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NPC National People’s Congress of China ISSUE 3 2009 Deepen friendship, seek cooperation and mutual development Chinese Premier’s 60 hours in Copenhagen 3 2 Wang Zhaoguo (first from right), member of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, holds a talk with the acting chairman of the National Provincial Affairs Committee of South Africa on November 3rd, 2009.
Li Jianmin 3 Contents Special Report Hot Topics Deputy 6 Deepen friendship, seek cooperation and mutual development COVER: Low-carbon measures are to be taken during the upcoming Shanghai World Expo 2010.

Construction of the China Pavil- ion was completed on February 8.

At the top of the oriental crown shaped pavilion, four solar panels will collect sunlight and turn so- lar energy into electricity inside.
CFP 4 12 Food safety, a long journey ahead of China 20 Mao Fengmei speaks on his 17 years of NPC membership 16 NPC oversees how governments spend 4 trillion stimulus money 22 An interview with 11th NPC deputy Juma Taier Mawla Hajj NPC Adviser-In-General: Li Jianguo Advisers: Wang Wanbin, Yang Jingyu, Jiang Enzhu, Qiao Xiaoyang, Nan Zhenzhong, Li Zhaoxing Lu Congmin, Wang Yingfan, Ji Peiding, Cao Weizhou Chief of Editorial Board: Li Lianning Members of Editorial Board: Yin Zhongqing, Xin Chunying, Shen Chunyao, Ren Maodong, Zhu Xueqing, Kan Ke, Peng Fang, Wang Tiemin, Yang Ruixue, Gao Qi, Zhao Jie Xu Yan Chief Editor: Wang Tiemin Vice-Chief Editors: Gao Qi, Xu Yan Executive Editor: Xu Yan Copy Editor: Zhang Baoshan, Jiang Zhuqing Layout Designers: Liu Tingting, Chen Yuye Wu Yue General Editorial Office Address: 23 Xijiaominxiang,Xicheng District Beijing 100805,P.R.China Tel: (86-10)6309-8540 (86-10)8308-4419 E-mail: zgrd@npc.gov.cn ISBN 1674-3008 CN 11-5683/D Price:RMB35 Edited by The People’s Congresses Journal Published by The People’s Congresses Journal Printed by C&C Joint Printing Co.,(Beijing) Ltd. in China Nationality 26 Tibet is not some people’s decora- tion: NPC Tibetan delegate 28 The sun shines over Lhasa 30 Lot-drawing from the golden urn World 34 Climate deal falls short 38 Chinese Premier’s 60 hours in Copenhagen 42 High hopes for low-carbon economy Supervision 44 NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee: Efforts behind ‘potatoes’ 5 Special Report On November 3, 2009, Wang Zhaoguo (right), member of Political
 Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, holds a meeting with the vice speaker of the South African National Assembly.
Li Jianmin Wang Zhaoguo, member of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the NPC Stand- ing Committee, meets Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe, who is the “caretaker president” of South Africa in Cape Town, on November 4, 2009.

Li Jianmin Aneerood Jugnauth (right), presi- dent of Mauritius, meets with Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, in Port Louis on November 7, 2009.

Wang is on an official visit to Mauritius.


Li Jianmin Deepen friendship, seek cooperation and mutual development The visit of Wang Zhaoguo, vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, to South Africa, Mauritius and Kenya By Ren Da Wang Zhaoguo, member of Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, paid a friendship visit to South Africa, Mauritius and Kenya on November 1-12, 2009.
During the scorching summer days in the south hemisphere, Wang met with the government officials, parliament leaders and people from all walks of life.

They discussed issues con- cerning bilateral relations, exchanged opinions on relations between NPC and the three parliaments and other international and regional issues of mutual interest.

The visit is a great suc- cess since it deepens friendship, enlarges the consensus, en- hances the cooperation and mutual development between these countries.
6 Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress (NPC), meets with Athol Trollip (second from right), leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa on November 4, 2009.

Li Jianmin Wang Zhaoguo, vice-chairman of the NPC Stand- ing Committee, meets with Rajkeswur Kailash Purryag, speaker of Mauritian National Assem- bly, in Port Louis on November 7, 2009.

Wang is on an official visit to Mauritius.


Lei Ming Promote bilateral ties, increase parliamentary exchanges Though China and Africa are far from each other, the both sides have enjoyed a traditional friendship for quite a long time.

To enhance the cooperation and friendship between develop- ing countries, include African countries, is the cornerstone of China’s independent and peaceful diplomatic policies.
In re- cent years, with the establishment of new strategic partnership between China and African countries, the Sino-African rela- tionship has entered a new era of development.

South Africa, Mauritius and Kenya, despite the difference in their popula- tions, national territories and economic development and cul- tural traditions, are the traditional friendly partners of China.

The relationship between China and these three countries is an epitome of the profound and diverse Sino-African relations.
While meeting the governmental leaders, the Vice Chair- man of the NPC Standing Committee stressed that the Chi- nese Government pays high attention to the development of Sino-African relationship.

He expressed China’s willingness to accelerate the high-level communication, deepen the practical cooperation, bring the bilateral relationship to a new stage and benefit the bilateral economic development and happiness of the peoples.
When meeting with the parliamentary heads, Wang said that the communications between the NPC and the parlia- ments are an important part of the Sino-African relationships.

The continuous development of bilateral communication and cooperation plays very important role on multilateral occa- sions, such as the parliament association conferences and other events as well.
South Africa, which is the locomotive of African economy and one of the most important countries of mineral resources, is one of the major developing countries.

Since China and South Africa set up diplomatic relationship 11 years ago, the bilat- Though China and Africa are far from each other, the both sides have enjoyed a traditional friendship for quite a long time.

eral relationship has developed rapidly.

Both countries take the other as mutual strategic cooperative partners.
In international and regional affairs, South Africa keeps a very good commu- nication and cooperation with China.

The year 2006 witnessed the establishment of a regular exchange mechanism between the Chinese NPC and the South African National Congress.

During the meeting with Sisulu, chairman of the National Congress of South Africa, Wang stressed that the establish- 7 Special Report Being the legislative capital of Republic of South Africa, Cape Town is the country’s second largest city.
The Cape of Good Hope, a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast, is the southern tip of Africa.

CFP ment of regular exchange mechanism between Chinese NPC and South Africa’s National Congress opened a new age for the cooperation between the two countries.

Sisulu echoed that the National Congress of South Africa is willing to devote to the acceleration of the friendly cooperation in all fields and the mu- tual understanding and friendship between the two peoples.
When meeting with Mauritius National Congress Chairman Rajkeswur Purryag, Wang said that the NPC and the National Congress of Mauritius has been keeping a very good term on exchanges and cooperation during a long period of time.

The mutual understanding and friendship between the two peoples has been greatly increased and the content of the bilateral ties enriched.

The NPC is willing to make efforts with the National Congress of Mauritius, further increase and enrich the level of exchanges.
Rajkeswur Purryag told Wang that the visit indi- cates that the Chinese Government pays great attention to the bilateral relationship with Mauritius.

The National Congress of Mauritius is willing to enhance the multi-level exchanges with the NPC and further develop the bilateral friendly rela- tionship and increase the mutual understanding between the two peoples.
At the conference with the chairman of Kenya National Congress, Kenneth Marende, Wang said that parliamentary co- operations are playing very important roles in their national 8 political life respectively.

To enhance the mutual exchange and cooperation between the two will be conducive to overall re- lationships.
The NPC pays much attention to the friendly ex- changes with its Kenyan counterpart and is willing to further develop the mutual high-level exchanges between the special committees and friendship groups.

China is willing to share ex- periences with the National Congress of Kenya on legislation, supervision, state administration and humanity improvement and to develop cooperation in all the possible trades and fields.
In his turn, Kenneth Marende told Wang that Kenya is glad to further develop cooperation with China on trade, tourism, education and other fields.

By working closer with the NPC, the Kenya National Congress is willing to devote to the future mutual understanding and friendship between the peoples of the two countries and accelerate the bilateral relationship.
To cope with international financial crisis by accelerating win-win cooperation The outbreak of international financial crisis in 2008 has led to enormous pinch on the world economy.

It also influenced China’s trade and cooperation, especially the collaborations between Chinese enterprises and those from the three African countries.

During his visit, one of the most frequently men- tioned topics is how to accelerate the mutual beneficial coop- eration and cope with the international financial crisis.
During his meeting with Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe, acting president of South Africa, Wang pointed out that the relation- ship between China and South Africa has entered a new stage of overall cooperation, mutual beneficial and development.

Not long ago, during the 64th Congress of UN, President Hu Jintao and President Jacob Zuma reached a new consensus on further strengthening the practical cooperation in every field.
China is willing to work together with the South Africa to implement the consensus and further strengthening the cooperation and improve the levels of cooperation for a better development of mutual relationship.

Motlanthe agreed with Wang’s opinion, saying that South Africa is ready to further develop relation- ship with China, to enhance practical cooperation in all fields and accelerate the development of bilateral relationship.
Kenya, which locates in eastern Africa and is famous for its East Africa Rift Valley, plays a vital role in regional af- fairs.

The relationship between China and Kenya is a long-term and friendly one.

The Kenya government proposed a “Looking Eastwards” strategy, focusing on the cooperation with China and accelerates the friendly cooperation in all fields.

Wang told Kenyan leaders that China and Kenya has al- ready established long-term, stable, mutual beneficial friendly Citizens of Cape Town in a gala.
CFP Local residents dance on the beach of Mauritius.

CFP 9 Special Report cooperative relationships.

The bilateral relationship between the two is in a new development stage.

The exchange and co- operation between the two countries in politics, economy and trade, humanity, and other fields has been deepened continu- ously and has already made great achievement.
China is will- ing to cope with international financial crisis hand in hand with Kenya and further develop the bilateral friendship in all pos- Aborigines of Kenya.

CFP An elephant drinks water in Nairobi, Kenya.

CFP 10 sible fields.

Kenya President Mwai Kibaki told Wang that Kenya took China as a reliable friend.

Kenya admired the great achieve- ments on modernization constructions made by China and expressed gratitude towards China for its aid.
Kenya is will- ing to make efforts together with the Chinese Government to strengthen the cooperation and therefore bring benefits for both countries and their people.

During his visit, the 4th Ministerial Conference of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was held in an Egyptian city Sharm- el-Sheikh.

At his meeting with Kenya Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Wang said that, on behalf of the Chinese government, Premier Wen Jiabao announced eight new measures to promote the China-Africa cooperation.
NPC will actively implement the measures in order to benefit the African people.

Odinga told Wang that China is one of the first countries that acknowledged Kenya as an independent country.

After the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relationship, China and Kenya have been keeping a very close relationship and the cooperation in many fields.
He expressed this thanks for the new measures launched by the Chinese government and noted Kenya is willing to work hand in hand with China to deepen the practical cooperation with China and realize mutual development.

Deal with climate change through cooperation Located in the southwest part of the Indian Ocean, the is- land country Mauritius is called a “paradise.” It is also named “African Hawaii” for its beautiful scenery, richness and peace.
The deep blue bay is one of the best places to enjoy the Indian Ocean coral while taking a glass-bottom ship.

The enthusiastic people of Mauritius are good at singing and dancing.

In the 37 years after the establishment of diplomatic relationship, both countries have made great achievements in politics, economy, culture and many other fields as well.

As an island country, climate change is one of the most at- tentive issues that Kenya concerns.
Also, climate change is one of the common challenges that the human kind is facing today.

While discussing the countermeasures in coping with world climate changes, Wang said that President Hu Jintao had al- ready announced China’s stand and opinions on the climate changes.

China understands and supports the African develop- ing countries, especially countries like Mauritius in their con- cerns and reasonable proposals on the climate changes.
During his visit, Wang introduced China’s policy and stance on dealing with climate change.

He reiterated that international society should stick to the principle of “common but differ- entiated responsibility”; the developed countries should take Kenyan Samburu dancers.

CFP the responsibility of reducing mid-term emission and provide technical, financial and capability construction support for de- veloping countries.
The leaders of the three countries appreciated China’s active measures on coping with climate changes and showed their support and knowledge on China’s stand.

South Africa indicat- ed that South Africa held similar stand on climate change with China.

It hoped to strengthen cooperation with China to ac- celerate the developed countries providing more financial and technical support for developing countries.
Mauritius Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam told Wang that he had listened to the speech delivered by President Hu Jintao at the summit UN Conference on climate changes.

Through this visit, he further understood the measures the Chinese government has taken to deal with climate change.

He thought that China and Mauri- tius shared a lot of common opinions on climate change issue and he hoped that more cooperation between the two countries would come into being.
From Cape Town to Port Louis and then to Nairobi, from Cape of Good Hope to Blue Bay to East Africa Rift Valley, during his 10-day trip, Wang travelled more than 35,000 kilo- meters in distance.

The purpose of this visit is to deepen friend- ship, accelerate the cooperation, seek future development and accelerate peaceful and mutual prosperity of the harmonious world.

The effective and pragmatic visit of Wang is a great success.
It will accelerate the establishment of new strategic partnership between China and African countries.

11 Hot Topics Food safety, a long journey ahead of China By Yu Hao On June 28, 2008, the No.1 PLA Hospital in Lanzhou, Gansu Province received an infant pa- tient suffering from kidney stones.

The distressed parents said the kid had taken the Sanlu infant formula, produced by the Sanlu Group located in Shijiazhuang, since birth.
Later on, the Gansu Provin- cial Department of Health received some other cases about infants having urethral stones.

In mid-July, they launched an in- vestigation about the issue and reported it to the Ministry of Health (MOH).

Within two months, the number of infant patients climbed to 14.

By September 11, similar cases were reported in other provinces and regions like Shaanxi, Ningxia, Hunan, Hubei, Shandong, Anhui, Jiangxi and Jiangsu.
Initial investigations indicated that the formula produced by Sanlu Group Co. Ltd. based in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Prov- ince, might have been polluted by adding melamine.

On September 13, the Central Com- mittee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council kicked off the first- class emergency response for serious food safety issues.

A leading group was set up to handle the incident.

Gao Qiang, the then MOH Party Secretary, said at An inspector examines the quality of food from a supermarket.
CFP 12 a press conference,“The polluted Sanlu infant formula issue is a severe food accident.
Some suspects have blended melamine into the milk with the aim to increase the content of protein.” On December 31, the prosecutor ac- cused Tian Wenhua, the former chairper- son of Sanlu Group, Wang Yuliang, the former deputy general manager, Hang Zhiqi, another former deputy general manager and Wu Jusheng, former manag- er of Department of Milk Resources, were responsible for the production and sale of contaminated formula powder and milk.

They should be subject to the Criminal Law.


Li Changjiang, head of the General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine, resigned from his position to assume responsibilities.

A number of city officials in Shijiazhuang, including Party Secretary Wu Xianguo, Mayor Ji Tangchun, vice-mayors Zhang Fawang and Zhao Xinchao and Jiang Hongjiang, all resigned or were dismissed from their posts.
A major shift from hygiene to safety After four rounds of discussions dur- ing the past 3 years, the day of February 28, 2009 witnessed the approval of the Food Safety Law by the NPC Standing Committee.

At the same time, the Food Hygiene Law, adopted on October 30, 1995, was annulled on June 1, 2009, when the Food Safety Law came into force.

The wording change from “hy- giene” to “safety” in the law indicated a big transition on legislative concepts and the supervision mode on food safety.
“The promulgation of the law wit- nessed four rounds of deliberations by two succeeding NPC Standing Commit- tees.

The occurrence of Sanlu Incident altered the planned legislature procedure.

The top legislature then made a decision to listen to more public opinion on the draft of the law, which finally got ap- proved on February 28,”NPC officials said.

A NPC Standing Committee supervi- sion panel was dispatched to Heilongji- ang Province on November 16 to over- see the implementation of the law.
Food safety concerns the health and life of the people, said the panel, adding that more efforts should be made to let the whole society know the content, basic legisla- tive concept and significance of the law.

After four rounds of discussions during the past 3 years, the day of February 28, 2009 witnessed the approval of the Food Safety Law by the NPC Standing Committee.
On November 18, the team inspected the Grand Heihedao Shopping Mall in Heihe, a city that is opposite to the Bla- goveshchensk of Russia on the other side of the river.

Being a multifunctional port city, Heihe is the nearest and largest port along the 4,300-kilometer Sino-Russian borderline.

In recent years, the city’s gov- ernment has expanded the trading area to all its suburban area, attracting thousands of Russians every day.

The number of Russian consumers was less than 100 in the past.
Standing before the booths, the in- spection team exchanged views with commercial tenants and Russian tourists on whether they know the adoption of the Food Safety Law as well as its influence to food market.
According to the 2009 Inspection Plan of the NPC Standing Committee and the arrangement on the Food Safety Law enforcement inspection, five panels had been set up under the leadership of five A local resident purchases vegetables at a shopping mall of agricultural products in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

CFP 13 Hot Topics Inspectors check the trademarks on food products at a supermarket in Dongcheng District in Beijing on December 29, 2009.

Lao Luo vice-chairpersons.


From late September to late November, the five teams went to 10 provinces and regions, including Bei- jing, Hebei, Shanxi, Heilongjiang, Zhe- jiang, Fujian, Shandong, Guangxi and Chongqing.

Besides, the NPC Standing Committee also demanded local people’s congress standing committees to orga- nize inspection tours in other provinces, regions and municipalities.
In February 2010, the inspection teams will submit their reports to the 13th Conference of the 11th NPC Standing Committee.

Law enforcement inspection is an important component of NPC Standing Committee’s supervision efforts.

Less than half a year has passed since the Food Safety Law came into force on June 1, 2009.

For what purpose the NPC Standing Committee organized the law enforcement inspections within a short period of time?
The NPC magazine inter- viewed NPC Standing Committee mem- ber Bai Keming, who is a vice leader of the inspection teams.

“Food safety, which relates with live- lihood of the people, is one of the focal issues attracting public attention.

The Food Safety Law is the legislative basis of food safety work.

To conduct enforce- ment inspection of the law, which took effect months ago, indicates that the com- mittee paid high attention towards food safety,”said Bai.
According to Law on the Supervi- sion by Standing Committees of People’s Congresses at All Levels, law enforce- ment inspection is one of the major and frequent tasks of the standing committees above county-level.

It is also one of the important components of the socialism supervision system with Chinese char- acteristics.

The purposes of law enforce- ment inspection are to ensure the imple- mentation of the Constitution and laws, to safeguard the legal interests of the public and legal persons.
14 The legislature departments do not deal with concrete cases and problems directly, but to supervise the enforcement of laws.

As for the specific problems and cases found in the inspection, these teams will report to the standing committees, which then discussed and delivered them to law enforcement departments for treat- ment.
As a result, the standing commit- tees at various levels are the main body of law implementation inspection; Law implementation authorities at the same level are liable to supervision.

The law enforcement inspection teams can adopt various ways to fulfill their tasks.

For example, they may conduct on-the-spot surveys without prearrange- ment: rush to the related units to get the first-hand information.

Also the inspec- tion teams may choose one or several units to conduct thorough investigations.
Or they may deliver certain question- naires or surveys.

It is important to carry out the implementation inspection with efficiency and get rid of the formalism.

The inspection tour should be undertaken in a pragmatic way by fully listening to public opinion.

With the consideration of the short time since the promulgation of the Food Safety Law, the inspection efforts aimed to propel the implementation of the law and government departments to improve work style, Bai said.
At the same time, such a move is also to improve the current situation of food safety and the health of the public.

The focus of this inspection tour is to sort out the overall information on the enforcement of the Food Safety Law, to tackle difficulties and problems as well as to solicit suggestions and ad- vices.
Enhance the awareness of the whole society on food safety The key issues during the inspection tours include how the State Council and its departments and local governments above county-level carry out and oversee the Food Safety Law and how the food producers and operators follow the law.
Detailed inspections include: information on the coordinating mechanisms, moni- toring system set up by the State Coun- cil and local governments, functional adjustment, personnel construction; the promulgation of local regulations and abolition of contradicted ones; promotion of the law and food safety knowhow; in- formation on food operators and produc- ing enterprises; suggestions and advices on how to enhance and improve the food safety in the future.
According to the results of the law im- plementation inspection tours, the State Council and related organizations and the governments at province-level and all the parties involved have attached great at- tention to the promotion, education and training of the law.

Since the enforcement of the law, the State Council and local governments at province-level spared no efforts to publi- cize the law, organizing seminars, work- shops, food safety month (or week).
In some provinces (autonomous regions, municipalities), knowledge contests were organized.

Companies of produce, logis- tics and cater sectors voluntarily launch food safety training among their staff to increase their awareness of the law.

Through the above-mentioned promo- tion, the awareness and knowledge of the public and the food enterprises employ- ees on the law increased greatly.

Supervision on food safety involves several sectors, which might involve a lot of contradictions.
How to ensure the law enforcement departments not to shed their responsibilities when dealing with problems occurred during producing, lo- gistics and cater of food?

Bai brought out five suggestions based on his law enforce- ment inspection tours.
Firstly, to speed up the monitoring system on food safety through further specifying the duty of each departments; Secondly, to enhance the leading and coordinating roles of the local governments above county-level; Thirdly, to enhance the supervisions of the public and media; Fourthly, to accel- erate the honesty and integrity among the enterprises; Fifthly, to carry out the food safety monitoring system.

Currently, there are more than 448,000 food producing or processing enterprises in China.
About 80 percent of them are small-scale ones each with less than 10 staff.

During this round of inspection, a main problem is that it is difficult to de- fine the main body of supervison to the small enterprises, because they always engage in food producing, operation and cater.
To make the situation more com- plicated, loopholes and overlaps existed during the supervision field; besides, dif- ferent provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) have to deal with dif- ferent situation.That is the most difficult part in monitoring effort, Bai said.

At present, the law authorizes local governments at province-level to draft specific administrative measures to man- age the small-scale food producers and peddlers.
So far, the local governments are making specific administrative mea- sures to monitor the food producers and small peddlers.

At the end of 2009, the two major sus- pects involving in the tainted milk pow- der scandal were sentenced to death and executed by the Higher People’s Court in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province.

Children at a kindergarten in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, learn food safety knowhow by making cakes.
Huan Wei 15 Hot Topics NPC oversees how governments spend 4 trillion stimulus money By Li Xiaojian NPC Standing Committee Chairman Wu Bangguo conducts a field research at an IT company that affiliates with the Hefei Univer- sity of Technology on July 6, 2009.

Jin Guolin 16 Song Jixing gets excited when- ever he recalls what happened to him that day.

It was a happy surprise for him.

That was six months ago, on June 2.


A group of strangers suddenly showed up when Song was working in a field in Zhongmou, a county of Zhengzhou, Henan Province.

He didn’t know what was going on.

These people turned out to be a re- search team sent by the Standing Com- mittee of the National People’s Con- gress (NPC), China’s top legislature, to inspect the country’s irrigation infra- structure constructions.

Ismail Tiliwaldi, vice-chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, headed the inspection team.
He asked Song if the drought earlier this year would af- fect the harvest.

Pointing to the golden wheat in his field, Song answered, “No, it won’t hurt the harvest, thanks to the improved irrigation system.” A resident of Cha’eran village, Song has seven mu of farmland.

He does not need to pay for the water, but the elec- tricity used in the irrigation.

The power expenditure is 0.65 yuan per kilowatt hour, or 100 to 200 yuan a year, about one third less than those of the previous years.
The village has more than 3,000 res- idents, but had only 30 wells in 2006.

With the financial support from the gov- ernment, the village has dug nearly 100 more wells, each of them can provide water for 20 to 30 mu of farmland.

Most of the land in Zhongmou needs irrigation water from wells.

Chinese government has been investing heav- ily in building the irrigation facilities in this Central China county in recent years.
Statistics show that by now, the county has built 14,945 wells, more than 97 percent of them were equipped irrigation with electricity-powered systems.

Zhongmou was just one of the stops the NPC research team made on their An indemnificatory housing project in Songjiang District, Shanghai.

CFP The NPC has been exploring new ways of work supervision in a bid to help the country’s economy walk out of the shadow as soon as possible.

field trip across the country.


In response to the international financial crisis, the NPC has been exploring new ways of work supervision in a bid to help the country’s economy walk out of the shadow as soon as possible.

The field research program, which will inspect projects of affordable hous- ing, irrigation, technological transfor- mation and innovation, and those re- lated to education and health care, was kicked off in Beijing in May.
The four areas were the most important parts Chinese Government has spent in its 4-trillion-yuan stimulus package to fight the economic crisis.

In three months, the inspection teams’ footsteps covered nearly every province or region of the nation.

The team submitted a report to the meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th NPC in the end of October.
The suggestion based on this report, will prompt relevant government bodies to improve their work and make sure the central government’s policies on eco- nomic growth, people’s welfares and 17 Hot Topics Headed by Gao Qiang, an indemnificatory housing investigation group dispatched by the NPC Standing Committee, carries out an on-the-spot research in Harbin, Heilongjiang Province.

Gao is also the head of the Budget Work Commission, NPC Standing Committee.
Xie Sufang social stability were carried out accord- ingly.

“Every cent comes from the people.

We must be responsible for the people” China’s economic growth slowed down as a result of the impact of global financial turmoil in the second half of last year.

In response, the central government decided to boost the domestic con- sumption, change the export-oriented developing mode, adjust the economic structure, and work hard on fixing some social and economical problems con- cerning the people’s interests.
Wu Bangguo, chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, stated in a report that the most important work for the Standing Committee is to oversee the full implementation of the government policies.

The field inspection program was created to review the key infrastruc- ture projects, so as to ensure the central government’s goal of economic devel- 18 opment this year is finished as planned.
According to the government work report at the second session of the 11th NPC, the central government invested a total of 908 billion yuan this year in affordable housing, education, health care, culture, environmental protection, technological renovation, farmland ir- rigation, railway, highway construction and the building of new homes for peo- ple affected by last year’s earthquake.
The report said that the government investment must be used at key areas that would help fight the economic crisis, and the weakest points of the economic and social development.

It should not be used to general manu- facturing industries.

The local govern- ments should encourage enterprises to increase their investment in research and development.

“Every cent of our money comes from the people.

We must be responsi- ble for the people,” said Wu.


He added that the inspection teams should provide valuable advice to help the governments improve their work style, avoid blind urban expansion or repetitive infra- structure constructions and make sure the central government’s policies were carried out.
Keep a close eye on 4-trillion-yuan stimulus package On May 26, the NPC Standing Com- mittee officially launched the program to inspect major public investment proj- ects at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
the Each led by a vice-chairman of the Standing Committee, research groups would check out the implemen- tation progress of major policy decisions in every department, inspecting whether the investment usage, capital allocation, matching funds, implementation prog- ress and investment performances are in line with State regulations and dis- cussing current problems and next step work plan.

From May to August, the research groups were dispatched to 18 provinces to start work.
On October 28, Shi Xiushi, director of NPC Financial and Economic Com- mittee, announced the report issued by the research groups at the second ple- nary session of the 11th meeting of the 11th NPC.

Shi said that by the end of August, the central government has issued 717 billion yuan construction funds to ma- jor public investment projects, which accounted for 79 percent of the budget.
Among the fund, protective housing construction funds accounts for 95.5 percent of the budget, amounting to 47.1 billion yuan.

The funds to educa- tion, health and other social undertak- ings reached 85.3 billion, equivalent to 92.1 percent of the budget.

Furthermore, 50.8 billion yuan sub- sidy funds for technological innovation were invested, accounting for 80.3 per- cent of the budget, while 69.5 percent of the budget has been materialized in agricultural projects.
The projects have achieved certain degrees of results with the efforts of the central and local governments, but the research groups also exposed difficul- ties and problems in these projects.

Firstly, some projects were not well prepared without a solid planning.

For example, the plausibility research to some technological innovation proj- ects was not adequate, which were not closely connected with the restructuring of the key industries.
Secondly, local governments were confronted with difficulties in providing matching funds due to the fall of fiscal revenues this year.

Thirdly, some projects lacked co- ordination, others were not carried out resolutely.

In some education and health projects, the local governments arranged funds for only major projects while excluding infrastructure and ac- commodation for teachers and medical staff.

Fourthly, unclear responsibilities and unsound mechanisms increased the dif- ficulties.
Some places were complain- ing that there were no solid systems to make sure the funding, operation and maintenance go smoothly.

Lastly, uneven and slow progress.

By the end of August, the government has finished 23.6 percent of the invest- ment in the affordable housing projects, which amounted to 39.49 billion yuan.
The governments have only finished 26 “The NPC should continue to strengthen supervision, push the local governments to improve their work, and make the 4-trillion-yuan stimulus package a satisfying project to all the people.” percent of investment in the secondary vocational education, and 25 percent in health projects.

Through meetings or personal talks, the research groups communicated with the local governments and related de- partments, and gave them suggestions for improvement.
They advised to in- vest in the right fields and make sure the portfolio is well proportioned.

At the same time, the investment should make full use of the complementary fund in accordance with government policies and center on the efficacy while per- forming our responsibilities.

The gov- ernment should continue to deepen the system reform and build it into a well- rounded one.

In addition, it is also ur- gent to build a complete and sound legal system.
Supervision takes effects With the supervision of NPC’s in- spection groups, Shi Xiushi was pleased to see that some of the problems have been gradually resolved.

According to Shi, 11 major projects related to peo- ple’s livelihood were lagging behind due to cumbersome procedures and the 32.8 billion yuan fund invested in 2009 hasn’t been in place yet.
Via active su- pervision and coordination, the research groups urged related departments of the State Council to accelerate working pace to ensure the funds in place by the end of 2009.

Many members of NPC Standing Committee were happy to see the effect of the inspection groups, and said this innovative way of supervision should continue next year.
According to Zheng Gongcheng, a member of the NPC Standing Commit- tee, the inspection program is a good beginning, and it should be regular work for the authorities.

Another member, Fu Guihua, be- lieved that the NPC Standing Commit- tee has set an example for the whole country.

She hoped all local levels of the people’s congresses play their roles to intensify the supervision.
“The NPC should continue to strengthen supervision, push the local governments to improve their work, and make the 4-trillion-yuan stimulus package a satisfying project to all the people,” said Tang Xiaoquan, a member of the NPC Standing Committee.

19 Deputy On March 7, 2009, NPC deputy Mao Fengfei(center) takes out an ear of corn during a panel discussion of Liaoning Province in the Second Session of the 11th NPC Conference in Beijing.
He suggested the government to raise grain prices in order to increase the farmers’ income.

By Xing Shiwei Mao Fengmei speaks on his 17 years of NPC membership A candid mouthpiece for farmers NPC deputy Mao Fengmei is famous for his outspoken expression about the concerns of farmers.

Despite his tight schedule, Mao spared some time with NPC reporter recently.

A native of Northeast China, he is talkative and humorous in reviewing his working experience as a NPC deputy.
Mao was born in the year 1949, when the New 20 By Li Xiaojian China was founded, in a village called Dalishu (Big Pear Tree), Fengcheng City in Liaoning Province.

In 1980, he was selected as the leader of the village and became the Party branch secretary in March 1983.

Since March 1992, he has been working as the gen- eral manager of the village-run company.

Also from that year, he has been elected as the deputy of the 8th, 9th, 10th and the 11th NPC in succession.
During the interview, Mao kept mentioning some information like, “I was born into a peasant’s fam- ily”, “I am a representative of farmers”, “Being a NPC deputy, it’s my honor to speak for the interest of mass of farmers.” As a farmer, Mao knows well what the farmers are thinking and feeling.

It also explains why his re- marks reflect the actual interests of the farmers.
During his four tenures of being an NPC deputy, Mao hammered out more than 100 proposals and suggestions, many of which had been adopted by rel- evant departments.

Not long after he was firstly elected as NPC dep- uty, Mao said he was surprised to find that electricity prices in cities were lower than those in rural areas.

“How strange!

As you know, people in cities made more money than farmers did.

But why the latter had to pay more for power?” Mao told the journalist.
“Farmers living around my hometown complained a lot on this.

I had thought that was unique in Liaon- ing.

But some friends in Heilongjiang Province told me that the situation in many places was almost the same.

During the 8th NPC session, Mao submitted a proposal on bridging the power price gaps between rural and urban areas.

As a result, the National Grid enlarged investment into rural areas and the gap be- tween electricity costs in cities and countryside is narrowing constantly.
On the conference of the 9th NPC, Mao proposed to waive the agricultural taxation.

At that time, many deputies disagreed with Mao, claiming that the col- lection of agricultural taxes can be traced back to thousands of years ago.

So how this can be cancelled in such a short period of time?

But Mao stuck to his opinion and went to meet the Minister of Agricul- ture.

Meanwhile, Mao didn’t get an answer immediate- ly.


“From then on, I kept making this same proposal for six years until the central government canceled agriculture taxation at last, ” Mao said proudly.

On the session of the 10th NPC, he put forward seven proposals, ranging from increase of investment and financial credit to agricultural sector, to encour- aging and supporting the development of collective economy and management of land in rural areas.
Since 2008, China’s economy has suffered from the most severe challenges in the new century be- cause of international financial crisis.

To deal with the crisis, the government has taken a series of mea- sures to ensure the stable increase of economy, peo- ple’s livelihood and to adjust the economic structure and expand domestic demands.

Hence, deputy Mao holds that the key factor for the expansion of domes- tic demands and economic development is to the vast rural market.
Traditional concepts among Chinese farmers are to save money for a peaceful life in their old age instead of consuming.

To solve this thorny problem, Mao has carried out serious profound researches, suggesting that the government should increase the prices of grains to increase farmers’ income.

Also he proposed the gov- ernment to enhance social security in rural areas.

On the 2nd meeting of the 11th NPC this year, Mao brought out more than 10 proposals, covering the above-mentioned ideas.
Having served as a NPC deputy for many years, Mao was puzzled why the living conditions of farm- ers cannot be increased rapidly.

“For those farmers who live in the grain production areas, they have so much land in their hand, but why can’t they enjoy a better life?” After conducting on-the-spot research, he drew a conclusion that the reason lied in the low prices of grains.
Before the implementation of opening-up and reform policy, the average salary for workers was 30 yuan per month and now it has increased 40 times to- day.

But for the prices of grains only surged 10 times.

So in this situation, how can the living standards of farmers be improved?
“I’ve also studied the grain prices in other coun- tries, whose governments usually provide mountains of grain subsidies to their farmers, ” said Mao, add- ing it is not practicable to allow the grain prices sky- rocketing because some dwellers in urban areas can- not afford that.

As a way out, it is more convenient for the government to provide more direct subsidies to the farmers.

“It’s hard to predict when this issue can be solved.

But I will keep on working on it,” Mao told the NPC magazine.
“I think the grain prices should be raised, otherwise the farmers cannot tolerate anymore.

Being an NPC deputy, it’s my responsibility to reflect the real situation.

With the development of State power, I am sure it will be solved.” Proposals like the above-mentioned ones are nu- merous.

Mao said that he was born into a peasant’s family, “It’s hard to predict when this issue can be solved.

But I will keep on working on it,” Mao told the NPC magazine.
21 Deputy so he knew the real life in the rural area.

It is crucial for the Party and government to adopt suitable mea- sures to help deal with rural problems.

“By reflect- ing the actual life of farmers, I can deserve the title of an NPC member,” said Mao.

So it is reasonable to believe that Mao has ful- filled his responsibilities of being an NPC deputy.
On how to better play a role in speaking for the people and doing things for them, Mao told the press that the NPC Standing Committee pays more attention to the advices and proposals submitted by its deputies.

When dealing with these proposals, government and its related organizations showed a careful attitude.

He also suggested that NPC deputies to study the changing situation, listen to people’s voice and put forward feasible proposals and advices.
To sum up his 10-year experiences of being an NPC deputy, Mao noted that good proposals and ad- vices are focal, forward-looking and feasible.

For example, after the closing of the 17th Con- gress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee noted in its report “Let the Sunlight of Opening-up and Reform Policy Shine over Both the Urban and Ru- ral China.” So he mapped out a proposal on solving the social welfare of aged farmers.
From this year, the government has started to solve this problem and taken measures to promote new old-age insurance system across the country.
An interview with 11th NPC deputy Juma Taier Mawla Hajj Social development: Cornerstone of the freedom of religious belief By Li Zhihong When talking about the relation between religion and stability, Juma Taier Maw- la Hajj noted, in time of war and pov- erty, to seek the freedom of religious belief is like to fish in the air due to the lack of a stable and har- monious environment.

Social development serves the cornerstone of the freedom of religious belief.
Without development, the society makes no prog- ress, and thus, the freedom of religious belief and equal rights of religious belief will be nothing but lip services.

Juma Taier, nearly 70, has experienced both the old and the new societies, witnessing the prosper- ity of religion in Xinjiang step by step.

Born into a poor peasant’s family in Kashgar in 1940, Juma Taier’s childhood was not full of sweets, but hanger.
During the War of Resistance against Japan, all ethnic groups in the region ea- gerly looked forward to the victory, he said.

Most of the local people, especially the Uyghurs, were expecting peace and stability – their eagerness was beyond people’s imagination today.

Juma Taier recalled, before liberation, the free- dom of religious belief was nothing else but a heartfelt distress in Uyghur muslims.
He told the NPC magazine a sad story of his parents, which demonstrated the wretched situation of Kashgar religious believers at that time.

In his memory, Juma Taier’s parents toiled all through day and night for the landlord, paying little attention to the growth of children.

After work, the hungry brothers and sisters surrounded their par- ents, crying for something to eat.

Although Juma’s parents worked hard, they still could not make the ends meet.

The family had to live on potherb or some roughage.
Despite this, they had never had enough to eat.

On festival days, the best thing they could get was a pancake made of corn flour.

It was 22 wards Allah after they suffered from domestic vio- lence or grievances.

But back then, females were not allowed to step into a mosque.

So this was the only way for them to express their grievances.

The more marks one could find on the mosque wall, the more suffering local women have got.
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, this phenomenon has gradually disappeared.

Today, women living in villages would think it ri- diculous and absurd.

But at that time, most peas- ants in the region lived a dog’s life, never mention- ing the freedom of religious belief at all.

Juma Taier said Uyghurs make up 92 percent of the total population in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

That is to say religious believers account a big margin of local people.
Religion is not only a belief among local people but also meat and drink to its followers.

In other words, to respect religion means to respect its be- lievers.

Since the Chinese Communist Party took power, it has attached great importance to religious belief and freedom.

The Party’s policy has won the genuine affection and support among all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.
After the liberation, the CPC distributed farm- land, farm tools and cows and sheep to the poor peasants, who then became masters of the region.

Since liberation, Juma Taier said the govern- ment has allowed local farmers to build masques in their own villages.

Some aged people, who had difficulties in walking to faraway mosques for a religious service, decided to build masques near their homes.
Visitors who have been to Kashgar may know that there are about 3,000 mosques in 2,000 villages – in some village, there might be 7-8 mosques.

That is to say the CPC respects the religious belief and customs among Uyghurs.

There is a saying among Uyghurs in Xinjiang: We have gained human dignity after our religious rights and belief got respected.

We believe that we will live a well-off life under the leadership the Party.
Juma Taier said the government’s respect for religious rights is not lip service but action.

After liberation, religious infrastructures, social environ- ment and religion-related installations in Kashgar got improved.

By the same token, conditions for religious believers are also improving.

To en- sure that all ethnic religious followers can have a The Party’s policy has won the genuine affection and support among all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.
23 Deputy of the 11th National People’s Congress Juma Taier Maw- la Hajj.

Li Zhihong their dream to eat dry noodles with sauce or pilaf.

Juma Taier said, in those days, when starvation was rampant, the villagers didn’t have time to pray.

Because one had to pray 3-5 times a day and each lasted for quite a while, and the landlord gave them no time to conduct religious service.

Juma Taier’s parents often mentioned that they want to go to church, but it remained lip-deep.
They wished Al- lah to know that even though they were poor, they were reverent worshipers.

They hoped that one day Allah would bless them with a better life and a happy family.

In the region of Kashgar, scratches might be found on the brick wall of the mosque gates.

It stands for a fervent request made by women to- Deputy 24 good command of knowledge for a better life, the government invested greatly on the building of schools.

Kashgar has a large number of population and religious believers.
The local government built a teachers’ college.

Moreover, it also established a much-awaited religious school, which ensured the Muslims to study and discuss the Koran.

Now the region has become a prestige place in the Is- lamic world.

Id Kah Mosque has become widely recognized by Muslims worldwide.

A number of big wheels, such as former Iranian president, have given high remarks to local government’s religious policies and its respect for religion.
In the year of 2008, when the Beijing Olym- pic Games torch relay kicked off in Kashgar, the first torch-bearer set off at the square in front of the Id Kah Mosque.

Such an arrangement not only demonstrated to the century-old Olympic spirit but also the respect that the Chinese Government has shown to religious people of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang.
Strolling along the streets in front of the Id Kah Mosque, one could easily find flock of business- women, which was regarded as a kind of disrespect toward religion.

Juma Taier said now the society has made tre- mendous progress that different ethnic people en- joy equal rights.

For example, lots of women used to wear headscarf.

Nowadays, few women use it any more, instead they love to don beautiful clothes like their Han peers.

Many people even have their hair curved.


All this reflects the rapid development of the society as well as the integration of all ethnic groups in the region.

Juma Taier said as the society develops, the number of farmers in Kashgar decreases rapidly.

Many rural residents have moved into the cities to launch their business.

The number of farmers who engaged in industrial and service sectors has been on the rise year on year.
Therefore, it’s safe to con- clude that without liberation, the Uyghurs would not be able to enjoy freedom, and without develop- ment, Uyghur as well as other ethnic groups in the region would not be freed out of hard work Juma Taier said rapid social development has brought about tremendous benefits to ethnic people in Xinjiang.

For example, as time passes, many mosques which were built after the liberation have become shabby.
Although the local government of Kashgar has a tight budget, it spared a large amount of money for reinforcement and restora- tion of these old mosques.

Muslims used to knee down on land.

After liberation, they knelt down on mats.

Now the government has equipped rugs for all the mosques.

Apart from the religious development, State development and improvement of life standard, ethnic people in Xinjiang are deeply moved by the waiving of economic burdens, such as medical cost.
They are also given subsidies on purchase of agricultural machinery and home appliances.

Low income families can enjoy basic living allowances.

Children can enter nearby schools or kindergar- tens.

People can have asphalt road right in front of their houses.

They are living a life they never dreamed of.

In one word, local farmers are enjoy- ing more and more benefits with the development of the nation.
Juma Taier said, there were no more than 5 peo- ple in Kashgar who could afford a pilgrimage to Mecca in the past.

Today, the number of pilgrims from the city would surpass 500 every year.

Thus, it is suffice to say that the society has progressed and the farmers are getting rich.

Now they can fulfill their dreams to travel abroad.

It also proves that religion and the society are developing inter- actively.
Juma Taier said, just like religion, the rapid development of the society requires communica- tion and cooperation.

Uyghurs in Kashgar share the same beliefs and similar customs with those living in neighboring countries.

After reform and opening-up policies adopted, many Uyghurs went abroad to search for further development.

Such a development is like a double-edged sword.

On on hand, many local residents’ income increased steadily.
On the other hand, quite a few of people turned into a threat to China’s security and people’s life and assets under the influence of certain foreign forces.

The July 5 Urumqi incident was a latest example, indicating those rioters were seduced by overseas adverse forces.

The Koran ad- vocates people to love peace and unity and oppose violence and killing.

Allah will not forgive those who planned and organized the Urumqi riots by making an excuse of religion.
All ethnic groups in the region will not forgive them either.

As a result, they will be subject to criminal law.

Their names will be engraved with disgrace in the course of his- tory.

Juma Taier said the Urumqi riot taught people a lesson, making them more united than ever.

People would cherish social stability and unity as well as the achievements that have been made over the past years.
People from all ethnic groups have ex- pressed their will to safeguard regional stability, fight against Terrorists, Separatists and Extremists, and battle against those terrorists who are under the disguise of religion.

Juma Taier Mawla Haj, Uyghur, was born in October 1940 in Kashgar, Xinjiang.

He is NPC deputy, vice-president of China Islamic Associa- tion, vice-president of Xinjiang Islamic Associa- tion, deputy director of Kashgar Islamic Associa- tion, Imam and Hateep of Id Kah Mosque.
Located in the center of Kashgar city, Id Kah Mosque has a history of 500 years.

“Id Kah” means “a place of praying and celebrating in festivals.” As the biggest mosque in China, it is a famous mosque around the world.

Juma Taier is Imam (or the person who is in charge of the mosque) and Hateep (or the person who teaches religious text in the mosque) in the Mosque.

“Mawla” is a title given to Islamic clergy.

Uy- ghur Muslims in China use “Mawla” to refer to Imam.
It is also used to refer to a man with honor and integrity.

Hajj refers pilgrimage who have been to Mecca.

The Id Kah Mosque lo- cates at the center of the city of Kashgar.

Li Zhihong 25 Nationality even their marriage was not at their own choice,” she said.

Her mother had never met her father before but had to marry him at the order of the nobles.

Kelsang Drolkar said her mother, now living an easy life, always regretted that she could not read and write.
“However, all her three grandsons went to college.

That has partly made up for her regret,” she said.

Kelsang Drolkar’s parents were both tralpa in Ti- bet before 1959, when a democratic reform started there to overthrow Tibet’s feudal serfdom system and liberate about 1 million serfs and slaves.

Tralpa at the time referred to people who tilled plots of land as- signed to them and had to provide corvee labor for the serfowners.
In the old Tibet, more than 95 percent of Tibetan population were serfs; the other 5 percent of the peo- ple were serf owners, who occupied the most wealth produced by the serfs.

“Today there are more than 1,700 people living in my village, do farming, raising cattle and doing busi- ness.

The average income of the villagers last year reached 6,800 yuan.
The housing space per person is 50 square meters; About 300 families moved in new houses, equipped with tap water, electricity and coal gas,” said Kelsang.

As to the new houses, Kelsang said it is a welfare project under the support of governmental subsidies which is not only suitable for dwelling but also is in line with ethnic characteristics.

Now in Kelsang’ village, most families have tele- phones, mobile phones and TV sets; some villagers have bought their own computers.
When recalling the changes of the life of Tibetan people, the NPC deputy said, “We have marital law to ensure that we can choose our partners at our will.

My husband was my own choice – his working place was not far away, so we became acquaintant with each other and fall in love before marriage.” In old Tibet, women’s position was very low.

A woman was not permitted to look at a man’s lower body, said the delegate.

“Now men and women are equal.


In our village, many wives are the master of the families,” Kelsang said.

“As a head of the village, I am proud to lead the whole village onto a happy road.” Kelsang and her six brothers and sisters were born after the democratic reform.

As a result, going to school is not a mission impossible any more.

NPC deputy Kelsang Drolka (right), who is the leader of a village in Tibet, briefs the develop- ment of the region in Washington, the capital of US on March 16, 2009.
Yuan Man Tibet is not some people’s decoration: NPC Tibetan delegate By Li Wenzheng In the eye of Kelsang Drolka, who is the head of a village in Tibetan Autonomous Region, the life fortune of the three generations in her family rep- resents an epitome of Tibet’s changes during the past 50 years.

“My parents never had a chance for schooling when they were young.

I had studied in middle school for four years.


My three sons have been to univer- sity!” said Kelsang Drolkar, a deputy to the Chinese National People’s Congress (NPC) and a member of an NPC Tibetan delegation, which paid a visit to the United States and Canada for the first time in March.

“They (parents) even didn’t have enough food and clothes at that time,” said the 47-year-old Kelsang Drolkar, whose village is some two kilometers away from Lhasa, capital city of Tibet.
“They didn’t have personal freedom then, and “All of us can read books — I had been to middle 26 school for four years.

My brothers and sisters even became teachers afterward.” Like all the mothers in the world, Kelsang attaches great importance to her children’s education.

She said all the children have done a good job in their studies, making her feel very proud.
She told reporters that the eldest child works for the famous Qinghai-Tibet Railway after graduation from university; the other two sons have entered South Central University for Nationalities and Tibet- an University respectively.

“I’ve told my sons that you should thank not only me, but also our nation,” Kelsang told reporters.
“Be- fore going to university, they needn’t to pay school tuitions, incidental expenses and textbook fees thanks to national assistance.” Every morning, Kelsang’s mother together with other seniors in the village would like to go to Po- tala Palace and Jokhang Temple, which is 1 kilometer from the village, on walk or by bus.

“To pay a scrip- ture wheeling or not is the personal choice of the vil- lagers,” noted the NPC delegate.
Because the youngest son majored in dance in Ti- betan University, Kelsang also pays close attention on the traditional culture.

She told reporters that she had studied Chinese, but she speaks Tibetan in daily life.

In Lhasa streets, signboards are written in bilingual — Tibetan and Chinese, but Tibetan is always on top.

During Tibetan traditional festivals and activities, lo- cal people would dance and sing in Tibetan costume.
“Some people claim Tibetan culture is disappear- ing, how strange!” Kelsang said she was puzzled.

“My feeling is just the opposite — the ethnic culture of Tibetans prospers.” “Tibet is not the decoration of some people.

Ti- betans’ life is becoming better and better, keeping improvement with the development of society,” she said.

“If our parents wanted to keep the society un- changed, we don’t consent; if we want to keep the society the same, our children would disagree,” said Kelsang excitedly.
Since Kelsang’s village is quite near to Lhasa, vil- lagers have a clear memory of the “March 14 riot.” Kelsang said, “Those people didn’t do peaceful pa- rade, instead they disturbed social order by beating, smashing, robbing and burning shops.

A total of 18 people were killed during the incident and dozens of shops were burnt.
Our normal business could not con- tinue and students couldn’t go to school as usual.” The regional government of Tibet decided to set up a commemoration day to mark the emancipation of millions of serfs in the region.

Keslsang said her village will hold celebrations to mark the important day.

“Before going abroad for the visit to the United States and Canada, villagers told me that if I missed the celebrations, they would arrange another celebra- tion for me after I returned home,” Kelsang said.
“This memorial day is very important,” she said.

“Every one of us should love our motherland and re- member the history.” Summing up the visit, Kelsang said she was touched very much.

“Many Westerners have no idea about the past and the present of Tibet.

The reality of region is not like what they had heard of.

If they have listened to those who live in Tibet and visit there in person, I strongly believe that they would correct their misconcep- tions,” she said.

Her efforts were not made in vain.


Lanny J. Davis, who served as special counsel to former US president Bill Clinton from 1996 to 1998, said after attending a press conference of the delegation in Washington D.C. that he was impressed by the delegates, espe- cially Kelsang Drolkar.

“The lady from the rural area was very powerful and eloquent in her simplicity, in her truthfulness and in her feelings about the progress of her people,” he said.
“I’m moved by some people not being high offi- cials, but being from a serf’s family whose ancestors were basically slaves,” he said.

He said a complete lack of information has led the American people, including himself, to incorrect im- pression about what the facts are about Tibet.

“They (Americans) have only heard one side of narratives that are not accurate historically or not complete.

What we need now is that the Americans get a balanced presentation about the facts about Ti- bet,” he said.
During the meetings in the United States and Canada, the delegation encountered many questions concerning Tibet, ranging from freedom of religious belief, human rights, economic development, envi- ronmental protection and cultural preservation there.

“It is natural that differences exist.

I think great efforts should be made to improve exchanges so as to improve people’s knowledge and understanding of Tibet,” said Shingtsa Tenzinchodrak, a living Bud- dha, also head of the delegation.
“They (Ameri- cans) have only heard one side of narratives that are not accurate historically or not complete.

What we need now is that the Americans get a balanced presentation about the facts about Tibet.” 27 Nationality 28 Makyeame Restaurant on the Barkhor Street, Lhasa, Tibet.

Gesangdawa The sun shines over Lhasa By Niu Qi, Zhou Yan and Bianbaciren A chilling wind blew in from the street of Lha- sa as the first daylight appeared in the east in the early spring morning of March 10.
The city has returned to its normal rhythm on the last day of the Tibetan New Year holiday.

It also marked the final day that all temples and lamaseries in Lhasa popularized Buddhist service among the followers.

Oodles of shops are arrayed on both sides of the Barkhor Street that surrounds the Jokhang Temple.

Amid prayers’ pattering, mountains of Tibetan handicrafts, such as figures of Buddha, Tonka, Pulu, jade products and precious stones cast unique glamour in these shops.
Stall owner Ciwang, together with his family, was carefully arranging the bracelets and statuaries sold in the booth.

As an experienced peddler, he returned Lhasa early from his hometown with the hope to start an auspicious beginning in the New Year.

“Shops around are all open,” said Ciwang, smil- ing.

“We’d better make preparations for upcoming midseason of tourism in advance.” On the street to the Ramoche Temple, stevedores were busy with unloading brick tea from a freight truck.
The owner of a snack bar concentrated on the mixture of vermicelli.

Across the street, a man’s voice from a loudspeaker in a clothes shop repeated, “Sell- off.

Don’t miss it.” Meanwhile, the slogan that reads “Warmly celebrate the establishment of Surf Eman- cipation Day in Tibet” scarcely faded with the ending of the Tibetan New Year holiday.

National flags fly high on both sides of the streets and the entrances to markets under the bright plateau sunshine.
Though the Tibetan New Year has come to an end, the city of Lhasa remained its tranquility and ardor.

Biancuo, a 62-year-old citizen, rose up early in the morning and went to the Ramoche Temple to pay worship service.

On her way back, she stopped be- fore a volunteer booth to measure her blood pressure.

Worried for her high blood pressure, she waited in line with dozens of others for her turn.

“Your blood pressure is a little higher.


Take some medicine for mitigation after returning home,” sug- gested the medical worker at the booth.

The volun- teer booths not only offer blood pressure measuring service for free but also offer haircutting and bike repairing.

Dislike the earthy issues occurred on the street, traditional debate on Buddhism went on as usual.

On the square before the Sera Monastery, two la- mas in their 40s answered queries raised by a group of monks.
Though most of the lama on the square remain quiet, four young others vied each other to bring out questions.

Some people were pushed to the ground in order to get an advantageous position in raising questions at first, which made the audience burst into laughter.

Sitting in the shade of the square, 85-year-old Luoga, whose one eye is blind, enjoyed listening to the hot debate.

“Since I was 13 years old, I have prac- ticed scripture wheeling on the Linkuo Road in all weathers,” said the senior monk.
Guo Haoran, a tourist from Guangdong Province, watched attentively the Buddhism debate and said he was touched by the unique lifestyle of Lhasa.

“I vis- ited Norbulingka yesterday and met a warmhearted lama, who chatted with me for seven hours from 2 pm to 9 pm,” Guo said.

Blocked by floating clouds, bright sunshine cast large shadows on the worshippers lingering on the Potala Palace.
A large-screen TV broadcast the spe- cial customs that Tibetans celebrate the New Year as swarms of tourist took photos under the monument to mark the emancipation of serfs after democratic reform.

In Gamagongsang Community, which was seri- ously destroyed by mobs during the “March 14 riot” last year, residents now live a quiet life.

A Uygur girl was airing clothes, while kids ran around a group of seniors who were playing chess.
“What a fine day!” said Luobu, who rocked a scrip- ture wheel with the company of a pet dog.

Strolling on Linkuo Road, the old man’s peaceful face radiated under the bright sunshine in the plateau city.

Barkhor Street, Lhasa.

Pubuzhaxi 29 Nationality Lot-drawing from the golden urn By Zhang Baoshan dhas, as candidate boy.

The final soul boy will be selected through lot-drawing from golden urn.
Established in 1793 by Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (1644- 1911), lot-drawing from golden urn has become a national rule and re- ligious ritual, playing a significant role to ensure the smooth continua- tion and transfer of religious power.

Such a system also guarantees the stability and development of Tibet by giving top authority to the cen- tral government on the incarnation of Living Buddhas.
The first Living Buddha selected by lot-drawing from golden urn among the candidate boy is the 11th Panchen Gyaencaen Norbu to suc- ceed the late 10th Panchen after the establishment of the People’s Re- public of China.
The selecting procedure of the candidate boys was strict compli- ance with religious rituals and con- ventions, such as lake observation, divinations and identifying objects left behind the 10th Panchen as well as a comprehensive analysis of his countenance and auspicious signs, November 29, 1995 – the 8th day of the 10th month in Tibetan calen- dar – was a big day, which prog- nosticates good luck according to Tibetan Buddhist tradition.
Lights were all on and the air was heavy with the aromatic perfumes at dawn in Jokhang Monastery, the spiritual center of Tibet.

Crowds of people were seen sitting before and on both sides of the Sakya- muni Buddha, waiting the starting a grand ceremony.
In the ceremony, the reincar- nated soul boy to succeed the 10th Panchen would be chosen through “lot-drawing from the golden urn.” According to Tibet- an Buddhism, the reincarnation system for the Living Buddhas is realized through the way of lot-drawing from the golden urn among the candidate boys.

The golden urn and ivory-made lots.

Established in 1793 by Emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911), lot-drawing from golden urn has become a national rule and religious ritual.
Two 34cm high golden urns were granted by the Em- peror Qianlong: One is kept in Potala Palace and the other in Yonghegong Lama Temple in Beijing.

Tudeng Tibetan Buddhism, also called Lamaism, is a traditional reli- gion popular in Tibet, the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region and neighboring regions.

The de- ceased Living Buddha is believed to reincarnate into a newborn baby – the soul boy, according to the reincarnation theory of the Tibetan Buddhism.
The Tibetan Buddhism canon says Buddhist followers would select 3-4 ba- bies, who are born at the time of the death of the Living Bud- 30 three most brilliant boy candidates were picked up eventually.

On the early morning of November 29, 1995, the Jokhang Monastery in Lhasa witnessed the whole process of lot drawing from the golden urn.

The ceremony was chaired by State Coun- The 11th Panchen.
Liu Yu, CFP 31 Nationality Built in 1447, the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Rigaze, Tibet has a history of more than 500 years.

Jue Guo cilor Luo Gan, who was the represen- tative dispatched by the State Coun- cil.

Other officials attending the event included Gyaincain Norbu, chairman of the Tibet Autonomous Region Government, and Ye Xiaowen, head of the State Administration for Reli- gious Affairs, both served as special envoys of the central government.
Regional officials and high-ranking lamas from Tibet and other places also appeared the ceremony.

On 5 am, Luo Gan read out the of- ficial approval by the State Council on the regional government’s request to pick up three boys as candidates for the lot-drawing from golden urn to be the soul boy, who will succeed the 10th Panchen.

“In answer your request, the State Council agrees the three boys to be candidates of the soul boy to succeed the 10th Panchen.
32 According to historical convention, a ceremony of lot-drawing from golden urn will be held before the Sakyamuni Buddha at the Jokhang Monastery to se- lect the soul boy.

According to historical convention, a ceremony of lot-drawing from golden urn will be held before the Sakyamu- ni Buddha at the Jokhang Monastery to select the soul boy.

The ceremony should be chaired by a representative dispatched by the State Council.
After the ratification of the State Council, the soul boy selected will be the 11th Panchen Erdeni.

November 25, 1995 The State Council of the People’s Republic of China” When Luo finished reading, the au- dience broke into warm applause.

After that, Gyaincain Norbu announced “the opening of the ceremony for the selec- tion of the soul boy to succeed the 10th Panchen through lot- drawing from the golden urn” both in Mandarin and Tibetan.
The golden urn, under the escort of two lamas, was carried in both hands to put on the desk that stands at the center of the hall.

Workers uncapped the urn and took out the ivory drawing lots, sticking the names of candidate boys both in Tibetan and Mandarin prepared beforehand.

Then the lots were placed onto the tray.


Gyaincain Norbu said, “Now it’s time to select the soul boy.” Representative, special envoy dispatched by the State Coun- cil, regional officials, high-ranking lamas as well fathers of the three candidate boys went up to check the names on the lots.

Minister Ye examined carefully the lots one by one, put them into yellow ribbon bags and sealed.
loudly, adding that, “Gyaencaen Norbu, whose father is Suo- langzhaba and mother Sangjizhuoma, was born on February 13, 1990 at Lhari County in northern Tibet.

He would be the 11th Panchen Erdeni after being approved by the State Council.” During the whole process of the ceremony, the host used bilin- gual language both in Tibetan and Mandarin.
After the selection, representatives and religious followers burst into acclamation and threw away Tibetan barleys, which symbolize luck and perfection, and petals into the air to express their congratulations.

The escort lama then displayed the golden urn and the se- lected lot before the statue of the Sakyamuni Buddha “The names of the candidates have been correctly written and The whole ceremony of lot drawing from golden urn came well sealed,” Ye said.

to an end.
to an end.

Lama Ciren, director of the democratic management com- mittee of the Tashilhunpo Monastery, knelt before the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha and the golden urn.

He inserted all the three lots into the urn and shook a couple of times before getting the lid on it.

Gyaincain Norbu said loudly, “Now put the golden urn be- fore the statue of Buddha and pray.” The two escort lamas then laid back the golden urn before the statue of Buddha.
The lama chanting group recited in uni- son jinpingjing (golden urn sutra) and shangshigong, so did the high-ranking lamas at the site.

After sutra chanting, Gyaincain Norbu announced, “Now let’s invest Bomi Qiangbaluozhu, chairman of Tibetan Branch of the Buddhist Association of China, who is also a member of the soul boy seeking group, to conduct lot drawing.” The whole Buddha hall became silent.

The two escort lamas once again lay the golden urn upon the desk at the center of the hall.
Bomi Qiangbaluozhu, an esteemed high-ranking lama and scholar in Tibetan Buddism in his 70s, kowtowed towards the statue of the Buddha and prayed a moment.

He uncapped the lid and rolled the lots for several times.
Finally he picked up a lot and handed it to Gyaincain Norbu, who then announced loudly, “Gyaencaen Norbu from Lhari County wins the lot.” He showed the lot to the audience, then to State Council representative, en- voys, regional officials, high-ranking lamas as well as the father of the selected boy.

After being checked carefully, the name lot was then inserted into the sacred vessel besides the golden urn.
Pingla, vice-director of the democratic management com- mittee of the Tashilhunpo Monastery, took up the rest two lots and showed them to State Council representative and envoys, regional officials and high-ranking lamas as well as the fathers of the other two boys.

Pingla reported, “The rest lots have been checked and no mistake was found.” He then picked up the names on the lots and put them onto the tray.
“The rest lots have been checked,”Gyaincain Norbu spoke Jewelry-decorated pagoda of 10th Panchen’s remains in the Tashilhunpo Monastery.

Wang Linan 33 World Climate deal falls short — Nations not pinned down to carbon-emissions cuts By Kang Juan China welcomed yesterday the outcome of a historical UN climate summit, a day after a nonbinding deal reached in Copenhagen was attacked for falling short on concrete steps against global warming.
Environment observers warned that any operational agreement in the fu- ture would require actions from the US, which was blamed by Greenpeace for failing to “take any real leadership and dragging the talks down.” In a statement on the foreign ministry’s website, Chinese foreign minister Yang Jiechi outlined the “positive results” of the two-week conference: suc- cessfully maintaining the principle of “common but differentiated respon- sibility,” which took a step forward with regards to developed countries’ mandatory emissions cuts and developing nations’ voluntary mitigation ac- tions, and a broad consensus on long-term global targets, funding, technol- ogy support to developing countries, and transparency.
Yang didn’t specifically mention the “Copenhagen Accord” reached Saturday, which set a goal of “jointly mobilizing” the $100 billion-a-year climate aid for developing nations by 2020 but does not pin down industrial- ized countries to targets.

That will now be subject to continuing talks next year.

Five countries, including China and the US, agreed on disputed key el- ements, with a further 21, including Britain, signing on for the text as a whole.
That still left more than 160 countries on the outside, mainly poorer nations that stand to lose the most from climate change.

China’s foreign ministry spokesman yesterday hit out at critics of the closed nature of the accord, saying Beijing had always maintained close By Zhang Baoshan contact and coordination with all countries during the summit.
34 Two giant ice penguins, carved by some en- vironmentalists, stand side by side with the little mermaid statue in Copenhagen, capital of Denmark, on December 20, 2009.

Wu Wei 35 World The world largest office building, which is powered by solar energy, came into operation in Dezhou, Shandong Province on December 24, 2009.
CFP “China is a developing nation, we firmly main- tain the development rights of developing countries, and firmly maintain the unity and coordination of emerging nations,” Qin Gang said in a statement on the ministry’s website.

The deal, however, lacked many elements en- vironmentalists considered crucial, including firm targets for mid- or long-term reductions of green- house-gas emissions and a deadline for concluding a binding treaty next year.
Greenpeace commented on Saturday, “There is nothing fair, ambitious or legally binding about this deal.

The job of world leaders is not done.” “The blame for failure mostly lies with the rich industrialized countries, which have the largest his- toric responsibility for causing the problem.

In par- ticular, the US failed to take any real leadership and dragged the talks down,” it said.
Obama, rescheduled for the climax of proceed- ings, came “just to reiterate what is in the draft leg- islation [on climate change] prepared by Congress.” Maybe that’s why he invited laughter from the re- porters present when he said in his speech, “I come here today not to talk, but to act.” “Some even saw the US president as an active obstacle to a real agreement – alienating the Chinese with a demand for inspections, which he then effec- tively retracted,” London’s Daily Telegraph wrote yesterday.
“For all the efforts of Obama’s people to present him as key to a deal, his reputation suffered 36 in Copenhagen – along with many other totems of idealism.” Pang Jun, a scholar at the School of Environment and Natural Resources at the Renmin University of China, noted that China has made a reasonable com- promise by accepting a term requiring developing counties to report every two years on their voluntary actions, subject to “international consultations and analysis.” “However, without explicit commitments of fi- nancial assistance and technological transfer from rich nations, the developing world would find it un- reasonable to accept external monitoring and veri- fication of their greenhouse-gas emissions efforts.” Pang added.
Pang conceded that a promise of $30 billion over the next three years in climate aid from rich to poor countries, with shares taken by the EU, Japan and the US, was a real achievement.

Talks go on, but can the climate wait?


Lin Boqiang, director of the China Center for Energy Economics Research at Xiamen University, said the outcome is disappointing but not surpris- ing, as carbon-emissions reduction is in essence a development issue that involves redistribution of re-sources, depending on the economic growth pat- terns of all countries and people’s lifestyles.
British Climate Change Secretary Ed Miliband insisted the outcome was not a failure, “We recog- nize there could have been more ambition in parts of this agreement.

Therefore, we have got to drive forward as hard as we can toward both a legally binding treaty and that ambition,” he said.

For at least the next several years, the lack of a binding treaty may result in a piecemeal response to climate change, with action being taken largely on a national and regional level.
Carbon emissions have increased an average of 2 to 3 per-cent a year in the past decade.

Even if coun- tries live up to their commitments on reductions, a gap remains between the nations’ combined pledges and what would be required to avert the risks of dis- ruptive changes in rainfall and drought, ecosystems and polar-ice cover from global warming, scientists say.
The New York Times commented yesterday that the current approach to tackling the threat of a warming planet “has become unworkable,” and co- ordinating international efforts to reduce emissions could occur with a much smaller group of nations, Carbon emissions have increased an average of 2 to 3 per-cent a year in the past decade.

roughly 30 countries responsible for 90 percent of global-warming emissions.
“This smaller group of nations will meet periodi- cally to tackle a narrower agenda, such as technology sharing or the merging of carbon-trading markets, without the chaos and posturing of the UN process,” it suggested.
Pang Jun, however, believed that there is no bet- ter platform for multi-lateral consultations over cli- mate change than the existing talks under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), although the current mechanism may not be an ideal or the most effective way.

China’s position is that the UNFCCC should re- main as the main platform for climate-change talks, while negotiation on other occasions could serve as a supplement, not a replacement, Pang added.
Qiu Wei contributed to this story Solar energy equipment is installed on the top of buildings in Dezhou, Shandong Province.

CFP 37 World Chinese Premier’s 60 hours in Copenhagen 38 Chinese Premier’s 60 hours in Copenhagen Editor’s note: Xinhua cor- respondents Zhao Cheng and Tian Fan, who accom- panied and covered Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s tour to the Copenhagen climate talks in December, recall in this following special report what they witnessed at the summit in the Danish capital.
There have been different in- terpretations on the outcome over the past few days, but people have to recognize that international cooperation to cope with climate change has moved a step ahead in the right direction, through the joint efforts of the inter- national community.

The summit delivered hope and confidence to the world.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao deliv- ers a speech during the Copenha- gen Climate Summit Conference on December 18, 2009.
Wu Wei 39 World Li Zhaoxing(center), head of NPC Foreign Affairs Committee, discusses climate change is- sues with participants attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

CFP ity, tried its best and played a constructive part.
In this process, China showed the greatest sincer- Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao left Beijing for the climate summit in Copenhagen, Denmark on December 16, when pessimism and disappointment were simmering among negotiators, who, after about 10 days of bargaining, felt a bridge to span their rift seemed a mission impossible.

“It will be a tough task.

Now I can feel how heavy my duty is to attend the meeting on behalf of the Chinese government,” Wen told reporters aboard his plane en route to Copenhagen.
Nevertheless, Wen said he was confident that the talks would bear fruit.

“No matter what the result is, China’s action plan will not change, its voluntary re- duction target will always be non-negotiable, and its determination in hitting the target will never waver.” Whirlwind talks Wen’s schedule on December 17 was almost fully occupied by meetings with world leaders.
40 During the meeting with Danish Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen, Wen suggested that in order to achieve an outcome for the conference, all parties should stick to the consensus they had reached while leaving differences for future negotiations.

“Now it seems to be the only way out.

If we can reach a resolution of such a kind, it could well be an achievement of the talks,” Wen said.
In his talks with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon, Wen said, “It is unrealistic to hope to fill the gap between nearly 200 countries in fewer than two days.

China and the people of the world all wish for the success of the meeting, and the current priority is to crystallize a consensus.” He told the UN chief it was important to use the political aspiration to deliver confidence and hope to the world.
The Chinese premier’s meeting with representa- tives of island countries and developing nations last- ed for over two hours, the longest during his stay in Copenhagen.

Wen said although China had always urged de- veloped nations to fulfill their funding commitments, China would not vie for even a cent with other devel- oping countries if such a fund were available.

In ad- dition, China would continue to assist those countries to cope with climate change.
Wen’s whirlwind negotiations that afternoon in- volved British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Ger- man Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.

Once again, Wen urged all parties to stop point- ing fingers at each other or bargaining at the critical moment of the talks.
He said China’s commitment on mitigation actions is “unconditional and non-negotia- ble.” Mysterious meeting At a banquet hosted by Danish Queen Margrethe II on December 17, Wen was told that the United States would hold a small-scope meeting between several countries’ leaders after the dinner.
During his talk with one foreign leader, the Chi- nese premier learnt China was on the list of the meet- ing’s participating countries while he himself was not invited and neither did the Chinese delegation receive a notice for the mysterious meeting.

Why was the Chinese delegation not informed?

Wen took the incident seriously and returned to his hotel immediately to call an emergent meeting to study countermeasures for the situation.
On behalf of the Chinese delegation, China’s vice Foreign Minister He Yafei came to the meeting and expressed strong dissatisfaction at the ulterior motive for not informing China.

He said that the meeting should be transparent and no participants should impose their will on oth- ers.

Any scheme agreed behind closed doors would probably lead to a fruitless summit.
Unexpected delay On the second morning of his stay in Copenhagen, hours before the final summit segment of the UN cli- mate change conference, Wen met with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, who had just arrived.

Both leaders held that no matter what hap- pened, the two countries should keep in close touch and firmly defend the interests of develop- ing countries.

At 9:45 am, Wen arrived at the main venue of the conference, 15 minutes earlier than the scheduled opening.
However, neither the host Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen nor the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon were present, even at 10 am.

People were guessing what was wrong, but no one came to explain the reason for the delay.

It was not until 11:30 that Rasmussen announced the opening of the summit.
Wen was the first to deliver a speech, entitled “Build Consensus and Strengthen Cooperation to Advance the Historical Process of Combating Cli- mate Change.” In the speech, using 2,000-odd Chinese char- acters, Wen made it clear what China thought about, had done and would do to cope with climate change.

At the end of his speech, Wen made a seri- ous promise.
“It is with a sense of responsibility to the Chinese people and the whole of mankind that the Chinese government has set the target for mitigating green- house-gas emissions.

This is a voluntary action China has taken in the light of its national circumstances.

We have not attached any condition to the target, nor have we linked it to the target of any other country,” Wen said.

“We will honor our word with real action.


What- ever outcome this conference may produce, we will be fully committed to achieving and even exceeding the target.” Last-minute effort After US President Barack Obama’s speech, Chi- nese Premier Wen held talks with him in a meeting room just behind the summit venue.

The two leaders agreed that the participating countries of the confer- ence should achieve a political resolution as soon as possible and continue cooperation on climate change.
Following the talks, Wen asked members of the Chinese delegation to inform the Group of 77 and other BASIC countries of the Sino-American talks, aiming to speed up negotiations between developing and developed countries.

Some countries were drafting an announcement of the conference’s possible failure, and certain foreign leaders even criticized China.

At the Bella Center, the venue of the conference, journalists started to pack their bags.
People around the world were wondering how and when the Danish government would declare the failure of the largest and highest-level climate change conference in hu- man history.

It was Wen who played a key role in the last-min- ute attempt to exchange ideas and reach a consen- sus.

Wen decided to meet other leaders of the BASIC countries again and make a final attempt.

At the same time, President Obama said he wanted to have a sec- ond meeting with Premier Wen, who agreed.
The BASIC countries’ leaders agreed to reach a consensus on key issues and then negotiate with the US and European countries.

At 6:50 pm, when the BASIC leaders were review- ing their final common position, President Obama showed up, surprising those in the room.

Wen stood up and politely invited Obama to join them.

Applause was heard as the BASIC countries fi- nally reached agreement with the US on the wording of some key issues.

The US said it was willing to consult with the European Union.
An hour later, news came that the parties con- cerned had agreed on the draft and were ready to submit it for voting, nine hours after the scheduled conclusion of the conference.

(Xinhua) Applause was heard as the BASIC countries finally reached agreement with the US on the wording of some key issues.
41 World Warm words & lofty goals necessitate cold decisions & painful cuts High hopes for low-carbon economy By Chen Xiaomin Targets The 40-45 percent target is by no means China’s first emissions reduction target.

In its 11th Five-Year Plan, the government vowed to slash energy consumption per unit GDP production by 20 percent.

China also set goals of a 10 percent cut in sulfur dioxide release and Chemical Oxygen De- mand per unit GDP production from 2005 levels.
Clean technology will have achieved 12 percent cuts in unit GDP energy consump- tion by the end of 2010, the report noted.

Clean technology applications included solar energy, wind power, low-emission vehicles, green industry, green buildings and higher energy-efficiency standards.

Economic restructuring will have achieved another seven percent of cuts in unit GDP energy consumption by the end of 2010.
For its 11th Five-Year Plan, the government aimed to close 100 million tons of iron-smelting capacity, 55 million tons of steelmaking capacity and 250 mil- lion tons of cement production capacity.

China phased out 60.6 million tons of obsolete iron-smelting capacity, 43.5 mil- lion tons of steelmaking capacity, 140 mil- lion tons of cement production capacity and 64.

5 million tons of carbon coke ca- pacity, according to National Development and Reform Commission statistics.
More clean technologies would also be applied from 2011, with economic restruc- turing gaining importance as the country tries to adjust its heavy industry, according to the McKinsey & Company report.

Tertiary industry growth will outstrip primary and secondary industry, the report A geothermal project launched by Sinopec Star Petroleum Co., Ltd with the aims to push forward low- carbon lifestyle.
CFP Hearing the strange announcement, economists were surprised, pollut- ers acted nervously and the emis- sions traders probably all jumped for joy.

Ten days ahead of the Copenhagen summit, China made three breathtaking if non-binding commitments.

First, China declared its aim to cut carbon intensity – carbon per unit of Gross Domestic Prod- uct – 40 to 45 percent by 2020 from 2005 levels.

Second, China said it would aim to derive 15 percent of primary energy from non-fossil fuel sources by 2020.
Third, China aims to increase its forest coverage to 40 million hectares in 2020 from 2005 levels.

Mainland pundits immediately began prognosticating on the arrival of the low- carbon economy, demanding detailed en- 42 ergy restructuring plans to meet the astro- nomical-sounding targets.

With 40-45 percent targets, the low- carbon economy must soar to new heights, said Zhang Jianjun, director of the Depart- ment of Sustainable Development and Climate Change at PricewaterhouseCoo- pers Consulting China.
More work would need doing on secondary industry includ- ing both economic restructuring and the application of clean technology.

Clean technology and economic re- structuring has enabled China to fulfill the targets of its 11th Five-Year Plan (2006-2010), according to a McKinsey & Company report.

These twin pillars of a low-carbon economy would continue to play vital roles in the 12th Five-Year Plan (2011-2015).

predicted.
predicted.

The 9.5 percent year-on-year value added growth in the tertiary indus- try surpassed that of secondary industry in 2008 for the first time since 2003.

Energy-intensive industries like ce- ment, chemical and steel will be overtaken by other industries, with the ratio of high added-value products higher.

No pain, no planet It is no secret that clean technology and economic restructuring can come at a po- litical, economic and social cost.
Clean technology cost the country $100 billion (683 billion yuan) between 2006 and 2008.

If the country keeps pursuing new clean technologies, it will have to invest another $100 billion from 2009 to 2010 – nearly one percent of annual GDP – according to McKinsey & Company.

Just as greater emissions cuts mean obsolete high emitters being closed and replaced with low emitters, economic re- structuring means unemployment and re- lated social problems.
The most direct way for the steel sector to reduce emissions is to phase out obso- lete and energy-consuming capacity, Diao Li, director of finance and assets at the China Iron & Steel Association, told the Global Times.

“Improved smelting will do less to re- duce emissions because most steel mills make steel from iron ore instead of elec- trolyzing scrap steel, which emits less and is widely applied in Europe,” he said.
If China is serious about meeting the 40-45 percent targets, he said, obsolete mills will just have to be shut down.

More than 600 billion yuan ($87.9 bil- lion) will have been invested in energy efficiency savings from 2006 to 2010, ac- cording to NDRC estimates.

The 40 percent to 45 percent would be “very hard” to realize, said the deputy director-general of the National Climate Center and China’s official delegate at the Copenhagen meeting.
creasing linearly, your efforts must grow exponentially,” Lu Xuedu told the Global Times.

Hundreds of billions of yuan must be spent, he said.

Cap & trade Since 1992, China, India and other de- veloping countries have been urging the US and other industrialized nations to fi- nance emissions reductions in the develop- ing world.

While the US and the EU accept the principle of financial assistance, they cannot seem to agree on how much.
Trading in carbon emissions offers China a nifty but controversial chance to facilitate reductions.

The 1997 Kyoto Protocol gave birth to the Clean Develop- ment Mechanism, a carbon-offsetting sys- tem whereby industrialized countries with tricky greenhouse gas reduction targets can invest in projects that reduce emissions in developing countries instead of making the tougher decisions at home.
China is a major supplier to the $110 billion world carbon emission market, ex- pected to hit $3.1 trillion by 2020, accord- ing to a study released by Point Carbon, an Oslo-based environmental market analysis company.

China in 2008 had an 84 percent share of the primary Clean Development Mecha- nism (CDM) market, according to Stock- market operator NYSE Euronext.

China accounted for 66 percent of all contracted supply in the market between 2002 and 2008.
The trading mechanism can provide Chinese companies with funding, Hunan CDM Project Service Center Director Zhang Hanwen told the Global Times.

There are 29 more such CDM centers across the country and if targets of 40-45 percent cuts are to be achieved, Chinese enterprises will increasingly come knock- ing at their doors, he said.

Lawyers and industry insiders have warned it might be made illegal for Chinese companies to resort to CDM projects.
“For carbon emission intensity to de- “Once the 40-45 percent targets are Electric vehicles produced by China Jianghuai Automobiles Co., Ltd. CFP enforced on the provincial and municipal levels, and the government regulates that these companies are obliged to reduce emissions, these companies cannot trade with overseas buyers,” said Liu Ping, a consultant with global law firm Baker & McKenzie.
Axel Michaelowa, senior founding partner at Perspectives GmbH in the Zur- ich Office of Point Carbon, struck a similar note.

“The big question is whether China will now introduce sectoral crediting or sec- toral trading, which would replace CDM,” Michaelowa wrote to the Global Times via e-mail, referring to an in-vogue idea of a system of government policies that reward emissions cuts with hefty financial credits.
“As sectoral mechanisms would be dominated by government and dilute the incentives for greenhouse gas mitigation, investment in mitigation would fall.” It would be better if CDM projects con- tinued to generate credits even if sectoral crediting was introduced after Copenha- gen, both Liu and Michaelowa argued.

The only sensible alternative to CDM, Michaelowa said, would be a sectoral trad- ing scheme with mandatory participation of industry and sanctions for those compa- nies that do not comply.
Administrative rules – not mandatory laws – on emissions reductions would still guarantee both domestic reductions and CDM, believed Liu of Baker & McKenzie.

43 Supervision NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee: Efforts behind ‘potatoes’ By Li Xiaojian to increase farmers’ income by growing potatoes, the Ningxia delegation attend- ing this year’s “Two Sessions” raised a proposal on the establishment of seed po- tato base in the region.
Statistics indicated that Ningxia plans to build high-quality potato breeding bas- es in central and southern mountainous areas from 2009-12 with an estimated investment of 1.35 billion yuan.

Of the total investment, the central government will allocate 1,016 million yuan (254 million yuan per year) and the regional government and local farmers raise 338.7 million yuan.
On the morning of October 26, 2009, the 11th NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee held its ninth plenary meeting to discuss the implementation of a proposal (No.

1022) on Support to the Establishment of Seed Potato Basis by the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) and the Ministry of Finance (MOF).

To support the establishment of a seed potato base in Ningxia is one of the eight major proposals raised and overseen by the NPC Standing Committee.
The Min- istry of Agriculture will take the lead, NDRC and the MOF will sponsor the project and the NPC Ethnic Affairs Com- mittee will supervise its implementation.

At the conference, all the participat- ed departments expressed their support on the project, which has won priorities among all the agriculture-related funds by the central government.

A next step is to implement the key items in the propos- al by adopting pragmatic measures.
Vice Chairman of NPC Standing A NPC Standing Committee delegation headed by Vice Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Chen Changzhi (third from right) paid a visit to Ningxia in order to carry out field research on the implementa- tion of a proposal to support the construction of seed potato bases in the region.

Xinhua The Ningxia Hui Autonomous Re- gion is one of China’s major pro- ducing areas of potatoes.
Thanks to temperate continental monsoon cli- mate in the region’s central and southern areas, the place is very suitable for the plantation of potatoes.

In 2008, the total plantation area reached to 4 million mu (266,800 hectares) with an output of 4 million tons.

About 30 percent of local farmers’ income comes from the planting of po- tatoes annually.
Zhao Xiaoping, deputy chairman of the Ningxia Hui Autono- mous Region, noted that with the sup- ports and aids from the NPC and other departments, the region’s agricultural sector has made dramatic progress, es- pecially in the plantation of potatoes, in recent years.

The growing of potatoes has become a pillar industry for the pov- erty-stricken people living in mountain- ous regions to make rich.

It also plays a very important role in maintaining eth- nic unity and social stability.
Influenced by the ongoing interna- tional financial crisis, the plantation of potatoes in Ningxia faces tremendous challenges.

To accelerate the transfer of mode of economic development as well 44 Committee Ismail Tiliwaldi emphasized on the conference that the Party and the government have been paying great at- tention to rural work.

To increase farm- ers’ income and accelerate agricultural development is a core task.
All the de- partments involved should take practical and feasible measures to implement the proposal.

The establishment of seed po- tato base in Ningxia is conducive to the welfare of poverty-stricken people living there.

Endeavors behind the potato According to the NPC Ethnic Af- fairs Committee introduced, the potato plantation is one of the most important economic plants in China’s western mountain areas.
The propagation of seed potatoes and virus-free work are two key problems restricting the development of potato industry.

The proposal, which was listed as a major one by the NPC Stand- ing Committee, is vital to the interest and life of ordinary people in Ningxia.

The NPC Standing Committee gives intensive concerns to the construction of seed potato base in Ningxia.

On Sep- tember 16-19, Vice Chairman of NPC Standing Committee Chen Changzhi conducted an on-the-spot investigation in Ningxia.
Chen said the implementa- tion of the proposal 1022 is crucial to the lives of poor farmers in the region’s southern mountain areas.

All the depart- ments involved should work hard on the issue for the sake of ethnic unity and so- cial stability.

Measures should be taken to accelerate the health and stable devel- opment of the potato cultivation.
Besides, the NPC Standing Commit- tee demands that major officials of rele- vant departments keep close eyes on and take measures to ensure the implementa- tion of the proposal.

NPC deputy Ma Qizhi noted the deal- ing of the proposal reflects NPC’s work style, which is to concentrate on major A planting base of potatoes.

CFP conjunctures and key issues in line with the overall situation of the Party and the State as well as line with the actual ben- efits of the mass of people.
The NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee pays high attention to the supervision and implementation of the proposal.

Deputy Ma exchanged ideas with the Ministry of Agriculture and gave specific require- ment.

At the same time, the committee communicated positively with the Stand- ing Committee of Ningxia People’s Con- gress, Ministry of Agriculture, NDRC, MOF and other related organizations.
Working with the Ministry of Agriculture closely, it also organized and participated in the investigation and research efforts.

After hearing latest information on the implementation of the proposal, it also brought out supervision suggestions.

As the sponsor of the project, the Min- istry of Agriculture strengthened coordi- nation with other ministries and set up a special work panel led by Executive Dep- uty Minister Wei Chao’an.

mered out detailed implementation plan.


On June 7-12, a joint research team was organized between the ministry, the NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee, NDRC and MOF to carry out field investigation in Ningxia.

From July to October, the Min- istry of Agriculture organized a second coordination conference to adjust the im- plementation plans and solicit opinions on the reply of the proposal to the NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee.
As co-sponsors of the proposal, NDRC and MOF also attached great attention to the handling of the proposal and strength- ened their support for the rapid develop- ment of potato breeding in Ningxia.

After the proposal was listed a major one by the NPC Standing Committee, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region felt great honor.
As a result, the Stand- ing Committee of Ningxia People’s Con- gress organized deputies to NPC to con- duct field visits to the seed potato bases and contributed constructive and feasible suggestions on this issue.

At the end of April, the ministry ham- Spurred by the NPC Ethnic Affairs 45 Supervision A woman farmer harvests potatoes.

CFP Committee, the Ministry of Agriculture, NDRC and MOF put forward eight mea- sures to support the construction of seed potato bases.
First is to put more stress on the con- struction of supply center of virus-free seed potatoes, rapid propagation cen- ter and the quality quarantine center.

In 2009, altogether 3.85 million yuan has been allocated from the central govern- ment to the Ningxia.

Another 16 mil- lion yuan of fund will be invested into the region in 2010 according to the cen- tral government’s budget.

Second, more funds will go to the construction of virus- free seed potato bases.
Third, enhanced efforts will be given to the construction of seed potato bases as well as to the transformation of low-output farmland through comprehensive measures.

Forth is to give special subsidies to the propa- gation of high quality seed potatoes.

Of the total amount of 200 million yuan of subsidies for potato cultivation this year, 25 million were used in Ningxia.

fifth is to support the purchase of machinery re- lated with potato production by provid- ing special subsidies.
In 2009, a total of 130 million yuan has been arranged from 46 the central government in Ningxia.

Sixth is to provide subsidies for the promotion of plastic mulching techniques for potato plantation in autumn.

The last one is to collect more funds to support the cellar construction and storage construction of the potatoes.
Supervision urged on the handling of deputies’ suggestions Deputy Zhuo Xinping, also member of NPC Ethnic Af- fairs Committee, told the NPC magazine that the proposal 1022 raised by Ningxia delegation will play a role helping poor farmers to shed poverty in the region.

The plantation of potatoes bears no vital importance other places in China, but it carries crucial significance to the devel- opment of Ningxia.
NPC deputy Dale- lihan Mamhan echoed the establishment of potato bases in Ningxia conforms to the local situation of Ningxia.

He sug- gested to further enlarge investment.

The development of Ningxia as well as other provinces in the western areas is bottle- necked for the lack of funds.

Besides of the allocation of subsidies and adoption of referential policies, the central gov- ernment should tap new channels to help these regions.
“Attentions should not only be given to the development of potato industry, but also be given for those who are growing potatoes and making a living on that,” said deputy Yu Zhengui, also a member of NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee.

He also expressed his expectation that more organizations will give enough support since it concerns the ethnic unity, region- al stability and the benefits of the local people.
Deputy Mu Benli suggested that it is an effective means to play the supervi- sion of NPC by handling major proposals raised by deputies.

He also hoped that the related departments should take pragmat- ic measures issues.

Deputy Ma told NPC magazine, the NPC system is one of the basic politi- cal systems in China.
To implement the proposals submitted by deputies, on one hand, is to propel the government subject to the supervision of NPC, on the other hand, it ensures the people to be master of the nation, the Party to increase its governance and the whole nation to adopt rule of law.

It plays an important role in accelerating the decision-making in a sci- entific and democratic way.

Ma also stressed that the handling of deputy’s proposals lies in how to car- ry them out.
Responsible departments should adopt practical measures to ful- fill their promises.

Other departments involved should take corresponding re- sponsibilities as well as cooperate with each other.

Based on its specific situation and under the support of central govern- ment, Ningxia should not only rely on State and ministries’ aids.

The spirit of self-independence and hard work should be stuck to.

An active and scientific meth- odology should be explored accordingly.
In the next stage, the NPC Ethnic Affairs Committee will follow the requirements of the NPC Standing Committee to super- vise relevant departments.

At the demand of Ningxia delegation, efforts should be resorted to carrying out pragmatic mea- sures on this issue.

Two women citizens in Shenyang, capi- tal of Liaoning Province, purchase lan- terns and Chinese knots to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.

CFP 47 NPC National People’s Congress of China 2