Flag and coastal states, chess pieces, distant-water fishing, and abandoned children

Terms to note from today’s PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference:

• 开放? [kāi fang]? openness; opening up:?

开放带来进步，合作创造未来。中国扩大高水平开放的决心不会变，同世界分享发展机遇的决心不会变。中国将继续秉持开放理念，同各国加强互利合作，实现共同发展。?

Openness brings progress and cooperation opens up a brighter future. China will not waver in our resolve to open wider at a high standard and our determination to share development opportunities with the rest of the world. China will uphold openness and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries for common development.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)

• 两会? [liÇŽng huì]? two sessions (of National People's Congress and of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference):?

Today’s quote:

两会不仅是中国政治生活中的一件大事，也是外界观察中国、读懂中国的重要窗口。我们欢迎外国驻华使节旁听两会。?

The two sessions are an important political event in China and a window for the rest of the world to observe and understand China. We welcome foreign diplomatic envoys to sit in on the two sessions.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)?

Previous PRC history of the term:

?? 全国政协全体会议与全国人大会议每年同期召开，政协委员不仅要讨论政协的问题，还要列席全国人大会议，参加对有关法律修改、“一府两院”工作报告等的讨论，这样的制度安排真正实现了让人人起来负责、人人监督政府工作，形成了具有中国特色的“两会”式民主。?

When the annual sessions of the NPC and the CPPCC National Committee (Two Sessions) are held concurrently each year, members of the CPPCC National Committee submit proposals for deliberation. They also sit in on NPC sessions to participate in the discussions on the amendments to laws and on the work reports of the central government, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate. This mechanism ensures that all the people can play a part in overseeing the work of the government, and forms China's own model of democracy based on the Two Sessions.? (White_Paper_Democracy in China_《中国的民主》_2021_12_04)

• 棋子? [qí zǐ]? chess piece; pawn:?

Today’s quote:

中方奉劝美方不要将菲律宾作为棋子搅乱南海地区局势。菲方也不要任由美国摆布，历史教训表明，棋子最终只会成为弃子。?

China urges the US to refrain from using the Philippines as a pawn to destabilize the South China Sea. The Philippines also needs to refrain from being manipulated by the US. Lessons from history tell us that a pawn will only end up being abandoned.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)?

Previous PRC history of the term:

?? 美国的一些反华势力以所谓“自由、民主、人权”和“维护以规则为基础的国际秩序”为幌子，刻意歪曲台湾问题纯属中国内政的性质，企图否定中国政府维护国家主权和领土完整的正当性与合理性。 ... 外部势力打“台湾牌”，是把台湾当作遏制中国发展进步、阻挠中华民族伟大复兴的棋子，牺牲的是台湾同胞的利益福祉和光明前途，绝不是为了台湾同胞好。?

Behind the smokescreens of "freedom, democracy, and human rights" and "upholding the rules-based international order", some anti-China forces in the US deliberately distort the nature of the Taiwan question - which is purely an internal matter for China - and try to deny the legitimacy and justification of the Chinese government in safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity.? ... These external forces are using Taiwan as a pawn to undermine China's development and progress, and obstruct the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. They are doing so at the cost of the interests, wellbeing and future of the people of Taiwan rather than for their benefit.? (White Paper_The Taiwan Question and China's Reunification in the New Era_ 台湾问题与新时代中国统一事业_2022_08_10)?

?? 我们也要正告民进党当局，挟洋谋“独”必然是死路一条，仰人鼻息终将沦为弃子。?

We would also like to make it clear to the DPP authorities that soliciting foreign support to seek “Taiwan independence” will get them nowhere. Anyone who throw themselves on the mercy of others will only end up being tossed aside like used chess pieces.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 22, 2022)?

?? 甘心为他人做“棋子”，最终难逃“弃子”的命运。?

If Taiwan is willing to be a “chess piece” in other’s power game, it ultimately cannot escape the fate of being abandoned.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on March 31, 2022)?

?? 立陶宛甘做棋子，为虎作伥，却不敢承认，更从未道歉，这不是一个负责任的国家所为。?

Lithuania willingly serves as a pawn, but dares not to own up to it, let alone apologizes for it. This is not the behavior of a responsible country and should be condemned by all countries safeguarding human rights and respecting rule of law.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 24, 2021)

• 弃子? [qì zǐ]? abandoned child:?

Today’s quote:

中方奉劝美方不要将菲律宾作为棋子搅乱南海地区局势。菲方也不要任由美国摆布，历史教训表明，棋子最终只会成为弃子。?

China urges the US to refrain from using the Philippines as a pawn to destabilize the South China Sea. The Philippines also needs to refrain from being manipulated by the US. Lessons from history tell us that a pawn will only end up being abandoned.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)?

Previous PRC history of the term:

?? 我们也要正告民进党当局，挟洋谋“独”必然是死路一条，仰人鼻息终将沦为弃子。?

We would also like to make it clear to the DPP authorities that soliciting foreign support to seek “Taiwan independence” will get them nowhere. Anyone who throw themselves on the mercy of others will only end up being tossed aside like used chess pieces.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on June 22, 2022)?

?? 甘心为他人做“棋子”，最终难逃“弃子”的命运。?

If Taiwan is willing to be a “chess piece” in other’s power game, it ultimately cannot escape the fate of being abandoned.? (Regular Press Conference of the Ministry of National Defense on March 31, 2022)

• 双边问题? [shuāng biān wèn tí]? bilateral issue:?

Today’s quote:

仁爱礁问题是中国和菲律宾之间的双边问题，包括美国在内的任何第三方不应借机挑拨，更不应插手介入。中方维护自身合法权利的决心意志坚定不移，菲方侵权挑衅的图谋不会得逞。中方奉劝美方不要将菲律宾作为棋子搅乱南海地区局势。菲方也不要任由美国摆布，历史教训表明，棋子最终只会成为弃子。? Ren’ai Jiao is a bilateral issue between China and the Philippines.

The US or any third party should not exploit the issue to sow discord, still less make interventions. China has unwavering determination and will in safeguarding its legitimate rights. The Philippines’ attempt of making infringements and provocations will not succeed. China urges the US to refrain from using the Philippines as a pawn to destabilize the South China Sea. The Philippines also needs to refrain from being manipulated by the US. Lessons from history tell us that a pawn will only end up being abandoned.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)?

Previous PRC history of the term:

?? 美方为一己私利，插手搅局南海问题，怂恿支持菲方侵权滋事，加剧海上紧张局势，中方对此坚决反对。历史已多次证明，美国的介入只会让情况变得更糟。我们对有关国家挑动对抗，破坏南海和平稳定的错误行径予以强烈谴责，敦促其谨言慎行。中国军队将采取坚决有力措施捍卫国家领土主权和海洋权益。

The issue of Ren'ai Jiao is a bilateral one between China and the Philippines, and has nothing to do with the US. The US meddled in the South China Sea issue for its selfish interests, instigated and emboldened the Philippine side to infringe upon China's sovereignty, which escalated maritime tensions. The Chinese side firmly opposes that. History has repeatedly proved that the US interference will only make things worse. We strongly condemn the wrong acts by relevant countries to provoke confrontation and undermine peace and stability in the South China Sea, and urge them to be prudent in words and deeds. The Chinese military will take resolute and effective measures to defend national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime rights and interests.? (Regular Press Conference of China's Ministry of National Defense on November 30, 2023)?

?? … 仁爱礁问题是中国和菲律宾之间的双边问题，与美国无关。一段时间以来，菲律宾不断派公务船、军舰强闯仁爱礁邻近海域，企图运送用于大规模维修加固非法“坐滩”军舰的建筑物资，严重侵犯中国领土主权，违反国际法和《南海各方行为宣言》规定，也违背自身承诺。中国有权依据国内法和国际法对菲方侵权行径采取必要执法措施，维护领土主权和海洋权益。美国为实现自身地缘政治私利，怂恿支持配合菲律宾在仁爱礁侵权挑衅，严重违反国际法和国际关系基本准则，严重损害中方的主权和权益，严重危害地区和平稳定。地区国家对此看得十分清楚。中国维护自身合法权利的决心和意志是坚定的，美方的图谋注定不可能得逞。?

…? Ren’ai Jiao is a bilateral issue between China and the Philippines. The US has no place in it. For some time, the Philippines has kept sending public service ships and warships to intrude into the adjacent waters of Ren’ai Jiao in an attempt to deliver construction materials for repairing and reinforcing the illegally “grounded” military vessel on a large scale. This has seriously violated China’s territorial sovereignty, breached international law and the stipulations of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and broken the Philippines’ own promise. China has the right to take necessary law enforcement measures to the Philippines’ infringement in accordance with domestic and international law to uphold China’s territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. In seeking selfish geopolitical interests, the US has incited, supported and cooperated with the Philippines in its infringement and provocation at Ren’ai Jiao, which seriously violates international law and the basic norms governing international relations, seriously undermines China’s sovereignty and rights and interests and seriously jeopardizes regional peace and stability. This is quite clear to countries in the region. China has firm resolve and will in safeguarding its lawful rights and the US’s attempt is doomed to fail.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on October 23, 2023)?

?? 中立之间的问题，是政治问题，不是经济问题；中立之间的问题，是立方背信弃义、损害中国利益导致的问题，不是中方向立陶宛施加压力的问题；中立之间的问题，是中立双边问题，不是中欧之间的问题。?

The problem between China and Lithuania is a political not an economic one. They were created by Lithuania that acted in bad faith and hurt China’s interests, rather than China’s pressure on Lithuania. They are issues between China and Lithuania, instead of China and the EU.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on January 27, 2022)

• 无可非议? [wú kÄ› fÄ“i yì]? beyond reproach; justifiable:?

Today’s quote:

仁爱礁是中国南沙群岛的组成部分，中国对包括仁爱礁在内的南沙群岛及其附近海域拥有无可争辩的主权，这是在长期历史进程中形成并确立的，符合包括《联合国宪章》在内的国际法。中国海警依法对菲方在仁爱礁的侵权挑衅行为采取必要执法措施，正当合法，专业克制，无可非议。?

Ren’ai Jiao is part of China’s Nansha Qundao. China has indisputable sovereignty over Nansha Qundao and its adjacent waters, including Ren’ai Jiao. This is established in the long course of history, and complies with international law, including the UN Charter. China Coast Guard took necessary law enforcement measures in accordance with law against the infringement and provocative moves by Philippine vessels at Ren’ai Jiao. The measures are justified, lawful, professional, restrained, and beyond reproach.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)?

Previous PRC history of the term:

?? 昨天我已经就有关问题表明中方立场。我愿重申，中国海警在中方管辖海域开展正当合法的执法活动，无可非议。?

I stated China’s position yesterday? July 6, 2023] and would like to reiterate that the legitimate and lawful law enforcement activities of China Coast Guard in waters under China’s jurisdiction is beyond reproach.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on July 7, 2023)?

?? 关于你的第一个问题，在乌克兰问题上，中方始终本着客观公正态度，根据事情本身的是非曲直，独立自主地作出判断。中方一贯主张尊重各国主权和领土完整，遵守联合国宪章宗旨和原则，重视各国合理安全关切，支持一切有利于和平解决危机的努力，致力于劝和促谈，缓和人道主义局势。中方的立场光明磊落、公正客观、无可非议。?

Regarding your first question, on the Ukraine issue, China has always made its judgment independently and in an objective and just manner based on the merits of the matter itself. China has always stood for respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, abiding by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, attaching importance to the legitimate security concerns of all countries, supporting all efforts conducive to the peaceful resolution of the crisis, and committing itself to promoting peace talks to ease the humanitarian situation. China’s position is aboveboard, just, objective and beyond reproach.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 18, 2022)?

?? 面对未知的病毒和突如其来的疫情，中国政府坚持人民至上、生命至上，采取正常的防控措施无可非议。?

In the face of the sudden onslaught of an unknown virus, the Chinese government put people and their lives front and center and adopted normal prevention and control measures, which are beyond reproach.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 30, 2021)?

?? 中国政府对南沙部分驻守岛礁进行了相关建设和设施维护，主要是为了完善岛礁的相关功能，改善驻守人员的工作和生活条件，更好地维护国家领土主权和海洋权益，更好地履行中方在海上搜寻与救助、防灾减灾、海洋科研、气象观察、环境保护、航行安全、渔业生产服务等方面承担的国际责任和义务。有关建设是中方主权范围内的事情，合情、合理、合法，不影响也不针对任何国家，无可非议。?

The Chinese government has been carrying out maintenance and construction work on some of the garrisoned Nansha islands and reefs with the main purposes of optimizing their functions, improving the living and working conditions of personnel stationed there, better safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests, as well as better performing China's international responsibility and obligation in maritime search and rescue, disaster prevention and mitigation, marine science and research, meteorological observation, environmental protection, navigation safety, fishery production service and other areas. The relevant construction, which is reasonable, justified and lawful, is well within China's sovereignty. It does not impact or target any country, and is thus beyond reproach.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on April 9, 2015)

• 行船旗国? [xíng chuán qí guó]? flag state:?

作为原则，中国一向尊重沿海国依据国际法在其专属经济区享有的主权权利和专属管辖权，全面履行船旗国义务，严格实施远洋渔业监管，与有关国家在平等互利基础上开展渔业养护和利用合作。?

Let me say more broadly that China respects the sovereign rights and exclusive jurisdiction that coastal states enjoy in their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in accordance with international law, fully fulfills flag state’s obligations, exercises strict supervision over distant-water fisheries, and carries out cooperation on the conservation and use of fisheries resources with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)

• 沿海国? [yán hÇŽi guó]? coastal state:?

作为原则，中国一向尊重沿海国依据国际法在其专属经济区享有的主权权利和专属管辖权，全面履行船旗国义务，严格实施远洋渔业监管，与有关国家在平等互利基础上开展渔业养护和利用合作。?

Let me say more broadly that China respects the sovereign rights and exclusive jurisdiction that coastal states enjoy in their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in accordance with international law, fully fulfills flag state’s obligations, exercises strict supervision over distant-water fisheries, and carries out cooperation on the conservation and use of fisheries resources with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)

• 远洋渔业? [yuÇŽn yáng yú yè]? distant-water fishing:?

Today’s quote:

作为原则，中国一向尊重沿海国依据国际法在其专属经济区享有的主权权利和专属管辖权，全面履行船旗国义务，严格实施远洋渔业监管，与有关国家在平等互利基础上开展渔业养护和利用合作。?

Let me say more broadly that China respects the sovereign rights and exclusive jurisdiction that coastal states enjoy in their exclusive economic zones (EEZs) in accordance with international law, fully fulfills flag state’s obligations, exercises strict supervision over distant-water fisheries, and carries out cooperation on the conservation and use of fisheries resources with relevant countries on the basis of equality and mutual benefit.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)?

Previous PRC history of the term:

?? 中国是负责任的远洋渔业国家，一向依法依规开展远洋捕捞活动，坚持“零容忍”打击非法捕捞，持续提升远洋渔业履约能力和监管水平。开展公海自主休渔，深化双边渔业合作，积极参与国际和区域渔业管理组织，促进国际渔业资源科学养护和可持续利用。?

China is a responsible country in distant-water fisheries. We conduct distant-water fishing in accordance with laws and regulations, adopt a zero-tolerance attitude towards illegal fishing and continue to improve compliance and regulation related to distant-water fisheries. We have also launched voluntary fishing moratoriums in certain parts of high seas, deepened bilateral fisheries cooperation, actively participated in international and regional fisheries management organizations and promoted science-based conservation and sustainable use of international fisheries resources.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 21, 2023)?

?? 拓展相互投资领域，开展农林牧渔业、农机及农产品生产加工等领域深度合作，积极推进海水养殖、远洋渔业、水产品加工、海水淡化、海洋生物制药、海洋工程技术、环保产业和海上旅游等领域合作。?

We should expand mutual investment areas, deepen cooperation in agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry and fisheries, agricultural machinery manufacturing and farm produce processing, and promote cooperation in marine-product farming, deep-sea fishing, aquatic product processing, seawater desalination, marine biopharmacy, ocean engineering technology, environmental protection industries, marine tourism and other fields.? (Action plan on the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative_一带一路规划_2015_03_30)

• 政府工作报告? [zhèng fÇ” gōng zuò bào gào]? government work report:?

Today’s quote:

李强总理昨天在政府工作报告中释放了一个重要信息，那就是中国将扩大高水平对外开放，促进互利共赢。一是将加大吸引外资力度，继续缩减外资准入负面清单，全面取消制造业领域外资准入限制措施，放宽电信、医疗等服务业市场准入。加强外商投资服务保障，打造“投资中国”品牌，提升外籍人员来华工作、学习、旅游便利度。二是将推动高质量共建“一带一路”走深走实，抓好支持高质量共建“一带一路”八项行动落实落地，稳步推进重大项目合作，实施一批“小而美”民生项目，积极推动数字、绿色、创新、健康、文旅、减贫等领域合作。三是将深化多双边和区域经济合作，推动落实已生效自贸协定，与更多国家和地区商签高标准自贸协定和投资协定。全面深入参与世贸组织改革，推动建设开放型世界经济，让更多合作共赢成果惠及各国人民。开放带来进步，合作创造未来。中国扩大高水平开放的决心不会变，同世界分享发展机遇的决心不会变。中国将继续秉持开放理念，同各国加强互利合作，实现共同发展。?

When delivering the Report on the Work of the Government, Premier Li Qiang sent an important message that China will pursue higher-standard opening up and promote mutual benefits. First, we will do more to attract foreign investment and further shorten the negative list for foreign investment. All market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing will be abolished, and market access restrictions in services sectors, such as telecommunications and healthcare, will be reduced. We will strengthen services for foreign investors and make China a favored destination for foreign investment. We will make it easier for foreign nationals to work, study, and travel in China. Second, we will strive for solid progress in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We will carry out the eight major measures for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We will steadily advance cooperation on major projects and implement a number of “small yet smart” projects for improving the people’s wellbeing. We will promote cooperation in fields such as digital development, green development, innovation, health, culture, tourism, and poverty reduction. Third, we will deepen bilateral, multilateral and regional economic cooperation, promote the implementation of free trade agreements that have entered into force, negotiate and sign high-standard free trade agreements and investment agreements with more countries and regions, comprehensively and deeply participate in WTO reform, foster an open world economy and deliver more benefits generated from win-win cooperation to people of all countries. Openness brings progress and cooperation opens up a brighter future. China will not waver in our resolve to open wider at a high standard and our determination to share development opportunities with the rest of the world. China will uphold openness and enhance mutually beneficial cooperation with all countries for common development.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 6, 2024)?

Previous PRC history of the term:

?? 我们的对台大政方针是明确的，我在政府工作报告中已经作了表述，就是坚持一个中国原则和“九二共识”，坚决反对“台独”分裂行径，推进两岸关系和平发展和祖国统一。?

Our major principles and policies on work related to Taiwan are clear-cut. I [Li Keqiang] have laid them out in the Government Work Report. That is, we are committed to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus. We firmly oppose separatist activities seeking “Taiwan independence” and we will advance the peaceful growth of cross-Strait relations and the reunification of China.? (Premier Li Keqiang Meets the Press_李克强总理出席记者会并回答中外记者提问_2022_03_11)?

?? 我们所面临的形势依然复杂严峻，困难和挑战依然众多，我在政府工作报告和刚才回答问题中已经对应对困难挑战作了说明和阐述。?

We are still faced with a complicated and challenging environment and there are still many difficulties and challenges at play. As to how to respond to these challenges and difficulties, I? [Li Keqiang] have set out our policies in the Government Work Report and also in my answers to some previous questions.? (Premier Li Keqiang Meets the Press_李克强总理出席记者会并回答中外记者提问_2022_03_11)?

?? 5月15日，中共中央总书记习近平主持召开中共中央政治局会议，讨论国务院拟提请第十三届全国人民代表大会第三次会议审议的《政府工作报告》稿，?

May 15: Xi Jinping chaired a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to discuss the draft Report on the Work of the Government, which the State Council would submit to the forthcoming Third Session of the 13th National People’s Congress for deliberation.? (White_Paper_Fighting Covid-19_China in Action_《抗击新冠肺炎疫情的中国行动》_2020_06_07)?

?? 要以习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想为指导，全面贯彻党的十九大和十九届二中、三中全会精神，按照党中央、国务院决策部署，深入落实中央经济工作会议精神和《政府工作报告》部署要求，着力做好八方面工作。?

We will continue following the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and fully apply the guiding principles from the 19th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 19th CPC Central Committee. In line with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, the principles of the Central Economic Work Conference, and the requirements of the Report on the Work of the Government, we will focus our work on the following eight areas.? (Report on the Implementation of the 2018 Plan for National Economic and Social Development and on the 2019 Draft Plan for National Economic and Social Development_ 关于2018年国民经济和社会发展计划执行情况与2019年国民经济和社会发展计划草案的报告)

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