- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Nathanael Callan
Weekly Report 2|8 11.24.2018-11.30.2018
[Photo by Holger Link on Unsplash]
Highlights
Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting on regulations for CCP rural grassroots organization work (中国共产党农村基层组织工作条例) and rules for discipline inspection organ self-supervision work (中国共产党纪律检查机关监督执纪工作规则) (see Senior Leaders section).
The CCDI announced the extradition of Yao Jinqi (姚锦旗) from Bulgaria to China in the first extradition of Chinese state personnel suspected of duty-related crimes from the European Union (see Party Discipline section).
The Central Committee General Office released regulations on the work of cadre personnel files (干部人事档案工作条例) and sent out a notice requiring each region and department to implement them (see Organization Work section).
Senior Leaders
Central Committee Releases Regulations on the Work of CCP Branches For Trial Implementation
11.25 The Politburo recently released regulations on the work of CCP branches for trial implementation (中国共产党支部工作条例（试行）) and sent out a notice requiring each region and department to conscientiously follow and implement the regulations. The notice pointed out that “Party branches are the Party’s foundational organizations, and its battle fortresses within grassroots social organizations.” They “shoulder the duties of directly educating, managing, and supervising Party members and organizing, propagating to, consolidating, and serving the people.”
The notice emphasized that Party committees and Party leadership groups at all levels should firmly establish the “four consciousnesses” and push for the implementation of the regulations. The notice also required every region and department to promptly report to the Central Committee on important situation and recommendation regarding implementing the regulations.
Xi Jinping Presides Over Politburo Meeting
11.26 Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting on regulations for CCP rural grassroots organization work (中国共产党农村基层组织工作条例) and rules for discipline inspection organ self-supervision work (中国共产党纪律检查机关监督执纪工作规则).
The meeting stated that revising the regulations is “of great significance” to “adhering to and strengthening the Party’s comprehensive leadership over rural work,” “winning the tough battle against poverty,” and “promoting the extension of comprehensive strict governance of the Party to the grassroots.” It stressed that “all levels of Party committees, especially county-level Party committees, must carry out the main responsibility of paying special attention to rural grassroots Party organization construction.”
The meeting stated that the rules “embody the great importance the Party Central Committee attaches to disciplinary inspection and supervision work.” It called on the “Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervision Commission to take the lead in strengthening the Party’s political construction and create model organs that make the Party Central Committee feel at ease and the masses satisfied.”
Xi Jinping Presides over 10th Politburo Collective Study Session
11.26 Xi Jinping presided over the Politburo’s 10th collective study session. At the session, Xi emphasized that “attaching importance to absorbing the historic experience is a good tradition of our Party.” Xi also emphasized that they “must be strict with standards for ethics and ability,” that they “must persevere in fairly hiring people… fairly hiring people is an embodiment of that our Party is for serving the people,” and that they must “arouse the zeal of cadre” and that “cadres must be freed from pointless work.”
Li Keqiang Presides Over State Council Executive Meeting
11.28 Li Keqiang presided over a State Council Executive Meeting, which made decisions on initiating evaluation on China’s business environment and further developing the senior care industry. The meeting stated that the work on improving the business environment has shown positive results and that the next step should be further optimizing it through “focusing on the general markets’ outstanding problems, pushing for reforms, opening up, and relaxing restrictions on market access, and strengthening fair and just supervision.” The meeting decided to start a nation-wide evaluation on China’s business environment to make China a “hot land” for domestic and foreign investment.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Xuanli: A Self-Confident China Is Always Here
11.26 A People’s Daily article under the byline Zhong Xuanli (钟轩理), which represents the Theory Bureau of the Central Propaganda Department, praised Xi’s keynote speech at the first China International Import Expo as a display of “calm and unperturbed Chinese confidence.”
The article highlighted three sources Chinese confidence: China’s economic development prospects are completely optimistic, China is still here after more than 5,000 years of hardship and deprivation, and China will always be here in the future.
The article stressed that China has the unique “institutional advantages” and “political advantages” to fully bring out the roles of the market and government under the socialist market economic system. It stated that “some Western politicians have deemed our [goal to] realize national rejuvenation as their greatest threat to maintain hegemony, … but we will further … realize the China Dream… under the strong leadership and tenacious struggle of the Party.”
Xi Jinping Penned a Signed Article in Spanish Media
11.27 Xi Jinping penned an article titled “Joining Hands for New Splendor in the New Era” in ABC, a Spanish national newspaper, prior to his visit to Spain. The article stated that the main mission of his state visit to Spain is “to engage with leaders of host countries and major economies in discussions on ways to enhance unity among the international community, improve global governance, develop partnerships, and deepen friendship and cooperation for peace, stability, development and prosperity of the world.” He praised China and Spain for deepening mutual trust, cooperation, and cultural exchanges since establishing formal relations 45 years ago.
For the future, Xi stated that the two countries should “enhance the China-Spain comprehensive strategic partnership,” “build greater synergy between our development visions and strategies,” “deepen practical cooperation and expand shared interests,” “expand cultural and people-to-people exchanges and build stronger public support for bilateral relations,” and “strengthen cooperation in international affairs and uphold peace, stability and prosperity in the world.” He concluded that “China looks forward to working with Spain to share opportunities and jointly meet challenges"
The article is also available in English.
United Front Work
The “Taiwan Independence” Conspiracy Is Unpopular and Doomed to Fail
11.27 An article written for Tuanjie Bao noted the failure of the referendum to change the name of Taiwan’s Olympic team. The article stated that the failure of the referendum “once again amply proved that ‘Taiwan Independence’ is not the will of the people and that any challenge to the One China Principle or plan to create “Taiwan Independence” is incapable of succeeding.” The article also stated that “the One China Principle is the basis of cross-Strait relations and also is the standard of international society.” The article concluded by stating the vote is a “clear cut warning” to the ruling authorities of “Taiwan island.” “1992 Consensus” Again Becomes Taiwan’s Buzzword
11.29 An article published in Tuanjie Bao noted how the “KMT seized total victory” in Taiwan’s recent election. The article noted statements by elected officials such as Han Kuo-yu (韩国瑜) and Lu Shiow-yen (卢秀燕) that include the “1992 Consensus.” The article suggested that the support of the “1992 Consensus” by the victors of county and city elections is “undoubtedly an embodiment of popular sentiment.” Since taking power in 2016, the article said, the DPP has “refused to recognize the 1992 Consensus,” and “damaged the common political foundation of cross-Strait relations.”
Party Discipline
Nationwide Violations of the Eight-Point Guidelines in October 2018
11.27 The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervisory Commission (NSC) released figures for violations of the Eight-Point Guidelines (中央八项规定) in October 2018.
The month saw 5,585 investigations, 7,819 punished individuals, and 5,672 individuals receiving Party and governmental disciplinary actions. The most common violations in all three categories were granting subsidies and benefits, sending and receiving gifts or money, and dining out with public funds.
The cumulative figures for the first ten months of 2018 were 48,456 investigations, 68,509 punished individuals, and 48,589 individuals receiving Party and governmental disciplinary actions.
Procuratorate Presses Charges Against Feng Xinzhu
11.29 Former Vice Governor of Shaanxi Province Feng Xinzhu (冯新柱) was expelled from the Party and dismissed from public office by the CCDI and NSC in March for serious disciplinary violations. Hangzhou People’s Procuratorate recently pressed charges against Feng after the investigation was completed. Feng was charged for illegally using his position to seek benefits for others and receiving a large amount of money.
NSC’s First Extradition: Duty-Related Crime Suspect Yao Jinqi Extradited Back to China
11.30 Under the coordination of the Fugitive Repatriation and Asset Recovery Office of the Central Anti-Corruption Coordination Group (中央反腐败协调小组国际追逃追赃工作办公室), suspect of duty-related crimes Yao Jinqi (姚锦旗) was extradited to China from Bulgaria. This not only is the first successful extradition case since the establishment of the NSC in March but also China’s first time extraditing state personnel suspected of duty-related crimes from the European Union.
Yao was the former executive deputy county chief of Xinchang, Zhejiang. He was suspected of bribery and escaped from China in Dec 2005. He was arrested by Bulgarian police on 17 Oct after Interpol issued a Red Notice on 3 Oct.
Central Military Commission
Wei Fenghe Meets UNSC Permanent Representatives Delegation
11.26 State Council Member and Minister of Defense Wei Fenghe (魏凤和) met with a group of United Nation Security Council permanent representatives in Beijing. Wei said during the meeting that the Chinese military “is willing to reinforce communication and cooperation with each country on deploying Peacekeeping Forces, security and prevention, logistic guarantees, equipment, and other areas.”
Comprehensively Deepening Reform
State-Owned Enterprise Profits Increased by 17.3% in the First 10 Months
11.28 The front page of the Economic Daily reported on data released from the Ministry of Finance showing state-owned enterprises and state-owned holding companies were more profitable and had better solvency in the first 10 months of this year than the same time last year. Total profits had a year-on-year increase of 17.3%, and profits in steel, petroleum, petrochemicals, and non-ferrous metals grew rapidly. These high profits were experienced by both central and locally owned state-owned enterprises.
Ministry of Finance Publishes the 2017 Local Government Budget Public Rankings, Hunan, Shenzhen and Tianjin Rank Among the Top Three
11.29 The Ministry of Finance released the results of nationwide government budget inspections and found that after three years of monitoring and guidance from the Ministry, local government accounts were more standardized and orderly.
A lower number of departments and units who had not disclosed their accounts than in previous inspections. However, there still were problems discovered, first being that 227 departments and units (15 provincial, 45 municipal, and 167 county level) did not disclose their 2017 budgets and 160 departments and units (15 provincial, 42 municipal, 103 county level) still had not disclosed their 2016 budgets.
Moreover, the inspection found that among the submitted budgets content was incomplete or missing without sufficient explanation. The article names Toksun County Finance Bureau of Xinjiang as having done this. Finally, the inspection found poor and lax financial management of lower level budgets, with a number of budgets showing excessive or insufficient accounts, or inconsistent and false accounts.
The article names the Tianjin civic affairs departments of Hedong District, Wuqing District and Baodi District as being guilty of falsifying budgets, “imaginary expenditures,” and transferring large amounts of funds into personal accounts. The Shenzhen Futian District Administration Bureau’s budget mislisted official reception expenses as as “canteen meal fee” and did not explain the use of RMB 203,500 official reception expenses. The Ministry of Finance will continue working with budget offices and will further establish better public mechanisms for evaluating local budget accounts.
International Liaison Work
11.24 International Department Vice Minister Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with an Assembly of Turkmenistan multiparty study group led by Democratic Party of Turkmenistan Chairman Ata Serdarov.
11.25-11.28 Party Secretary of Hunan Du Jiahao (杜家毫) led a CCP delegation to Laos. While there, he met with General Secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) and President of Laos Bounnhang Vorachith, LPRP Politburo member, LPRP Secretariat permanent member, and Vice President Phankham Viphavanh, LPRP Politburo member, Vientiane LPRP Secretary, and Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoun, and LPRP Central Commission for External Relations head Sounthone Xayachack.
11.26 International Department Minister Song Tao (宋涛) and Qian Hongshan met with a Cypriot Democratic Rally (DISY) delegation led by DISY Vice President Nicos Nouris.
Qian Hongshan also individually met with the delegation on the same day.
11.26 Li Jun met with a Japanese Komeito Party general headquarters staff delegation led by Accounting Bureau Director Masahiro Amino.
11.27 International Department Vice Minister Li Jun (李军) met with a Syrian multiparty cadre study group led by Arab Socialist Ba'ath Party (ASBP) Central Committee member and ASBP Damascus Branch Secretary Mohammed Husam al-Samman.
11.27 International Department Vice Minister Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) met with a European and American think tank study group that is visiting China to participate in a “Stories of the Chinese Communist Party - Zhejiang’s Achievements in Practicing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics”-themed special briefing session.
11.27 Qian Hongshan met with Cypriot Progressive Party of Working People Politburo member and Secretary for the Economy Nicos Ioannou.
11.28 Qian Hongshan met with the new Georgian Ambassador to China Archil Kalandia.
11.28 Li Jun met with a group of leaders from Iraq’s major political parties led by Sadrist Movement Political Board Chairman Nassar Al-Rubaie.
11.28-11.29 On 28 November, Guo Yezhou met with a Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) cadre study group led by SLPP Secretary General Umaru Koroma.
Song Tao also met with the cadre study group on the following day.
11.29 Li Jun met with a Laotian cadre study group led by Lao People's Revolutionary Party Organization Department Standing Committee member and deputy head Thongchanh.
11.29 Song Tao and Li Jun met with a Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) senior cadre study group led by CPV Central Committee member and Supreme People’s Court of Vietnam Deputy Chief Justice Lê Hồng Quang.
11.29 Li Jun met with a multiparty National Congress of Brazil delegation led by Communist Party of Brazil member and Senator Vanessa Grazziotin.
Organization Work
Central Committee General Office Releases Regulations on the Work of Cadre Personnel Files
11.28 The Central Committee General Office released regulations on the work of cadre personnel files (干部人事档案工作条例) and sent out a notice requiring each region and department to implement them. The notice pointed out that the regulations adhere to “comprehensively ruling the Party and managing the cadres strictly.” The regulations provided detailed instructions on improving the system and managing cadres’ files and stressed that “[cadres’ personnel files] are an important resource for the Party to govern, and they belong to the Party and the country.”
Zhong Zuwen: Basic Compliance with National Cadre Personnel Files Work
11.29 An article under the pen name Zhong Zuwen, representing the Central Organization Department, urged cadres to comply with the recently released “Regulations on the Work of Cadre Personnel Files,” which the article said “uphold and strengthen the Party’s overall leadership, and uphold the Party’s ability to govern and comprehensively and strictly manage the Party.”
The article emphasized that the CCP Central Committee attaches great importance to the work of cadre personnel files, and that Xi Jinping himself has made “important instructions” and “clear requests” regarding this matter.
According to the article, since the 18th Party Congress, the Central Organization Department has successfully carried out a special audit of cadre personnel files targeting file fraud, and the personnel file system has been effectively rectified.
Appointments:
11.27 Tan Wangeng (谭万庚) was appointed deputy general manager of Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) and deputy secretary of its Party committee.
11.27 Wang Xiqin (王希勤) was appointed acting vice president of Tsinghua University.
11.27 Xiang Botao (向波涛) was appointed deputy secretary of Tsinghua University’s Party committee.
11.28 Zhu Xinkai (朱信凯) was appointed vice president of Renmin University and a member of the standing committee of its Party committee.
11.29 Zhang Enxi (张恩玺) was appointed deputy head of the National Coal Mine Safety Administration.
11.29 Wei Hongtao (魏洪涛) was appointed deputy head of the National Archives Administration of China.
11.29 Li Fayi (李发义) was appointed deputy commander of the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps.