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Transcript/Script((PLAYBOOK SLUG: China Political Meeting Preview TVR
HEADLINE: China Faces Big Hurdles as It Opens Key Legislative Session
TEASER: ‘Two Sessions’ event will try to restore domestic, foreign confidence in China’s economy
PUBLISHED AT: 3/1/24, 10:03 am
BYLINE: William Gallo
CONTRIBUTOR:
DATELINE: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA
VIDEOGRAPHER: William Gallo
PRODUCER:
SCRIPT EDITORS: Steve Hirsch, wpm
VIDEO SOURCES: Zoom, AFP, Reuters
PLATFORMS: WEB __ TV _X_ RADIO __
TRT: 2:18
VID APPROVED BY: sb
TYPE: TVPKG
UPDATE: ))
((Editors: this can also be used as a radio script))
((INTRO)) [[China on Sunday opens its so-called Two Sessions gathering, one of Beijing’s highest-profile annual political events. Although carefully scripted, the meeting will provide important signals about Chinese policy plans. However, the proceedings may be overshadowed by a long list of challenges facing China, reports VOA’s Bill Gallo, who will attend the event.]]
((VIDEO: AFP drone footage of empty streets during pandemic lockdown – V000_329V8WH - RAW - AERIAL - CHINA - SHANGHAI - VIRUS - HEALTH - LOCKDOWN - 5/12/2022 - 0:05-0:39))
((NARRATOR))
When China ended its COVID-19 lockdown last year, many expected an economic boom in the world’s second-largest economy.
((VIDEO: Same AFP file; can use any of the rest of the shots - or if it looks better, you can use the below footage of vacant homes))
It never came. Instead, China’s growth has been among its slowest in three decades.
((VIDEO: Reuters aerial shots of abandoned apartments - https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2024%3Anewsml_WD693001022024RP1&share=true))
Tens of millions of apartments remain vacant because of plunging housing prices.
((VIDEO: AFP of Chinese shoppers/diners – V000_34FB2CV - RAW - STOCKSHOTS - CHINA - ECONOMY - GROWTH - INDICATOR - 1/16/2024 - 1:18-1:57))
China’s consumers have cut spending.
((VIDEO: AFP stock shots of Hong Kong stock market – you can use any shots,k except for any that shows stock values increasing, because that wouldn’t fit – V000_32677P4 - STOCKSHOTS - HONGKONG - STOCKS - MARKETS - FILE - 3/15/2022))
And stock markets have shed trillions of dollars, amid a crackdown on business in the name of national security. Although China says it is open for business, many investors remain worried, says Beijing-based lawyer James Zimmerman.
((VIDEO: Zimmerman interview via Zoom))
((James Zimmerman, Ex-Chairman of American Chamber of Commerce in China))
((Must credit Zoom)) ((Male, English))
“You can talk all day about how business is welcome, but actions speak louder than words.”
((VIDEO: AFP of Xi, other leaders at ‘Two Sessions’ event in 2023 – V000_33AH74Y - RAW - CHINA - POLITICS - CPPCC - CEREMONY - XI - 3/4/2023))
The mixed signals may continue, as China holds a major political meeting this week in Beijing. Many Western analysts are skeptical that President Xi Jinping will significantly change course.
((VIDEO: Zimmerman interview via Zoom))
((James Zimmerman, Ex-Chairman of American Chamber of Commerce in China))
((Must credit Zoom)) ((Male, English))
“His leadership legitimacy is all based upon a strong China, rejuvenating China. And the way to do that is to drive the national security messaging. So he actually thrives – he thrives on the threat from foreign forces.”
((VIDEO: US-Chinese officials shake hands, meet – preferably include at least some shots of Amb. Burns – V000_34H96B2 - RAW - CHINA - US - DIPLOMACY - DRUGS - 1/30/2024))
((NARRATOR))
Despite a recent surge in diplomacy, U.S. officials say China has raided at least six U.S. companies in the past year, even arresting some employees, apparently on espionage charges.
((VIDEO: Wilder interview via Zoom))
((Dennis Wilder, Georgetown University))((Must credit Zoom))((Male, English))
“And then the other problem they have is that they have scared the Chinese entrepreneur – the billionaires. Because you never know when you might get picked up next and disappear…((white flash cut))...he’s killing the golden goose right now.”
((VIDEO: More footage from AFP of Xi, other leaders at ‘Two Sessions’ event in 2023 – V000_33AH74Y - RAW - CHINA - POLITICS - CPPCC - CEREMONY - XI - 3/4/2023))
((NARRATOR))
For Xi, the crackdown is part of a shift away from a focus on growth, and toward ideological concepts like “common prosperity.” Xi may also be motivated by concerns about his handpicked leadership team.
((VIDEO: AFP footage of Li Shangfu – V000_33UV8H8 - LONG - PROFILE - CHINA - POLITICS - DEFENCE - FILE - 9/15/2023))
His ex-defense minister, seen here, is reportedly under investigation for corruption.
((VIDEO: Reuters of Qin Gang – please make sure you use the second video – the one of Qin Gang, and not the others – https://www.reutersconnect.com/all?id=tag%3Areuters.com%2C2023%3Anewsml_VA612211072023RP1&share=true))
Former Foreign Minister Qin Gang has also disappeared, amid rumors he was caught in a spying scandal.
((VIDEO: More footage from AFP of Xi, other leaders at ‘Two Sessions’ event in 2023 – V000_33AH74Y - RAW - CHINA - POLITICS - CPPCC - CEREMONY - XI - 3/4/2023))
For Xi, it’s a long list of challenges and few easy answers, as he prepares to convince China and the rest of the world that things are on the upswing.
((Bill Gallo. VOA News. Seoul, South Korea.))
NewsML Media TopicsArts, Culture, Entertainment and Media
Subtitles / Dubbing AvailableNo
NetworkVOA
Embargo DateMarch 1, 2024 10:16 EST
BylineWilliam Gallo
Brand / Language ServiceVoice of America - English
