F5 Citizenship and Social Development - Topic 3C Notes

A. IMPACT OF PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS ON THE COUNTRY'S OVERALL DEVELOPMENT

1. Strengthening Relations with Various Countries
- 1.1 China-US Relations:
  - Structural conflicts and exchanges since 2010.
  - US sees China as a strategic competitor but also cooperates.
  - China aims to manage differences and proposes a "new model of major-country relationship" based on peaceful development, mutual respect and benefit like "no conflict, no confrontation cooperation".
- 1.2 China-EU Relations:
  - Established comprehensive partnership in 2001.
  - Formulated EU-China 2020 Strategic Agenda for Cooperation.
  - Cooperation despite disagreements on human rights.
  - China replaced the US as the largest trading partner of the EU in 2020.
  - EU continues to cooperate with China on climate change, nuclear disarmament, and global health.
- 1.3 China-Russia Relations:
  - Closer relations with deepening cooperation.
  - Signed the Treaty of Good-Neighbourliness and Friendly Cooperation in 2001.
  - Upgraded relationship to "China-Russia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership of Coordination in the New Era" in 2019.
  - China is Russia's largest trading partner.
  - Cooperation in energy with crude oil and natural gas pipelines.
  - Support each other on international issues and dominate regional security through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
  - Increased trade volume due to the Belt and Road Initiative.
2. Safeguarding an Environment Conducive to the Development of the Country
- 2.1 Maintaining International Order
  - China advocates for resolving conflicts through peaceful dialogues as outlined in the Charter of the United Nations.
  - China seeks diplomatic solutions for issues like the Iranian nuclear dispute.
- 2.2 Maintaining the Safety of the Surrounding Area
  - China promotes regional cooperation and has signed boundary treaties with neighboring countries.
  - China prefers bilateral negotiations to resolve disputes, such as the South China Sea issue.
3. Promoting Economic, Trade, and Cultural Exchange
- 3.1 Promoting Trade Development
  - Since joining the WTO in 2001, China has opened up domestic markets and integrated into the global economic system.
  - China adopts free trade principles.
  - China plays a leading role in global economic governance through the Belt and Road Initiative.
  - Tariffs reduced significantly, from $15.3\%$ in 2001 to $7.4\%$ in 2021 after joining WTO.
- 3.2 Promoting Arts and Cultural Exchange
  - China strengthens cultural exchanges to build "people-to-people bonds".
  - China had set up 45 Chinese Cultural Centers overseas by the end of 2020.
- 3.3 Preserving Cultural Heritage
  - China's participation in international affairs supports cultural conservation.
  - Registered the most recognized world heritage sites.
4. Increasing International Status and Influence
- 4.1 Strengthening International Discourse Power
  - China actively participates in international affairs and has gained membership in key organizations.
  - Increased financial contributions to the UN.
  - Third largest shareholder of the world bank.
- 4.2 Promoting New Cooperation Systems
  - China promotes new cooperation systems such as the SCO and the "16+1" cooperation model.
  - China initiates multilateral cooperation forums like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
- 4.3 Increasing International Economic Influence
  - China's GDP is ranked second in the world, accounting for $17\%$ of global GDP.
  - China's Manufacturing industry value has ranked top in the world, contributed $35\%$ of the global manufacturing output.
  - China drives global trade growth.
  - Increased commitment and fundings to international organizations.
  - Largest inflow of foreign capital for 27 consecutive years.
  - Signed the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) Agreement.

B. THE ACTIVE ROLE PLAYED BY HONG KONG IN THE COUNTRY'S PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Hong Kong's Unique Advantages:
- 1.1 Institutional Advantages:
  - "One country, two systems" ensures freedoms and rights.
  - Hong Kong participates in international organizations as "Hong Kong, China".
  - HKSAR adopts the common law system with transparent laws.
- 1.2 Highly Internationalized:
  - Rich ethnic diversity and biliteracy and trilingualism.
  - Important gateway to Mainland China for foreigners.
- 1.3 Sound Infrastructure:
  - Well-developed telecommunications and internet networks.
  - High internet penetration rate.
- 1.4 Outstanding Geographical Location:
  - Important port in Southern China.
  - Important crossing between the Pacific and Indian Ocean and a shipping and trade center in Asia.
  - Hong Kong International Airport is a transportation hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
2. The Role Played by Hong Kong:
- 2.1 Helping the Country Expand its Economic Development and Foreign Trade:
  - International financial center.
  - The Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect Scheme connect eligible residents of the Mainland, Hong Kong and Macau in the Greater Bay Area.
  - Hong Kong enterprises invested in the Mainland.
  - Mainland stocks were listed in Hong Kong.
  - China's largest offshore RMB clearing center.
  - Experimental field of the country's opening-up like the Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect.
- 2.2 Helping the Country Assemble Talents:
  - Universities cultivate talents with global vision.
  - Business environment attracts multinational corporations.
  - Hong Kong has an abundant talent pool in various professional fields.
- 2.3 Helping the Country Promote Cultural Exchange:
  - East-meets-West center for international cultural exchange.
  - Building cultural facilities like the West Kowloon Cultural District.
  - Cooperating with foreign cultural institutions.
  - Organizing arts exhibitions.