President Xi Jinping has issued a series of business-focused directives over the past week, as attention turns to Beijing’s efforts to stimulate China’s economy.

Xi’s latest remarks came on Sunday in the northeastern city of Tianjin, during an event marking the 40th anniversary of China’s economic development zones.

During inspection trips to Fujian and Anhui last week, Xi appeared to seek a first-hand understanding of the state of the world’s second-largest economy and the implementation of recent policies.

Xi’s emphasis on “development” comes at a time when China’s economy is facing pressure from domestic challenges and global uncertainties, with growing concerns about meeting its annual growth target.

In Fujian, Xi invoked the spirit of “daring to be first and striving to win” and quoted a famous saying in Hefei, Anhui province: “How many times in life can you seize the moment to fight?”

Vice-Premier He Lifeng conveyed Xi’s directives at a symposium in Tianjin on Sunday, held to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the first national-level economic and technological development zone.

Xi stressed that “national-level economic and technological development zones should focus on advancing China’s modernization, continuously promoting innovation and internal dynamism… participating in the high-standard Belt and Road Initiative… and helping build the ‘Invest in China’ brand.”

As symbols of China’s opening-up and reform over recent decades, these zones have become key drivers of local economic growth, starting with coastal regions such as Guangdong, Fujian, and Shanghai.

Zhang Zhiwei, president and chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management, noted that Xi’s speeches during the tours echoed the message from the Politburo meeting in late September, when a “package of incremental measures” was announced to stimulate the economy.

“The economy is under pressure, so the [central] government really wants to mobilize local government officials to take stronger initiatives, assume more responsibility, and be more proactive in stimulating the local economy,” Zhang told the South China Morning Post.

Speaking in Tianjin, Vice-Premier He emphasized that development zones should identify new challenges, spearhead reforms, drive regional growth, and lead China’s economic transformation and global integration.

Since the establishment of the first national-level development zone in 1984, China has created 229 economic and technological development zones, which have played a significant role in promoting high-quality manufacturing and establishing open, high-standard economic systems.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, these zones achieved an industrial output of 15.2 trillion yuan (US$2.1 trillion) in the first half of the year, up 3.7 percent year-on-year. The regions also contributed 1.3 trillion yuan in fiscal revenue, with tax revenue reaching 1.2 trillion yuan. Additionally, the zones reported an import and export value of 4.7 trillion yuan, an increase of 9.2 percent from the previous year. However, foreign capital utilization during the same period dropped by 27.2 percent to US$16.6 billion.

China’s leaders are grappling with multiple economic challenges, ranging from weak domestic demand to uncertainties surrounding the “around 5%” annual growth target.

To revive growth, Beijing has launched a broad policy push, but questions remain about whether these efforts will be sufficient to reverse the economic slowdown.

Recent press conferences by the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development have unveiled a series of measures aimed at stabilizing the economy, focusing on property and fiscal policy.

These initiatives set the stage for upcoming high-level meetings, including the much-anticipated NPC Standing Committee and Politburo gatherings, as well as the Central Economic Work Conference in mid-December.

These key meetings are expected to outline broader strategies for boosting growth and addressing the complex challenges facing the Chinese economy.

No doubt despite some points, all those who remain occupants of important offices from December 2002 till mid of August 2021 have done a lot for Afghanistan and its war affected people. Prolonged external aggression, interference and investment had devastated the one time most civilized and beautiful Afghanistan. At one stage, almost all Afghans have lost hopes regarding the future, especially restoration of lost infrastructures both public and private, centralized authority and revival of the well civilized society. But it was made possible by former presidents Hamid Karzai and Dr. Ashraf Ghani and their most competent, talented and dedicated aides like Abdul Jabbar Naeemi who had served four provinces as its Governor.

Serving as or occupying the office of Governor is not any difficult or strange but serving the most complicated four provinces as governor was a difficult task. Though the nature of imposed extremism and terrorism in war devastated Afghanistan is same and similar but it has different roots and causes at regional and provincial levels. Jabaar Naeemi had served Central Maidan-Wardak, South Eastern Khost, North-Eastern Kunduz and Eastern Laghman provinces. Khost is bordering Pakistan’s Waziristan region, therefore, one may be in a better position to know about threats and challenges for the person who remains an occupant of top administrative office. He remained governor of Khost when thousands of North Waziristan families slipped into (Khost) when the Pakistan army initiated the most accomplished Zarb-i-Azab operation against militants. On such grounds, he had accredited him as host of North Waziristan displaced families, majority of whom are still waiting for repatriation.

Having control or dislodging of the different armed groups was no an easy task

Besides Khost, serving the Kunduz province bordering with Tajikistan because it was hub of first Afghan Taliban and later on of Islamic States (IS) also called Daeesh. Along with the Afghan Taliban, the Hizbe Islami Afghanistan of Gulbadin Hekmatyar has strong roots in this region. Similar was the position of Laghman province, which is surrounded by Nooristan, Kunar, Badakhshan and Kapisa provinces. Soon after 9/11 and the dislodging of the Taliban regime, militants continued sheltering in their hideouts throughout Maidan Wardak province and these militants controlling or dislodging  was not an easy task. But Naeemi did the job.

The Successful Mission is the book comprising details of all sorts of development schemes and projects, executed under Jabbar Nameemi supervision from 2002 till 2021. Besides others it included a series of educational institutions including universities, colleges and schools. Similarly he in his governed provinces made successful reconciliations with a large number of opponents-called Taliban, enabling the Afghans to remain in peace.

Associated with the moderate National Islamic Front of Afghanistan (NIFA) of late Pir Syed Ahmad Gillani, Jabbar Naeemi had first served as a diplomat in Pakistan for two terms. After the impeachment of President Hamid Karzai, he was assigned the task to serve as his Election Agent in 2004. At that time he was also an occupant of the Governor office in Maidan Wardak. And he had played a key role in the victory of Hamid Karzai. As a Governor, he executed record development, social and welfare projects in all four provinces of Maidan Wardak, Khost, Kundoz and Laghman provinces. For this purpose, he had not only made former Presidents Hamid Karzai and Dr. Ashraf Ghani for grants and funding but he had convinced almost foreign missions and embassies. On the request of Jabbar Naeemi, foreign countries and missions contribution in the reconstruction process in these four provinces is very well accomplished in his book.

The governor always opposed wars and hostilities and advocated for unity, peace and tolerance

Jabbar Naeemi in his book states, “It is more important to restore the mind than to restore the building.” During his stay in Governor Houses of four provinces, Jabbar Naeemi preferred meetings, consultations and discussions with common people, through which he succeeded in restoring the confidence of common people in government institutions. He always focused his views on creating unity and cohesion amongst the war-scattered Afghans which had helped him in execution of extraordinary developments in all such four provinces.

Diverting attention of global community towards miseries and hardships of war affected Afghans, Mr. Naeemi states, “above all nations, the people of Afghanistan aspire for peace, security and comfort having endured hardships and sorrows unmatched in the history of humanity. The establishment of enduring peace hinges on the establishment of a unified national will. By fulfilling their Islamic and national responsibilities to uphold peace and security, every individual in Afghanistan can actively contribute to this endeavor. Moreover, all political parties align themselves with the national interest and if every political and national figure disseminates a positive message to the people, the strong call for peace from every household and the collective opposition to war from mosques, Madrasas and schools will undoubtedly bring an end to the current challenges and issues.”

Jabbar Naeemi has always opposed wars and hostilities and advocated for unity, patience and tolerance, which he believes is the right way towards achieving the objectives of peace, progress and prosperity. He states. “To achieve lasting peace and put an end to the conflict, it is essential to prioritize unity, uphold the national will, communicate a positive message, show respect for Islamic and national principles, reject war, demonstrate courage, exercise patience and embrace national tolerance. Our firm belief in the power of collaboration and the effective implementation of measures, which can fortify our political system and ultimately lead to the establishment of peace and the cessation of hostilities in our nation. The wide-open doors to peace present a favorable opportunity for armed opponents to choose the right path and abandon the futile pursuit of war.”

South Korea has claimed that North Korea is sending troops to fight alongside Russia in Ukraine, while North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has labeled the South an “enemy country.”

Kim Jong-un, leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), referred to South Korea as a “foreign country and an openly hostile nation” and warned of physical retaliation if North Korea’s sovereignty is threatened, state media reported on Friday.

These remarks were made during Kim’s inspection of the headquarters of the Korean People’s Army’s 2nd Corps on Thursday, just two days after Pyongyang destroyed South Korean roads and railways that were once seen as key symbols of inter-Korean reconciliation.

“Our military must once again bear in mind that the Republic of Korea (ROK) is a foreign country and an enemy state,” Kim was quoted as saying by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). He added that any violation of North Korean sovereignty by the ROK, now considered an enemy country, would result in the use of physical force without hesitation, regardless of circumstances.

Kim also noted that the destruction of roads and railways symbolized not only a physical closure but also the complete severance of bad relations with Seoul, effectively ending the idea of reunification.

During his visit, Kim emphasized the need to strengthen North Korea’s war-fighting capabilities and maintain constant, overwhelming combat readiness, including nuclear deterrence, to defend the nation’s security.

“The evolving nature of the ROK-US alliance and the increasingly aggressive military maneuvers of our enemies highlight the critical importance of enhancing our nuclear deterrent and demonstrating its effectiveness,” Kim said.

Kim was accompanied by Pak Jong-chon, vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Workers’ Party, and DPRK Defense Minister No Kwang-chol during the inspection.

North Korean troops reportedly sent to Ukraine

Meanwhile, South Korea’s spy agency has claimed that North Korea has begun sending troops to support Russia in its war against Ukraine.

This claim follows a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who suggested—based on intelligence reports—that up to 10,000 North Korean troops could be deployed to the conflict.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol convened a security meeting on Friday, calling for the international community to respond “with all available means.”

According to South Korea’s intelligence agency, 1,500 North Korean troops have already arrived in Russia, with sources suggesting the final number could reach closer to 12,000. This development follows previous accusations from the West that North Korea has been supplying ammunition to Russia.

However, NATO has not confirmed the allegations regarding the deployment of North Korean troops. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said they could not verify claims that North Korea has sent forces to Ukraine to assist Russia.

In recent months, Moscow and Pyongyang have deepened their cooperation. Last week, Kim Jong-un sent birthday greetings to Russian President Vladimir Putin, calling him his “closest comrade.” Earlier this week, Putin introduced a bill to ratify a military agreement with North Korea, pledging mutual support in the event of aggression against either country.