Here are the key reports and articles from the People’s Daily’s from the weekend to Friday, July 31, 2026.
Page 1: The lead report is about the mid-year Politburo meeting. The big takeaway from the readout is that the Fifth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee will be held in October. Its main agenda will be for the Politburo to report its work to the Central Committee and study certain major issues concerning the persistent advancement of comprehensive and strict Party self-governance.
I did a quick scan of what Fifth Plenums of the past have focussed on, and what one can see is that this one is unique. But that’s not for some special political reason; rather, it seems to be a scheduling issue. Since the Reform and Opening Up era started, Fifth Plenums have primarily been devoted to economic matters, particularly preparations for the upcoming five-year plan. In contrast, Fourth Plenums have dealt with Party building and governance issues in general. But, these roles were swapped during the tenure of the current Central Committee. The Fourth Plenum of the 20th CC, which was held in October last year, prepped for the 15th Five Year Plan. This plan got approved in March 2026. Consequently, the Fifth Plenum this time has no plan to deliberate. So, the plenum is picking up the conventional Fourth Plenum focus area of Party governance. Of course, where design comes into play is that it was only this year that we had the emergence of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building. So I would assume that this will drive the agenda for the Plenum. One final point on why did the role-switch happen between the 4th and 5th plenums: the answer to that lies in the delay in the Third Plenum of the 20th CC.
Okay, now let’s get to the report’s focus on economic issues.
“The meeting noted that since the 18th Party Congress, comprehensive and strict Party self-governance has achieved remarkable accomplishments, opening up a new horizon in the century-old Party’s self-revolution, driving historic achievements and historic transformations in the cause of the Party and the country, and enabling the Party and the people to seize the historical initiative in building a strong Party and a strong country. At the same time, as profound changes have taken place in the external environment, China’s domestic circumstances, and the Party’s own conditions, comprehensive and strict Party self-governance is also facing many new situations and new problems. The entire Party must, from the strategic perspective of consolidating the Party’s governing position and fulfilling its mission and tasks, deeply understand the important significance of persistently advancing comprehensive and strict Party self-governance; firm up confidence and maintain resolve; and, with higher standards and more practical measures, uphold and apply well the valuable experience of comprehensive and strict Party self-governance in the new era, rectify and resolve well the prominent problems facing Party building, and consolidate and develop well the sound political situation that has been formed in managing and governing the Party. 会议指出，党的十八大以来，全面从严治党取得伟大成就，开辟了百年大党自我革命新境界，推动党和国家事业取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革，党和人民赢得强党强国的历史主动。同时，随着世情国情党情发生深刻变化，全面从严治党也面临许多新情况新问题。全党必须从巩固党的执政地位、实现党的使命任务的战略高度，深刻认识持之以恒推进全面从严治党的重大意义，坚定信心，保持定力，以更高标准、更实举措把新时代全面从严治党宝贵经验坚持好、运用好，把党的建设面临的突出问题整治好、解决好，把管党治党形成的良好政治局面巩固好、发展好.
The meeting stressed that, in persistently advancing comprehensive and strict Party self-governance, it is necessary to uphold Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thought of the Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development; comprehensively implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era;to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building in depth; implement the general requirements for Party building in the new era; take the Party Constitution as the foundation; uphold and strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee; focus on improving the Party’s capacity for long-term governance, maintaining the Party’s advanced nature and purity, and maintaining the Party’s flesh-and-blood ties with the people; remain unswerving in adhering to the strict tone and standard; improve the system of comprehensive and strict Party self-governance; take the Party’s political building as the guiding principle; comprehensively advance Party building in all its aspects; fully stimulate the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of the entire Party; and continuously realize the Party’s self-purification, self-improvement, self-renewal, and self-enhancement, ensuring that the Party always remains a Marxist governing party that stands at the forefront of the times, enjoys the wholehearted support of the people, is able to withstand the tests of all kinds of storms and trials, and is full of vigour and vitality, and that it always remains the strong leadership core of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. 会议强调，持之以恒推进全面从严治党要坚持马克思列宁主义、毛泽东思想、邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观，全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，深入学习贯彻习近平党建思想，落实新时代党的建设总要求，以党章为根本，坚持和加强党中央集中统一领导，着眼于提高党的长期执政能力、保持党的先进性和纯洁性、保持党同人民群众的血肉联系，坚持严的基调不动摇，健全全面从严治党体系，以党的政治建设为统领，全面推进党的各方面建设，充分激发全党积极性主动性创造性，不断实现党的自我净化、自我完善、自我革新、自我提高，确保党始终成为走在时代前列、人民衷心拥护、经得起各种风浪考验、朝气蓬勃的马克思主义执政党，始终成为中国特色社会主义事业的坚强领导核心.
The meeting held that, since the beginning of this year, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has united and led the entire Party and the people of all ethnic groups throughout the country in forging ahead with determination and striving courageously, adhering to the coordinated management of the two overall situations, and coordinating development and security, and effectively responding to various external shocks and internal difficulties. Our country’s economy has exhibited a development trend in which growth momentum is shifting toward the new and the economic structure is shifting toward the better. At the same time, it is necessary to attach great importance to the difficulties and challenges in economic operations, strengthen confidence, confront difficulties head-on, make good use of the various opportunities and advantages, and promote high-quality development to advance steadily and over the long term. 会议认为，今年以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央团结带领全党全国各族人民锐意进取、奋勇拼搏，坚持统筹国内国际两个大局，统筹发展和安全，有效应对各种外部冲击和内部困难，我国经济呈现动能向新、结构向优的发展态势。同时，要高度重视经济运行中的困难挑战，坚定信心，迎难而上，用好各种机遇和优势，推动高质量发展行稳致远.
The meeting emphasised that, in carrying out economic work in the second half of the year, it is necessary to take Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the guide; adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability; fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy; accelerate the building of the new development pattern; better coordinate the two overall situations; coordinate development and security; adhere to deepening reform and opening up; accelerate the transformation of old and new growth drivers; effectively implement a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately accommodative monetary policy; give full play to the effectiveness of all existing policies; promptly plan and introduce incremental policies that are practical and effective; intensify counter-cyclical adjustment; increase efforts to expand domestic demand and optimize supply; earnestly safeguard and improve the people’s wellbeing; strengthen the drivers of development and stimulate the vitality of society; promote the economy’s continued development toward new growth drivers, toward a better structure, and toward a more positive trajectory; and strive to achieve a good start to the 15th FYP. 会议强调，做好下半年经济工作，要坚持以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，坚持稳中求进工作总基调，完整准确全面贯彻新发展理念，加快构建新发展格局，更好统筹国内国际两个大局，统筹发展和安全，坚持深化改革开放，加快推动新旧动能转换，实施好更加积极的财政政策和适度宽松的货币政策，充分发挥各项存量政策效能，及时谋划出台务实管用的增量政策，加大逆周期调节力度，加力扩大内需、优化供给，切实保障和改善民生，增强发展动力、激发社会活力，推动经济持续向新向优向好发展，努力实现“十五五”良好开局.
The meeting pointed out that macroeconomic policies must exert force and improve effectiveness, accelerate the pace of fiscal expenditure and the use of bond funds, and vigorously advance the construction of the Two Major and the implementation of the Two New policies. It is necessary to firmly safeguard the bottom line of the Three Guarantees at the grassroots level. It is necessary to comprehensively employ and adjust monetary policy tools in a timely manner, and optimize the implementation of policies promoting domestic demand through fiscal and financial coordination. 会议指出，宏观政策要发力提效，加快财政支出和债券资金使用进度，有力推进“两重”建设和“两新”工作。兜牢基层“三保”底线。综合运用并适时调整货币政策工具，优化实施财政金融协同促内需政策.
The meeting stressed that it is necessary to effectively expand domestic demand, expand the supply of high-quality goods and services in accordance with the consumption needs of different groups, and tap the potential of service consumption. It is necessary to steadily advance the planning and construction of the Six Networks. It is necessary to accelerate the building of a modern industrial system, strengthen long-term and stable support for basic research, deeply implement the AI+ Action, develop new forms of the intelligent economy, and improve the AI governance system. It is necessary to actively promote breakthroughs in frontier technologies and the development of future industries, focus on building emerging pillar industries, and continuously promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. 会议强调，要有效扩大国内需求，适应不同群体消费需求扩大优质供给，挖掘服务消费潜力。扎实推进“六张网”规划建设。加快现代化产业体系建设，加强对基础研究的长期稳定支持，深入实施“人工智能+”行动，发展智能经济新形态，完善人工智能治理体系。积极推动前沿技术突破和未来产业发展，着力打造新兴支柱产业，持续推动传统产业改造升级.
The meeting stressed that it is necessary to create a fair and orderly market competition environment, formulate and implement the Regulations on the Construction of a Unified National Market, continue the comprehensive rectification of ‘involution-style’ competition, and normalize efforts to resolve the problem of enterprises being owed payments. It is necessary to deepen the reform of state-owned assets and state-owned enterprises, optimize the development environment for the private economy, and promote the regulated and healthy development of the platform economy. 会议强调，要营造公平有序的市场竞争环境，制定实施全国统一大市场建设条例，继续综合整治“内卷式”竞争，常态化解决企业账款拖欠问题。深化国资国企改革，优化民营经济发展环境，推动平台经济规范健康发展.
The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to expand the space for mutually beneficial international economic and trade cooperation, vigorously develop trade in services, and promote the balanced development of trade. It is necessary to improve the system for the management of outbound investment and the comprehensive overseas service system, and actively attract and utilize foreign investment. 会议指出，要拓展国际经贸互利合作空间，大力发展服务贸易，促进贸易平衡发展。完善对外投资管理制度和海外综合服务体系，积极吸引和利用外资.
The meeting stressed that it is necessary to unswervingly carry out three rural work, continue to consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation, establish and improve the mechanisms for the construction, operation, and maintenance of high-standard farmland, stabilize the production and prices of pigs and other agricultural and livestock products, and promote the stable growth of farmers’ incomes. It is necessary to ensure the supply of agricultural production materials and keep their prices stable, do a good job in agricultural production, and secure a bumper autumn grain harvest and a bumper grain harvest for the entire year. 会议强调，要毫不放松做好“三农”工作，持续巩固拓展脱贫攻坚成果，建立健全高标准农田建设、运营、管护机制，稳定生猪等农畜产品生产和价格，促进农民稳定增收。做好农资保供稳价，抓好农业生产，夺取秋粮和全年粮食丰收.
The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to adopt multiple measures to strengthen the protection of people’s wellbeing, increase support for the employment of key groups, and do a good job in protecting the rights and interests of people in flexible employment and in new forms of employment. It is necessary to do a good job in providing services and guarantees for the elderly and the young, and improve the tiered and categorized social assistance system. It is necessary to strengthen ecological and environmental protection, fight the tough battle of the Three-North project, and actively and prudently advance carbon peaking and carbon neutrality. 会议指出，要多措并举加强民生保障，加大重点群体就业支持力度，做好灵活就业人员和新就业形态人员权益保障工作。抓好“一老一小”服务保障，健全分层分类的社会救助体系。加强生态环境保护，打好“三北”工程攻坚战，积极稳妥推进碳达峰碳中和.
The meeting stressed that it is necessary to effectively build a strong security barrier. It is necessary to stabilize the real estate market, effectively implement the package debt-resolution plan, and solidly advance the reform and risk resolution of local small and medium-sized financial institutions, while reducing quantity and improving quality. It is necessary to deepen the comprehensive reform of investment and financing in the capital market, and enhance the resilience and confidence of the capital market. It is necessary to thoroughly investigate and rectify all types of potential risks and hidden dangers, and resolutely curb the occurrence of major and especially serious accidents. It is necessary to strengthen the investigation and rectification of hidden dangers involving dangerous and defective reservoirs, river embankments, areas at risk of mountain floods and geological disasters, low-lying urban areas prone to waterlogging, and other risk points; solidly carry out all tasks related to flood prevention, emergency response, rescue, and disaster relief; and make every effort to safeguard the lives and property of the people. 会议强调，要切实筑牢安全屏障。稳定房地产市场，实施好一揽子化债方案，扎实推进地方中小金融机构改革化险、减量提质。深化资本市场投融资综合改革，提升资本市场韧性和信心。深入排查整治各类风险隐患，坚决遏制重特大事故发生。加强对病险水库、江河堤防、山洪和地质灾害危险区、城市低洼易涝点等隐患排查治理，扎实做好防汛应急抢险救灾各项工作，全力维护人民群众生命财产安全.
The meeting pointed out that it is necessary to consolidate and expand the achievements of learning and education campaign on practicing the correct view of political achievements, and promote leading cadres at all levels to continuously create new achievements in high-quality development with an even more spirited, vigorous, and enterprising approach. 会议指出，要巩固拓展树立和践行正确政绩观学习教育成果，推动各级领导干部以更加昂扬向上的精气神，不断创造高质量发展新业绩。
The meeting also studied other matters. 会议还研究了其他事项.
Note: My nutshell take on this readout is that broadly there is continuity in the agenda for the second half of the year, and this is not surprising. But there are some specific points that stand out, which indicate the potential for greater fiscal support and key priorities.
The fiscal support is indicated through language around the need to “effectively implement a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately accommodative monetary policy; give full play to the effectiveness of all existing policies; promptly plan and introduce incremental policies that are practical and effective; intensify counter-cyclical adjustment…” and “accelerate the pace of fiscal expenditure and the use of bond funds”.
The broad agenda technology and industrial agenda remains the priority as per this readout. The emphasis on Six Networks stands out. These refer to: water network, the new-type power grid, the computing-power network, the next-generation communications network, the urban underground pipe network, and the logistics network. The State Council recently discussed these, terming them as “of great importance for stabilizing investment, expanding consumption, and improving people’s livelihoods.” So this likely indicates the direction of investment.
Emphasis on new Regulations on the Construction of a Unified National Market and the rectification of ‘involution-style’ competition. I would urge everyone to read the SAMR chief’s piece on the nature of the involution challenge.
Emphasis on consolidation of small banks and financial institutions.
Emphasis on vigorously developing trade in services and promoting the balanced development of trade. For a while now, Beijing has been pointing to others’ trade surplus with China if one incorporates services into the mix. It has also been keen to boost its own services sector to expand consumption. I wonder if this is the next frontier of friction in the months and years to come.
Stress on the need to “improve the system for the management of outbound investment.” This is significant to watch since we’ve already seen new regulations governing the flow of outbound investment. Beijing seems to be signalling that it is going to get tougher on capital outflow.
Finally, it’s interesting that there is nothing in the readout around energy supplies or ensuring energy security, particularly in the paragraph on building a security barrier. That stands out to me, given the year that the world has experienced with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and now the war in West Asia potentially expanding with the Houthis threatening Bab al-Mandab.
Next, there’s a report on the Central Committee’s symposium with non-CPC personages to solicit opinions and suggestions on the current economic situation and economic work for the second half of the year. Xi Jinping presided over and addressed the symposium on July 24; Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Ding Xuexiang were in attendance. Li Qiang briefed participants on the relevant situation concerning economic work in the first half of the year and introduced the relevant considerations regarding economic work in the second half of the year.
The other attendees also gave their speeches. The report summarises their assessments as:
“Everyone fully endorsed the CPC Central Committee’s analysis and judgment of the current economic situation and its considerations for economic work in the second half of the year, and put forward views and suggestions on such matters as: cultivating and strengthening new drivers of growth; promoting the integrated development of the innovation chain and the industrial chain; improving the system of standards for the industrial application of the intelligent economy; coordinating and bringing into play the combined force of economic, social, and cultural development; stabilizing the employment of key groups; strengthening basic research; precisely implementing plans to expand consumption; further expanding effective investment; continuing to advance high-standard opening up; and intensifying counter-cyclical policy.” 大家完全赞同中共中央对当前经济形势的分析判断和下半年经济工作的考虑，并就培育壮大新动能、促进创新链与产业链融合发展、健全智能经济产业应用标准制度体系、统筹发挥经济社会文化建设合力、稳住重点群体就业、加强基础研究、精准落实扩大消费规划、进一步扩大有效投资、持续推进高水平对外开放、加大逆周期政策力度等提出意见建议.
The report says that in his speech, Xi said that:
“in carrying out economic work in the second half of the year, it is necessary to adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, accelerate the building of the new development pattern, better coordinate the two overall situations, coordinate development and security, adhere to deepening reform and opening up, accelerate the transformation of old and new growth drivers, effectively implement a more proactive fiscal policy and a moderately accommodative monetary policy, give full play to the effectiveness of all existing policies, promptly plan and introduce incremental policies that are practical and effective, intensify counter-cyclical adjustment, increase efforts to expand domestic demand and optimize supply, earnestly safeguard and improve the people’s wellbeing, strengthen the drivers of development and stimulate the vitality of society, promote the economy’s continued development toward the new, toward the better, and toward the positive, and strive to achieve a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan.” 中共中央总书记习近平主持座谈会并发表重要讲话强调，做好下半年经济工作，要坚持稳中求进工作总基调，完整准确全面贯彻新发展理念，加快构建新发展格局，更好统筹国内国际两个大局，统筹发展和安全，坚持深化改革开放，加快推动新旧动能转换，实施好更加积极的财政政策和适度宽松的货币政策，充分发挥各项存量政策效能，及时谋划出台务实管用的增量政策，加大逆周期调节力度，加力扩大内需、优化供给，切实保障和改善民生，增强发展动力、激发社会活力，推动经济持续向新向优向好发展，努力实现“十五五”良好开局.
It adds:
Xi “pointed out that in the first half of this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, localities and departments exerted their efforts proactively and took the initiative, effectively responded to internal and external risks and challenges, and our country’s economy advanced against pressure, developing toward the new and the optimal and displaying strong resilience and vitality. Xi Jinping stressed that at present, our country’s economic performance also faces some difficulties and challenges, and we must firm up confidence, tackle tough issues and overcome difficulties, and drive high-quality development forward steadily and far. In the second half of the year, we must enhance the effectiveness of macro policy, focusing on doing well such work as tapping the potential of domestic demand, promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, comprehensively deepening reform, expanding high-standard opening up, safeguarding and improving people’s livelihood forcefully and effectively, and continuing to defuse risks in key areas.”
在认真听取大家发言后，习近平发表重要讲话。他指出，今年上半年，在中共中央坚强领导下，各地区各部门靠前发力、主动作为，有效应对内外风险挑战，我国经济顶压前行、向新向优，展现出强大韧性和活力。习近平强调，当前我国经济运行也面临一些困难挑战，要坚定信心、攻坚克难，推动高质量发展行稳致远。下半年，要增强宏观政策效能，重点做好挖掘内需潜力、推动科技创新和产业创新深度融合、全面深化改革、扩大高水平对外开放、有力有效保障和改善民生、持续化解重点领域风险等工作.
He then put forward “three hopes for the democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and personages without party affiliation.”
“First, unify thinking and action with the CPC Central Committee’s analysis and judgment of the current economic situation and its decisions and arrangements for economic work, firm up confidence in development, and jointly drive the realization of the year’s economic and social development goals and tasks.
Second, actively perform duties and fulfill responsibilities, put forward targeted suggestions on the basis of in-depth investigation and research, and contribute wisdom and strength to promoting steady and sound economic improvement.
Third, continue to strengthen the ideological and political guidance of their members and the people with whom they maintain ties, guide everyone to study and comprehend the Party’s innovative theories, continually deepen political, ideological, theoretical, and emotional identification with the leadership of the Communist Party of China and with socialism with Chinese characteristics, and foster a favourable atmosphere for promoting high-quality development.”
习近平对各民主党派、全国工商联和无党派人士提出3点希望。一是把思想和行动统一到中共中央关于当前经济形势的分析判断和对经济工作的决策部署上来，坚定发展信心，共同推动实现全年经济社会发展目标任务。二是积极履职尽责，在深入调研基础上提出有针对性的建议，为促进经济稳中向好贡献智慧力量。三是持续加强对广大成员和所联系群众的思想政治引领，引导大家学习领会党的创新理论，不断增进对中国共产党领导和中国特色社会主义的政治认同、思想认同、理论认同、情感认同，为推动高质量发展营造良好氛围.
Apart from this, there’s a long feature on the page on the building of the PLA under Xi Jinping. This is sort of a curtain raiser, given that tomorrow is PLA Day, marking the 99th anniversary of the establishment of the PLA. The first section deals with the political building of the PLA and is of my primary interest. Here it goes:
“‘To build a strong military, we must first be strong politically; being strong politically is the most fundamental strength.’ In the capital, Beijing, on the eastern side of the northern extension of the central axis, the Museum of the History of the Communist Party of China welcomed a group of visitors in military uniform—participants in the PLA senior cadre training course. Tracing the roots and seeking the source, tempering through the forge. One historical photograph after another, one revolutionary relic after another, one lifelike historical scene after another inspired the senior military officers participating in the training to think deeply about the questions: Why join the Party? Why become a soldier? Why become a commander?
Senior officers are the backbone force of the cause of building a strong military, bearing a weight of a thousand jun on their shoulders; behind them stand thousands upon thousands of troops. At the historic juncture of the strategic transition in the new ‘three-step’ strategy for the modernization of national defense and the armed forces, Chairman Xi personally decided to hold the training class for senior officers of the entire armed forces. This was a strategic measure to consolidate and deepen the fruits of political rectification and to forge the core backbone of the cause of building a strong military.
On the morning of April 8, Chairman Xi attended the opening ceremony and delivered an important speech, stressing the importance of carrying out ideological rectification, deepening political rectification, strengthening the revolutionary tempering of our military’s officer ranks, always keeping the People’s Army pure and glorious, and greeting the centenary of the founding of the army with a brand-new political outlook.
Senior cadres were the first to receive education; the ‘key minority’ genuinely received education. Reading the original texts, receiving specialized instruction, visiting historical sites for learning, engaging in seminars and exchanges...the trainees underwent a spiritual baptism reaching the depths of the soul.
On the day the first session of the training class concluded, 16 trainee representatives delivered speeches, discussing the weight of their mission and the responsibility of doing solid work. Outside the window, a sculpture of the Red Army’s Long March stood quietly, reflecting the road traveled and pointing toward the distance. Having been tempered and forged here once again, the trainees departed for their respective posts and embarked upon a new journey.”
“强军首先要在政治上强，政治上强是最根本的强。”首都北京，中轴线北延长线东侧。中国共产党历史展览馆迎来一批身着戎装的参观者——全军高级干部培训班学员。寻根溯源，淬火锻造。一张张历史照片、一件件革命文物、一个个逼真场景，启发参加培训的军队高级干部深入思考：入党干什么？当兵干什么？为将干什么？高级干部是强军事业的中坚力量，身上千钧重担，身后千军万马。在国防和军队现代化新“三步走”战略转进的历史关口，习主席亲自决策举办全军高级干部培训班。这是巩固深化政治整训成果、锻造强军事业中坚骨干的战略举措。4月8日上午，习主席出席开班式并发表重要讲话，强调开展思想整风，深化政治整训，加强我军干部队伍革命性锻造，始终保持人民军队纯洁光荣，以崭新政治面貌迎接建军一百周年。高级干部先受教育，“关键少数”真受教育。研读原文、专题辅导、参观见学、研讨交流……培训班学员经历了一场灵魂深处的精神洗礼。第一期培训班结业当天，16名学员代表交流发言，谈使命之重，话实干之责。窗外，一尊红军长征雕塑静静屹立，照见来路，指向远方。从这里淬火锻造再出发，学员们奔赴各自战位，踏上新的征程.
“Looking back on the glorious course of the People’s Army, from the Sanwan Reorganization to the Gutian Conference, from the Yan’an Rectification to the new-style army-rectification movement during the War of Liberation, and from the rectification of work style and Party organization in the early years of New China to the comprehensive Party rectification after the reform and opening-up period…the more the People’s Army underwent rectification and training, the stronger, purer, and more combat-capable it became.
‘To build a strong military, we must first be strong politically; being strong politically is the most fundamental strength.’ Since entering the new era, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, standing at the strategic height of winning the historical initiative in strengthening and rejuvenating the military, has, with tremendous political courage and a strong sense of historical responsibility, led and advanced the political building of the military and political rectification, firmly defended the political character of the People’s Army, and opened a new journey of reshaping the People’s Army through political rectification.
From Gutian to Yan’an, from the All-Army Political Work Conference to the Central Military Commission Political Work Conference, efforts have been carried through in an integrated manner to rectify thinking, rectify personnel appointments, rectify organizations, rectify work style, and rectify discipline, and the Party’s leadership over our military, which had at one time been weakened, has been strengthened; the focus of work, which had at one time deviated, has been set right; unhealthy practices and corruption, which had at one time been regarded as impossible to stop, have been brought under control; the political ecology, which had at one time deteriorated, has been reversed. Through revolutionary forging, the People’s Army has been reborn from the flames and renewed by changing its plumage, laying a firmer ideological foundation and providing a stronger political guarantee for achieving the centenary goal of military building.”
回望人民军队的光辉历程，从三湾改编到古田会议，从延安整风到解放战争时期的新式整军运动，从新中国成立初期的整风整党到改革开放以后的全面整党，人民军队越整训越坚强、越纯洁、越有战斗力。“强军首先要在政治上强，政治上强是最根本的强。”进入新时代以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央站在赢得强军兴军历史主动的战略高度，以巨大政治勇气和强烈历史担当领导推进政治建军、政治整训，坚定捍卫人民军队政治本色，开启了以政治整训重塑人民军队的新征程。从古田到延安，从全军政治工作会议到中央军委政治工作会议，贯通抓好整顿思想、整顿用人、整顿组织、整顿作风、整顿纪律，我军一度弱化的党的领导得到加强，一度偏移的工作重心得到归正，一度被认为刹不住的不正之风和腐败现象得到遏制，一度恶化的政治生态得到扭转，人民军队在革命性锻造中浴火重生、换羽新生，为实现建军一百年奋斗目标奠定了更加坚实的思想基础、提供了更加坚强的政治保证.
“Consciously use the Party’s innovative theories to transform thinking and strengthen the foundation while cultivating the source.
In Yongxin, Jiangxi, the Monument to the Sanwan Reorganization inscribes history and inspires the future. During one inspection of troops, Chairman Xi movingly recounted the story that took place here: ‘The 54th Group Army has a famous “Red First Company”. In September 1927, during the Sanwan Reorganization, Comrade Mao Zedong personally established a Party branch in this company and recruited six new Party members, pioneering our military’s practice of “building Party branches at the company level”.’
Having red roots is important, but it is even more important to have a red soul. In recent years, the Red First Company has adopted such methods as Party branch-organized study, institution-driven study, Party member-led study, backbone-assisted study, and scenario-assisted study, integrating the study of the Party’s innovative theories into daily routines, stimulating the internal motivation of officers and soldiers to train for war, prepare for combat, and strive to overcome difficult tasks, and completing major training and exercise missions on many occasions.
The various units have always placed building and exercising leadership over the troops ideologically and politically in a prominent position, and have persevered in using the Party’s innovative theories to forge the soul and cultivate personnel. On the western frontier, several lecture teams of an Air Force unit went up to the plateau, into the positions, and to the battle stations, interpreting the Party’s innovative theories in a simple and accessible way; on the vast South China Sea, the ‘Loyal Blue Whale Grand Stage’ of a Navy crew unit gave lectures in the deep sea, guiding officers and soldiers to study, ponder, and put into practice Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military in light of the reality of their missions; on the front line of exercises and training, a Rocket Force brigade, in view of the mobile and dispersed characteristics of the troops, flexibly carried out the mass discussion activity ‘Everyone Talks About the Thought on Strengthening the Military’…continually tempering the foundation of faith, replenishing the calcium of the spirit, and steadying the rudder of thought.”
——自觉用党的创新理论改造思想、固本培元。江西永新，三湾改编纪念碑，铭刻历史、启迪未来。习主席在一次视察部队时，深情讲述了发生在这里的故事：“54集团军有个著名的‘红一连’，1927年9月‘三湾改编’时，毛泽东同志亲自在这个连队建立党支部，并发展了6名新党员，开创了我军‘支部建在连上’的先河。”有红色的根，更要有红色的魂。这些年，“红一连”采取支部组学、制度促学、党员领学、骨干帮学、情景助学，将党的创新理论学习融入日常，激发官兵练兵备战、奋斗攻坚的内在动力，多次完成重大演训任务。各部队始终把从思想上政治上建设和掌握部队摆在突出位置，坚持不懈用党的创新理论铸魂育人。西部边关，空军某部多支宣讲小分队上高原、进阵地、到战位，深入浅出解读党的创新理论；浩瀚南海，海军某艇员队“忠诚蓝鲸大舞台”深海开讲，引导官兵结合任务实际学思践悟习近平强军思想；演训一线，火箭军某旅针对部队动散特点，灵活开展“强军思想大家谈”群众性讨论活动……不断筑牢信仰之基、补足精神之钙、把稳思想之舵。
“Consciously carry forward the spirit of thorough self-revolution. This May, the CMC issued the Several Measures on Strengthening the Education, Management, and Supervision of Senior Military Cadres, aiming to enforce discipline to warn the mind and guide conduct, to strictly manage principal officers and above to lead by example, and to make responsibilities clear and truly grasp implementation, so as to earnestly set up iron rules of strict education, strict management, and strict supervision.
‘Our Party is a Marxist party that always represents the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people; it has no special interests of its own, and all thinking and behaviour of seeking private gain and engaging in corruption are utterly incompatible with the nature and purpose of the Party.’ Since the 18th Party Congress, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee, the CMC, and Chairman Xi, the troops of the entire armed forces have adhered to comprehensive and strict Party self-governance and comprehensive and strict governance of the military, deeply advanced political rectification and the rectification of conduct, enforcement of discipline, and fight against corruption, persisted in digging deep and investigating thoroughly and rooting out evil completely, resolutely investigated and dealt with high-level corrupt elements in the military, forcefully eliminated major political hidden dangers, and consolidated the purity and glory of the People’s Army.
Examining and identifying manifestations of the lingering poison/pernicious influence, establishing targets for identifying problems, and conducting in-depth, get-to-the-bottom, serious scrutiny, investigation, and correction; opposing privilege thinking and privilege phenomena, and rectifying-and-treating the ‘Four Winds’ with the spirit of driving nails; resolutely investigating and dealing with new types of corruption and hidden corruption; deepening the joint investigation and joint treatment of misconduct and corruption, persevering over the long term and applying systematic treatment, and advancing in an integrated way the goals of not daring to be corrupt, not being able to be corrupt, and not wanting to be corrupt; gripping firmly onto key industries and fields for strict management and strict treatment, thereby driving the breaking of hidden rules and accumulated malpractices in all fields…a pure atmosphere and upright spirit now fills barracks after barracks.”
——自觉发扬彻底的自我革命精神。今年5月，中央军委印发《关于加强军队高级干部教育管理监督的若干措施》，着眼严肃纲纪警心策行、严管主官以上率下、严明责任真抓实落，切实立起从严教育、从严管理、从严监督的铁规矩。“我们党是始终代表最广大人民根本利益的马克思主义政党，没有任何自己的特殊利益，一切谋私贪腐的思想和行为都同党的性质宗旨格格不入。”党的十八大以来，在党中央、中央军委和习主席坚强领导下，全军部队坚持全面从严治党、全面从严治军，深入推进政治整训、正风肃纪反腐，坚持深挖彻查、除恶务尽，坚决查处军队高层腐败分子，有力清除了重大政治隐患，巩固了人民军队纯洁光荣。查摆流毒表现，立起问题靶标，纵深起底严肃检视查纠；反对特权思想和特权现象，以钉钉子精神纠治“四风”；坚决查处新型腐败和隐性腐败；深化风腐同查同治，久久为功、系统施治，一体推进不敢腐、不能腐、不想腐；扭住重点行业领域严抓严治，带动各领域破除潜规积弊……清风正气充盈座座军营。
“Consciously establishing and practicing the correct view of political achievement.
For whom are achievements to be created? What kind of achievements are to be created? By what means are achievements to be created? All levels of the whole armed forces have persisted in combining the study and education campaign on establishing and practicing the correct view of political achievement with work such as driving military training and war preparedness, planning and construction, and grassroots building, ensuring quality in study, force in inspection, and effectiveness in rectification, so that ‘proceeding from reality and acting in accordance with objective laws’ becomes part of ways of thinking and work guidance, and so that high-quality development is promoted through genuine and practical work.
A certain Army brigade opened up a study path of ‘thematic research, immersive study and learning, and scenario-based discussion’, closely following ideological rectification to study and comprehend deeply, and correcting deviations in the view of performance and achievement from the ideological roots. One college of the National Defense University has consistently treated typical cases as ‘living teaching materials’ and warning education as a ‘sobering agent’, enabling Party members and cadres to understand laws and discipline, clearly understand rules, and know reverence. One unit of the Cyberspace Force, in conjunction with progress in its rectification and disciplinary campaign, has sorted through and identified problems for comparison, collected opinions and suggestions from the troops both online and offline, and dynamically updated its list of problems. One unit of the Military Aerospace Force has coordinated the advancement of problem rectification with the rectification and governance of key industries and sectors, rectifying one problem and closing the account on one problem. Each Theater Command, in light of problems discovered through inspection tours, investigations and research, military exercises and training, has further refined the investigation and correction of deviations in the view of political achievements relating to combat readiness and warfighting, taking whether something is conducive to improving combat capability as the hard benchmark for measuring all work, thereby promoting the firm establishment of the combat effectiveness standard.
Having undergone the tempering of rectification and training, the fundamental principle and system of the Party’s absolute leadership over the military have become more solid; ideals and convictions, the original aspiration and true character, and traditional work style have returned with force; significant and profound changes have taken place in the troops’ morale and fighting spirit, mental outlook, and political ecosystem; and the conviction of the officers and soldiers of the whole armed forces to heed the Party’s words and follow the Party has become incomparably firm, gathering the will and strength to strive for a strong military under the Party’s banner.”
——自觉树立和践行正确政绩观。政绩为谁而树？树什么样的政绩？靠什么树政绩？全军各级坚持把开展树立和践行正确政绩观学习教育与推动练兵备战、规划建设、基层建设等工作结合起来，确保学有质量、查有力度、改有成效，让“从实际出发、按规律办事”进入思维理念和工作指导，以真抓实干推动高质量发展。陆军某旅走开“专题式研究、沉浸式研学、情景式研讨”学习路子，紧扣思想整风深学深悟，从思想根子上校正政绩观偏差。国防大学某学院坚持把典型案例作为“活教材”，把警示教育作为“清醒剂”，让党员干部懂法纪、明规矩、知敬畏。网络空间部队某部结合整肃整治推进情况，对照梳理查摆问题，线上线下收集部队意见建议，动态更新问题清单。军事航天部队某部把推进问题整改与重点行业领域整肃治理统筹起来，整改一个、销账一个。各战区对照检查调研、演习演训等发现问题，细化查纠备战打仗方面的政绩观偏差，将是否有利于提高战斗力，作为衡量一切工作的硬杠杠，推动立牢战斗力标准。历经整训锻造，党对军队绝对领导的根本原则和制度更加强固，理想信念、初心本色、传统作风强力回归，部队军心士气、精神面貌、政治生态发生重大而深刻变化，全军官兵听党话、跟党走的信念无比坚定，汇聚起在党的旗帜下奋斗强军的意志力量.
Page 2: There are a couple of pieces on China’s latest electricity data. The key driver of this coverage is that:
“Coal-fired power accounted for 49.7 percent of China’s total electricity output in the first half of 2026, marking the first time its share has fallen below 50 percent and a new milestone in the country’s transition toward a green and low-carbon energy system…During the January-June period, China’s coal-fired power generation totaled 2.5 trillion kilowatt-hours (kWh), the National Energy Administration (NEA) disclosed at a press conference…The NEA data showed that China’s installed capacity of wind and solar power reached a combined 1.95 billion kilowatts by the end of June, up 16.8 percent from a year earlier. Amid this capacity expansion, electricity generation from renewable energy maintained steady growth in the first half of the year, reaching nearly 2 trillion kWh and up about 9 percent year-on-year, the data showed. Renewable energy accounted for 41.2 percent of the country’s total electricity generation during the period, exceeding the combined electricity consumption of the tertiary industry and urban and rural households, according to the NEA.”
Page 3: There’s a report on He Lifeng’s call with USTR Jamieson Greer and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The readout says:
“The two sides held candid, in-depth and constructive exchanges on implementing the important consensus reached between the two heads of state at their meeting in Beijing, and on maintaining stable economic and trade relations, expanding practical cooperation, and properly addressing each other’s concerns in the next stage. The Chinese side expressed serious concern over the recent economic and trade restrictions imposed by the United States on China. Both sides agreed that under the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, they would further leverage the role of the China-U.S. economic and trade consultation mechanism to enhance communication, build mutual trust and dispel doubts, expand cooperation, promote the stable and positive development of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and contribute to building a constructive China-U.S. relationship of strategic stability.”
So what are these measures?
Last week, the US imposed a fresh wave of tariffs against 60 economies, including China, Japan, South Korea, India and European Union member states, hours before a temporary 10 per cent blanket levy was due to expire. The tariffs, ranging from 10 to 12.5 per cent, are the outcome of a Section 301 investigation into forced labour, with Washington arguing that existing measures have failed to keep goods produced with forced labour out of supply chains. SCMP reports: “China faces a 12.5 per cent tariff rate, while Japan, South Korea, Switzerland and the European Union are subject to tariffs ranging from 10 per cent to 12.5 per cent. Countries like Canada, Mexico, India, Indonesia and the United Kingdom face 10 per cent tariffs on top of their other US import levies.”
In response, Beijing “urged the United States to correct its wrong practices and fully remove the unilateral tariff measures it imposed under the pretext of so-called ‘forced labor’. MofCom said that “China has consistently opposed forced labor and has established a comprehensive labor law and regulatory framework, the spokesperson said, stressing that the country is resolute in preventing and combating forced-labor practices. By contrast, the United States has yet to ratify the Forced Labour Convention, 1930, and has long manipulated the ‘forced labor’ issue.”
It added that the US move was “a typical act of unilateralism and protectionism, which China firmly opposes.”
Xinhua’s reportage of this said that “in China-U.S. economic and trade consultations, the United States made a clear commitment that any replacement additional tariffs on Chinese goods would not exceed 20 percent. Currently, the replacement additional tariffs imposed by the United States on Chinese goods stand at 12.5 percent, while China’s countermeasures against the first round of so-called fentanyl tariffs and reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States remain in effect, the spokesperson said. The United States should correct its wrong practices and fully remove the relevant unilateral tariff measures, the spokesperson said. China will continue to closely monitor and conduct a full assessment of subsequent U.S. moves, and reserves the right to take all necessary measures, said the spokesperson. China is willing to continue dialogue and consultations with the United States on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, in a bid to address each other’s concerns, said the spokesperson. China hopes that the United States will work with China in the same direction, the spokesperson said, calling for joint efforts to uphold and implement the consensus reached in the economic and trade consultations. The two sides should continue to expand cooperation, thereby making greater contributions to building a constructive bilateral relationship of strategic stability, the spokesperson added.”
Apart from this, Washington and Beijing are also sparring over the distillation of AI models. Global Times’ report says:
China has “slammed the US plan to investigate and threat to sanction Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) firms, stressing that such moves lack factual basis and legal justification, and that China will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its legitimate rights and interests. A MOFCOM spokesperson made the remarks when asked about some senior US officials’ recent statements that they will investigate Chinese AI companies for allegedly ‘distilling’ cutting-edge US models, and may impose sanctions on Chinese companies on grounds such as ‘stealing US intellectual property.’ Chinese experts said that hostility in Washington toward Chinese AI models has continued to intensify, standing in sharp contrast to the more rational voices within US industry. They urged US policymakers to stop spreading unfounded anxiety over China’s AI advances for political purposes, noting that building a healthy AI ecosystem is a shared global responsibility. Washington should pursue dialogue with China on an equal footing and contribute to global AI governance rather than erect barriers that fragment the industry and hinder innovation, they said.
‘We have noted the relevant developments. China has consistently opposed the US politicizing and weaponizing science, technology and trade issues, as well as smearing Chinese companies and imposing sanctions under various groundless pretexts,’ the MOFCOM spokesperson said. The spokesperson further criticized the US side, which was disregarding facts such as the close release timelines of Chinese and US cutting-edge AI models and the progress made by some Chinese models, saying that it has groundlessly accused Chinese companies of relying on ‘distillation’ or ‘stealing US intellectual property,’ while threatening sanctions. ‘These practices lack factual basis and legal justification, apply double standards in practice, and are typical acts of AI hegemony,’ the MOFCOM spokesperson said.”
Then yesterday, China criticized a decision by the US FCC to add foreign-made power inverters and advanced robotic devices to its Covered List, noting that the move discriminates against and suppresses Chinese companies and products. Xinhua reports:
“The addition to the list will prevent related new products from obtaining FCC authorization and entering the U.S. market. The U.S. side should immediately revoke these measures and end its erroneous practices, a spokesperson with China’s Ministry of Commerce said. The spokesperson said the FCC has, despite China’s repeated representations and restrained approach, continued to introduce and escalate restrictive measures, seriously harming China’s legitimate trade interests, undermining the stability of China-U.S. economic and trade relations, and disrupting the stability of global industrial and supply chains. The United States has overstretched the concept of national security and used administrative measures to interfere in normal commercial transactions and trade activities, disregarding the strong calls from industries in both countries, the spokesperson said. The pursuit of ‘decoupling and supply chain disruption’ constitutes a typical case of market distortion and unilateral bullying, according to the spokesperson. If the United States insists on moving ahead, China will take resolute countermeasures to safeguard its legitimate rights and interests, the spokesperson noted.”
Page 6: There’s a report informing that Beijing has a new plan on building a modern industrial system. The key points are that:
The plan sets out 16 indicators, of which 4, such as raising the share of producer services in total services to 65%, are being set for the first time in a five-year plan. The plan puts forward 16 key tasks across four aspects, including building an industrial system with international competitiveness and strengthening the radiating and leading power of the industrial system.
Page 16: The international page has a heavy Japan focus. But first, there’s this exchange from yesterday’s MoFA press conference that’s been reproduced.
Beijing Youth Daily: This year marks the 30th anniversary of the conclusion of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty. It was also 30 years ago, on July 29, that China declared a moratorium on nuclear testing, a commitment it has honored ever since. A nuclear test ban has also become a prevailing international consensus. Would you like to comment on this?
Mao Ning: In 1996, the Chinese government solemnly declared that it would start a moratorium on nuclear testing. The decision, while responding to the call of non-nuclear-weapon states, also made a historic contribution to the final conclusion of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT) and gave a strong boost to the international nuclear arms control process. Over the past 30 years, China has honored its nuclear test moratorium commitment and actively supported international efforts aimed at banning nuclear tests. As one of the first signatories of the CTBT, China firmly supports the treaty’s objectives and purpose, its early entry into force, and capacity building in developing countries, and actively advances preparatory work for its implementation at home, making important contributions to upholding the treaty’s universality and authority. China’s nuclear policy maintains a high degree of stability, continuity and predictability. We advocate the complete prohibition and thorough destruction of nuclear weapons, follow a policy of no-first-use of nuclear weapons, and unconditionally commit not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China follows a nuclear strategy of self-defense, keeping its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for safeguarding national security, and does not engage in any form of nuclear arms race. China’s nuclear strength is an essential force for deterring nuclear warfare and safeguarding world peace and security as well as global strategic stability.”
Next, there’s this from China’s Ministry of National Defense, which was covered in China Daily.
“Speaking at a press conference, Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, described recent remarks by the Japanese defense minister as ‘extremely provocative and dangerous,’ saying they had once again exposed Japan’s pretense and lies to the international community. ‘I wonder whether the Japanese side is using these remarks to test the tolerance of public opinion and pave the way for its ill attempts challenging the bottom line of international justice,’ Jiang said in response to a reporter’s query. His comments came after the Japanese defense chief said several times that Japan should discuss nuclear-weapon-related policies without taboos, including whether to revise the three non-nuclear principles that Japan has long been adhering to since the end of the World War II. Jiang underscored that Japan is internationally recognized as a nuclear-threshold state and has stockpiled approximately 44.4 metric tons of separated plutonium and long maintained the capability for a rapid nuclear breakout. He stressed that Japan’s attempt to breach the three non-nuclear principles seriously violates its obligations under international law as stipulated in the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, severely undermines the international nuclear non-proliferation regime, and poses a grave threat to the outcomes of the victory of World War II and the post-war international order. ‘Japan’s nuclear ambition is a red line that should never be crossed. Otherwise, if the Pandora’s box is opened, the consequences would be catastrophic,’ Jiang said, calling on the international community and people in Japan to remain highly vigilant and resolutely contain such a tendency.”
Then we have this exchange from the MoFA presser:
“Xinhua News Agency: Today marks the 27th anniversary of the signing of the MOU between the governments of the People’s Republic of China and Japan on the destruction of the chemical weapons abandoned by Japan in China. Could you update us on how the work is progressing and whether China has any concerns?
Mao Ning: Japan’s abandoned chemical weapons (ACWs) in China mark one of the gravest crimes that Japanese militarists committed during the war of aggression against China. Even today, they still pose a threat to the safety of the life and property of the Chinese people and the ecological environment. The complete destruction of the ACWs is Japan’s unshirkable historical, political and legal responsibility. In accordance with the Chemical Weapons Convention and the MOU between the two countries’ governments, Japan should have completed the destruction process by 2007. However, the Japanese side has demonstrated insufficient sincerity and inadequate input in fulfilling its obligations, and the implementation of the destruction plan has already missed its deadline four times. The destruction process is seriously lagging behind schedule, and the safety hazards posed by Japan’s ACWs remain. China calls on Japan to fully and faithfully fulfill its responsibility and obligations under the relevant convention and the MOU, provide effective information on burial sites as soon as possible, and speed up the disposal process, so that the day will come sooner when the hazardous Japanese ACWs are destroyed completely and thoroughly, and the Chinese people no longer have to live on soil tainted by ACWs.”
And there’s a report on the page informing that Japan has a started new round of discharge of nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea, marking the 22nd such release since the controversial operation began in 2023.
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