Political civilization, the Iranian nuclear issue, pooling collective wisdom, and opposing terrorism in any form
Michael Horlick, MPM, M Ed., PMP
Educator, Lexicographer, and Incurable Idealist
Term to note from today’s PRC Ministry of Foreign Affairs press conference:?
Today’s quote:
中方坚决反对一切形式的恐怖主义，将继续坚定支持巴方推进反恐行动，维护社会团结稳定，保护民众安全。?
China firmly opposes terrorism in any form. We will continue to firmly support Pakistan in combating terrorism, maintaining solidarity and social stability, and protecting the safety of the people.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 12, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 我们坚决反对一切形式的恐怖主义，呼吁对“伊斯兰国”“东伊运”等联合国安理会列名的恐怖组织予以坚决有力打击，决不姑息纵容。?
China firmly opposes all forms of terrorism and calls for resolute and strong efforts in cracking down on ISIS, the ETIM and other terrorist organizations designated by the UN Security Council with zero tolerance.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on January 23, 2025)?
?? 中方对俄罗斯莫斯科州发生严重恐怖袭击事件造成重大人员伤亡深感震惊，对遇难者表示深切哀悼，对伤者和遇难者家属表示诚挚慰问。中方反对一切形式的恐怖主义，强烈谴责恐怖袭击行为，坚定支持各方维护国家安全稳定的努力。?
China is deeply shocked at the deadly terrorist attack in Moscow region, Russia, which resulted in numerous fatalities. We express our deep condolences over the deceased and sincere sympathies to the injured and those who lost their loved ones. China opposes all forms of terrorism, strongly condemns terrorist attacks and firmly supports all parties’ efforts to safeguard national security and stability.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 25, 2024)?
?? 中方对伊朗东南部克尔曼省发生严重恐怖袭击事件并造成重大人员伤亡深感震惊。我们对遇难者表示深切哀悼，向伤者和遇难者家属表示诚挚慰问。中方反对一切形式的恐怖主义，强烈谴责恐怖袭击行为，坚定支持伊朗维护国家安全稳定的努力。?
We are deeply shocked by the devastating terrorist attacks in Iran’s southeastern province of Kerman which have inflicted heavy casualties. We express our deep condolences over the loss of lives and sincere sympathies to those who have been injured and the families of the victims. China opposes terrorism in any form and strongly condemns terrorist attacks. We firmly support Iran in safeguarding national security and stability.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on January 4, 2024)?
?? 要坚持以对话解决争端、以协商化解分歧，统筹应对传统和非传统安全威胁，反对一切形式的恐怖主义。?
We should commit to settling disputes through dialogue and resolving differences through discussion, coordinate responses to traditional and non-traditional threats, and oppose terrorism in all its forms.? (Xi_Jinping_Report at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China_Secure a Decisive Victory_October_18_2017)?
Today’s quote:
政府工作报告起草过程中征求意见近4000份，征集网民建言200多万条，力求最充分集思广益，最广泛反映民意。?
Nearly 4,000 suggestions and over 2 million online opinions were solicited for the draft of the Report on the Work of the Government, with the aim of most extensively pooling collective wisdom and representing people’s will.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 12, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 这次全会文件起草，把发扬民主、集思广益贯穿全过程。2023年11月27日，党中央发出通知，就党的二十届三中全会议题征求各地区各部门各方面和部分干部群众意见。?
Throughout the drafting process [of the draft of the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization 中共中央关于进一步全面深化改革、推进中国式现代化的决定], we have taken a democratic approach in order to draw on a vast pool of wisdom. On November 27, 2023, the Central Committee issued a notice about soliciting opinions on the agenda of the third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee from all localities, departments, and sectors, as well as some officials and individuals.? (Xi_Jinping_Explanation of the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization_关于《中共中央关于进一步全面深化改革_2024_07_21)?
?? 本月举行的全国两会期间，来自各地各行各业近5000名代表委员齐聚北京，将人民所思所盼融入国家发展顶层设计；《政府工作报告》集思广益，约1万人直接参与报告修改。?
During the two sessions held earlier this month, close to 5,000 deputies and members from all walks of life across China gathered in Beijing to incorporate people’s ideas and aspirations into the top-level design of national development. The 2024 Report on the Work of the Government pooled wisdom and around 10,000 people directly participated in the report revision.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 25, 2024)?
?? 各方赞赏中国倡议举行巴以问题高级别会议，认为这是落实联合国安理会第2712号决议的第一场会议，对推动停火止战、缓解人道危机具有重要意义，有助于集思广益，凝聚共识，形成合力。?
All sides commended China’s initiation of holding the High-Level Meeting on the Palestinian-Israeli Issue and recognized the meeting as the first event to deliver on the Security Council’s Resolution 2712. The meeting is of important significance for promoting a ceasefire and easing the humanitarian crisis and helps parties to pool insights, consensus and synergy.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 30, 2023)?
?? 这次亚洲文明对话大会议题广泛、内容丰富，希望大家集思广益、畅所欲言，提出真知灼见，共同创造亚洲文明和世界文明的美好未来！?
The Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations has a wide-ranging agenda, and I look forward to your keen perspectives and insights. By putting our heads together, we will create an even better tomorrow for civilizations in Asia and beyond!? (Xi_Jinping_Deepening Exchanges and Mutual Learning Among Civilizations for an Asian Community with a Shared Future_ 深化文明交流互鉴 共建亚洲命运共同体 [2019.5.15])
Today’s quote:
中方将于3月14日举行伊朗核问题中俄伊北京会晤。外交部副部长马朝旭将主持会议，俄罗斯副外长里亚布科夫、伊朗副外长加里布阿巴迪来京出席，三方将就伊朗核问题及其他共同关心的问题交换意见。?
China will hold the Beijing meeting between China, Russia and Iran on the Iranian nuclear issue on March 14 [2025]. Executive Vice Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu will chair the meeting and Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Ryabkov Sergey Alexeevich and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi will attend the meeting in Beijing. The three parties will exchange views on the Iranian nuclear issue and other issues of mutual interest.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 12, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 对话协商是解决伊朗核问题的正道。当前形势下，各有关方应努力维护对话协商良好氛围，为恢复伊朗核问题谈判采取建设性行动。中方将继续坚持客观公正立场，积极劝和促谈，与各方一道推动伊朗核问题政治解决进程。?
Dialogue and consultation is the right way forward for resolving the Iranian nuclear issue. Under the current circumstances, parties need to strive to maintain an enabling atmosphere for dialogue and consultation, and take constructive action for the resumption of negotiation on the Iranian nuclear issue. China stands by our objective and just position, and will actively promote talks and work with the other parties to advance the political resolution of the Iranian nuclear issue.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on December 3, 2024)?
?? 在伊朗核问题上，积极推动恢复伊核全面协议，维护有关国家正当合法权益，维护国际核不扩散体系。?
On the Iranian nuclear issue, China has actively promoted the resumption of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), to uphold the legitimate rights and interests of relevant countries and the international nuclear non-proliferation regime.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on February 22, 2023)?
?? 近年来，美国对国际军控条约和机制采取“利则用，不利则弃”的实用主义态度，接连退出《中导条约》《开放天空条约》，撤销签署《武器贸易条约》，在伊朗核问题上立场反反复复。?
In recent years, it has been adopting a pragmatic cherry-picking approach with international arms control treaties and mechanisms. It has withdrawn from the INF Treaty and the Open Skies Treaty, unsigned the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), and flip-flopped on the Iranian nuclear issue.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on April 19, 2022)?
?? 11月17日，国际原子能机构总干事格罗西发布两份伊朗核问题报告，介绍伊朗履行全面协议核义务以及机构对伊核活动实施保障监督的最新情况，并表示其将应邀访伊。? On November 17 [2021], the IAEA
Director General Rafael Grossi released two reports on the Iranian nuclear issue, introducing Iran’s implementation of its nuclear-related commitments under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and on matters related to verification and monitoring of Iran’s nuclear activities. Grossi has accepted an invitation to visit Iran.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on November 19, 2021)?
Today’s quote:
中国全国两会是全过程人民民主的生动实践。出席今年两会的有来自各行各业近3000名全国人大代表和2000多名政协委员，他们将百姓的声音带到最高议事平台，将人民所思所盼融入国家发展顶层设计。政府工作报告起草过程中征求意见近4000份，征集网民建言200多万条，力求最充分集思广益，最广泛反映民意。两会闭幕后，政府部门将全面落实各项任务，实现从民意反映、倾听到协商、落实的完整闭环。?
The two sessions are a vivid practice of China’s whole-process people’s democracy. This year’s two sessions have brought together nearly 3,000 NPC deputies and over 2,000 CPPCC members from diverse backgrounds who represent people’s voice on the top-level platform for the deliberation of state affairs and integrate people’s aspiration into the top design of national development. Nearly 4,000 suggestions and over 2 million online opinions were solicited for the draft of the Report on the Work of the Government, with the aim of most extensively pooling collective wisdom and representing people’s will. After the two sessions were concluded, government departments will comprehensively implement tasks after listening to public opinion and having consultation.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 12, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 今年政府工作报告在起草过程中坚持开门问策、集思广益，充分反映民心民意，回应基层、群众、企业的关切。据统计，直接参与报告修改的，大约有1万人。报告稿形成后，印发各地区各部门、各单位和社会各界征求意见，梳理出1100多条意见建议。此外，网络媒体平台还整理了来自40多个国家、数百万条的网民建议，并将精选建言转给起草组。接地气、汇民意的起草工作让老百姓的所思所想融入国家发展的决策部署。?
When drafting the 2024 Report on the Work of the Government, the government, open to suggestions, pooled insights to fully reflect the public opinion and respond to the concerns from communities, the public and businesses. Statistics show that around 10,000 were directly involved in the report revision. After its completion, the draft was issued and sent to departments, institutions and all sectors across China for comment, drawing up over 1,100 suggestions. In addition, online media platforms picked up millions of online suggestions from over 40 countries and sent the picks to the drafters. The down-to-earth drafting with the collective wisdom incorporated peoples’ ideas and aspirations into major decisions on China’s development.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 13, 2024)?
?? 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)?
?? 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)
Today’s quote:
全过程人民民主是最广泛、最真实、最管用的民主，是最适合中国国情的人民民主，也为丰富发展人类政治文明作出了重要贡献。?
Whole-process people’s democracy is the model of democracy in its broadest, most genuine, and most effective form. It is the people’s democracy most suitable for China’s national conditions and has made important contributions for enriching humanity’s political civilization.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 12, 2025)?
Previous PRC history of the term:
?? 中国探索出符合中国国情、具有中国特色的民主道路，也为丰富发展人类政治文明作出重要贡献。?
China has explored a democracy path that fits the national conditions and has Chinese characteristics, and greatly enriched humanity’s political civilization.? (Foreign Ministry Regular Press Conference on March 25, 2024)?
?? 中国注重吸收借鉴人类政治文明一切有益成果，但绝不照抄照搬别国民主模式；欢迎一切有益的建议和善意的批评，但绝不接受“教师爷”般颐指气使的说教。?
China draws on each and every political achievement of other countries, but does not imitate any of their models of democracy. China welcomes all constructive suggestions and well-intentioned criticism, but rejects any form of overbearing lecture.? (White_Paper_Democracy in China_《中国的民主》_2021_12_04)?
?? 我们坚持和发展中国特色社会主义，推动物质文明、政治文明、精神文 明、社会文明、生态文明协调发展，创造了中国式现代化新道路，创造了人类文明新形态。?
As we have upheld and developed socialism with Chinese characteristics and driven coordinated progress in material, political, cultural-ethical, social, and ecological terms, we have pioneered a new and uniquely Chinese path to modernization, and created a new model for human advancement.? (Xi_Jinping_Speech at a Ceremony Marking the Centenary of the CPC 习近平在庆祝中国共产党成立100周年大会上的讲话2021_07_01)?
?? 我们完全有信心、有能力把我国社会主义民主政治的优势和特点充分发挥出来，为人类政治文明进步作出充满中国智慧的贡献！?
We have every confidence that we can give full play to the strengths and distinctive features of China's socialist democracy, and make China's contribution to the political advancement of mankind.? (Xi_Jinping_Report at the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China_Secure a Decisive Victory_October_18_2017)
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