- Admin
Weekly Report 4|15 2.13.2021-2.26.2021
Highlights
The Chinese Communist Party kicked off a new party history education initiative, emphasizing that the history of the Party is a journey of “sinicizing” Marxism (see Senior Leaders section). A compilation of writing on party history by Xi Jinping was published, as well as a separate compilation of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao’s thoughts on the subject (see Propaganda Work section).
A symposium on “Improving the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ System, Implementing the Basic Principle of ‘Patriots Governing Hong Kong’” was held in Beijing. Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) Director Xia Baolong (夏宝龙) gave a lengthy speech on the subject of “patriots governing Hong Kong.” The speech appears to justify election reform for Hong Kong, perhaps to be introduced at this week’s Two Sessions (see United Front Work section).
The Politburo met in Beijing to discuss the 14th Five Year Plan ahead of the start of China’s annual legislative meeting, the Two Sessions, next week (see Senior Leaders section).
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping Speech on Poverty Alleviation During Visit to Fuping County, Hebei
2.15 During the last days of 2020, Xi Jinping went to Fuping County in Hebei to inspect poverty alleviation work. Two months later, Qiushi published the full version of Xi’s speech for the first time. In his speech, Xi reminisced about Chinese Communist Party history in Fuping, a preview of the campaign rolled out this week to study CCP history. He also emphasized that poverty alleviation efforts should be pursued with confidence, suited to local conditions, and rooted grassroots party organizations.
Looking back at history, Xi remembered Fuping as the center of the first party base behind enemy lines, Jinchaji Base (晋察冀根据地), during the war against Japan. Nie Rongzhen (聂荣臻), one of the Ten Marshals (十大元帅) who were awarded by Mao Zedong for their military contributions to the founding of the People’s Republic of China, fought and lived in Fuping for 11 years. Xi also referred to Fuping as the former site of his elementary school, Beijing Eight One Elementary, before it moved to Beijing.
Xi then summarized poverty alleviation work in Fuping and across the country since the reform years, demonstrating party leadership’s commitment to eradicating poverty in the countryside. To further such efforts, Xi proposed two points. One, he said it was important to “solidify confidence in poverty alleviation.” Two, he said it was important to find the right path suited to local conditions. He suggested that Fuping should further develop its fruit planting and crop farming industries, as well as nature tourism and “red tourism.” However, Xi warned against over-expenditure on revolutionary “red tourism” sites by local officials. He said that such sites should reflect the harsh and tough conditions of the revolution, rather than ostentatious extravaganzas.
During his time in Luojiawan Village and Gujiatai Village, Xi visited families that had “not yet shaken off poverty” and expressed his concern. He indicated four policy directions to local party branch cadres and village committee heads in furthering poverty alleviation work.
First, execute and fulfill the original policies. Local party branches and village committees represent the government at the local level, Xi said. They are the intermediaries between the masses and the Party and government. Thus, Xi said that it is the responsibility of the local party and village committee cadres to execute rural policies exactly as the central government instructed.
Second, accurately grasp the local reality. Only by understanding where local poverty lies, the reasons behind it, and the local development potential, local officials could then tackle the problems effectively. Xi said individual home visits are important ways to accurately assess local conditions and to be in touch with the people.
Third, build a solid party branch at the local level. The Party can only serve the needs of the masses through strong organizations at the grassroots.
Fourth, build unity in the community to fight against poverty. Village committees and local party branches should unite their efforts. Both of them should also unite the efforts of the villagers together.
Next, Xi emphasized the necessity of compulsory education in rural, especially impoverished rural areas. Only through education can the future of prosperity be secured, he said.
Lastly, Xi severely condemned two behaviors of local officials. First, some county-level officials have competed for the “poverty hat” and were reluctant to take the “poverty hat” off, hoping to keep receiving central financial support. Xi called for relevant bodies to investigate and rectify this phenomenon. Second, Xi expressed his anger against officials at different levels skimming poverty alleviation funds for other purposes. He also condemned fraudulently obtaining poverty alleviation funds. He identified both as criminal behaviors that needed to be identified, corrected, and eliminated.
Xi Jinping Urges the Study and Education of Party History at Mobilization Meeting, Top Party and State Officials in Attendance
2.20 A Party History Study and Education Mobilization Meeting was held in Beijing, kicking off a new education campaign on party history. The entire Politburo Standing Committee was present at the meeting. Xi said that studying party history is crucial at the critical juncture of the “two centenary goals.” With the first centenary mark approaching in July 2021, central party leadership published the “Announcement on Conducting Party-wide Party History Study and Education,” and urged party organs at all levels to implement the directives.
Xi summarized Party’s history as a journey of “sinicizing” Marxist thought. He enumerated Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Thought, Jiang Zemin’s “Three Represents,” and Hu Jintao’s Scientific Outlook on Development as examples. However, he placed special emphasis on studying important party thoughts and development since the 18th Party Congress, after Xi consolidated his ideological control over the Party. Xi also urged all to use Marxist methodologies in understanding China’s relationship with the world, to grasp historical opportunities in the profound changes unseen in a century.
Xi pointed out that studying party history also means to “always be in touch with the masses.” He said the approval of the masses is essential to the Party’s survival. Additionally, he said that party history provides valuable lessons in weathering crises. Party history education would help cadres adopt long-term mindsets in dealing with changes in the external environment; only then can the Party be more resilient against the dangers of disintegration and erosion.
Xi issued four instructions regarding the party history education mobilization campaign.
Strengthen party organization leadership. The study of party history must be spearheaded by party organs at all levels, which should set up corresponding committees to promote party history education.
Have the correct view of party history. This view should be based on the “two resolutions regarding historical questions,” which evaluated the merits of Mao Zedong and Mao Zedong Thought, and affirmed the correctness of reform issued at the 11th Third Plenum. The correct view must also oppose historical nihilism.
Solve concrete problems for the people.
Innovate pedagogical methods and format so that party history education can be better promoted among the people, especially the youth.
Vice President Wang Qishan (王岐山) also spoke and echoed Xi’s instructions.
The meeting was also held over video and telephone conferences for central-level departments, provincial-level officials, state-owned enterprise officials, and military officials.
Commemoration of Hua Guofeng’s 100th Birthday, Speech by Wang Huning, Han Zheng in Attendance
2.20 A commemoration ceremony was held for Hua Guofeng’s (华国锋) 100th birthday in Beijing. Politburo Standing Committee member and Secretary of the Central Secretariat Wang Huning (王沪宁) spoke at the ceremony, Politburo Standing Committee member and Vice Premier Han Zheng was also present. Politburo members in attendance included Director of the Central Organization Department Chen Xi (陈希), who hosted the ceremony, Vice Premier Sun Chunlan (孙春兰), and Vice Chairman of the Central Military Commission Zhang Youxia (张又侠). The occasion was unusual, since Hua, who took the reins of the Party after Mao Zedong’s death, has rarely been mentioned publicly at official party events.
In his speech, Wang praised Hua Guofeng’s loyalty and dedication to the Party. He said that Hua was a man of integrity, who had self-discipline and honesty. Hua never forgot the mission of the Party, Wang said, he was a man who wholeheartedly served the masses.
Wang recounted Hua Guofeng’s life. Hua first joined the Chinese Communist Party in 1921 and he fought in guerrillas against the Japanese in the 1930s. Wang spoke at length about Hua’s party secretary career in Hunan Province during the 1950s, and praised his contributions in postwar economic production recovery and in building infrastructure.
Regarding Hua’s succession after Mao as the head of central leadership, Wang talked about Hua’s pivotal role in arresting the “Gang of Four,” purging radical leftist forces, and restoring political stability and economic development after the Cultural Revolution. Through Hua’s life story, Wang conveyed the central message of the commemoration: party cadres should follow the Party based on the teachings of Xi Jinping, and they should be vigilant against influences of corruption. The Party must be ruled with a strict hand.
Party History Study and Education Leading Group Notice: Conscientiously Study and Implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Important Speech at the Party History Study and Education Mobilization Meeting
2.25 The Party History Study and Education leading group issued a notice on “conscientiously studying and implementing” Xi Jinping’s 20 February speech at the Party History Study and Education Mobilization Meeting. The notice demanded that thoughts and actions be integrated into the spirit of Xi’s speech and mentioned the upcoming 100th anniversary of the CCP to emphasize the importance of learning about the Party’s history for the future of the party. It demanded that people further realize the “mighty force” of ideology and strengthen the use of the Party’s innovative theory to arm the political consciousness. It mentioned that Xi Jinping emphasized that “only by understanding history can we see far, and only by understanding history can we go far.” It also demanded that people further deepen their knowledge of the Party’s nature and goals and maintain the bright and distinct qualities of a Marxist political party. Xi directed all levels of the party to educate and guide party members in pursuing these goals. The notice demanded that the Party’s historical experiences be further summarized and that people unceasingly raise their level of capabilities to respond to risks and challenges, noting that the Party has always been the “backbone” of the people in responding to risks and challenges at home and abroad. It also demanded the further development of the revolutionary spirit and maintaining the high-spirited spirit of struggling arduously. The notice stated that Xi emphasized the importance of having a strong revolutionary spirit and passing on the “red tradition” and inheriting the “red gene” going forward. It demanded the further strengthening of Party solidarity and centralized unity to ensure the whole Party is united in action going forward. Finally, the notice demanded that the spirit of Xi’s speech be connected in practice and implemented and cited Xi’s remarks about the importance of studying the Party’s history for its continued success.
National Poverty Alleviation Reflection and Recognition Ceremony Held in Beijing
2.25 The National Poverty Alleviation Reflection and Recognition Ceremony was held in the Great Hall of People in Beijing. Xi Jinping and all members of the Politburo Standing Committee were present. Premier Li Keqiang hosted the ceremony. Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chairman Wang Yang (汪洋) announced the recipients of the poverty alleviation honor awards, as Xi presented them medals and certificates. Around 3,000 attendees were present at the ceremony, each with a red plastic flower on their left chest. They were officials from central-level departments and ministries, and provincial and city-level governments, as well as non-CCP members from minor democratic parties, business and industrial associations, and those without party affiliations.
After handing out awards, Xi gave a long speech celebrating the victory in the fight to eradicate poverty. Poverty is a chronic ailment of humanity, he said, but the Party never forgot about its original mission to serve the people, to fulfill the dream of the Chinese people for a better life. He reflected on the Party’s economic and developmental achievements since “Reform and Opening Up.” In particular, he framed the timeline of poverty alleviation within the “past eight years,” which implied such efforts did not begin in earnest until Xi himself came to power in 2012. He honored the local-level party cadres and government officials who were on the frontlines of poverty alleviation campaigns.
Xi credited the victory of poverty eradication to the leadership of the Party, the hard work of the Chinese nation, and national unity around the Party. To summarize the Chinese experience, Xi proposed the following “anti-poverty theory with Chinese characteristics” (中国特色反贫困理论):
Adhere to the leadership of the Party, which provides political and organizational guarantees for poverty alleviation.
Adhere to development thought centered around the people and the path to mutually shared wealth.
Utilize the political advantage of the Chinese socialist system in uniting strengths to achieve big objectives.
Use precise poverty assistance strategies, eradicate the root cause of poverty with development.
Mobilize impoverished masses, encourage poverty alleviation initiatives from within.
Promote the social atmosphere of mutual aid and prosperity.
Adhere to seeking truth and executing concrete actions, and dare to confront difficulties.
Xi called this theory the culmination of the sinicization of Marxist anti-poverty theories.
Looking toward the future, Xi said the victory of poverty alleviation does not mark the end but rather a new beginning--the beginning of rural revitalization. He referred to it as a key mission in the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
He concluded the speech by praising China’s poverty alleviation as “a miracle in humanity’s history of poverty reduction.” He urged attendees to keep up the spirit and the struggle for the realization of the second centenary goal, namely building a modern and prosperous socialist China.
Politburo Meeting Held In Beijing
2.26 Xi Jinping hosted a meeting of the Politburo to discuss the 14th Five-Year Plan, the 2035 Long-Term Goals Draft Outline, and the Government Work Report, to be presented at the Two Sessions beginning 5 March.
First, the Politburo lauded the success of the 13th Five-Year Plan despite a complicated international situation, the arduous tasks of domestic reform, development, and stability, and the Covid-19 pandemic. This success “fully demonstrates the advantage of the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party and the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and will encourage the whole party and people of all ethnic groups to continue to work hard to achieve the second centenary goal.”
The 14th Five-Year Plan takes advantage of the “moderately prosperous society” built during the 13th Five-Year Plan to comprehensively build a modern socialist nation and march toward the second centenary goal. During the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Politburo emphasized the importance of holding high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the spirit of the 19th Party Congress, Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Three Represents, the Scientific Outlook on Development, and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The fundamental purpose of the plan, it said, is to coordinate development and security, accelerate the construction of a modern economic system and a new development pattern with dual circulation, promote the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, and realize economic stability and long-term development and social stability and harmony.
Given the ongoing pandemic, the Politburo emphasized the need to coordinate epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development plans, and to maintain the continuity of macroeconomic policy.
In addition to economic work, the Politburo discussed revisions to the “Chinese Communist Party Work Regulations for Grassroots Organizations in Normal Colleges and Universities,” emphasizing the importance of “unswervingly adhering to and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership of colleges and universities” and “continuously strengthening and improving party building in colleges and universities.”
Propaganda Work
Xi Jinping’s On the History of the Chinese Communist Party Published
2.21 The Central Party History and Archives Research Institute published Xi Jinping’s book On the History of the Chinese Communist Party. Copies were distributed nationwide. The book compiled 40 important articles on party history by Xi Jinping, some of which were released publicly for the first time.
In the introduction, the book stated that Xi Jinping’s works reflect on past achievements of the Chinese Communist Party, summarize the lessons learned in different eras of the Party, provide China’s wisdom in solving problems faced by humanity, and envision a future for the Party and the people. These works constitute important elements of the Xi Jinping Thought, worthy to be studied by the people.
People’s Daily provided previews for 37 articles in the book. For the sake of simplicity, this summary focuses on the most important themes expressed in the previews:
First, the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation was positioned as the first important theme, which was expressed in Xi’s speech during his visit to the “Road to Rejuvenation” exhibition in 2012.
The second theme was about holding the correct historical view of the period before reform and the period. Xi’s speech in 2013 said that the pre-reform period cannot negate the post-reform period, neither can the post-reform period negate the pre-reform period. Xi stressed continuity between the two periods, that the latter was built upon the former.
Several speeches were focused on the third theme of party history education. Xi stressed the study of party history and Chinese history, in order to establish system confidence, thought confidence, and cultural confidence among party cadres. This confidence is crucial to “telling China’s stories well” on the global stage. Studying party history is also important for establishing good party discipline and maintaining the vitality of the Party among the cadres and masses.
Commemoration of important party leaders and revolutionary heroes constituted another key theme. Xi made speeches devoted to Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping on their 120th and 110th birthdays, respectively, in which he stressed the importance of carrying on their theoretical contributions.
Similarly, commemoration of revolutionary sites, victories, and founding anniversaries was a key theme. This theme includes Xi’s speeches at historical sites of the Long March, those celebrating the victory of the Long March and of the Anti-Japanese War, and those on the founding anniversaries of the Party and the People’s Liberation Army.
Aside from military commemorations, economic reform marked another important theme. The book includes several speeches by Xi on reform and opening up, and in Shenzhen and Shanghai.
Other speeches revolve around “not forgetting the original mission,” in which Xi urged cadres to carry on historical missions of the Party and of national rejuvenation.
Compilation of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin, and Hu Jintao’s Discourse on the History of the CCP Published and Distributed
2.25 The Compilation of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping, Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao Remarks on the History of the CCP, edited by the Institute for Party History and Documentation of the CCP Central Committee, was published and distributed. People’s Daily noted that the CCP is about to celebrate its 100th anniversary and stated that “the publication and distribution of this book has a very important guiding significance with regard to studying and understanding the history of the party, drawing wisdom and strength from within, strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidating the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护), comprehensively building a modern socialist country, and realizing the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” The book has 141 short excerpts from Mao, Deng, Jiang, and Hu’s speeches, reports, talks, instructions, letters, and other important documents.
United Front Work
Xia Baolong: “Comprehensively Implementing the ‘Patriots Governing Hong Kong’ Principle, Carrying Forward the Steady, Long-Term Practice of ‘One Country, Two Systems’”
2.22 A symposium on “Improving the ‘One Country, Two Systems’ System, Implementing the Basic Principle of ‘Patriots Governing Hong Kong’” was held in Beijing. Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council (HKMAO) Director Xia Baolong (夏宝龙) gave a lengthy speech on the subject of “patriots governing Hong Kong.” The speech appears to justify election reform for Hong Kong, perhaps to be introduced at next month’s Two Sessions, to ensure only pro-Beijing legislators can serve in the Legislative Council. The main messages of the speech were broken down as follows on the HKMAO website:
1. “Patriots governing Hong Kong” is at the core of “One Country, Two Systems”: Xia referenced Deng Xiaoping’s saying, “Hongkongers governing Hong Kong has a dividing line and a standard, which is that Hong Kong must be governed by Hongkongers with patriots as the mainstay.” Therefore, “patriots governing Hong Kong” must be adhered to in order to fully and accurately implement “One Country, Two Systems.” Xia emphasized that requiring elected officials to be patriotic is a norm accepted around the world and that this is not a “high standard” to set.
2. “Patriots governing Hong Kong” is the call of the times (时代呼唤) for advancing “One Country, Two Systems”: Xia stressed that ensuring “patriots govern Hong Kong” has implications for the future of Hong Kong. He argued that “anti-China forces” cannot be allowed to take over the governance of Hong Kong and that foreign forces cannot be allowed to interfere in Hong Kong’s elections.
3. China must adhere to the “objective standard” of “patriots governing Hong Kong”: Xia laid out three standards for judging whether someone is a patriot based on a statement by Deng Xiaoping: “The standard of a patriot is respecting one’s own nation, earnestly and sincerely (诚心诚意) supporting the motherland in resuming the exercise of sovereignty over Hong Kong, and not harming the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.” He elaborated on three points:
“Patriots inevitably and sincerely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.” Xia described Xi Jinping’s “three bottom lines” for “One Country, Two Systems” that cannot be touched (endangering national sovereignty and security, challenging the authority of the Central Government and the Hong Kong Basic Law, and using Hong Kong to infiltrate and undermine the Mainland) as activities that cannot be allowed.
“Patriots inevitably respect and safeguard the fundamental system of the country and the constitutional order of the Special Administrative Region.” Xia stressed that both the PRC Constitution and Basic Law are fundamental to Hong Kong’s constitutional order.
“Patriots inevitably do their utmost to safeguard the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong.” Xia emphasized that as Hong Kong is an inseparable part of China, those who avow loyalty to the HKSAR must first avow loyalty to the People’s Republic of China.
4. “Those who hold important positions, have important powers, and shoulder important governance duties” in Hong Kong’s political structure must be “staunch patriots.” Xia laid out four requirements for these individuals:
The policy of “One Country, Two Systems” must be fully and accurately implemented.
These individuals must adhere to principle and dare to take responsibility, including by “firmly struggling” against any challenge to “One Country, Two Systems.”
They must bear the “big picture and fundamental interests of the country” (国之大者) in mind.
They must “unite in good faith,” meaning patriots must have common goals and ideals and work together.
5. In order to implement the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong,” the relevant systems must be improved. Xia delineated five principles that must be adhered to when reforming Hong Kong’s systems, and the electoral system in particular, to implement “patriots governing Hong Kong”:
Act in strict accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law. Xia argued for closing the “relevant legal loopholes” within the framework of the Constitution and the Basic Law so that the electoral system safeguards sovereignty, security, and development interests, ensures the Central Government’s comprehensive jurisdiction over Hong Kong, and prevents “anti-China” chaos and the agents of international “anti-China forces” from entering the governance structure.
Respect the central leadership. Xia stressed that the authority to create a Special Administrative Region lies with the Central Government and that as Hong Kong’s electoral system is an important part of its political system, the Central Government should take the lead in improving this electoral system.
Conform to the “actual circumstances” in Hong Kong. Xia asserted that Hong Kong’s electoral system should not be a copy of foreign electoral systems and that it should reflect Hong Kong’s particular conditions.
Implement an executive-led system. Xia stated that Hong Kong’s Chief Executive is the leading and central position in its political system and that electoral reform should give much consideration to how to improve the relationship between the executive and the legislature.
Have a “sound system guarantee.” Xia emphasized the need to improve the relevant systems and provide effective means to guarantee that members of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and leaders of statutory bodies are all true patriots.
United Front Contributes to Poverty Alleviation Efforts
2.23 People’s Daily published an article on how China's eight minor democratic parties have contributed to the poverty alleviation campaign, an initiative of the Chinese Communist Party.
The article detailed how democratic party members participated in rural poverty site visits. They conducted research and investigations, recommended outside experts, and hosted panel discussions. The democratic parties reportedly submitted over 2,400 policy recommendations to provincial and county-level governments, 40 oversight reports to the State Council, and 47 recommendations through the direct feedback channel.
Other poverty alleviation programs by democratic parties focused on education, provision of health services, and aid to local businesses. In particular, the People’s Daily highlighted one “love supermarket” initiative in villages in Hebei, where rural residents can purchase goods using points that they had received for doing good deeds such as cleaning public areas. Their points were recorded in a ledger at the local “morality bank.”
The article concluded that all democratic parties, industrial and business associations, and those with no party affiliations, under the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party, are all united in the fight for poverty alleviation and rural revitalization.
Party Discipline
Comprehensive and Rigorous Party Governance Requires First Seeing From a Political Perspective and Constantly Improving Political Judgement Capacity, Political Leadership Capacity, and Political Implementation Capacity
2.22 An essay penned by the Central Committee for Discipline and Inspection (CCDI) and published in China Discipline Inspection and Supervision Daily reflected on Xi Jinping’s speech at the Fifth Plenum of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The article highlighted Xi’s assertion that effective governance of the Party requires “first seeing from a political perspective,” emphasizing the importance of “constantly improving political judgment, political leadership, and political implementation.” The commentary characterized the speech as “an important guide to advancing the comprehensive and rigorous governance of the Party and deepening [its] development.” It went on to note that “showing one’s true colors in talking about politics” is a key element of Marxist parties that Xi Jinping has consistently upheld. Demonstrating this point, the article stated that “discipline, inspection, and supervision organs are political organs; discipline, inspection, and supervision work is political work, [and] everything is inseparable from politics.” All CCDI cadres were encouraged to “thoroughly study and implement the spirit of Xi Jinping’s important speech” and to “consciously unite [their] thought and action with the decisions and deployment of the party center.”
Elaborating further on the role of politics, the article stated that, “in the end, enhancing political consciousness and improving political ability truly requires preserving loyalty, refining Party spirit, and joining with the will of the people.” It further stated that “in the new era” these values were embodied in “strengthening the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidating the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), [and] achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护).” Unsurprisingly, the CCDI commentary centered the essence of political work being in Xi Jinping himself, urging readers “from beginning to end, persist in taking Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a guide” and “from beginning to end, maintain a high degree of alignment with the Party in the center in politics, ideology, and action with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core.” The article concluded by elucidating the roles and duties of the CCDI in light of Xi’s speech emphasizing the centrality of politics for discipline inspection and supervision work.
Central Military Commission
Newly Amended “Regulations on Military Political Work” Released
2.19 With the approval of the Central Committee and Central Military Commission, new “Regulations on Military Political Work” (hereafter Regulations) were announced. The announcement of the Regulations stated that they thoroughly implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Socialist New Era, the spirit of the 19th Party Congress, and Xi Jinping Thought on a Strong Military. It adheres to the absolute leadership of the Party over the military, and calls for the comprehensive enforcement of the “CMC Chairman Responsibility System” (军委主席负责制).
The regulations contain the guiding thoughts, the basic thoughts and principles, and the main content of military political work in the new era. They specify the main functions and responsibilities of political work departments, commissions for discipline and inspection, party secretaries and political commissars. They also include the responsibilities and requirements of political work cadres, as well as comprehensive provisions on the organization, implementation, supervision and inspection of military political work.
The article affirmed that the Regulations encourage the military to “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).” They provide a “strong political guarantee for building the people’s army into a world-class military.”
International Liaison Work
2.22 The CCP International Department (CCP/ID) and Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) Party Committee held an online “Stories of the CCP” thematic briefing on Xinjiang from Ürümqi. Carrying the theme of “A Better Life for All,” the briefing featured more than 310 representatives of nearly 200 political parties and organizations from over 80 countries and was broadcast live in English, French, and Arabic. CCP speakers included Politburo member and XUAR Party Secretary Chen Quanguo (陈全国), CCP/ID Head Song Tao (宋涛), XUAR Party Deputy Secretary and XUAR Chair Shohrat Zakir (雪克来提•扎克尔), and CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲). Foreign participants included: 1. Tongan Legislative Assembly Speaker Lord Fakafānua, 2. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI/Pakistan Movement for Justice) leader and Pakistani National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Khan Suri, 3. Cambodian People’s Party (CPP) Central Standing Committee member and Cambodian Senate Second Vice President Tep Ngorn, 4. Indonesian National Mandate Party (PAN) General Chair and People's Consultative Assembly Deputy Speaker Zulkifli Hasan, 5. Togolese Union for the Republic (UNIR) Vice President and National Assembly Vice President Ibrahima Mémounatou, 6. Moroccan Justice and Development Party (PJD) Deputy General Secretary and House of Representatives First Deputy Speaker Slimane El Omrani, and 7. Portuguese Communist Party (PCP) Central Committee member and Portuguese Assembly of the Republic Vice President António Filipe.
2.25 International Department Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with Belarusian Ambassador to China Yuri Senko.
2.25 Qian Hongshan held a videoconference with German Bundestag Vice President and China-Brücke (China-Bridge) Chair Hans-Peter Friedrich.
2.25 International Department Assistant Head Li Mingxiang (李明祥) met with South African Ambassador to China Siyabonga Cyprian Cwele.
Organization Work
2.20 Xie Feng (谢锋) was appointed vice minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2.20 Xu Feihong (徐飞洪) was appointed assistant minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2.20 Song Demin (宋德民) was appointed vice minister of the Ministry of Education.
2.24 Ye Min (叶民) was appointed vice minister of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment and head of the National Nuclear Safety Administration.
2.25 Zhang Xiaohong (张小宏) was appointed vice minister of the Ministry of Housing and Urban‑Rural Development.
2.25 Wang Zhiqing (王志清) was appointed vice minister of the Ministry of Transport.
2.25 Ni Yuewei (倪岳伟) was appointed deputy head of the China Earthquake Administration.
2.26 Wang Zhengpu (王正谱) was appointed head of the National Administration for Rural Revitalization and secretary of its Party group.
2.26 Hong Tianyun (洪天云) was appointed deputy head of the National Administration for Rural Revitalization.
2.26 Xia Gengsheng (夏更生) was appointed deputy head of the National Administration for Rural Revitalization.