Xi stresses unified national market, high-quality development of marine economy

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed efforts to advance the building of a unified national market and promote the high-quality development of the marine economy.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a meeting of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs (CCFEA), which he heads.

At the meeting, Xi delivered an important speech, emphasizing that building a unified national market is essential for creating a new development pattern and promoting high-quality development, urging strengthened coordination and cooperation to build synergy in related work.

Xi stressed that advancing Chinese modernization requires promoting the marine economy's high-quality development and forging a Chinese path of leveraging marine resources to achieve strength.

Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese premier and deputy director of the CCFEA, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, a member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and a member of the CCFEA, and Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese vice premier and a member of the CCFEA, attended the meeting.

The meeting outlined the requirements for deepening the construction of a unified national market, namely, unifying basic market institutions, market infrastructures, standards of government behavior, market supervision and law enforcement, and factor and resource market, and continuously expanding opening up.

The meeting required focuses on key challenges, addressing unfair competition, standardizing government procurement and bidding, regulating investment promotion, promoting integrated development of domestic and foreign trade, and enhancing law enforcement.

To promote high-quality development of the marine economy, greater emphasis should be placed on innovation-driven development, efficient coordination, industrial renewal, harmonious coexistence between humankind and the sea, and win-win cooperation, according to the meeting.

The meeting emphasized the importance of strengthening top-level design, strengthening policy support, and encouraging private sector to participate in the development of the marine economy.

Efforts should be made to enhance independent innovation capabilities in marine science and technology, develop key marine industries, strengthen planning for coastal economic development, reinforce marine ecological and environmental protection, deepen participation in global ocean governance and promote cooperation.

Xi stresses unified national market, high-quality development of marine economy

Xi stresses unified national market, high-quality development of marine economy

Xi stresses unified national market, high-quality development of marine economy

Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.

During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.

China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.

Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.

China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.

On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.

Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.

Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.

On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation

China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation