- Admin
Weekly Report 4|61 2.26.22-3.4.22
Highlights
Xi Jinping gave a speech at the opening ceremony for the spring semester training session for young and middle-aged cadres at the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance). (See Senior Leaders section)
Politburo Standing Committee Member and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chair Wang Yang (汪洋) delivered a work report at the opening of the fifth session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, describing its achievements in 2021 and focuses for 2022. (See Two Sessions section)
A People’s Daily Editorial (社论) welcomed the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games, expressing confidence that they would be held as well as the Winter Olympic Games were. (See Propaganda Work section)
Two Sessions
Wang Yang: Struggle Hard to Strengthen the Unity of the Sons and Daughters of China
3.4 Politburo Standing Committee Member and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) Chair Wang Yang (汪洋) delivered a work report at the opening of the fifth session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee. The work report described the central achievements of the CPPCC National Committee in 2021 as:
“Focusing on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Party and solidifying a common ideological and political foundation.” CPPCC members have studied the “four histories” (四史/ the histories of the Party, New China, reform and opening up, and socialist development) and Xi Jinping’s “important ‘July 1’ speech” through formats such as reading groups and organized visits to revolutionary historic sites.
“Discussing politics and making suggestions revolving around the core tasks, assisting with the good start of the ‘14th Five-Year Plan.’” CPPCC members have investigated and discussed topics such as “strengthening national strategic science and technology,” implementing plans to establish the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area, and ensuring the “healthy development” of the online game industry. In addition, CPPCC members have held conference discussions on environmental issues to support the “establishment of an ecological civilization” (生态文明).
“Enriching the content of CPPCC consultation, better giving play to the effectiveness of specialized consultation mechanisms.” Throughout the year, the CPPCC held consultations with experts across a diverse range of sectors, including with scientific and technological experts on technological innovation and increasing the dissemination of science. The CPPCC also drafted plans and held discussion meetings on “democratic supervision” (民主监督).
“Improving the methods and carriers of unity and friendship, extensively gathering wisdom and power.” The CPPCC held consultation meetings on ethnic and religious issues; strengthened connections with overseas Chinese and “Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan compatriots”; and held more than 80 diplomatic events. The work report also mentioned that the CPPCC had stated its principles and position in response to the United States passing laws regarding Xinjiang and the European Parliament and its foreign affairs committee issuing reports that mentioned Taiwan.
“Strengthening the self-construction of the CPPCC, practically increasing the effectiveness of fulfilling duties.” The CPPCC held meetings to “summarize and exchange experience on Party establishment work,” held “CPPCC National Committee propaganda and ideological work symposiums,” and improved work and study platforms for members of various CPPCC committees, in addition to other accomplishments.
The work report laid out the focuses of the CPPCC in 2022:
“Stick closely to the overall situation of the work of the Party and nation and extensively gather consensus.” CPPCC members must conduct political and ideological work that “revolves around welcoming the 20th Party Congress,” “thoroughly study and implement the spirit of the Sixth Plenum of the 19th Central Committee,” and conduct “study, dissemination, and implementation work” after the 20th Party Congress concludes.
“Use high-quality suggestions to serve high-quality development.” The CPPCC should hold Standing Committee meetings on “green and low carbon high-quality development” and “adhering to implementing employment-first policies.” Topical consultations should also be held on “promoting the healthy development of the digital economy” and implementing strategies on talent.
“Continue to deepen the establishment of specialized consultation mechanisms.” Efforts should be made to summarize the outcomes of and innovation in CPPCC work since the 18th Party Congress, “strengthen CPPCC theoretical research” and hold theoretical seminars, and cooperate with preparatory work related to ushering in the next CPPCC National Committee.
In addition, the work report made the following points about “strengthening the unity of the sons and daughters of China”:
“Strengthening the great unity of all sons and daughters of China is the CPPCC’s historic responsibility of the new era.” Given the increased need for unity in the face of developments linked to “changes unseen in a century” (百年未有之大变局), the CPPCC should foster “harmonious relations” with democratic parties, ethnic minorities, religious groups, various social classes, and “domestic and international compatriots.”
“Strengthening the great unity of all sons and daughters of China should better give play to the consultation superiority of the CPPCC.” The CPPCC should use a variety of methods to “correctly handle internal contradictions among the people” and urge CPPCC committee members to become “the Party’s political publicists, ideological and political leaders, and individuals with an intimate [connection] with all groups of the masses.”
“Strengthening the great unity of all sons and daughters of China must adhere to the leadership of the Party.” The CPPCC must “become an important front for adhering to and strengthening the Party’s leadership over every area of work; an important platform for using the Party’s theoretical innovation for uniting, educating, and guiding representatives of every minority and all walks of life; and an important channel for resolving contradictions and gathering consensus on a common ideological and political foundation.”
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping: Unswervingly Walk the Path of China’s Human Rights Development, Better Promote the Development of Our Country’s Human Rights Projects
2.25 In remarks at the 37th Politburo collective study session, Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of human rights for “comprehensively establishing a modern socialist country” and achieving China’s second centenary goal. He emphasized the importance of human rights in the Party’s history, saying that through socialist revolution, construction, reform, and modernization, the Party had sought the wellbeing of the people and national rejuvenation, and advanced its guarantees of the people’s basic human rights. Xi praised human rights work since the 18th Party Congress, saying that achieving a moderately prosperous society created a more solid material foundation for the development of human rights. Xi noted advances in China’s human rights laws; social welfare policies; ethnic and religious policies protecting “lawful rights and interests”; and legal reforms and rule of law, cracking down on illegal activity, and protection of the people’s security and safety. He then listed six aspects to persist in that characterize China’s human rights development: 1. “the leadership of the Party,” 2. “respecting the central position of the people (尊重人民主体地位),” 3. “starting from our country’s practical [circumstances],” 4. “taking the right to exist and the right to develop as primary, fundamental human rights,” 5. “guaranteeing human rights according to the law,” and 6. “actively participating in global human rights governance.” Xi called on the Politburo to satisfy the people’s needs and raise the level of human rights protection in all areas, listing relevant policy areas such as the development of “material, political, spiritual, societal, and ecological civilization.” He also called for stronger protections, reforms, and systemic mechanisms for human rights rule-of-law; the resolution of prominent issues in the field of law that have provoked a strong reaction from the masses; the lawful and just treatment of peoples’ appeals; an end to cases of legal injustice harming mass sentiment or the masses’ rights and interests; and punishment and accountability for those who violate “the masses’ lawful rights and interests” or turn a blind eye to such violations. He noted the need to promote a “correct view of human rights,” propagandize and spread knowledge on the topic, and to “construct a good atmosphere for respecting and protecting human rights,” especially by incorporating the Marxist and modern Chinese views on human rights into the education system. Xi called for participation in international human rights governance, particularly with the United Nations and in dialogue with developing countries, to “push global human rights governance to develop in a more fair, just, rational, and tolerant direction.” He emphasized that human rights cannot be separated from a country’s “sociopolitical conditions and historic cultural traditions,” condemned “double standards” and interference in internal affairs based on human rights, and called for China to “seize the strategic momentum” in “telling the China human rights story well.” Xi concluded by instructing all levels of Party committees and groups to implement the national human rights action plan, and all cadres, especially leaders, to study the Marxist and modern Chinese views of human rights.
Xi Jinping Hears Work Report From Politburo, Top State and Judicial Officials
2.28 Politburo members, the Secretary of the Central Secretariat, party group members of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, State Council, Chinese People’s Political Consultative Congress, and the party group secretaries of the Supreme People’s Court and the People’s Procuratorate delivered work reports to Xi Jinping prior to the Two Sessions.
Upon hearing the work reports, Xi emphasized that this year was significant for “comprehensively establishing a modern socialist country” and the “new journey of advancing towards the second centenary struggle goal,” as well as the year of the 20th Party Congress. Xi called upon the groups to “implement the spirit of the 19th Party Congress and its plenums, 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), understand the ‘big picture and fundamental interests of the country’ (国之大者), and from start to finish, maintain a high degree of ideological, political, and operational unanimity with the Party Central Committee,” amongst other exhortations.
Xi listed five directions for further effort:
“Deeply study the spirit of the 19th Party Congress and its plenums, deeply understand the decisive significance of the “two establishes” (两个确立), strengthen consciousness of the “two defends,” and “maintain a high degree of unanimity of political standpoint, orientation, principles, and path with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core.”
Study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, “persist in using the ‘arrow’ of Marxism to fire at the ‘target’ of new era China”; and launch education programs on party history and the “spirit of the Party’s founding” to support the historic momentum of Party-state initiatives.
Implement the Central Committee’s strategic decisions and deployments and Xi Jinping’s guidance on major issues such as pandemic prevention and control and socioeconomic development.
Fulfill responsibilities for “comprehensively and strictly [following] party governance” (全面从严治党) carrying out anti-corruption work and resolving work style issues, and otherwise improving party construction and leadership teams.
Strictly implement the Central Eight Regulations (中央八项规定) and its bylaws; maintain honest discipline; oppose “formalism” (形式主义) and “bureaucratism” (官僚主义) and special privileges; strictly educate and manage relatives and staff; and actively accept supervision.
Xi Jinping Speech at Central Conference on People’s Congress Work
3.1 Qiushi published a 13 October, 2021 speech from Xi Jinping at a central conference on the National People’s Congress (NPC). Xi discussed the importance of the NPC system in the Party’s governance, and listed six new ideals, ideology, and requirements since the 18th Party Congress to plan for national rejuvenation and react to major global changes: “1. uphold the Party’s leadership, 2. use systemic guarantees to ensure the people are masters of their own affairs (当家作主), 3. govern according to law; 4. persist in democratic centralism; 5. persist in [following] the political development path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and 6. promote the modernization of the national governance system and governing abilities.” Xi stressed the importance of a stable and strong NPC system amid international turbulence and competition, listing the following key points for strengthening and improving “NPC work in the new era”:
“Comprehensively implement and carry out the constitution, uphold the constitution’s authority and sanctity” as the country’s foundational law, thereby upholding the authority and sanctity of the Party and people, as well as the people’s rights. Use the constitution’s definitions of the Party’s leadership role, the people’s democratic dictatorship, and the People’s Congress as the basis for governing and holding power according to law.
“Accelerate the improvement of a socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics, use good laws to impel development, [and] ensure good governance.”
“Use the NPC’s supervisory powers accorded by the constitution well, carry out correct, effective, and law-based supervision,” making better use of the NPC’s supervisory function.
“Give full play to the role of the people’s representatives, act upon [the principle that] ‘all the people’s calls, I must answer,’” ensuring that representatives fulfill their duties, strengthen ideology, hold a proper work style, serve as models for respecting law and the constitution, fully understand politics, and properly represent the people.
“Strengthen consciousness of political organs, strengthen the NPC’s self-construction,” optimizing the composition of the NPC Standing Committee and its specialized committees, and producing NPC workers that are “politically staunch, serve the people, revere rule of law, make use of democracy, and diligently do their duties.”
“Strengthen the Party’s comprehensive leadership over NPC work.”
Xi emphasized the importance of democracy, and listed some of the main criteria he believed important to judge a country’s democracy, including “whether or not a country’s leadership carries out an orderly change in succession according to law” as the first criterion. He argued that such a determination could only be made by the people of the country itself and the joint determination of the international community, not “a minority of foreign people lecturing” or “a minority of countries.” He then listed a series of the Party’s key principles on the importance of the people’s democracy, discussed the greater consciousness of democratic governance and theoretical development of whole-process people’s democracy (全过程人民民主) since the 18th Party Congress, and stressed the importance of the NPC system for the whole-process people’s democracy concept.
Xi Jinping: Build a Firm Foundation of Ideals and Convictions to Establish and Enact the Correct View of Political Achievements, Leave Dauntless Footprints of Struggle on the New Journey of the New Era
3.1 Xi Jinping gave a speech at the opening ceremony for the spring semester training session for young and middle-aged cadres at the Central Party School (National Academy of Governance). He emphasized the importance of ideals and convictions to both the Party and to cadres themselves, stressing that in their studies, young cadres should strengthen Marxist convictions and their willingness to struggle for Communist ideals and the “common ideals” of socialism with Chinese characteristics. He called on young cadres to maintain morality by following Party discipline and having moral self-discipline against greedy or disloyal thoughts. Xi further emphasized that cadres must uphold the “defensive line against corruption and moral degradation” (拒腐防变防线) at all levels and in all areas, specifically being strict about political principles, the use of authority, social dealings, lifestyle, and relatives. Xi also discussed establishing and implementing a “correct view of political achievements” and the importance of “party consciousness” (党性) in doing so. With regards to the second centenary goal, Xi said that cadres must persist in the Party’s basic line and focus on economic construction, but must be sure to “implement new development concepts, accelerate construction of new development structures, [and] promote high-quality development.” Xi stated that theoretical knowledge is the most important skill for cadres to take on leadership roles. He also said that the Party’s “spirit to shoulder responsibility and struggle” is necessary for the goal of national rejuvenation, requires selflessness and courage, and has proven successful in weathering risks and winning results. Xi noted the many collective study sessions held since the 18th Party Congress, saying that a main purpose of these was to teach basic questions of what the Party is and does, and to “maintain flesh and blood ties (血肉联系) between the Party and the people from beginning to end.” He also emphasized the importance of closeness to the people, the mass line, and mass work.
Politburo Standing Committee Member and Secretary of the Central Secretariat Wang Huning (王沪宁) also attended the event.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Sheng: Draw Experience and Wisdom from History
2.28 A Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary focused on the 50th anniversary of China and the United States issuing the “Shanghai Communique” (上海公报). It began by remarking the Shanghai Communique “has important practical significance for [people from] all walks of life in the United States to correctly view China-US relations and for causing China-US relations to return to a practical and rational development track.” The commentary then stated that the Shanghai Communique “affirmed the one-China principle,” which serves as the “political foundation of China US relations.” Noting the importance of China–US relations for both China and the United States and the world, it went on to give three recommendations to “revive the spirit of the Shanghai Communique.” First, it highlighted the need to “grasp the direction of the development of China-US relations in the general trend of history.” The commentary asserted that the unwillingness of “some people in the United States” to accept the reality of China’s development and their “serious prejudices” about China were the cause of the difficulties facing China-US relations today. It stated further that “China-US relations returning to the correct track” required the United States to “put forward political wisdom and bravery, correctly view China and China’s development, and get rid of Cold War zero-sum thinking (冷战零和思维) about suppressing and containing China.” Second, it recommended “handling differences between [China and the United States] well” by “embracing the spirit of putting differences aside (求同存异).” Specifically, it stated that China and the United States should use “candid dialogue” to “add effective controls, prevent strategic miscalculation, and prevent conflict and antagonism” instead of fearing differences. Third, the commentary called for “adhering to the one-China principle to handle the Taiwan issue.” After stressing that “the Taiwan issue has always been the most important and sensitive issue in China-US relations,” it asserted that the United States “is attempting to distort and hollow out the one-China principle due to [its] aim of ‘using Taiwan to contain China’” and that “China realizing complete reunification is an unstoppable historical trend that will not be changed by anyone, any force, or any country.” After calling on the United States take actions which included recognizing the sensitivity of the Taiwan issue, adhering to the one-China principle (一个中国原则) and the China-US Three Joint Communiques (三个联合公报规定), and “firmly oppos[ing] any ‘Taiwan independence’ (台独) conduct,” the commentary concluded by urging the United States to make efforts that ultimately realize “jointly promoting the return of China-US relations to a healthy and stable development track.”
People’s Daily Editorial: Unite With One Heart, Gather Strength to Struggle Together
3.4 People’s Daily published an Editorial (社论) congratulating the 13th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee on the opening of its fifth session, which is part of Beijing’s annual Two Sessions meeting beginning on 4 March. Highlighting events in the past year such as the 100th anniversary of the Party’s founding and the Beijing Winter Olympics, it declared that “the acquiring of these achievements is the outcome of the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee and the outcome of the entire nation and all ethnic groups…. joining with one heart and uniting to struggle!” The Editorial further stated that unity was the “important guarantee of the Chinese people and nation for overcoming every hazard and challenge in their path and continually going from victory to victory.” Next, it asserted that under the leadership of the Party, the CPPCC had “amply given play to its role as a united front group” (统一战线组织) and ultimately gathered “boundless power to realize national rejuvenation.” Referring to the united front as an “important magic weapon (法宝) for the Party to defeat the enemy, hold political power, and rejuvenate the nation,” the Editorial called on the CPPCC to strengthen the execution of united front work. After this, it turned to discuss consultative democracy (协商民主). The Editorial singled out the CPPCC as an “important channel for socialist consultative democracy” and asserted that it “displays the values and ideals of whole-process people’s democracy” (全过程人民民主). After highlighting the need to use the “systemic advantage” of the CPPCC as part of effective national governance, it concluded by calling on session attendees to “make new and greater contributions to realizing the people’s desire for a better life and the Chinese dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
People’s Daily Editorial: Join Hands to Endeavor Together, Together Towards a Shared Future
3.4 A People’s Daily Editorial (社论) welcomed the opening of the 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympic Games, describing them as a festival symbolic of the progress of human civilization and expressing confidence that they would be held as well as the Winter Olympic Games were. The Editorial praised the Winter Paralympics for their importance for the world’s para-athletes, the undertakings of people with disabilities in general, and international interaction and mutual understanding with China. It expressed a belief that the successful hosting of the Winter Paralympics would encourage disabled people’s greater participation in sport and encourage “peace, friendship, and caring.” The Editorial stated that “the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core” had been “particularly concerned about and attentive to disabled people” since the 18th Party Congress, supporting their aspirations, rights, and social participation, including their participation in socioeconomic development. It praised the Winter Paralympics for their contribution to accessibility in urban development, disability rights, and the undertakings of people with disabilities.
Central Military Commission
General Office of the Central Military Commission Issues “Regulations on the Supervision of the Discipline and Law Enforcement Work of Military Discipline Inspection and Supervision Organs”
3.1 The General Office of the Central Military Commission (CMC) recently issued a set of Regulations on the supervision of the discipline and law enforcement work of military discipline inspection and supervision organs, which took effect on 1 March 2022. Using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as “guidance” and thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military (习近平强军思想), the Regulations aim to “fully implement the CMC Chairman Responsibility System (军委主席负责制); focus on performing the dual duties of discipline inspection and supervision in accordance with regulations, discipline, and the law; standardize work procedures; improve internal control mechanisms; strengthen supervision and constraints; and ensure that supervision and discipline enforcement work is standardized, ruled by law, and normalized.” According to the article, the promulgation and implementation of the Regulations will help “implement strategic policy for comprehensively and strictly [following] party governance (全面从严治党); build a supervision system of unified leadership, comprehensive coverage, and efficient authority; realize the linkage between discipline and law enforcement; [and] further promote the military’s upholding of discipline and anti-corruption.” The Regulations consist of eleven chapters and 87 articles that cover all aspects of the supervision of discipline and law enforcement work conducted by military discipline inspection and supervision organs, including clarifying their duties and powers, strictly regulating supervision responsibilities, strengthening regulatory constraints, seriously pursuing accountability, and ensuring that discipline inspection and supervision organs at all levels perform their duties and exercise power in accordance with regulations, discipline, and the law.
Comprehensively Deepening Reform
Xi Jinping: Accelerate the Establishment of World-Class Enterprises, Strengthen the Subject-Based Cultivation of Talent
2.28 Xi Jinping convened and presided over the 24th meeting of the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform. The meeting reviewed and adopted a series of Opinions, including Opinions on accelerating the construction of “world-class enterprises,” Opinions on promoting the high-quality development of finance, opinions on “strengthening subject-based talent cultivation,” and opinions on fostering technological innovation in state-owned enterprises. In addition, the meeting reviewed a report that summarized the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform’s work in 2021 and a report on main points of its work in 2022. During the meeting, Xi emphasized the importance of “strengthening and developing the public sector,” “supporting and leading the non-public sector,” and developing “world-class enterprises.” Xi noted that such enterprises would “achieve greater development of and play a greater role in comprehensively establishing a modern socialist country and realizing the second centenary struggle goal.” Turning to the financial sector, he stressed the importance of “having a robust and modern financial system with a high degree of flexibility, competitiveness, and ubiquity” while meeting the financial needs of the people and resolving issues with lending. Shifting his focus to “talent cultivation,” Xi called for the systemization of various aspects of talent selection and training to “vigorously train and cultivate a large batch of basic research talent urgently needed for national innovation and development.” Lastly, he highlighted the need to “promote the improvement of the innovation system for state-owned enterprises” to ultimately “create sources of innovation and technology.”
The meeting noted that in light of the upcoming 20th Party Congress, attendees should “adhere to the overall key tone of seeking progress while maintaining stability”(稳中求进) and engage in efforts that are conducive to “creating good systemic conditions to maintain a stable and healthy economic environment, a peaceful and prosperous (国泰民安) social environment, and a clean and upright (风清气正) political environment.”
Politburo Standing Committee Members and Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform Vice Chairs Li Keqiang (李克强), Wang Huning (王沪宁), and Han Zheng (韩正) also attended.