- Admin
Weekly Report 4|86 9.3.22-9.9.22
Highlights
Xi Jinping presided over the 27th meeting of the Central Committee for Comprehensively Deepening Reform, which passed Opinions on issues including building a national system for core technologies, deepening the reform of academic research systems, and strengthening the work of resource conservation. (See Senior Leaders section)
A Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary in People’s Daily condemned recent US sanctions on Chinese entities and individuals, as well as US sanctions more generally. (See Propaganda Work section)
The Politburo met and reviewed draft reports that would be submitted to the 20th Party Congress, including the 19th Central Committee’s report, an amendment to the party constitution, the work report of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), and more. (See Senior Leaders section)
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping: Make Saving Lives the Primary Task, Spare No Effort to Rescue People Affected by Natural Disaster, [and] Minimize Casualties to Greatest Extent Possible
9.5 Xi Jinping delivered “important instructions” regarding disaster relief tasks in response to a magnitude 6.8 earthquake that struck Luding County (泸定县) in Ganzi (Garzê) Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture (甘孜藏族自治州), Sichuan Province, on 5 September. Xi declared that saving lives should be the “primary task,” and no effort should be spared in rescuing those affected by this earthquake and minimizing casualties to the greatest extent possible. Following the earthquake, he stated that it is necessary to strengthen earthquake detection, prevent secondary disasters, and properly shelter and resettle affected people. Xi requested the Ministry of Emergency Management send a working group to Sichuan to guide earthquake relief work, and called for the People’s Liberation Army and the People’s Armed Police to “actively cooperate with local [governments] and do their best to ensure the safety of the people’s lives and property.” Politburo Standing Committee Member and State Council Premier Li Keqiang (李克强) also issued instructions calling for “detailed verification of the disaster situation,” prevention of secondary disasters like rockfalls and landslides, as well as strengthened relief efforts. According to Xi’s instructions and Li’s request, the Ministry of Emergency Management, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the National Health Commission, and other departments sent working groups to the disaster area to guide rescue and relief efforts.
Xi Jinping Presides Over the 27th Meeting of the Central Committee for Comprehensively Deepening Reform, Stresses Building a Robust New Form of National System for Improvement of Key Core Technologies and the Comprehensive Strengthening of Resource Conservation Work
9.6 Xi Jinping presided over the 27th meeting of the Central Committee for Comprehensively Deepening Reform. During the meeting, Xi reviewed and approved a series of Opinions on building a national system (举国体制) for core technologies under conditions of a socialist market economy, deepening the reform of academic research systems, strengthening the work of resource conservation, land use in rural areas, and the improvement of rural medical and health systems. Xi stressed that it is important to strengthen the Party and country’s leadership of innovation and research in science and technology, foster comparative advantages in several areas, and thereby gain the “strategic initiative” (战略主动). Xi emphasized that it is important to improve the quality and selection of academicians (院士) and enable the “full play of their roles.” Xi also emphasized the importance of “completely, correctly, and fully implementing the new development concept” (新发展理念) and “persisting in resource conservation in the process of economic and social development” in various areas. These resources include water, food, arable land, minerals and raw materials. Xi then stated the importance of adapting to rural conditions when it comes to improving the quality and efficiency of rural health systems, which will enable more equal access to healthcare for rural populations.
According to Xinhua’s summary, several objectives and observations were detailed at the meeting. First, the meeting concluded that it is necessary to “unite the government, market, and society” to strengthen key core technologies. This pertains to the country’s industrial base, economy, and national security. In line with this, it is important to “strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the Central Committee” and “construct an authoritative policy-making and command system.” It is also important to build frameworks for “collaborative research,” especially in an interdisciplinary context, and to make effective use of market factors. Second, it is necessary to improve the mechanisms for selecting and evaluating academicians for major research projects and initiatives, while preventing negative influences in the field. Academicians should “elevate their political standing, strengthen their awareness of [political] responsibilities, and take the initiative and bear the heavy burden of carrying out scientific research tasks of national concern.” They must also “resolve large and original scientific problems, serve as examples by carrying out the ‘cleansing’ (则净化) of academic environments, and play a model role in developing young scientific talent.” Third, the meeting emphasized that “resource conservation is the country’s basic policy” and will help “defend the security of national resources.” Since the 18th Party Congress, the country has implemented a comprehensive conservation strategy, and resources such as energy, water, and land have been utilized less and more effectively. It is important to bolster a “national mentality of conservation” (全民节约意识), to promote a green lifestyle with low carbon emissions, and oppose excessive consumption (过度消费). It is also necessary to establish a resource “price creation mechanism” (价格形成机制) based on the degree of “resource scarcity” (资源稀缺程度), “ecological harm” (生态损害), and “environmental pollution” (环境污染). Fourth, the meeting emphasized the protection of rural residents’ interests in land reforms. It stated the importance of land conservation, adequate planning before construction, in addition to the “reasonable distribution (合理布局) of land.” Lastly, the meeting emphasized the importance of the rural medical and health system. Since the 18th Party Congress, the Party has taken a series of measures to improve medical infrastructure, the quality of personnel, and expanded the capacity of rural medical and health services. The meeting stated that it is necessary to improve the standard of medical training in rural areas, resolve problems regarding pay for doctors in rural areas, bolster disease prevention and control abilities, and accelerate the construction of a robust public health system, among other goals.
Politburo Standing Committee Members State Premier Li Keqiang (李克强), Secretary of the Central Secretariat Wang Huning (王沪宁), and State Council Vice Premier Han Zheng (韩正) also attended the meeting.
Symposium on Study Framework for Xi Jinping’s Thought on Ecological Civilization Opens in Beijing
9.6. A symposium was held in Beijing for the publication of a “Study Framework on Xi Jinping Thought on Ecological Civilization.” The meeting concluded that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi Jinping has stood at the “height of the sustainable development (永续发展) of the Chinese nation.” Xi has “forcefully promoted innovation in ecological civilization theory” and proposed a new ideology and strategy with “a series of special Chinese characteristics” that “reflect the spirit of the current era.” The meeting emphasized that “Xi Jinping’s thought on ecological civilization is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.” It also represents a “guide to action” (行动指南) and carries important “political, theoretical, historical, practical, and worldly significance.” The meeting pointed out that this ideology is simultaneously based on history and contemporary developments, reflects today’s affairs, and is oriented towards the future. It primarily consists of the “ten persists” (十个坚持), such as the Party’s comprehensive leadership over the construction of ecological civilization, the harmonious coexistence (和谐共生) between man and nature, adherence to green development as a “deep revolution in the concept of development,” and strict adherence to the rule of law to protect the environment, among others. These aspects also reflect “adherence to the path of the global construction of ecological civilization.” The meeting emphasized that it is necessary to use the publication of Xi’s outline to spur a “surge” (热潮) in the study of how to implement Xi Jinping’s thoughts on ecological civilization. It also stressed the importance of adopting “practical actions to welcome the opening of the 20th Party Congress.” The symposium was jointly organized by the Central Propaganda Department and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. CCP Propaganda Department Deputy Head Sun Yeli (孙业礼) attended the meeting and delivered a speech, while Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu (黄润秋) presided over the meeting. Representatives of the Central Institute of Party History and Literature, National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of National Resources, Ministry of Water Resources, and the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs attended and spoke at the meeting. Representatives of the relevant departments and units of central and state organs, the National People’s Congress, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Supreme People’s Court, the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, and central state media also attended the meeting.
Zhao Leji at CCDI Award Ceremony: Learn [and] Advance, Build a Strong Team, Promote Work, and Take Practical Actions to Welcome the Victorious Convening of the 20th Party Congress
9.8 Politburo Standing Committee Member and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Secretary Zhao Leji (赵乐际) attended the National CCDI Award Ceremony and delivered a speech. In his speech, Zhao emphasized thoroughly studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; carrying forward the great spirit of the Party’s founding and the spirit of “self-revolution” (自我革命); playing an exemplary role as advanced models (先进典型); better performing the responsibilities entrusted by the party and national constitutions; unswervingly promoting “comprehensive and strict party governance” (全面从严治党), the construction of a “clean and honest party work style” (党风廉政), and the struggle against corruption; and taking practical actions to welcome the victorious convening of the 20th People Congress. Zhao commended the achievements of the 19th CCDI, pointing out that new progress and new achievements have been made in “strengthening the tightening of discipline and improving party conduct” (正风肃纪) and anti-corruption work. He noted that the many discipline inspection and supervision cadres “kept the mission firmly in mind” (牢记使命), withstood the “grinding test” (磨砺考验), and made important contributions, while a number of advanced models have emerged which embody the political character and spiritual bearing of “loyalty and steadfastness” (忠诚坚定), “assuming responsibility” (担当尽责), “observing discipline and law” (遵纪守法), and “[being] upright and clean” (清正廉洁). Zhao emphasized the importance of “studying and publicizing advanced models,” encouraging the whole system to “advocate advancement” (崇尚先进), “study advancement” (学习先进), “strive [to be] advanced” (争当先进), and promoting the high-quality development of discipline inspection and supervision work in the new era.
He stressed the importance of “deeply understanding the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), consciously enhancing the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), strengthening the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), and achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护),” as well as strengthening the Party’s political construction. Zhao emphasized improving political judgment (判断力), political perception (领悟力), and political administration (执行力) abilities; maintaining a “high degree of consistency” with the Central Committee in “ideology, politics, and actions”; and setting an example of “political excellence.” He further emphasized abiding by party discipline and national laws; building a “loyal, clean, and responsible team”; enhancing awareness of the rule of law, procedures, and evidence; consciously practicing the “3+3 Initiative” (三严三实); and resolutely preventing “darkness under [the] light” (灯下黑, referring to darkened areas blocked by a lamp body).
Politburo Member and CCDI Deputy Secretary Yang Xiaodu (杨晓渡) presided over the ceremony.
Politburo Convenes
9.9 The Politburo reviewed draft reports that would be discussed and submitted to the 20th Party Congress, including the 19th Central Committee’s report to be discussed at the upcoming 7th Plenum, an amendment to the party constitution, and the work report of the 19th CCDI. It also reviewed reports on the Politburo’s implementation of the Central Eight Regulations (中央八项规定) and on the reduction of formalism and burdens on grassroot party organizations since the 19th Party Congress. The Politburo reviewed suggestions on the 19th Central Committee report, the party constitutional amendment, and the CCDI report, and decided to further discuss the reports at the 7th Plenum after incorporating the Politburo’s revisions. The Politburo praised such feedback and called for the ensuing Central Committee report and constitutional amendment to reflect the people’s shared wishes, accord with the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era and the tasks of the “new journey,” suit the innovative development of the Party’s theory and practice, and meet the needs of new tasks of party construction in the new era.
Regarding the constitutional amendment, the Politburo said that the 20th Party Congress’ “appropriate amendments” would benefit the party constitution and its implementation, advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics and party construction. It said that the “major theoretical viewpoints and major strategic thinking” established in the 20th Congress’ report should be incorporated into the party constitution so as to “fully embody new accomplishments in the sinicization and modernization (时代化) of Marxism; fully embody the Central Committee’s new ideals, thinking, and strategy on national governance put forth since the 19th Party Congress; clarify new requirements for adhering to and strengthening the Party’s leadership under new circumstances (新形势) and advancing comprehensive and strict party governance (全面从严治党); and make better use of great self-revolution to lead great societal revolution (社会革命).” Regarding the CCDI work report, the Politburo said the report reflected how “under the staunch leadership of the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core,” the CCDI and other disciplinary organs had supported the Party-state’s work and improved their effectiveness. The Politburo called on the CCDI to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, implement the Central Committee’s strategy on the Party’s “self-revolution,” protect the authority of the Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, persist in strict party governance, advance “new era” party construction, and continue its efforts on improving the Party’s work style and fighting corruption. It praised anti-corruption efforts under Xi, saying that Central Committee policies had successfully addressed some long-standing issues and prevented concerning trends among the Party, government, and society. The Politburo decided to hold the CCDI’s 7th Plenum on 7 October. Finally, the Politburo affirmed the Central Committee’s actions under Xi Jinping’s “personal deployments” and combined push to oppose formalism and excessive burdens on grassroots party work, saying this policy had made progress and must be continued. It stressed that policies related to work style, discipline, and reduction of grassroots burdens would never be completed, and must continue to be implemented, supervised, and improved upon.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Sheng: The United States’ Abuse of Unilateral Sanctions Harms Global Common Interests
9.7 A Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary in People’s Daily condemned recent US sanctions on Chinese entities and individuals. It said US abuse of “long arm jurisdiction” (长臂管辖) and “unilateral” sanctions constitutes “blatant coercion and bullying behavior,” violates international law and norms of international relations, harms the international trade order and rules, and threatens the stability of the global industrial and supply chains. The commentary stressed that China’s stance on “global hot spots” is “independent and autonomous” and based on historical context and the “rights and wrongs” (是非曲直) of issues. It said that China’s “normal trade cooperation” with “relevant countries” should be respected and protected and not be subject to interference or limited by third parties. It then said US sanctions were biased against “specific countries and citizens” and that the United States has for a long time taken unilateral acts such as “weaponizing, politicizing, and ideologizing trade issues” in violation of market principles, at a cost to international peace and development. The commentary said the United States uses unilateral sanctions and “long arm jurisdiction” as threats, interferes in other countries’ internal affairs, forces countries to choose sides on international issues, and represses foreign companies, attempting to repress or deprive other countries of their “rightful development interests.” It then claimed that US actions would inhibit global efforts on issues including economic recovery, supply chains, and energy, food, and banking security; worsen global crises; open the United States up to false counterclaims; and exacerbate US domestic price inflation. The commentary concluded that in today's world, what benefits or harms one affects all, and the United States’ actions would only harm its own leadership position. Therefore, the United States should “see the situation clearly, correct its mistaken ways, cease senseless repression of the relevant Chinese entities and individuals, and do more that is beneficial to the stability of global industrial and supply chains and global economic recovery.”
United Front Work
Wang Yang Presides Over CPPCC National Chairpersons’ Meeting
9.6 Politburo Standing Committee Member and Chinese People’s Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chair Wang Yang (汪洋) attended and delivered a speech at the 77th CPPCC National Chairpersons’ Meeting in Beijing. Wang emphasized that “expert consultation meetings” (专家协商会) help “elevate the standard of specialized consultation in advisory bodies (协商机构).” Wang described the meetings as an “important initiative” to improve the system of the CPPCC. Wang stated that since the establishment of an office and special committees to organize such meetings, various improvements have been made and over 55 “expert consultation meetings” have been held. These meetings have achieved “positive results” (积极成效) and helped in the formation of various “new experiences and methods.” Wang emphasized that “the quality of proposals” and “proposal handling process” has “unceasingly improved” in “service of the Party and country’s policies.” Furthermore, they have “contributed to the improvement of many projects,” including “pandemic prevention and control and socioeconomic development.” Director of the National Energy Administration Zhang Jianhua (章建华) delivered findings from a report titled “Persist in Unswervingly Implementing a New Energy Security Strategy, Push Green, Low-Carbon, and High-Quality Energy Development.” Various vice-chairpersons of the National Committee of the CPPCC also attended the meeting.
Party Discipline
CCDI/NSC Reports on Status of Discipline Inspection and Supervision of Cadres, Supervision and Inspection, [and] Investigations in the First Half of 2022
9.6 The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and National Supervisory Committee (CCDI/NSC) issued a biannual report on discipline inspection. The report said that the CCDI/NSC had studied and implemented ideological concepts including “Xi Jinping thought on the party’s strategy of self-revolution (自我革命)”; strictly investigated and handled “prominent issues” including misuse of authority over cases for personal gain (以案谋私), collusive cover-ups (串通包庇), and leaking information (跑风漏气); and improved party members’ inner discipline. The report said that on issues of cadre discipline, the national CCDI/NSC system received a total of 11,400 tips, handled 8,300 such cases, held inquiries in 3,500 cases, and established cases in 1,200 instances. It disciplined 1,100 cadres, including 34 provincial-level and 230 county-level cadres, and sent 54 cadres’ cases to judicial authorities. The CCDI/NSC “criticized, educated, aided, and punished” 8,700 cadres using the “four forms” (四种形态) of discipline, with 7,500 of those cases using the first form (regularized criticism and self-criticism).
International Liaison Work
9.6 CCP International Department (CCP/ID) Deputy Head Shen Beili (沈蓓莉) attended and addressed via videolink the opening ceremony of a research seminar held by various Latin-American think-tank scholars.
9.7 CCP/ID Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with a former Vice-President of France’s National Assembly, Carole Bureau-Bonnard.
9.8 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) held a video call with the Acting Head of the International Relations Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Angel Arzuaga Reyes.
9.8 CCP/ID Deputy Head Shen Beili (沈蓓莉) attended and spoke at the 9th ‘Belt and Road’ China-Germany Economic Cooperation Dialogue. Participants included Ambassador to Germany from the PRC Wu Ken (吴恳) and former Vice Chancellor of Germany Sigmar Gabriel.
9.8 CCP/ID Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with the Ambassador to the PRC from Austria, Andreas Riecken.
Organization Work
9.6 Zhang Qingsong (张青松) was appointed Deputy Governor of the People’s Bank of China (PBOC).
9.6 Mao Shengyong (毛盛勇) was appointed Deputy Director of the National Bureau of Statistics.
9.6 Li Junjie (李俊杰) was appointed Deputy Director of the Entry-Exit Administration of the People’s Republic of China.
9.6 Zhao Cheng (赵承) was appointed Director of Xinhua News Agency.
9.8 Li Jinjin (李津津) was appointed Ambassador to Gabon. Liu Jin (刘晋) was appointed Ambassador to the Gambia. Long Zhou (龙舟) was appointed Ambassador to Malawi. Hua Ning (华宁) was appointed Ambassador to Luxembourg. Li Minggang (李名刚) was appointed Ambassador to Vanuatu. Song Yang (宋扬) was appointed Ambassador to Peru.