secretariat based in Yunnan University, S&SE AUN now boasts close to 120 university members.

TOURISM EXHIBITION

2019 CHINA-ASEAN EXPO TOURISM EXHIBITION

The 2019 China-ASEAN Expo Tourism Exhibition kicked off in the scenic city of Guilin in southern China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region on October 18.

A total of 57 countries and regions including all 10 members states of ASEAN participated in the exhibition.Myanmar attended as the guest country of honor.

Six exhibition halls were assigned for different themes:Belt and Road, inbound tourism, outbound tourism,tourist consumption, tourist commodities and Guangxi tourism image.A theme park was established to present natural scenery, history, culture and folk customs of ASEAN countries.

The exhibition aims to expand the reach of tourism cooperation and enhance participants' comprehensive service capabilities by building a value chain of exhibitions,according to organizers.

The exhibition features myriad singing, dancing and acrobatic performances,showcasing the cultures of the ASEAN countries and Guangxi's ethnic minorities.