- David Gitter, Julia Bowie, Brock Erdahl
Weekly Report 3|40 8.1.2020-8.7.2020
Highlights
Qiushi published Xi Jinping’s speech at the 29 June Politburo collective study session in which he emphasized the centrality of organization work to party building. People’s Daily published his speech at the 30 July collective study session, which focused on national defense (see Senior Leaders section).
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping: Implement the Party’s Organizational Line in the New Era, Continuously Make Party Building Stronger and Stronger
7.31 Qiushi published the speech Xi Jinping made at the 21st collective study session of the Politburo on 29 June. In his speech, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of organization building as a foundation for party building. He laid out five goals for implementing the Party’s organizational line in the new era.
First, uphold and improve the Party’s leadership and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics. Xi stated this was important because political and organizational lines are linked. Xi also highlighted the importance of ensuring ideological and political consistency at all levels of the government with the Central Committee.
Second, arm the entire Party with the Party’s scientific theory. Xi stated that Marxism should be used as a guide to strengthen and centralize party thought.
Third, build the party’s organizational system to unify and strengthen grassroots and local governance. Most important was to ensure their resolute obedience to the Central Committee.
Fourth, build the backbone of the ruling ranks and talent team, focusing on recruiting talented and virtuous people. Essential to this goal, Xi said, is to strengthen the education and training of cadres and deepen cadre system reform efforts.
Fifth, build the party’s organizational system. Xi focused on democratic centralism as the key to the leadership system of the party, and expressed the need to “continuously improve the institutionalization, standardization, and the scientific level of the Party’s organizational construction.”
Xi Jinping: Unify Thinking, Strengthen Confidence, Summon the Energy to Tightly Grasp the Work, and Spare No Effort to Advance the Construction of National Defense and Military Modernization
8.1 On the afternoon of 30 July, Xi Jinping presided over the 22nd collective study secession of the Politburo. The study session focused on matters of national defense and military modernization. A presentation by Major General Chen Rongdi (陈荣弟), head of the Academy of Military Science’s Warfare Research Institute, proceeded the discussions of the study session. During the course of the study session, Xi Jinping made remarks covering a wide range of national defense issues. According to Xi, the goals and objectives for national defense and military construction in 2020 will be realized, opening a new stage in basically realizing military modernization and comprehensively constructing a world-class military force.
In addition, Xi noted that uncertainty and instability have increased in the wake of the global pandemic, and that the continued development of the world military revolution provided rare opportunities and severe challenges. In light of these developments, great effort must be exerted to achieve leapfrog developments in military modernization. To that end, Xi emphasized the continued advancement of reforms to improve combat effectiveness, including improvements in defense research and innovation to achieve technological breakthroughs, improvements in raising the quality of manpower and personnel, and improvements in military management to enhance operational efficiency. Lastly, Xi emphasized the involvement of party and government entities at all levels in national defense matters, including support for retired personnel and their family members.
Xi Jinping Attends the Completion and Opening Ceremony and Announced the Official Activation of the Beidou-3 Global Satellite Navigation System
8.1 On 31 July, Xi Jinping attended a ceremony commemorating the completion and activation of the Beidou-3 global satellite navigation system. In remarks given at the ceremony, Xi extolled the endeavor for displaying the political advantages of China’s socialist system in marshalling resources to accomplish major tasks, and praised its significance in strengthening comprehensive national power, advancing economic development and well-being under adverse conditions, advancing China’s opening up to the outside world, elevating national confidence, and contributing to the realization of the two centenary goals. Xi linked the efforts of those behind the Beidou system to spirit of the “two bombs, one satellite” (两弹一星) projects, and urged the promotion of the Beidou’s system’s widespread use and application for the purpose of advancing national economic development and a community of shared destiny for mankind.
Politburo Standing Committee members Li Keqiang (李克强) and Han Zheng (韩正), as well as Politburo member Ding Xuexiang (丁薛祥), Politburo member Liu He (刘鹤), Central Military Commission (CMC) Vice Chairmen Xu Qiliang (许其亮) and Zhang Youxia (张又侠), State Councilor Xiao Jie (肖捷), National Development and Reform Commission Minister He Lifeng (何立峰), and Chief of the CMC Joint Staff Department Li Zuocheng (李作成) also attended the event.
Wang Yi: Deeply Study and Implement Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy and Continuously Create a New Phase of Major Country Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics
8.1 Qiushi journal published a lengthy two-part article by Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi (王毅) that ostensibly deals with foreign affairs but substantively serves to signal loyalty and obedience to Xi Jinping. In the introductory paragraphs, Wang lavishes praise on Xi for having the “vision and sagacity” of a “great strategist.” Xi’s views on diplomacy and foreign affairs are encapsulated by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialist Diplomacy with Chinese Characteristics for the New Era (习近平新时代中国特色社会主义外交思想), hereafter shortened to Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy (习近平外交思想).
The first section of Wang’s article presents five assertions on Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. First, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is an organic component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Second, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is the newest achievement in the diplomatic sphere of 21st century Marxism. Third, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is the continuation and innovation of China’s fine traditional culture. Fourth, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy is a continuation of the development of New China’s foreign affairs theory. Fifth, Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy sublates and surpasses
traditional international relations theory.
In the second section, Wang calls upon readers to continuously initiate the new situations of diplomacy with Chinese characteristics using Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy as the basic guide. First, he advocates further strengthening of study in order to truly comprehend the meaning and essence of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy. Second, he advocates actively carrying out international exchange in order for outside countries and other people to more deeply understand the scientific and advanced nature of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy.
Third, he calls for persevering in applying what is learned, and continuously allowing Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy to guide the practical application of major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics. Finally, Wang Yi concludes by signaling the need to unite around the “Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core” and strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidate the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), and achieve the ‘two defends’ (两个维护).
Xi Jinping Provided Important Instructions for the Planning Work of the 14th Five Year Plan
8.6 According to Xinhua, Xi Jinping recently issued important instructions in preparation for the 14th Five Year Plan. He emphasized combining the strengthening of top-level design and continued consultations with the people for the purpose of doing a good job in planning work.
Propaganda Work
Vigorously Promote the Beidou Spirit in the New Era
8.1 A commentator article published by People’s Daily marked the completion of the Beidou-3 global satellite navigation system. According to the article, the Central Committee, State Council, and Central Military Commission made the major strategic decision to establish an independent satellite navigation system, while Xi Jinping attached great importance to the endeavor. The conclusion of the project signified China’s continued journey towards becoming a major space power, provided a major contribution to global public service infrastructure, embodied innovation with Chinese characteristics, and displayed the superiority of the socialist system in accomplishing major tasks.
Strengthen Confidence and Strive to Complete the Annual Economic and Social Development Goals and Tasks
8.1 People’s Daily published a commentator article about China’s economic growth during the COVID-19 pandemic and working hard to further China’s economic goals. The article began by talking about the meeting of the Politburo on 30 July, which emphasized stable economic progress in the second half of the year, creating an even better plan for social development and pandemic prevention and control, among other goals related to economic and social progress. The article then focused on China’s economic growth during the recent months of the pandemic, pointing out that China’s second quarter economic growth amounted to 3.2%, had continued to reform and transform its manufacturing capabilities, and ensured the livelihood of its citizens. The article continued that despite the unexpected and unstable nature of the economy today, China’s system contains certain qualities that will help it achieve its goals for its people such as its strong leadership and socialism with Chinese characteristics. The end of the article looked forward to the fourteenth five-year plan, which would represent the establishment of a moderately prosperous society.
Advance Courageously and Push Forward with the High-Quality Development of Our Country’s Economy
8.3 People’s Daily published a commentator article on 3 August calling for continued efforts to advance China’s economic development. The article notes that the country is entering a period of high-quality economic development, yet risks and uncertainties persist. According to a recent Politburo meeting, the many issues at hand are medium to long-term, and should be perceived from the perspective of a “protracted war.” To that end, China must take a long-term approach and emphasize the development of domestic sectors, focus on the strategic crux of expanding domestic demand, and form a “dual cycle” in which both domestic and international economic cycles contribute to development. Despite the emphasis on the domestic market, the commentary notes that this by no means that China will pursue autarky. Rather, by expanding domestic demand, the domestic and international markets will be better linked, thus strengthening sustainable development. In the long-term, globalization remains the dominant trend. To that end, China must persist in reforms and opening up in order to construct an open world economy and uphold a shared community of human destiny.
Article Series: “The General Secretary Encouraged Me to Fight Hard on the Front Line--Listening to the First Secretary Tell Stories About Poverty Alleviation”
People’s Daily
8.3-8.7 People’s Daily published a series of front page articles about local party leaders’ reactions to speeches by Xi Jinping about poverty alleviation. The series highlights Xi’s personal commitment to poverty alleviation and his ability to inspire party cadres to implement effective policies to eradicate poverty.
The first article, entitled “The Words of the General Secretary Warmed the Hearts of Poverty Alleviation Cadres,” focused on Yang Bo (杨波), first secretary of village in Guizhou, speaking on Xi Jinping’s speech to the Guizhou delegation at the 19th Party Congress. Particularly, Yang discussed Xi’s concern for the countryside, anti-poverty work, and younger cadres coming to the countryside: “The General Secretary encourages younger cadres to go to the front line of poverty alleviation to gain experience...The front line is arduous, but it is also enriching and can train a person.”
In another article of the series, a village secretary from Hebei discussed how Xi had encouraged him to “grow his talents” in poverty alleviation during a conversation they held almost a year ago. After his conversation, he reported that he “went to the grassroots to strengthen the ‘four forces’ (四力: the force of the foot, the eye, the brain, and the pen)... The people are very grateful for the Party’s good policies…”
Another article highlights a village secretary in Chongqing, and emphasizes the poverty alleviation work achieved in the Huaxi Village since General Secretary Xi Jinping’s last visit on 15 April 2019. Xi reportedly recommended adapting to local conditions, stimulating motivation of the masses and developing key industries. Among the poverty alleviation accomplishments in the village are asphalt-paved roads, seventy-seven households lifted from poverty, the cultivation of cash crops, increased sales of agricultural products, and building of farmhouses.
Zhong Sheng: A Stumbling Block to Global Economic Revitalization
8.5 A commentary under the Zhong Sheng (钟声) byline, which represents the People’s Daily International Department, criticized “some US politicians” for “wantonly poisoning the international economic cooperation environment” by calling for economic and technological decoupling from China under the pretense that it is conducting an “economic blitzkrieg” against the US. The commentary said the US’ separation was a “maliciously planted stumbling block” to global economic revitalization. In the main body of the article, the commentator was critical of the economic damage caused by the US’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, claimed Secretary of State Michael Pompeo is moving toward a “new Cold War,” praised China’s contribution to the global economy through its COVID-19 response, called out the US for “naked hegemonism” in its “unscrupulous suppression of designated Chinese businesses,” and said that the US is “impeding long-term global economic development.” The article called on the US to “listen earnestly to the voice of the international community and provide an open, fair, just, and nondiscriminatory business environment for market entities of every country investing and operating in the US” and avoid “politiciz[ing] economic and trade issues.”
Central Military Commission
The General Office of the Central Military Commission Issued a “Notice” Requesting the People’s Liberation Army and People’s Armed Police to Earnestly Organize the Study of “Xi Jinping: The Governance of China” Volume Three
8.1 The notice issued by the Central Military Commission (CMC) urged officers and soldiers to carefully study the third volume of Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, and continuously strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidate the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), achieve the ‘two defends’ (两个维护), and carry out the CMC Chairman Responsibility System. The notice gave prominence to examining Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military (习近平强军思想), and requested in-depth study of “Xi Jinping on Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Army,” “Xi Jinping on Strengthening and Rejuvenating the Army Volume Two,” and the “Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military Study Outline.”
Organization Work
8.3 Zhang Gong (张工) was appointed State Administration for Market Regulation Party Leadership Group Secretary.
8.7 Jiang Wenpeng (姜文鹏) was appointed China National Railway Group Discipline Inspection Team Leader.