Misplaced Pages

#979020

118-595: FOCAC is the primary multi-lateral coordination mechanism between African countries and China. Along with the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) , FOCAC was one of the first regional organizations established by China outside its territorial periphery. Since 2018, China and the African states explicitly view FOCAC as a part of China's Belt and Road Initiative . As of 2022, the members of FOCAC are 53 African countries (all except Eswatini), China, and

236-475: A major world power . He sought to improve socio-economic equality domestically through the Scientific Outlook on Development , which aimed to build a " Harmonious Socialist Society " that was prosperous and free of social conflict. Under his leadership, the authorities also cracked down on social disturbances, ethnic minority protests, and dissident figures, which also led to many controversial events such as

354-412: A 2022 FOCAC coordinators’ meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China would forgive 23 interest-free loans that had matured at the end of 2021 for 17 African countries. FOCAC meets every three years, alternating between an African country and China, although the 2021 meeting took place online due to COVID-19. China often uses the occasion of FOCAC summits to solicit African support for

472-549: A 600 million yuan humanitarian and reconstruction aid for Syria, Yemen, Jordan and Lebanon and a further 1 billion yuan was offered to support "social stability efforts". Also announced in 2018 was a China-Arab Countries Interbank Association with $ 3 billion in funding from China Development Bank for interbank credits with local banks in the region. Foreign ministers of CASCF member states meet every two years, either in China or in an Arab state. CASCF also has ten subgroups, including

590-521: A conservative interpretation of the Westphalian norms of state sovereignty. Chinese foreign aid is a significant area of interaction within FOCAC, and FOCAC is the primary channel through which China provides resources to the African countries. Through FOCAC, China provides aid in the forms of debt forgiveness, aid grants, concessional loans, and interest-free loans. The sole political condition China requires

708-653: A conservative interpretation of the Westphalian norms of state sovereignty. China's advocacy for this strict interpretation of Westphalian sovereignty has intensified since the 2011 NATO intervention in Libya , creating some tensions within CASCF over the positions China (as a member of the United Nations Security Council ) takes on Syria, although generally the Arab League states continue to support China's advocacy of

826-487: A disciple of Jiang to serving as an intermediary between the two factions. Hu was mostly conservative on political reforms during his tenure. In the beginning of 2006, Hu launched the " Eight Honors and Eight Shames " movement in a bid to promote a more selfless and moral outlook amongst the population. At the 17th CCP National Congress , Hu was re-elected as general secretary of the Central Committee and chairman of

944-446: A harmonious world to assure the international community that China's economic growth offered opportunities and benefits rather than conflicts. The key attributes of a harmonious world view of foreign policy are building and accepting a world where countries diverge in their paths of national development and political systems, coexistence of diverse civilizations, and rejected unilateralism and hegemonic ambitions. In 2006, Hu articulated

1062-612: A historic meeting between Hu and then-KMT chairman Lien Chan in April 2005. This was the first meeting between the leaders of the two parties since the conclusion of World War II. On 20 March 2008, the Kuomintang under Ma Ying-jeou won the presidency in Taiwan, and a majority in the Legislative Yuan . Thereafter Hu immediately turned to a more 'soft' diplomatic approach and opened the way to

1180-460: A loose monetary policy, which led to the formation of a U.S.-style property bubble in which property prices tripled. The privileged state sector was the primary recipient of government investment, which, under the new administration, promoted the rise of large national champions which could compete with large foreign corporations. During Hu's administration, the Chinese government increasingly funded

1298-508: A need for cautious and gradual political reforms. The Scientific Outlook on Development was written into the CCP and State Constitutions in 2007 and 2008 , respectively. The role of the Party has changed, as formulated by Deng Xiaoping and implemented by Jiang Zemin , from a revolutionary party to a ruling party. During his tenure he continued the Party's modernization, calling for both "Advancement" of

SECTION 10

#1732851582980

1416-765: A priority given to allowing Taiwan to participate in the World Health Organization . In addition to the party-to-party dialogue, de facto governmental dialogue took place via the Straits Exchange Foundation and the Association for Relations Across the Taiwan Straits in June 2008 on the basis of the 1992 Consensus, with the first meeting held in Beijing. Both Hu and his new counterpart Ma Ying-jeou agreed that

1534-486: A role which is filed by a senior official from China's foreign affairs ministry . Throughout the development of CASCF, Arab states have urged China to use the forum to strengthen its support for Palestine; CASCF's statements of support for Palestine have grown stronger over time. In its 2004 founding declaration, CASCF states, "China stresses support for the Middle Eastern peace process, land for peace principle and

1652-431: A smooth transition of power from the so-called second-generation leaders (Deng, Chen, Li Xiannian , Wang Zhen , etc.) to third-generation leaders ( Jiang Zemin , Li Peng , Qiao Shi etc.). Deng also proposed considering another candidate for a further future transition, preferably someone under fifty to represent the next generation of leaders. Song Ping, as the organization chief, recommended Hu as an ideal candidate for

1770-613: A synergistic approach to diverse social issues (the Scientific Development Perspective) that lead, in Hu's vision, to a "Harmonious Socialist Society". In the view of the Chinese government, these philosophies, which have created a new "China Model" of governance, serve as a legitimate alternative to the West's "Democracy Model", particularly for developing countries. In Hu's words, "A Harmonious Socialist Society should feature democracy,

1888-534: A thaw in relations between the two sides. A series of historic meetings between the CCP and KMT have followed. On 12 April 2008, Hu Jintao met with Taiwan's vice president-elect Vincent Siew in the latter's role as chairman of the Cross-strait Common Market Foundation during the Boao Forum for Asia . On 28 May 2008, Hu met with KMT chairman Wu Po-hsiung , the first meeting between the heads of

2006-604: A three-year action plan and Chinese pledges of loans, grants, and export credits. Although established following the urgings of African diplomats in the late 1990s, China has taken the lead in FOCAC throughout the existence of the organization. In addition to African requests, China had its own reasons for establishing FOCAC, including: creating an organization to ensure future political and economic influence in Africa in light of other great and rising powers setting up similar organizations, counteracting European Union influence in light of

2124-711: Is a Middle East peace process aimed at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict (including the territorial disputes that Lebanon and Syria each have with Israel). Other issues which have emerged following the Arab Spring include the Syrian civil war , and issues in Iraq, Libya, Yemen, Sudan, and Somalia. In recent years, CASCF documents have noted Arab states' support for China's approach in Hong Kong. Besides, CASCF has an ambassador position,

2242-571: Is a formal dialogue initiative between China and the Arab League established in 2004. It serves as the primary multilateral coordination mechanism between China and the Arab states. CASCF was established in 2004 during a visit by Chinese President Hu Jintao to the Arab League headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. At the end of the meeting, Foreign Minister Li Zhaoxing and Secretary General Moussa jointly announced

2360-403: Is a trend that has continued during the administration of Xi Jinping. Hu's tough-on-corruption policies saw mixed results. While there were some attempts to increase transparency in the expenditures of official organs and bureaucrats, deeply entrenched systemic issues that were contributing to the growth of corruption remained unresolved. In addition, the massive corruption scandal that ensnared

2478-457: Is adherence to the One China principle . Being largely free of political conditions, China's foreign aid diverges from the global model, which requires more political concessions from recipient countries. The FOCAC founding declaration states China's critique of the dominant global mode of foreign aid which, in the Chinese view, results in the mistreatment of developing countries: Each country has

SECTION 20

#1732851582980

2596-540: The 1992 Consensus . Chen Shui-bian and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) had continued to express an ultimate goal of de jure Taiwanese independence , and made statements on the political status of Taiwan that the PRC considers provocative. Hu's initial response was a combination of "soft" and "hard" approaches. On the one hand, Hu expressed a flexibility to negotiate on many issues of concern to Taiwan. On

2714-677: The 19th CCP National Congress in October 2017. He also attended the 70th anniversary of the People's Republic of China in October 2019, and the 100th anniversary of the Chinese Communist Party in July 2021. At the closing ceremony of the 20th CCP National Congress on 22 October 2022, Hu, who had been sitting next to Xi, was pulled from his seat and escorted out of the hall by two men in suits and with name badges. This incident occurred before

2832-596: The 2008 Beijing Olympics and the 2010 Shanghai Expo . In addition, Hu's "soft approach" to Taiwan, coinciding with the election of a Kuomintang government in Taipei, improved the relationship between mainland China and Taiwan . Trade and contact between the two sides increased significantly during Hu's tenure. In addition, Hu and Premier Wen Jiabao 's populist policies have resulted in the elimination of agricultural taxes for farmers, more flexible policies towards migrant workers living in cities, more balanced development between

2950-592: The African Union Commission . A number of North African states are dual members of both CASCF and FOCAC: Algeria , Djibouti , Egypt , Libya , Mauritania , Morocco , Somalia , Sudan , and Tunisia . Although the African Union has increasingly played a coordinating role since joining CASCF in 2012, each African state represents itself in FOCAC and activities are implemented bilaterally between China and individual African countries. Each meeting results in

3068-641: The Anti-Secession Law was passed by the National People's Congress , formalizing "non-peaceful means" as an option of response to a declaration of independence in Taiwan. Hu's government increased contacts with the Kuomintang (KMT), its former foe in the Chinese Civil War , and still a major party in Taiwan. The increased contacts culminated in the 2005 Pan-Blue visits to mainland China , including

3186-763: The CCP Central Committee , and the Central Party School, which was convenient for him to bring up his own supporters among senior CCP cadres. Hu was also put in charge of the ideological work of the CCP. Although Hu was considered heir apparent to Jiang, he always took great care to ensure that Jiang be at the center of the spotlight. In late 1998, Hu promoted Jiang's unpopular movement of the " Three Stresses " – "stress study, stress politics, and stress healthy trends" – giving speeches to promote it. In 2001, he publicized Jiang's Three Represents theory, which Jiang hoped to place himself on

3304-730: The Chairperson of the African Union Commission . Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi and Commerce Minister Chen Deming led a delegation to attend the meeting. A $ 10 billion low cost loan was announced on November 9, 2009, double the $ 5 billion loan announced and implemented at the 2006 Beijing Summit. A 1 billion U.S. dollar special loan for small and medium-sized African businesses was also established. China also announced eight new policy measures aimed at strengthening relations with Africa that were "more focused on improving people's livelihoods". Wen announced that China will write off

3422-748: The National People's Congress of China and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the various African national parliaments, the Pan-African Parliament , and the African Parliamentary Union . The summit was held in Beijing from September 4 to 6, 2024. To promote the summit, China hosted the 7th China-Africa Folk Forum and China-Africa Youth Leaders Forum in Changsha from July 24 to 26, and

3540-1074: The One China Principle . China also expresses support for the African Union and for United Nations peacekeeping missions during FOCAC summits. The first Ministerial Conference was held in Beijing from 10 to 12 October 2000. President Jiang Zemin , Premier Zhu Rongji of the State Council, and Vice President Hu Jintao of the People's Republic of China participated in the conference. More than 80 ministers from China and 44 countries and representatives from 17 international and regional organizations attended this meeting. African attendees included President Gnassingbé Eyadéma of Togo , President Abdelaziz Bouteflika of Algeria , President Frederick Chiluba of Zambia , President Benjamin William Mkapa of Tanzania , and Secretary-General Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim of

3658-798: The Organization of African Unity . The conference passed the Beijing Declaration of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation and the Programme for China–Africa Cooperation in Economic and Social Development . The second Ministerial Conference was held in Addis Ababa , Ethiopia , from 15 to 16 December 2003. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao , Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi , six African presidents, three vice presidents, two other prime ministers, and one president of

Forum on China–Africa Cooperation - Misplaced Pages Continue

3776-612: The Tibet Autonomous Region , where his harsh repression of dissent gained him attention from the highest levels. He moved up to first secretary of the CCP Central Secretariat and vice president under CCP general secretary Jiang Zemin . Hu was the first leader of the Communist Party from a generation younger than those who participated in the civil war and the founding of the republic. Influential sponsors from

3894-663: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East . China-Arab states special loans are two special credit lines established by China in announcements in 2016 and 2018 in the amount of US$ 15 billion and $ 20 billion respectively. Both announcements were made in speeches given by Xi Jinping that called for jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative , China's global economic connectivity plan. The $ 15 billion special loan for infrastructure and manufacturing

4012-643: The president of China from 2003 to 2013, and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) from 2004 to 2012. He was a member of the CCP Politburo Standing Committee , China's de facto top decision-making body, from 1992 to 2012. Hu was the fifth paramount leader of China from 2002 to 2012. Hu rose to power through the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), notably as Party Committee secretary for Guizhou province and

4130-601: The unrest in Tibet and the passing of the Anti-Secession Law . In foreign policy, Hu advocated for China's peaceful rise , pursuing soft power in international relations and a corporate approach to diplomacy. Throughout Hu's tenure, China's influence in Africa, Latin America, and other developing regions increased. Hu possessed a modest and reserved leadership style. His tenure was characterized by collective leadership and consensus-based rule. These traits made Hu an enigmatic figure in

4248-461: The "Four Transformations" program, which aimed to produce communist leaders who were "more revolutionary, younger, more knowledgeable, and more specialized." In response to this nationwide search for young party members, Song Ping , the first secretary of CCP Gansu Committee (Gansu's governor) discovered Hu Jintao and promoted him several ranks to the position of deputy head of the commission. Another protégé of Song, Wen Jiabao, also became prominent at

4366-410: The $ 10 billion UAE-China Joint Investment Fund was also noted. During the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum in Beijing in July 2018, President Xi announced the $ 20 billion special loan for "economic reconstruction." The 2018 announcement took on a different tone from the one in 2016 with pledges of help for reconstruction of war torn countries. The $ 20 billion special credit line was paired with

4484-526: The 18th Central Committee, succeeding Hu. On 14 March 2013, he was succeeded by Xi as president. Since his retirement, Hu has kept a low-profile, rarely making public appearances. In September 2013, Hu visited an ancestral family home in Huangshan , Anhui, though the trip was not covered by state media. In April 2014, he made an appearance in Hunan, visiting Hunan University and other historical sites. He attended

4602-557: The 1992 Consensus is the basis for negotiations between the two sides of the Taiwan strait. On 26 March 2008, Hu Jintao held a telephone talk with then US president George W. Bush , in which he became the first Chinese leader to officially recognize the 1992 Consensus. After several months of negotiations, in December 2008, the two sides agreed on the resumption of the Three Links , i.e., a re-opening of mail, trade, and direct air links between

4720-403: The 2006 meeting. Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers are a major component of China's agricultural cooperation with African countries. The function of these centers is to transmit agricultural expertise and technology from China to developing countries in Africa while also creating market opportunities for Chinese companies in the agricultural sector. The fourth Ministerial Conference of

4838-552: The 2021 summit, those continue to be regular themes for FOCAC. During the 2012 summit, China announced the Initiative on China-Africa Partnership for Peace and Security, through which it provides financial and technical support to peacekeeping missions conducted by the African Union. Particularly since the 2012 FOCAC, China has focused more on the quality, effectiveness, and sustainability of the aid it provides to African countries. The second FOCAC Summit and sixth Ministerial Conference

Forum on China–Africa Cooperation - Misplaced Pages Continue

4956-446: The 30 hospitals and 30 malaria prevention and treatment centers built by China and train 3,000 doctors and nurses for Africa. Wen further stated that China will build 50 China–Africa friendship schools and train 1,500 school principals and teachers for African countries and increase the number of Chinese government scholarships to Africa to 5,500 by 2012. China will also train a total of 20,000 professionals of various fields for Africa over

5074-465: The African states view FOCAC as a major platform for coordination as part of the Belt and Road Initiative . Agricultural development was a focus of the 2018 summit. China pledged $ 60 billion in funds for development in Africa. During the summit, Xi announced additional grants of RMB 300 million and RMB 100 million in emergency food aid from China to South Sudan . Due the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 meeting

5192-542: The Arab states, CASCF agreed in 2010 to call specifically for an end of Israel's occupation in East Jerusalem . The 2012 CASCF declaration called for Palestine to become a full member of the UN and of UNESCO . Subsequent CASCF declarations have echoed these positions. Of particular note, the 2018 declaration calls on all states to implement UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016) (which condemns measures designed to change

5310-559: The Beirut Summit Arab Peace Initiative." The action plan from the 2004 summit provides concrete detail, calling for strengthening the UN's peace process role and an independent state for Palestinians. The 2008 CASCF declaration goes further, calling on Israel to end the occupation of lands occupied since 1967, for the work of the international community to lift the blockade on Palestinians, and for Israel to stop building settlements. In response to united pressure from

5428-618: The CCP Central Military Commission on 22 October 2007. At the 11th National People's Congress , Hu was re-elected as president on 15 March 2008. He was also re-elected as chairman of the PRC Central Military Commission. The first crisis of Hu's leadership happened during the outbreak of SARS in 2003. Following strong criticism of China for initially covering up and responding slowly to the crisis, he dismissed several party and government officials, including

5546-576: The CCP and the KMT as ruling parties. During this meeting, Hu and Wu agreed that both sides should re-commence official dialogue under the 1992 consensus – that "both sides recognize there is only one China, but agree to differ on its definition." Wu committed the new government in Taiwan against Taiwanese independence; Hu committed his government to addressing the concerns of the Taiwanese people in regard to security, dignity, and "international living space", with

5664-471: The CCP general secretary, effectively making him the paramount leader . Additionally, Wen Jiabao became the premier. However, Jiang was re-elected to the post of chairman of the Central Military Commission , the top military body, despite Hu taking over as the general secretary. Jiang resigned as CMC chairman in September 2004, his last official post. Following Jiang's stepping-down, Hu had officially taken on

5782-608: The China-Africa Media Cooperation Forum in Beijing on August 21. This time, Chinese and African leaders will discuss and cooperate around the theme of "Joining hands to promote modernization and build a high-level Chinese-African community of destiny". This forum is also the largest domestic diplomatic event organized by China in recent years and attended by the largest number of foreign leaders. China-Arab States Cooperation Forum The China–Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF, Chinese : 中国－阿拉伯国家合作论坛 )

5900-499: The China-Arab Relations and China-Arab Civilization Dialogue, which also usually meet every two years. On an annual basis, senior officials from CASCF member states meet to implement CASCF action plans. Hu Jintao This is an accepted version of this page Hu Jintao (born 21 December 1942) is a Chinese retired politician who served as the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from 2002 to 2012,

6018-581: The Chinese market. The Chinese side will, starting from 2004, negotiate lists of tariff-free goods and the rules of origin with the countries concerned on a bilateral basis." The 2003 summit was the first at which cultural cooperation was a point of emphasis. The first FOCAC Summit and the third Ministerial Conference were held in Beijing from November 3 to 5, 2006. Hu Jintao , President of China, and heads of state or heads of government from 35 African countries attended this Summit. President Hu rolled out $ 5 billion worth of concessionary loans to Africa during

SECTION 50

#1732851582980

6136-428: The Chinese population that had been left behind by the economic reform, and took a number of high-profile trips to the poorer areas of China with the stated goal of understanding these areas better. Hu and Wen Jiabao also attempted to move China away from a policy of favouring economic growth at all costs and toward a more balanced view of growth that includes factors in social inequality and environmental damage, including

6254-458: The FOCAC was held at Soho-Square, in the Egyptian resort of Sharm el-Sheikh , on 8 to 9 November 2009. The meeting reviewed how the consensus of the Beijing Summit has been implemented. It also adopted a Sharm el-Sheikh declaration and an action plan for 2010–2012 to chart the path for further China–Africa cooperation. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao , Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak , and African heads of state or government from 49 countries attended

6372-570: The FOCAC was held on 19 to 20 July 2012, in Beijing, China. Announcements were made by China for support in investment and lending, including a credit line of $ 20 billion for African countries to build infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Africa. Also, the China-Africa Development Fund , which had been announced during the 2006 FOCAC and established with capital of $ 1 billion, would be scaled up to $ 5 billion. The 2012 summit placed significant emphasis on security cooperation and peace. As of at least

6490-419: The Five Principles. In contrast to China's mostly similar cooperation forum with Africa (the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, or FOCAC ), CASCF is more focused on international and regional political issues. Many Arab states view China as a great power which can assist them in the international community, especially via the UN Security Council. The most prominent political issue advocated through CASCF

6608-449: The Party and its increasing transparency in governance. What emerges from these philosophies, in Hu's view, is a country with a systematic approach to national structure and development that combines dynamic economic growth, a free market energized by a vigorous "nonpublic" (i.e., private) sector, heavy-handed political and media control, personal but not political freedoms, concern for the welfare of all citizens, cultural enlightenment, and

6726-789: The People's Republic of China as the sole legitimate representative of China, with the exception of Eswatini (Swaziland) . It was also reported that more African leaders went to the 2018 summit than to the similarly timed UN General Assembly meeting. At the summit, Xi Jinping emphasized the "Five Nos" which guide its foreign policy in dealing with African countries and other developing countries: (1) non-interference in other countries' pursuit of development paths suitable to their national conditions, (2) non-interference in domestic affairs, (3) not imposing China's will on others, (4) not attaching political conditions to foreign aid, and (5) not seeking political self-interest in investment and financing. The 2018 FOCAC declaration states explicitly that China and

6844-444: The Politburo Standing Committee to make way for a younger leadership, there was speculation that Jiang would retain significant influence because Hu was not associated with Jiang's influential Shanghai clique , to which six out of the nine members of the all-powerful Standing Committee were believed to be linked. However, later developments show that many of its members had shifted their positions. Zeng Qinghong , for example, moved from

6962-460: The Politburo work report system and the invitation of approximately 200 members of the Central Committee to cast nonbinding votes for Politburo candidates. Consensus-based decision-making became a hallmark of the Hu era. Hu was never a strongman, did not rule with an iron fist, and was often seen as first-among-equals with his Politburo Standing Committee colleagues. Some called China's political landscape during Hu's era one of "nine dragons taming

7080-413: The Taiwanese government to declare de jure independence from China. After Chen's re-election in 2004, Hu's government changed tactics, conducting a no-contact policy with Taiwan due to Chen and the DPP's independence leanings and repudiation of the 1992 consensus. The government maintained its military build-up against Taiwan, and pursued a vigorous policy of isolating Taiwan diplomatically. In March 2005,

7198-725: The Water Conservancy Engineering Department. He worked as a political counselor at Tsinghua. In July 1965, Hu began work as an engineer. In 1968, during the Third Front construction, Hu volunteered for his service in Gansu and worked on the construction of Liujiaxia Hydroelectric Station while also managing CCP affairs for the local branch of the Ministry of Water Resources and Electric Power. From 1969 to 1974, he worked for Sinohydro Engineering Bureau. In 1970, Hu married Liu Yongqing , whom he had met at Tsinghua University when they were studying there. They have two children together, Hu Haifeng and Hu Haiqing, their children-in-law named Julia Wong and Daniel Mao. Unlike Wen Jiabao ,

SECTION 60

#1732851582980

7316-424: The Youth League, Hu escorted Hu Yaobang, who was CCP general secretary then, in visits around the country. Hu Yaobang, himself a veteran coming from the Youth League, could reminiscence his youth through Hu's company. In 1985, Communist Party general secretary Hu Yaobang pushed for Hu Jintao to be transferred to Guizhou as the provincial Committee secretary of the Chinese Communist Party. Hu attempted to improve

7434-516: The affairs of their successors. Political observers indicate that Hu distinguished himself from his predecessor in both domestic and foreign policy. Hu's political philosophy during his leadership is summarized by three slogans — a " Harmonious Socialist Society " domestically and "Peaceful Development" internationally, the former aided by the Scientific Development Concept , which seeks integrated sets of solutions to arrays of economic, environmental and social problems, and recognizes, in inner circles,

7552-437: The analysis of academic Suisheng Zhao , under Hu's leadership, "China remained a reluctant rising power and selectively took on global and regional obligations. Chinese foreign policy became omnidirectional, multilevel, and multidimensional." Early in his leadership , Hu faced a pro-independence counterpart in then Republic of China (ROC) president Chen Shui-bian . Chen called for talks without any preconditions, repudiating

7670-777: The banner of "Building a Harmonious Socialist Society." Some observers attribute the political origins of low-carbon development strategy to Hu's Scientific Outlook on Development, although some industrial support in this area had already begun before Hu's formulation of the Scientific Outlook on Development. Western criticism of Hu, particularly regarding human rights, exposes his hypersensitivity to social stability but does not lay as much emphasis on his fresh commitment to address China's multi-faceted social problems . Hu's pragmatic, non-ideological agenda had two core values—maintaining social stability to further economic development and sustaining Chinese culture to enrich national sovereignty. In domestic policy, he seems to want more openness to

7788-458: The coastal regions and the hinterlands, enforcing minimum wage in cities and the promotion of sustainable and affordable housing developments. The response to the SARS public health crisis and the massive expansion of health insurance coverage for middle- to low-income citizens earned Hu accolades domestically. Generally speaking, these policies have been well received by the Chinese public. In foreign policy, Hu's critics say that his government

7906-426: The consolidation of state-owned enterprises (SOEs), supplying massive subsidies and favoring SOEs in regulatory matters. These efforts helped SOEs to crowd out foreign and domestic private sector competitors. Nevertheless, the share of SOEs in the total number of companies have continued to fall, dropping to 5%, though their share of total output remained at 26%. Exchange rates for the yuan were also liberalized and

8024-413: The context of the system he was placed in, Hu was credited for being an effective mediator and consensus-builder. Hu also won praise for stepping down as military chief in favour of his successor Xi Jinping, and at the same time relinquishing his position as general secretary. This was seen as a message to the establishment and Jiang Zemin that elders should retire according to protocol and avoid meddling in

8142-454: The country chided increased restrictions on cultural expressions during Hu's term. Although in the early years of his tenure Hu attempted to pioneer a form of "intraparty democracy" that called for greater participation from lower-ranked members to determine policy and select the leadership, there was little evidence of meaningful changes to the party's governing structure and decision-making process. His focus on intraparty democracy did result in

8260-466: The country. China's Gini coefficient climbed to 0.47 by 2010, indicating a potentially unsustainable gap between the rich and the poor. The Hu administration's inability to rein in the wealth gap and its renewed emphasis on the role of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in the economy led some economists to believe that Hu missed a critical opportunity for reform and structural adjustment. Hu's increased support for SOEs, including to merger and consolidate,

8378-963: The debt of some of the poorest African nations. He said China will construct 100 new clean-energy projects on the continent covering solar power, bio-gas, and small hydro-power and gradually lower customs duties on 95 percent of products from African states with which it has diplomatic ties. He also stated that China would undertake 100 joint demonstration projects on scientific and technological research, receive 100 African postdoctoral fellows to conduct scientific research in China, and assist them in going back and serving their home countries. The number of agricultural technology demonstration centers built by China in Africa will be increased to 20. 50 agricultural technology teams would be sent to Africa and 2,000 agricultural technology personnel would be trained for Africa, in order to help strengthen Africa's ability to ensure food security. China also will provide medical equipment and antimalarial materials worth 500 million yuan to

8496-521: The demographic make-up of occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem) and explicitly criticizes the United States for moving its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem. During the 2024 CASCF Summit, Xi stated that a two-state solution must be upheld and that war must not continue indefinitely. China pledged a further US$ 69 million in emergency humanitarian relief for Palestine and US$ 3 million to

8614-550: The demonstrations and rioting on 5 March was never made clear. While it is general protocol that Hu must have at least implicitly approved the use of force against protesters, whether he actually gave orders throughout 5 March is a matter of debate. In addition, John Tkacik cites that Hu had been coordinating with the Chengdu Military Region for troops to be on full alert as the situation progressed. Some diplomatic analysts linked what they saw as Hu's brutal use of force to

8732-460: The economy of the backwater province, and reputedly visited all of its eighty-six counties. While in Guizhou, Hu was careful to follow Beijing's directives and had a reputation of being "airtight"; he rarely would offer his views on policy matters in public. While Hu was generally seen as an official with integrity and honesty, some locals preferred his predecessor Zhu Houze . In 1987, Hu Jintao handled

8850-539: The establishment of the "China-Arab Cooperation Forum" and issued the "Communiqué on the Establishment of the China-Arab Cooperation Forum". CASCF was the first cooperation forum between the Arab League and any other country or region. CASCF membership consists of China and the Arab League, which officially represents its twenty-two member states as a relatively unified body. CASCF therefore serves as

8968-525: The first EU-Africa Summit, counterbalancing emerging India-Africa and Turkey-Africa cooperation organizations, and advocating for developing country causes. FOCAC emphasizes political cooperation between Africa and China. The core political norms that China advocates within FOCAC are its Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence : mutual respect for territory and sovereignty, mutual nonaggression, mutual noninterference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. These principles are

9086-410: The first regional leaders to publicly declare his support for the central authorities. Hu experienced high-altitude sickness in June 1990, and returned to Beijing, but remained in his position for another two years, during which he achieved little. His departure to Beijing was seen, however, simply as a pretext to return to the center of Chinese politics, which led to some doubts as to whether or not he

9204-998: The four phases of China's foreign policy developmental objectives: (1) big powers were the key, (2) periphery countries the priority, (3) developing countries the foundation, and (4) multilateralism the stage. In 2009, Chinese leader Hu Jintao called for a bolstered arms control agenda at the United Nations General Assembly, joining United States President Barack Obama 's earlier calls for a nuclear-free world. Throughout Hu's tenure, China's cooperation with global south countries increased. He sought to develop China's relationship with Japan , which he visited in 2008. He downgraded relations with Russia because of unfulfilled deals. Hu emphasized an international relations premise of "shared responsibility": China would contribute to global common good, but it must not adversely affect its core interests in doing so, and its commitments must be conditional to those of other nations. In

9322-535: The health minister, who supported Jiang, and the Mayor of Beijing , Meng Xuenong , widely perceived as Hu's protégé. Hu and Wen Jiabao took a more conservative approach towards reforms, and began to reverse some of Deng Xiaoping's reforms in 2005. Observers note that the government adopted more egalitarian and populist policies. The administration increased subsidies and control over the health care sector, increased funding for education, halted privatization, and adopted

9440-603: The initial capital of 10 billion dollars." One of the outcomes of the 2015 forum was the Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages programme. The 2018 summit took place in Beijing in early September 2018. A total of 40 Presidents, 10 Prime Ministers, 1 vice-president and the Chairperson of the AU Commission were among the African dignitaries who participated in the Forum. By May 2018, all African UN member states recognised

9558-542: The local students protest parallel to the Democracy Wall carefully, whereas in Beijing similar protests resulted in Hu Yaobang's forced resignation. Hu Yaobang was purged by Deng Xiaoping in 1987 due to his 'liberal' tendencies, and his departure from the political scene was initially seen as unfavourable towards Hu Jintao, who drew criticism from party elders for failing to criticize the ousted reformer. In 1988, Hu Jintao

9676-515: The military shortly after Hu's departure from office showed that Hu was unable to tackle entrenched interests in the military. In his own departing speech at the 18th Party Congress, Hu emphasized the potentially devastating effects that unchecked corruption would have on the party and the country. Moreover, the Hu administration's insistence on censorship and the curtailing of freedom of speech drew extensive criticism from human rights organizations and Western governments, while artists and writers inside

9794-469: The next three years. The head of the United Nations food agency, World Food Programme , Executive Director Josette Sheeran praised the forum's role in food security, agriculture, and infrastructure in Africa. Discussions at the summit also highlighted the importance of climate change issues, poverty reduction, and exchanges between African and Chinese think tanks. The fifth Ministerial Conference of

9912-463: The older generation promoted his rapid rise, including Song Ping , Hu Yaobang , Deng Xiaoping , and Jiang Zemin . During his term in office, Hu reintroduced state control in some sectors of the economy that were relaxed by the previous administration, and was conservative with political reforms. Along with his colleague Chinese premier Wen Jiabao , Hu presided over nearly a decade of consistent economic growth and development that cemented China as

10030-769: The online discourse power, enhance our ability to channel online discussions, emphasize the art of 'channeling', actively leverage new technologies, increase positive coverage, and promote a positive mainstream discourse." In an online discussion via the Strong China Forum, Hu stated that China should "strengthen our traditional media and new media and form a new setting for channeling public opinion". Under Hu's leadership, China continued its style of developmental diplomacy which had been adopted under Deng Xiaoping and continued by Jiang Zemin. China's international behavior continued to be generally pragmatic and predictable. Hu pledged that China would seek peaceful development in

10148-630: The opening ceremony. Also addressing the opening session were the presidents of Liberia , Zimbabwe , Uganda , Sudan , Republic of Congo , Rwanda , Central African Republic , and Tanzania ; the prime ministers of Ethiopia , Côte d'Ivoire , and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ; the vice presidents of Seychelles , Ghana , and Burundi ; the President of the National Assembly of Gabon ; and

10266-439: The other hand, he continued to refuse talks without preconditions and remained committed to Chinese unification as an ultimate goal. While Hu gave some signs of being more flexible with regard to political relationships with Taiwan as in his May 17 Statement , where he offered to address the issue of "international living space" for Taiwan, Hu's government remained firm in its position that the PRC would not tolerate any attempt by

10384-512: The peg to the U.S. dollar was broken, leading the yuan to rise by 31% against the dollar from 2005 to 2012. China's economic growth has averaged around 10% under Hu, while the economy surpassed the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan. After taking over, Hu and Wen proposed to set up a Harmonious Society which aimed at lessening inequality and changing the style of the "GDP first and Welfare Second" policies. They focused on sectors of

10502-400: The police claimed that they had acted in self-defense. In addition, there was speculation that Hu delayed his orders to clamp down on the protesters until late into the evening, when the police chief was forced to act because the situation was spiraling out of control. The protesters were suppressed early into the next day, and Hu asked Beijing to declare martial law on 8 March. Hu's role in

10620-507: The premier, he never granted a public one-on-one interview with the media. He has been noted for his liking of table tennis and ballroom dancing . Hu is also said to possess a photographic memory that became evident in his high school days. In 1973, Hu was transferred to the Construction Department of Gansu as a secretary. The next year he was promoted to deputy senior party secretary . In 1980, Deng Xiaoping implemented

10738-876: The primary multilateral coordination mechanism between China and the Arab States. This coordination by the Arab League allows Arab states to negotiate actively for collective projects involving multiple states, such as railway projects, nuclear power projects, and Dead Sea initiatives. From 2011 to 2023, during the suspension of their Arab League memberships in 2011, Libya and Syria participated individually in CASCF. Since 2018, China frames CASCF as falling within its Belt and Road Initiative . The core political norms that China advocates within CASCF are its Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence : mutual respect for territory and sovereignty, mutual nonaggression, mutual noninterference in internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful co-existence. These principles are

10856-473: The prospect of a future leader. As a result, shortly before his 50th birthday, Hu Jintao became the youngest (aged 49 in October 1992) member of the seven-member Politburo Standing Committee, and one of the youngest PSC members since the Communist Party assumed power in 1949. In 1992, Hu took charge of the Secretariat of the Chinese Communist Party as its first secretary , which oversaw day-to-day operations of

10974-513: The public eye. His administration was known for its focus more on technocratic competence. At the end of his tenure after ten years in office, Hu won praise for retiring voluntarily from all positions. He was succeeded by Xi Jinping . Following the death of his predecessor Jiang Zemin , Hu is the only living former paramount leader of the People's Republic of China. Hu Jintao was born on 21 December 1942 in Tai County , Jiangsu province, which

11092-450: The public on governmental functions and meetings. Recently, China's news agency published many Politburo Standing Committee meeting details. He also cancelled many events that are traditionally practiced, such as the lavish send-off and welcoming-back ceremonies of Chinese leaders when visiting foreign lands. Furthermore, the Chinese leadership under Hu also focused on such problems as the gap between rich and poor and uneven development between

11210-580: The right to choose, in its course of development, its own social system, development model, and way of life in light of its national conditions. . . . Moreover, the politicization of human rights conditionalities on economic assistance should be vigorously opposed to as they constitute a violation of human rights. Following her interviews of African scholars and diplomats, U.S. Professor of International Securities Studies Dawn C. Murphy concludes that many African countries genuinely appreciate this moral stance by China against political conditions for foreign aid. At

11328-417: The rule of law, equity, justice, sincerity, amity and vitality." Such a society, he says, will give full scope to people's talent and creativity, enable all the people to share the social wealth brought by reform and development, and forge an ever-closer relationship between the people and government. Hu even emphasized the potential of religious communities to contribute to economic and social development under

11446-534: The same level as other Marxist theoreticians. In 1998, Hu became vice president, and Jiang wanted Hu to play a more active role in foreign affairs. Hu became China's leading voice during the United States bombing of the Chinese embassy in Belgrade in 1999. On 15 November 2002, after the 16th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party , a new Hu Jintao-led Politburo nominally succeeded Jiang's, while Hu became

11564-503: The same time. In 1982, Hu was promoted to the position of Communist Youth League Gansu Branch secretary and was appointed as the director of the All-China Youth Federation . His mentor, Song Ping, was transferred to Beijing as Minister of Organization of the Chinese Communist Party, and was in charge of senior cadres' recommendation, candidacy and promotion. With the support of Hu Yaobang (no relation) and Deng Xiaoping, Hu

11682-535: The scale of unrest grew, Hu responded with the deployment of some 1,700 People's Armed Police into Lhasa in February 1989 in an attempt to warn against further disturbance. Increased clashes culminated in serious rioting in Lhasa 's core on 5 March 1989, five days before the 30th anniversary of the 1959 Tibetan uprising . What occurred after is a matter of dispute. Rioters accused the police of shooting them arbitrarily, and

11800-691: The senate, as well as President Alpha Oumar Konare of the Commission of African Union , and the representative of the UN Secretary General attended the opening ceremony and delivered speeches. More than 70 ministers from China and 44 African countries attended the conference. The Conference passed the Addis Ababa Action Plan (2004–2006). Through the 2003 FOCAC plan, China announced it would "grant zero-tariff treatment to some commodities of African LDCs [ least developed countries ] for access to

11918-623: The summit. As one of the "Eight Measures" for Sino-African relations, President Hu announced the creation of the China-Africa Development Fund to further Chinese investment in Africa with US$ 1 billion of initial funding with its fund expected to grow to US$ 5 billion in the future. China also pledged to open its markets further to African countries, and to increase the number of products from African least developed countries that are eligible for tariff exemptions. China first announced its Agricultural Technology Demonstrations Centers at

12036-552: The suppression of activists and students in Tiananmen Square , which took place three months later. Whether Hu provided "inspiration" for the PLA on 4 June is a matter of debate, but it was clear that Hu's actions in Lhasa earned him unprecedented attention in the upper echelons of party power, including by "paramount leader" Deng Xiaoping. When tanks rolled into Tiananmen Square, Hu was one of

12154-633: The three institutions in the People's Republic of China where power lie; the party, the state, as well as the military . Deng Xiaoping appointed three party General Secretaries, all designed to be successors, and was instrumental in the ousting of two of them, Hu Yaobang and Zhao Ziyang . His third and final selection, Jiang Zemin, won Deng's continued, although ambiguous, backing and was the only general secretary in Communist Chinese history to voluntarily leave his post when his term ended. Although Jiang, then 76, stepped down as general secretary and from

12272-451: The two sides. Relations continued to be cordial between the two sides during Hu's tenure, and trade increased immensely, culminating in the signing of the preferential trade agreement Economic Cooperation Framework Agreement (ECFA) in 2010. On 15 November 2012, immediately after the 18th CCP National Congress , Xi was elected to the posts of general secretary of the CCP and chairman of the CMC by

12390-399: The use of the green gross domestic product in personnel decisions. Jiang's clique, however, maintained control in most developing areas; as a result, Hu and Wen's macroeconomic regulation measures faced great resistance. In media policy, Hu discussed the idea of "channeling" public opinion, a term he first used in a 23 January 2007 Politburo meeting. Hu stated that the Party should "grasp

12508-445: The votes that day, which Hu was absent from as a result. Xinhua News Agency , China's official press agency, stated that Hu was not feeling well, while foreign news speculated about whether Hu was genuinely sick or whether this was a deliberate political signal by Xi. The incident was not broadcast in China and both Hu's and his son's names were blocked by Chinese censors. Following the death of his predecessor Jiang Zemin , Hu

12626-411: The water" ( 九龙治水 ), that is, nine PSC members each ruling over their own fief. In addition, Hu not only faced a profusion of special interest groups and political factions within the party, his ability to implement a cohesive program was also constrained by the influence of former leader Jiang Zemin . Consequently, there is debate on how much power Hu held personally to effect change. Nevertheless, within

12744-462: Was 7, and he was raised by an aunt. Hu's father was denounced during the Cultural Revolution , an event that (together with his relatively humble origins) apparently had a deep effect upon Hu, who diligently tried to clear his father's name. He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in April 1964. That year he graduated from Tsinghua University after studying hub hydropower stations at

12862-592: Was announced by China. The individual elements of the package were "5 billion dollars of free aid and interest-free loans, 35 billion dollars of preferential loans and export credit on more favorable terms , 5 billion dollars of additional capital for the China-Africa Development Fund and the Special Loan for the Development of African SMEs each, and a China-Africa production capacity cooperation fund with

12980-459: Was announced in January 2016 during a visit by President Xi at the Arab League . The loan program in 2016 was announced as part of a larger financial package that had a heavy emphasis on business and investment. In addition to the $ 15 billion special credit line, US$ 10 billion of commercial loans and US$ 10 billion of concessional loans (foreign aid loans) were announced. The launch in December 2015 of

13098-745: Was appointed to serve on the funeral committee, ranked 36th on the list out of over 700 names. Hu Jintao appeared in public alongside Xi Jinping on 5 December 2022, attending the farewell ceremony before Jiang's body was cremated in Babaoshan Revolutionary Cemetery . He was accompanied by an aide. Hu presided over a decade of consistent economic growth, led China through the storm of the global financial crisis relatively unscathed, and increased China's international stature immensely. China's achievements under Hu included modernizing China's infrastructure, launching China's first crewed space probe, and sponsoring two successful international events:

13216-478: Was as ill as he had claimed. Martin Seiff of United Press International commented on Putin and Hu: "Both are tough and able authoritarians who had extensive experience of repressing dissent on their rise to the top." Before the opening of the 14th National Congress of the CCP in 1992, senior party leaders, including Deng and Chen Yun , were to select candidates for the CCP Politburo Standing Committee (PSC) to ensure

13334-574: Was assured of a bright future in the party. At Song Ping's suggestion, in 1982 central CCP authorities invited Hu to Beijing to study at the Central Party School . Soon after, he was transferred to Beijing and appointed to a position in the secretariat of the Communist Youth League Central Committee ("CY Central"). Two years later Hu was promoted to first secretary of CY Central, thus its actual leader. During his term in

13452-841: Was held on 4 to 5 December 2015, in Johannesburg, South Africa. The 2015 summit emphasized China's commitment to assist in the industrialization of Africa. FOCAC started to stress the Belt and Road Initiative beginning with this summit, the declaration of which committed China and African states to "actively explore the linkages between China's initiatives of building the Silk Road Economic Belt and 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and Africa's economic integration and sustainable development agenda, and to seek opportunities to promote common development and realize our common dreams." A $ 60 billion package of aid, subsidized lending, and state-backed investment

13570-452: Was held online via videolink, with participants located in Dakar and Beijing. It emphasized health diplomacy, although it continued to also emphasize political and security cooperation especially n cybersecurity and support for African police. Per the action plan which followed the summit, the African countries and China committed to increasing parliamentary dialogue by increasing exchanges between

13688-674: Was overly aggressive in asserting its new power, overestimated its reach, and raised the ire and apprehension of various neighbours, including Southeast Asian countries, India, and Japan. Such policies are also said to be provocative towards the United States. Domestic critics, including the country's elites, intellectuals, and particularly dissidents, point to various shortcomings of the Hu administration and his failure in implementing his signature "Socialist Harmonious Society" policy. They cite, for example, that China's internal security budget exceeded its military budget during Hu's tenure as protests and other 'mass incidents' continued to increase across

13806-524: Was transferred to become Party Regional Committee secretary of the Tibet Autonomous Region , while also taking on the role of Political commissar of the local People's Liberation Army units. This made Hu effectively the number-one figure in the vast, restive region. A number of Tibetans have long been opposed to government policy in the region. Unrest and ethnic conflict were brewing, particularly anti- Han sentiments among segments of ethnic Tibetan society. Minor clashes had been occurring since 1987, and when

13924-500: Was under Japanese occupation at the time. He is a direct descendant of the Ming dynasty general Hu Zongxian , known for fighting Japanese pirates . His branch of the family migrated from Jixi County , Anhui to Taizhou during his grandfather's generation. Though his father owned a small tea trading business in Taizhou, the family was relatively poor. His mother was a teacher and died when he

#979020