- Admin
Weekly Report 4|89 9.24.22-9.30.22
Highlights
Xi Jinping authored a preface for a compilation of historical documents titled the “Revitalization Library” (复兴文库), an intellectual history of “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” (See Senior Leaders section)
People’s Daily published a lengthy commentary under the highly authoritative pen name Ren Zhongping (任仲平) praising Xi Jinping’s time in office and ideological contributions. (See Propaganda Work section)
Xinhua published a Commentator Article about the election of representatives to the upcoming 20th Party Congress, particularly focusing on Xi Jinping’s election as a representative. (See Propaganda Work section)
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping: Learn From the Past to Understand the Future, Resolutely Advance on the Road to Rejuvenation
9.26 Xi Jinping wrote the preface for a forthcoming series of collected works titled the “Revitalization Library” (复兴文库). The five-volume series is an intellectual history of “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” (中华民族伟大复兴) starting with the 1840 Opium War and composed of major documents. The collection will show the contributions of exemplary Chinese people, particularly party members, in the pursuit of national wealth and strength, national rejuvenation, and the people’s wellbeing; their ideological accomplishments in influencing Chinese development, progress, and rejuvenation; and the “historical logic, ideological roots, and cultural scaffolding” for national rejuvenation.
Xi described the compilation of the “Revitalization Library” as a “major cultural project” of the Central Committee with great significance for China’s “historical self-confidence,” the grasping of the era’s trends, walking of the “Chinese road,” and use of “Chinese-style modernization” to promote rejuvenation. Xi said that the Chinese nation (中华民族) had dreamed of and fought for rejuvenation after suffering “unprecedented calamity in the modern era (近代).” He highlighted the role of the Party in uniting and leading the people, carrying out arduous struggle, using Marxism as guidance, finding the “correct road” for national rejuvenation, and China’s “standing up,” “becoming rich,” and “becoming strong.” He stated that history has proven that with the Party’s leadership, scientific theory, and the correct road, the people of China can take the future of China’s developmental progress into their own hands. Xi wrote that exemplary figures in the history of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation have left behind precious historical documents, and that selected ideologically significant materials will be collected in the volumes of the Revitalization Library. He stated that in an era of accelerated “changes unseen in a century” (世界百年未有之大变局), China has entered a “critical period” necessitating the study of history to contextualize and clarify China and the Party’s past and current goals and activities. Xi called for stronger historical “self-confidence” and cultural awareness; transmission of revolutionary culture, development of advanced socialist culture, and the creative transformation of Chinese traditional culture; and the creation of a “common spiritual home for the Chinese nation” (中华民族共有精神家园). He stressed the development of Chinese scholarship, theory, and ideology, as well as the continued sinicization of Marxism. In conclusion, he called for the people to devote their faith and energy to persisting in and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, contributing their generation’s wisdom and strength to national rejuvenation, and creating historic achievements and glory for the current generation. Cyberspace Administration of China Carries Out Regulation of the Chaos of Online Rumors
9.29 In accordance with the special action (专项行动) of “Clearing and Combatting Online Rumors and Disinformation” (清朗·打击网络谣言和虚假信息), the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) Reporting Center (中央网信办举报中心) and the Bureau of Cyberspace Management (网络综合治理局) have relied on a joint rumor-prevention platform named Piyao (中国互联网联合辟谣平台) to label and counter online rumors. The offices have organized participation by 12 web-based platforms for labeling, comprehensively reviewing and reporting, and “squeezing the living space of online rumors.” The article stated that “during this special work period,” important websites and platforms have “actively participated” in the investigation of platform data (平台数据) and reviewed over 3,342 rumors on topics such as health, food safety, education, employment, and natural disasters. After a verification process, Piyao publically labeled these as rumors to expose and warn netizens about them. Platforms such as Weibo, Douyin, Baidu, and Tencent have carried out comprehensive self-examination and have labeled and designated more than 80,000 rumors. The article also noted that websites and platforms have started “columns” and special accounts to release timely and “authoritative information refuting rumors” (权威辟谣信息), as well as to counter relevant misinformation for users that have come across them. Representatives of the CAC have stated that the work of labeling online rumors is an “important measure” to “deeply regulate” (深入整治) the “chaos of internet rumors.” Finally, the article stated that the CAC will continue the work of eliminating online rumors, persist in the construction of joint work mechanisms, and coordinate anti-rumor initiatives with important web platforms. It emphasized that through Piyao, all netizens can also provide leads and evidence for refuting rumors.
Xi Jinping: The Historical Mission of the Chinese Communist Party in the New Era
9.30 Qiushi published an excerpt of a Xi Jinping speech originally given on 18 October, 2017 at the 19th Party Congress, which focused on themes of unity, party leadership, waging a new “great struggle” (伟大斗争), and adhering to socialism with Chinese characteristics. Xi emphasized that realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has been the “greatest dream of [the] Chinese nation throughout the modern era,” and after the founding of the CCP, the Party “unhesitatingly shouldered [the] historical mission of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Xi pointed out that the Party has “never changed its original aspirations,” is “determined to unite and lead the people through all difficulties and dangers,” has the “courage to correct mistakes,” and will overcome one “seemingly unsurmountable challenge after another” and “create one man-made miracle after another [which] shines in the annals of history.” Xi noted that while the Party is “closer, more confident in, and capable of” realizing the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation than at any time in history, “the last leg of a journey only marks the halfway point” (行百里者半九十) and is not something that can be done by “beating gongs and drums” (敲锣打鼓); the whole Party must be prepared to “make more arduous and difficult efforts.” He stated that the Party must lead the people to “effectively respond to major challenges” and resolve “major contradictions,” as well as “wage a great struggle with many new historical characteristics.” Xi called for the whole Party to “fully understand the protractedness, complexity, and arduousness of this great struggle,” carry forward the fighting spirit, and “continuously win” new victories in the “great struggle.” He called on the Party to “dare to face problems head-on,” “scrape poison from the bone” (刮骨疗毒), eliminate all factors that damage the Party’s advanced nature and purity, and continuously strengthen the Party’s political leadership, ideological leadership, mass organization, and social appeal to ensure the Party’s lasting vitality. Xi emphasized that the whole Party must “more consciously increase self-confidence in the path (道路自信), theory, system, and culture” of socialism with Chinese characteristics; must neither take the “old road of closure and rigidity (封闭僵化),” nor take the “evil road of changing the flag [it flies] (改旗易帜)”; maintain political determination; and always adhere to the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Lastly, he noted that China’s “great struggle” (伟大斗争), “great project” (伟大工程), “great cause” (伟大事业), and “great dream” (伟大梦想) are closely interconnected and interact with each other. Xi emphasized that the new “great project” of party-building plays a decisive role, and to advance it, the Party must combine the practice of the “great struggle,” “great cause,” and “great dream” to ensure that the Party is always at the forefront of the times and profound changes at home and abroad. In doing so, the Party will become a core of strong leadership in the “historical process” of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, and gathering “majestic forces” to build the Chinese dream together.
Propaganda Work
Jun Sheng: Why the American “Beacon” Lost Its Halo
PLA Daily continued its Jun Sheng (均声) series on the negative domestic and international reputation of the United States’ government.
24 September’s commentary, “Political Manipulation and Disregard for Life Led to the Pandemic’s Spread,” discussed the US response to COVID-19. It described August remarks by US Center for Disease Control Director Rochelle Walensky admitting to insufficiencies in the agency’s response to the pandemic as being too little and too late. The commentary suggested that due to its advanced healthcare technology and resources, the United States should have had a better response to the pandemic, but its politicians’ political manipulations and disregard for science resulted in it having the highest number of infections and deaths in the world. It stated that over the course of the pandemic, some US politicians put political self-interest above scientific facts and justice, deceiving citizens domestically while spreading blame internationally. Citing examples of misinformation and political intervention at high levels in the US response to COVID, it said that increasing numbers of US experts and media outlets believed politicization of the pandemic had hindered effective disease control measures. With regards to international issues, the commentary stated that Republican politicians in the 2020 presidential campaign focused on attacking China, and the United States “tr[ied] in vain to be a ‘leader’ in the global fight against the pandemic” even while approaching one million COVID deaths. It explained that some US politicians “from the start, only wanted to use the pandemic as an excuse to repress China,” increasing their efforts to smear China as the pandemic spread so as to shift public attention away from their own failures. It claimed that the US not only engaged in conspiracy theories targeting China, but also pulled in its allies to help pressure China. It concluded that US political manipulation neglected people’s “right to health” both domestically and internationally.
25 September’s commentary, “Repeated Clashes and Political Polarization Led to Chaos Breaking Out Everywhere,” discussed how partisan conflict in the US leads to the neglect of its people’s rights and needs. It described fierce public and political debate over the FBI search of former President Donald Trump’s residence as the “tip of the iceberg” of US “political chaos.” The commentary claimed that both parties are scrambling for midterm votes; are taking advantage of the investigation into Trump, heedless of the consequences for social cohesion and democracy; and regularly engage in “opposition for the sake of opposition” and “veto politics” on a wide range of issues. It said that in such a “deformed atmosphere,” the US Supreme Court is also just an “arena” for partisan fighting, and rhetorically questioned to what extent the US’s vaunted separation of powers could remain effective in such a situation. The commentary then accused US politicians of having an “if I can’t get my way, neither can you” mentality that is harmful to social issues and governance. It then stated that US society had been torn apart by political polarization, highlighting the spread of “identity politics,” racial hatred, divides between the rich and poor, and public political demonstrations of dissatisfaction “that can turn to a violent clash at any moment.” The commentary said that the United States is a “powder keg” and that many Americans worry that as the investigation into Trump continues and midterm elections approach, partisan and public hostility could worsen or “lead to an even more unforeseeable conflict.” 26 September’s commentary, “Habitual Wiretapping and a Besmirched Record Led to a Trust Bankruptcy,” focused on US surveillance programs. Quoting Wikileaks founder Julian Assange’s remark that “there is only one rule– that there are no rules” as far as US surveillance is concerned, the commentary referred to historical and current intelligence collection, surveillance, and hacking programs run by or suspected to be run by the United States as proof that the US is a “surveillance empire” (监控帝国) endangering the world. It stated that the targets of US surveillance are continually expanding, ranging from the leaders of closely allied nations to ordinary citizens of various nations, involving the monitoring of Internet search content and instant messages, through a wide range of technologies such as mobile apps, undersea data fiber optic cables, and listening equipment installed in US embassies abroad. The commentary said that the United States uses its technological advantages to carry out global surveillance in its attempts to control the world and seek private gain. It stated that the United States uses “national interests” as an excuse for excessive surveillance of other countries and US intelligence agencies “steal commercial intelligence on a large scale” to benefit US companies. It claimed that even as the US obsession with surveillance has grown, it has increasingly “wildly carried out smears against other countries” on the issue, and alleged that the 2020 “Clean Network” initiative of the US State Department “had an obvious anti-China character.” The commentary said that such initiatives were ironic and hypocritical, as the real surveillance threat to US allies is the US itself. In conclusion, it stated that the US record of surveillance had destroyed trust in the US and would be fully revealed. 28 September’s commentary, “Going Against the Tide, Unilateralism is Bound to be Unpopular,” condemned US unilateralism. It accused the United States of instigating the Ukraine crisis and bringing in allies to further sanction Russia, thereby creating global food, financial, and energy crises and further exposing its hegemonic behavior. The commentary condemned US actions such as “fanning the flames” (煽风点火) around the world by promoting conflict and regime change, practicing “American exceptionalism,” abusing “long-arm jurisdiction” (长臂管辖), and enacting sanctions. It further cited examples of US withdrawal from international organizations and pacts from the 1980s to today, saying the United States saw international organizations as merely a tool to pursue its own interests and hegemony. It accused President Joe Biden’s “return to multilateralism” of being an attempt to trick the world into accepting a “sinister variant” (阴险变种) of unilateralism which divides the world into ideological camps, citing the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Five Eyes, and other US strategic groupings and alliances as examples of “small cliques” and “exclusionary ‘clubs.’” It highlighted the widespread US use of “unilateral sanctions,” accusing the United States of violating international law and norms, harming the global trade environment, and damaging sanctioned economies. It said these sanctions can lead to humanitarian crises, citing Venezuela, Syria, and Iran as examples. The commentary concluded that unilateral and hegemonic behavior is bound to be defeated.
30 September’s commentary, “One’s Nature is Hard to Change, the Empire of Lies’ Credibility Will Hit Rock Bottom,” accused US politicians of consistently lying to the domestic and international public. As an example, it cited politicians’ claims that “widespread transmission of the pandemic is over” as a shocking lie while the US still averages 400 COVID-19 deaths per day. It claimed US politicians manipulate the media and academic research to disguise their lies as “mainstream public opinion” or “independent investigations.” The commentary also cited US claims from 2003 of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and 2018 US media reports of a chemical weapons strike in Douma, Syria as lies to justify US military intervention, claiming that videos of the strike on Douma had been proven to be staged. It then stated that so as to “contain and suppress China,” US politicians now ceaselessly create and spread lies about it, such as the claim that participation in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a debt trap. Saying that the United States is already well-known for using human rights and democracy to justify war or intervention in other countries’ internal affairs, the commentary said that US politicians lie to their own people as well on issues like election promises, mass surveillance, and the pandemic, causing increased discontent and a lack of trust in government. It claimed that US manipulation of public opinion and lies have been “sternly refuted by international intellectuals.” It concluded that all the lies created by US politicians have been exposed one-by-one, and they will only lose all credibility, become isolated, and renounced in history if they continue such immoral actions.
People’s Daily Commentator: Faithfully Carry Out Representative Duties, Give Sufficient Full Play to Representatives’ Role
9.26 People’s Daily published a Commentator Article on the appointment of representatives to the National Party Congress. The article emphasized that “under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core” a total of 2,296 representatives were elected to the 20th Party Congress. Collectively, they “shoulder responsibility” for representing more than 96 million party members, 4.9 million grassroots party organizations, and “the nation’s people of all ethnicities.” The article emphasized the significance of the upcoming Party Congress, and noted how all representatives selected are “of high ideological and political quality, have a positive style of conduct, [possess] the strong ability to deliberate, and have obvious work achievements.” The article emphasized that representatives chosen for the 20th Party Congress have been specifically picked, and that each level, department, and organization have recognized representatives whose “words and deeds embody the image of the Party.” It emphasized the importance of representatives deeply comprehending the “decisive significance” of the “two establishes” (两个确立), 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). The article then stressed the importance of studying the “important spirit” of Xi Jinping’s 26 July speech in a seminar for cadres at the provincial and ministerial level, studying and understanding Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, “organically combing the study of the Party’s history and ideology with strengthening the Party,” and “continuously strengthening political judgment (政治判断力), political perception (政治领悟力), and political administration (政治执行力).” The article also emphasized the “practice of core socialist values and the 3+3 Initiative (三严三实), having the courage to self-reform, actively accepting monitoring, behaving cleanly, working cleanly, assiduously elevating awareness, and strengthening guidance.” The article stated that representatives should “take the lead in walking the mass line well,” and “full play must be given to individual talents.” The article stressed that the 20th Party Congress will summarize the accomplishments and “precious experiences” (宝贵经验) derived from the past five years, establish major policy plans for the country, and will see the election of new central leadership. It emphasized that “every representative must feel pride in their political responsibility and historical mission (历史使命)” and be “full of passion and high spirits.” Moreover, representatives must “seriously participate in each [congressional] agenda” and make “pragmatic suggestions during brainstorming sessions” for the overall success of the Party Congress. Finally, the article stated that after the Party Congress, representatives should take the lead in “studying” and “uniting the Party and masses’ thoughts and actions” in the spirit of 20th Party Congress.
Promulgating the “Most Beautiful” Deeds by Grassroots Police in 2022
9.26 The Propaganda Department of the Central Committee and Ministry of Public Security recognized 38 “grassroots” police officers for their “beautiful deeds” done in 2022. The purpose of such recognition was to “deeply study Xi Jinping’s Thought on the Rule of Law and Xi Jinping’s important discussions on public security work in the new era,” to promote party-building initiatives, and to encourage policemen to “forge ahead in the new journey.” Among those recognized are those guarding the “plateaus and borderlands” of the country and those who have “overcome difficulties that are hard to imagine by normal people.” Those recognized are also those who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to “resolving the anxious worries (急难愁盼) of the masses” and to caring for ordinary people. Despite coming from different positions in the police force, all of them have a mutual sense of “political, historical, and obligatory responsibility to faithfully implement the historical mission (使命任务) of the new era.” They are willing to give their “sweat, blood, and even their precious lives” as an example of their “unbounded loyalty” (无限忠诚) to the “Party, the country, the people, and the law.” The multitude of police and public security officers have “tightened unity around the Party Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core and deeply comprehended the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), 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).” People’s Daily stated it is important to take the recognized officers as an example and continue “keeping in mind” and “strengthening” the “historical mission” of the Party. It is also important to remain loyal to the Party, serve the people, prevent risks, firmly protect political security and social stability, and use “practical actions to welcome the victorious opening of the 20th Party Congress.”
Xinhua Commentator: Focus [Our] Minds and Strength on the Mission, Work Hard to Write a New Chapter
9.27 Xinhua published a Commentator Article about the upcoming 20th Party Congress. First, the article noted that the election of representatives had been completed, and that Xi Jinping, along with 51 other party members in party-state leadership positions, had been appointed representatives of the 20th Party Congress. Selecting representatives for the Congress is in itself related to the success of achieving the tasks set before the Party and country and the consolidation of “long-term stability.” The Commentator Article stated that the election of Party and state leaders “fully demonstrates the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core’s long-term political consideration (政治考量),” fully “promotes democracy within the Party,” and shows the Party’s “excellent [work] style and image.” A clear “political direction” (政治导向) and “practical orientation” (实践导向) have inspired the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups to “fully promote trust and determination” in the goal of “rejuvenating the Chinese nation.” Second, it noted that since the 18th Party Congress, the Central Committee has coordinated a strategy for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and to address profound changes unseen in a century. The Party has implemented “basic theory, a basic roadmap, and basic doctrine” and overseen “great struggles, great projects, great tasks, and great dreams.” A series of “breakthrough improvements” have been realized, and several long-term, challenging problems that had not been addressed for long periods of time have been overcome. These include “risks, challenges, and tests” with a “political, economic, and ideological” orientation. Third, the Commentator Article praised Xi Jinping as a Marxist thinker and strategist, noting the boldness of his vision and his foresight which demonstrate his “leadership abilities, noble character and demeanor, and sincere feelings for the people.” It then praised Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism in the New Era, noting that it represents a major advance in the “sinicization of Marxism.” It stated the Party’s establishment of Xi Jinping as the core of the Central Committee and Party unequivocally reflected unanimous national support. The unanimous election of Xi Jinping to the 20th Party Congress also demonstrates the “sincere love” (衷心爱戴) the Party, military, and all ethnic groups across the country have for Xi Jinping. Fourth, the Commentator Article noted the importance of elections held in rural and ethnic minority areas, old revolutionary locales (革命老区), and other areas relevant to “major national development strategies.” It praised Xi Jinping’s election from an ethnic minority areas on China’s borders (Xi was elected for the Party Congress by the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region) as an example of promoting democracy from within the Party and a demonstration of the Central Committee’s care for such areas. Finally, the article stated that the 52 party and state leaders elected will carry the expectations of the Party and people at the 20th Party Congress, and that they will “unite and encourage the whole Party and all ethnic groups across the country to struggle relentlessly (不懈奋斗) to seize new victories in socialism with Chinese characteristics.” It called for closely uniting around the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, deeply comprehending the decisive significance of the “two establishes” (两个确立), strengthening the “four consciousnesses” (四个意识), achieving the “two defends” (两个维护), and using “practical actions to welcome the victorious opening of the 20th Party Congress.”
Ren Zhongping: Grasp Historical Momentum, Assemble a Mighty Force to Bravely Advance
People’s Daily
9.29 People’s Daily published a commentary under the highly authoritative pen name Ren Zhongping (任仲平), which stands for “important People’s Daily commentary.” In its opening, the commentary highlighted accomplishments over the past 10 years since the 18th Party Congress, namely in anti-poverty efforts, economic growth, and technology and infrastructure. It then effusively praised Xi Jinping’s theoretical, ideological, and strategic leadership of the nation amid turbulent times and praised Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era (hereafter referred to as Xi Jinping Thought) for addressing issues of the past, present, and future such as national rejuvenation. Second, the commentary praised the response of the “Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core” to a list of major challenges amid recent times of hardship. It described the Party’s historical and most recent decade of ideals, efforts, and decisions as a source of confidence and strength. It stressed the importance of Xi Jinping’s ideological leadership in guiding historic accomplishments and described Xi as the Party’s core “steering a steady course at the helm” (掌舵领航), the “backbone” of the Party’s accomplishments, and the author of the sole ideological compass for developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. It highlighted the “Two Establishes” (两个确立) as reflecting the people’s will, based on objective scientific and historic logic, and providing foundational guidance for the future.
Third, quoting remarks by Xi Jinping, the commentary stressed that the key reason for the Party’s historic successes and growth is its combination of Marxist principles with China’s practical realities and traditional culture. It discussed three major stages of the sinicization of Marxism: Mao Zedong Thought (毛泽东思想); Deng Xiaoping Theory (邓小平理论), the Three Represents (三个代表), and socialism with Chinese characteristics; and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. After emphasizing Marxism’s influence on and full development in China, the commentary praised the continuation of this process in Xi Jinping Thought. Fourth, the commentary praised Xi’s practical understanding of China’s current concerns in his theories and policymaking. As an example, it stated that his successful anti-poverty policies were informed by his many visits to impoverished areas, where he listened to, observed, and empathized with citizens. It then listed numerous examples of Xi Jinping’s guidance, quoting his remarks and key tenets of Xi Jinping Thought on a wide range of topics. The commentary then reiterated the importance of Xi Jinping Thought for answering the Party’s major ideological questions and guiding its governance of China. Fifth, it discussed combining Marxist principles with “China’s splendid traditional culture” (中华优秀传统文化), claiming the Party had done so throughout its history and thereby raised the international prominence of Chinese civilization. The commentary then referenced Xi’s emphasis on developing Marxism from the perspective of traditional Chinese culture and the influence of traditional culture on Xi Jinping Thought. The commentary said Xi Jinping Thought introduced “new era content” and “modern forms of expression” to Chinese traditional culture, and helped apply traditional wisdom to governance, building a modern socialist nation, and national rejuvenation.
Sixth, the commentary noted that nothing is more important than caring for and loving the people, and asserted the importance of the people in Marxist doctrine. It asserted that the “people[-focused] stance of Xi Jinping Thought” is “manifested in all practical actions in the governing of the country,” giving examples of emphasis on the people’s welfare in policies addressing economic, political, cultural, environmental issues. Citing battles against the COVID-19 pandemic and poverty, the commentary stated that it is the “strength and trust of the Chinese people” and their “tenacious will” that ultimately led to victories. It emphasized that a Party with “the people at heart” will “be forever invincible.” Seventh, the commentary emphasized that “there does not exist one modernization method” for the entire world, and that since the 18th Party Congress, there has been significant progress in promoting and expanding Chinese-style modernization (中国式现代化). It noted that “changes in ecology” are a “good window” for monitoring progress achieved under Chinese-style modernization. The commentary quoted Xi Jinping’s statement that “in the construction of a modernized country, walking the path of the United States and Europe will not work.” It then noted steps that China has undertaken to improve environmental governance and foster green development. It said that Chinese-style modernization has “provided a Chinese example” to aid humankind in the search for a better social system.
Eighth, the commentary stated the importance of adhering to Xi Jinping Thought. It emphasized that there are numerous “troubles, risks, and challenges” that could confront China, and that the “more complex the task and more difficult the mission, the more it is necessary to understand the worldviews and methods of Xi Jinping Thought in the new era.” The commentary then reiterated the importance of Marxism and Xi Jinping Thought. The commentary stated that “in the new journey” it is important to “grasp the central task of the new journey in the new era,” and enter a new development phase while “completely, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the New Development Concept (新发展理念).” It is also important to “accelerate the construction of a new development paradigm” and “push high-quality development.” Furthermore, it emphasized “seizing the initiative” and stated that it is important to maintain the correct direction “come wind or rain” (风雨无阻) and to “improve your courage ahead of risks and challenges” to “persevere and advance” towards accomplishing this generation’s greatest “historical task” in realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Ninth, the commentary emphasized the upcoming 20th Party Congress and quoted Xi Jinping’s remarks about the landmark significance of the event. It stated that by “using practical actions to welcome the victorious opening of the 20th Party Congress,” a “new chapter will be written in constructing a socialist, modernized country.” The commentary emphasized that “we should tighten our unity around the Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core, deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), consolidate the “four confidences” (四个自信), achieve the two defends (两个维护),” and bolster belief in Marxism, Communism, and socialism with Chinese characteristics.
United Front Work
Wang Yang Presides Over and Speaks at CPPCC National Chairpersons’ Meeting, Meeting Decides on Date of 24th Standing Committee Meeting of 13th CPPCC National Committee
9.26 Politburo Standing Committee Member and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chair Wang Yang (汪洋) presided over and spoke at the 78th Chairpersons’ Meeting of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, which decided to hold its 24th Standing Committee meeting from 31 October to 2 November. In his remarks, Wang emphasized that holding a standing committee meeting to “study, publicize, and implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress” is an “important work arrangement” of the CPPCC National Committee, and this spirit must be used to “unify thoughts, forge consensus, gather positive energy, and boost ‘vigor, energy, and drive’ (精气神).” The meeting heard a series of committee presentations on promoting “democratic supervision” (民主监督) work of veterans’ policies; preventing and resolving arrears of small and medium-sized enterprises; improving living environments in rural areas; strengthening the “democratic supervision” of protecting “black soil” (黑土地); and promoting the integration of sports and education. The meeting also heard a special inspection report on the implementation of relevant systems to strengthen the construction of “specialized consultative mechanisms” since the 13th CPPCC National Committee, as well as a CPPCC National Committee report on “Research on Strengthening the Great Unity of Chinese Sons and Daughters” (加强中华儿女大团结研究). Lastly, the meeting decided to revoke Qian Lizhi’s (钱立志) 13th CPPCC National Committee membership, and submitted it to the 24th Standing Committee for ratification. Sixteen CPPCC National Committee Vice Chairs attended the meeting.
Central Military Commission
Measures Regarding “Strengthening the Construction of a Clean and Honest Military Culture in the New Era” Issued
9.27 The Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission and the Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Central Military Commission released measures regarding “Strengthening the Construction of an Clean and Honest Military Culture in the New Era” (加强新时代军队廉洁文化建设). The measures “adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in the New Era as guidance, deeply implement Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military (习近平强军思想), and seriously implement Chairman Xi’s important discussions on the construction of a incorruptible culture.” According to “Opinions on Strengthening the Construction of a Clean and Honest Culture in the New Era” that were issued in February, it is important to “elevate ideological standing, deepen [efforts] to be theoretically equipped, seriously grasp legal and disciplinary education and political life in the Party, and persist in cultural education.” There should also be emphasis on initiatives that maintain a “clean and honest” internet and the creation and organization of “clean and honest” cultural products and mass events. These measures require the strengthening of organizational leadership, firmly grasping responsibilities for construction, strengthening surveillance and monitoring, establishing coordination mechanisms, bolstering oversight and assessment, and uniting efforts to promote integrity.
International Liaison Work
9.27 CCP International Department (CCP/ID) Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) met with the Ambassador to the PRC from Saudi Arabia, Yahya Abdul-Kareem Al-Zaid.
9.27 Liu Jianchao held a video call with the President of the Socialist International, George Papandreou.
9.27 Liu Jianchao met with the Ambassador to the PRC from Iran, Mohammad Keshavarz-Zadeh. 9.27 CCP/ID Deputy Head Chen Zhou (陈洲) attended a seminar jointly organized by the China Center for Contemporary World Studies and the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies on “China-US Relations and International Development Cooperation” for scholars from the United States, Pakistan, Thailand, Armenia, Portugal, Nigeria, and Mexico. 9.27 CCP/ID Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with the new Ambassador to the PRC from Switzerland, Jürg Burri. 9.28 CCP/ID Assistant Head Li Mingxiang (李明祥) hosted an online awards ceremony for an essay and photo contest on the theme, “The New-Era CCP in My Eyes,” attended by 130 contest participants from more than 30 African countries. People's Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) Politburo Member Esteves Carlos Hilário and Democratic Republic of the Congo-China Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Stephen Bwansa Mabele gave speeches on the topic of China-Africa relations.
9.29 CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) attended a press conference on China’s diplomatic work in the past ten years.
9.30 Guo Yezhou held a video call with the leader of the Human Rights Protection Party and Former Prime Minister of Samoa, Tulia’epa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi.
Organization Work
9.29 Zhou Jinqiang (周进强) was appointed Deputy Director of the General Administration for Sport of China.
9.29 Zhao Chongjiu (赵冲久) was appointed Director of the State Post Bureau.