- Admin
Weekly Report 4|97 11.19.22-11.25.22
Highlights
Director of the Central Organization Department Chen Xi (陈希) published a commentary on the need to build a corps of “high-quality” cadres capable of carrying out the important task of national rejuvenation. (See Senior Leaders section)
People’s Daily continued to publish its series of Zhong Yin (仲音) commentaries on newly “optimized” COVID policy, emphasizing that new measures did not amount to a departure from the “dynamic zero” strategy. (See Propaganda Work section)
Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chair Wang Yang (汪洋) presided over and spoke at the 81st Chairpersons’ Meeting of the CPPCC 13th National Committee. (See United Front Work section)
Senior Leaders
Sun Chunlan Inspects Chongqing and Stresses Speed and Concentrated Strength to Win the Battle Against the Pandemic Without Delay
11.21 State Council Vice Premier Sun Chunlan (孙春兰) conducted an inspection tour of Chongqing to help guide pandemic prevention and control efforts. Sun emphasized “deeply understanding and learning the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important instructions, further unifying thought and action with the strategic deployments and decisions of the Central Committee and State Council, and persist in not wavering from [the ideal of] upholding people above all else and lives above all else.” Sun stressed adherence to the strategy of “protecting against imported cases and domestic resurgences” (外防输入、内防反弹) in addition to “dynamic zero” (动态清零) policies. Sun further emphasized adhering to the ninth edition (第九版) of pandemic protocols, implementing the 20 new guidelines (二十条) on COVID policy introduced 11 November, and adopting decisive measures without delay. Sun also noted the importance of achieving the “four earlies” (四早: early detection, early reporting, early isolation, and early treatment) and the “four shoulds and four extents” (四应四尽: to treat, test, admit, and investigate [cases] to the [greatest] extent). She stated that if positive cases of COVID are detected that there should be a process entailing “quick inspection, quick transfer, quick quarantine, and quick solutions” to block the transmission of the disease and minimize its impact on the economy and society. Sun stated that the pandemic has spread extensively in Chongqing and that while the leadership of the municipal party committee (市委) has overseen “positive progress” (积极进展), the situation is still “complex and severe” (复杂严峻). Sun emphasized the importance of “scientific precision” (科学精准) in addition to strengthening differentiated guidance (分类指导) and improving capabilities in resource coordination. Sun proceeded to emphasize accelerating the expansion of hospital capacity, constructing more isolation facilities, and bolstering linkages in the process of “collection, transporting, monitoring, reporting, transferring, and receiving.” Moreover, Sun stressed improving efficiency in transporting infected people and admittance and isolation (收治隔离) procedures. Sun further stated the importance of “refining” (细化) home quarantine and health monitoring measures and guaranteeing that basic needs in people’s livelihoods and medical care are being met. Lastly, Sun emphasized that it is important to strengthen health monitoring and management of mobile personnel (流动人员) such as couriers and volunteers in addition to facilities such as work locales, shopping venues, and elderly care homes to avoid them becoming “amplifiers” (放大器) of the disease. Politburo member and Chongqing Party Secretary Chen Min’er (陈敏尔) participated in relevant activities during her inspection.
Chen Xi: Constructing a Corps of High-Quality Cadres Worthy of the Important Responsibility of National Rejuvenation
11.23 Director of the Central Organization Department Chen Xi (陈希) discussed the need to build a corps of “high-quality” cadres capable of carrying out the important task of national rejuvenation in a signed article published by People’s Daily. Chen cited quotes from Mao Zedong (毛泽东) and Deng Xiaoping (邓小平) in asserting the importance of professional and knowledgeable cadres. Chen, for example, noted Mao’s statement that “cadres in every walk of life should work assiduously to be proficient in technology and business so that they themselves can become experts and both red [socialist-minded] and expert (又红又专).” Chen proceeded to quote Xi Jinping’s statement that “whether the Party and country can nurture talented leadership cadres decides to a large degree the survivability, rise, and fall (兴衰存亡) of the Party and country.” Chen emphasized the importance of prioritizing morality (以德为先), meritocracy (任人唯贤), and nurturing cadres that are “loyal, clean, and responsible.” He stated it is important to not select cadres simply based on votes, scores, aggregate production value (生产总值), or age, and to not use direct elections without prior nomination of candidates (海推、海选).” In refraining from doing so, the “bias that was once-present in selecting people can be corrected” and construction of the “five major systems” (五大体系), namely quality training (素质培养), possessing knowledge and understanding of people’s affairs (知事识人), selection and appointment (选拔任用), strict management (从严管理), and positive encouragement (正向激励), can be promoted. This will in turn point out a “scientific path” (科学路径) for cadre management. Chen emphasized the proposal of a basic plan to nurture “dependable successors” (可靠接班人) for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Chen proceeded to state that China is now “more confident and capable of realizing the goal of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” than at “any other point in history.” At the same time, however, he noted the importance of standing ready to confront more daunting and arduous tasks. Chen stated that the more “complex the situation is” and the more “serious challenges are,” the more it is necessary to “nurture a high-quality corps of cadres that is competent and loyal, clean, and responsible.” Chen stated that currently the overall quality of cadres is good and that their “fighting capacity (战斗力) is strong,” but that there still exist issues such as “weak ‘political perception’ (政治敏锐性)” and “formalism and bureaucracy.” The presence of such issues demonstrate that there is still a “long way to go” in promoting high-quality cadre construction.
Chen emphasized selecting cadres that are “loyal to the Party” and quoted Xi Jinping in asserting the importance of “strengthening political consciousness (政治意识).” Chen stressed “continuous improvement in political judgment, political leadership, and political implementation.” Chen stressed the importance of selecting candidates who will firmly uphold the “two establishes” (两个确立) and achieve “two defends” (两个维护) while maintaining a “high degree of consistency in ideology, politics, and action” with the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core. Chen emphasized that all cadres should “fully, accurately, and completely implement the new development concept,” accelerate the construction of a new development pattern, and concentrate more on resolving problems related to unbalanced and insufficient development. Chen stated that the “foundation of national security is national rejuvenation” and that “social stability is a prerequisite for the country’s prosperity.” Chen stated that in the context of many dilemmas and risks, it is even more important to “strengthen [our] sense of urgency, establish bottom-line thinking, and improve coordination between development and security.” Chen further emphasized the importance of nurturing and selecting cadres who “dare to fight” (敢于斗争), are “adept at fighting” (善于斗争), are “upright and clean,” and have “good work styles.” Chen proceeded to stress the importance of “Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics” as the essence of modern Chinese Marxism in emphasizing the significance of cadres’ theoretical training. He highlighted necessary improvements to practical and expert training to improve the competency of cadres in addition to further enabling cadres to “move both up and down.” Chen then emphasized improving management mechanisms (管理机制), stating that the more important cadres are, the more important it is to manage them. Lastly, Chen emphasized improving the “strategic nurturing of female cadres, ethnic minority cadres, and non-[Communist] Party cadres.”
Propaganda Work
Zhong Yin Commentaries on COVID Policy
People’s Daily continued to publish its series of Zhong Yin (仲音) commentaries on newly “optimized” COVID policy.
19 November’s commentary, “[We] Have a Duty and Must Do Our Part to Defend the Country,” discussed the importance of remaining conscientious and enacting “firm, determined measures” against the pandemic’s spread. It emphasized the risks and potential impact of a large-scale outbreak. It stressed adherence to central policy, adherence to overall strategy of “protecting against imported cases and domestic resurgences” (外防输入、内防反弹) and “dynamic zero” (动态清零), and the need for the Party, government, and officials to personally take up their responsibility to fight the pandemic. The commentary underscored the importance of this assumption of responsibility, calling on officials to not slacken their efforts and to promptly and accurately enact pandemic control measures to prevent outbreaks from crossing into or out of their districts. It reiterated that the new measures on the pandemic were an “optimizing improvement” on existing measures and did not constitute slacking off, reopening, or “lying flat.” Similarly, the commentary stressed that these new measures were not a reduction in the demands of pandemic prevention and control work, but an increase in such responsibilities that must be carried out to the letter (不折不扣).
20 November’s commentary, “[Be] Unswayed and Un-reshaped,” emphasized maintaining resolve and overall consistency in the response to COVID. It stressed that the impact of the pandemic on China was small relative to the rest of the world, noting both the relatively small rate of cases and fatalities in China’s population and its relative economic success over the course of the pandemic. It stressed “unshakably persist[ing]” in the Party-directed, time-tested, scientifically effective “dynamic zero” strategy. It reiterated that newly revised measures did not amount to relaxation of control, saying that the new measures would help contain the pandemic faster and with less of a cost, balancing “the relationship between pandemic prevention and control and socioeconomic development” better. It once again stressed adherence to central policies and existing COVID strategy. The commentary stressed the need for officials to face the difficult responsibilities of implementing pandemic policies, increase their relevant skills and knowledge to respond more quickly and effectively to the pandemic, improve their ability to coordinate pandemic policy with attention to social and economic concerns, and improve their organization and implementation, particularly at the grassroots level.
21 November’s commentary, “Scientific Precision and Solid Progress,” praised the recent implementation of new COVID policy measures, citing improved management of quarantining and improved policy coordination for cross-provincial travel as examples. It emphasized the need to increase the “scientific precision” (科学精准) of pandemic prevention and control while persisting in a “dynamic zero” policy. The commentary stated that in a country as large as China, the situation of the pandemic varies immensely across different areas, requiring increased differentiation and precision in policy. It called for optimization and adjustment of policy based on trends in contagion, China’s increased ability to deal with the pandemic, and knowledge gained through experience. Yet again, it stressed that new measures require continued implementation of central policies and existing strategy on COVID and do not amount to a reduction or relaxation of the demands of pandemic prevention and control work. It stated that while problems like “adjust as you go” (层层加码), “one-size fits all” (一刀切), or “locking everything down” (一封了之) policy measures must be corrected, the new measures must not be used as an excuse to relax measures or “open everything up” (一放了之).
22 November’s commentary, “Thoroughly and Carefully Work to Ensure [Public] Services,” stressed that the purpose of fighting the pandemic is to protect the people’s lives and health to the greatest extent while minimizing the pandemic’s impact on socioeconomic development. It called for better responses to the masses’ “valid demands” and practical difficulties as part of the ideal of “putting the people and life above all,” while recognizing that bringing the pandemic under control is necessary for sustainable socioeconomic stability and development. The commentary highlighted relevant content in the new measures. For example, the new measures include a requirement to survey and make plans to protect the health of community members with special health needs, like the elderly, pregnant women, and dialysis patients. It then noted continued cluster outbreaks, accelerated local transmission in some areas, and the risk of another wave of the pandemic. In light of these challenges, it stressed the need to protect the people’s basic daily needs, access to public services including healthcare, vulnerable persons like the elderly, and normal work, thereby increasing the people’s confidence in and patience with COVID policy measures. It reiterated that policies must be “scientific and precise,” avoiding either excessively blunt or excessively lax measures. It emphasized improving the quality of services provided to people in quarantine, better emergency responses to campus outbreaks, and carrying out disease control measures in enterprises and at industrial parks, stressing that measures should be effective, responsible, compassionate, adhere to the law and rules, and protect overall social stability. 24 November’s commentary, “Use Speed Against the Speed [of the Pandemic’s Spread], Practically Implement the Demands of the ‘Four Earlies,’” stressed the importance of rapid action to contain the spread of COVID. The commentary stated that the traits of new variants of the virus, including reduced visibility of symptoms and increased transmission speeds, necessitate a rapid response. It called for continued implementation of central policies and strategies, such as “dynamic zero” and the “four earlies” (四早). It then stated that a major reason China has successfully weathered successive waves of the pandemic is its rapid, focused, and rigorous response to local outbreaks. The commentary emphasized the importance of speed and the “four earlies.” It stated that a rapid response to outbreaks will reduce the scale of the pandemic and time needed to contain it. It called for improvements to multi-channel monitoring and warning mechanisms, “arrival screenings” (落地检) for cross-provincial travelers, and quick action to deal with the discovery of positive cases and their close contacts. It also called for standardization of COVID testing, central and at-home quarantining, and health checks; precise identification of high-risk areas and infected persons; and an end to “ “adjust as you go” or “one-size fits all” measures, so as to “lessen the inconvenience the pandemic has brought to the masses.” The commentary also stated that regularized pandemic control measures would require persistence and endurance, and facing the newest wave of the pandemic would require addressing insufficient preparation and slackening attitudes.
He Yin: Exhibiting Rationality, Self-Confidence, and Assuming the Responsibilities of a Major Country
11.22 A He Yin (和音) commentary in People’s Daily discussed China’s diplomacy as exhibited in Xi Jinping’s 14-19 November trip to Indonesia and Thailand, where he attended the G20 Summit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting, conducted a state visit to Thailand, and held meetings with various world leaders. The commentary noted that Xi had “insightfully explained the spirit of the 20th Party Congress” in bilateral and multilateral meetings; shared the story of China’s modernization and international cooperation; sent a “strong signal” that China would continue supporting world peace, development, and openness to and cooperation with the world; and increased understanding of the Party’s governing strategy and path for China. It then described Xi’s remarks at the G20 calling for unity, cooperation, and inclusivity rather than division, confrontation, and exclusion; advocating inclusive and widespread global development; and offering China’s example to the world. It praised the incorporation of Chinese diplomatic concepts and proposals in the G20 leaders’ statement and list of cooperation plans as a demonstration of China’s support for multilateralism and contributions to the G20. It then summarized Xi’s remarks at the APEC meeting as a similar call for peaceful development and explanation of principles for regional cooperation, stating that these remarks demonstrated China’s resolve to advance the future of global development through its own development and the world’s economic recovery through the Asia-Pacific’s economic recovery. It similarly highlighted China’s contributions to APEC statements and documents. Finally, the commentary noted Xi’s meetings with foreign leaders, specifically highlighting the significance of his meetings with the leaders of the United States, Indonesia, and Thailand. It stated that together, Xi’s meetings with world leaders and the leaders of international organizations demonstrated that dialogue, cooperation, and a “win-win” approach are correct and the “major trend,” whereas “Cold War thinking” and “camp confrontation” will prove unpopular. Regarding all the aforementioned events, the commentary highlighted praise from world leaders, international public figures, and the international community recognizing China’s positive international influence.
Zhong Sheng: Preserving the Peace and Stability of the South China Sea is the Common Wish of All Countries in the Region
11.25 A Zhong Sheng (钟声) commentary praised the China-ASEAN “Joint Statement on The 20th Anniversary of The Declaration on The Conduct of Parties in The South China Sea,” (hereafter referred to as the Joint Statement and DOC, respectively) issued at the 25th China-ASEAN Summit held earlier this month. It stated that the Joint Statement showed China-ASEAN consensus to exclude foreign interference in the region, determination to maintain peace, and regional ability to resolve the “South China Sea issue.” The commentary claimed that an “important goal” of China’s policy on the South China Sea was to make the area “a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation,” noting 2021 remarks by Xi Jinping using this phrase. It then claimed that the incorporation of this phrase into the Joint Statement demonstrated the region’s “positive response to” and support for China’s policy on the South China Sea. It then stressed the significance of the 2002 DOC and its implementation, saying that the Joint Statement had reaffirmed this significance and shown China and ASEAN’s willingness to resolve the issue in accordance with the DOC’s principles. It then said the “only path to resolve the South China Sea issue” was “through friendly consultations and talks by sovereign countries directly concerned, using peaceful measures to resolve territorial and administrative rights controversies,” quoting the Joint Statement. The commentary praised China and ASEAN’s proposal of a “dual-track approach” (双轨思路) for “directly involved countries” to resolve controversial issues. It then stated that amid global “changes unseen in a century,” the “regional security situation faces profound change.” It said that “some countries outside the region” had sent military planes and ships to the region “in order to maintain their hegemony,” sparking local concerns. It stressed that the South China Sea should not become the “‘arena’ for great power games” and that the Joint Statement demonstrated the inevitable failure of foreign “geopolitical games” in light of historical trends for peace and unity in the region. It concluded that China and ASEAN are effectively carrying out talks on a code of conduct for the South China Sea based on the DOC’s implementation, stressing that all parties should implement the DOC and patiently work towards establishing a code of conduct.
United Front Work
Shi Taifeng: Deeply Study, Advocate, and Implement the Spirit of the 20th Party Congress and Promote the Development of United Front Work and Multi-Party Cooperation in the New Era
11.22 Politburo member and United Front Work Department (UFWD) Head Shi Taifeng (石泰峰) engaged in discussions and talks with the central committees of various PRC democratic parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce. Shi emphasized the importance of “deeply studying, advocating, and implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress” and “persisting in the development and improvement of China’s new political party system (新型政党制度).” Shi also stated the importance of supporting the functional role of democratic parties and “promoting the healthy development of a united front and multi-party cooperation (多党合作) in a new era.” The leaders of the democratic parties unanimously agreed that they would “deeply study, advocate, and implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, unite more closely around the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core, give full play to their own [parties’] special advantages, and seriously fulfill the functions of a political party of socialism with Chinese characteristics.” They further emphasized “uniting in struggle” (团结奋斗) to achieve “new victories for socialism with Chinese characteristics.” Shi proceeded to point out that in recent years democratic parties have been enduring in their support for the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and have “given full play to their advantages in assembling talent (人才荟萃), concentrating intelligence (智力密集), and widespread linkages (联系广泛).” Shi stressed the importance of their active participation in government affairs and their role in democratic oversight (民主监督). Shi also emphasized their participation in the political consultation (政治协商) process of the CCP. Shi expressed his hope that every democratic party would “unify thought and action with the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, uphold Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics as guidance, and fully implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on doing United Front work well in the new era.” Shi proceeded to emphasize the importance of “deeply comprehending the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), continuously 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).” Lastly, Shi stated his hope that the “All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce would advance the work theme of the ‘two healths’ (两个健康, the health of both the state-run and private sectors), strengthen the ideological and political leadership of private-sector economy personnel, help enterprises in the private sector to solve practical difficulties, promote and establish a positive development environment, and actively bolster high-quality development in the private economic sector.”
Wang Yang Presides Over CPPCC National Chairpersons’ Meeting
11.22 Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee Chair Wang Yang (汪洋) presided over and spoke at the 81st Chairpersons’ Meeting of the CPPCC 13th National Committee. The attendees heard a report on statistics measuring and analyzing the performance of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, and Wang stated that the CPPCC had implemented Xi’s guidance on improving the committee’s construction, role, responsibilities, execution of duties, and response to the new era. He called upon the chairpersons to implement the “spirit of the 20th Party Congress” in their work, improve the CPPCC’s system of evaluation statistics, and more objectively analyze and evaluate the performance of the CPPCC National Committee. The attendees then heard reports from various functional committees of the CPPCC on “democratic oversight” of work on various issues. These issues included remodeling residences and communities to suit an aging population, strengthening cadre education on “forging a firm consciousness of Chinese communal [identity]” (铸牢中华民族共同体意识), improving the international competitiveness of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area in emerging industries, and more. Wang noted that the CPPCC has carried out democratic oversight in line with the 14th Five Year Plan and that the chairpersons have listened to related reports and researched key feedback, thereby improving an important function of the CPPCC, aiding in policy implementation, and learning about change and consensus. He called on the CPPCC to study the 20th Party Congress’s emphasis on the significance of democratic oversight work and implement its calls for the improvement and increased functional use of such work. The meeting also held a collective study session, with CPPCC National Committee Standing Committee member and Chinese Academy of Sciences Vice-Dean Gao Hongjun (高鸿钧) giving a lecture on advancing the public’s scientific knowledge.
International Work
11.19 CCP International Department (CCP/ID) Deputy Head Chen Zhou (陈洲) attended the opening ceremony of the eighth China-South Asia and Southeast Asia think-tank forum.
11.22 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) and Assistant Head Shen Beili (沈蓓莉) attended the awards ceremony for winners of the CCP/ID-published Contemporary World (当代世界) magazine’s essay, photo, and video contest for international students on the theme of “Experiencing the New Era in China.” 11.22 Liu Jianchao held separate meetings with Finland’s ambassador to the PRC, Leena-Kaisa Mikkola, and New Zealand’s departing ambassador to the PRC, Clare Fearnley.
11.25 Liu Jianchao spoke at a “Briefing on the Spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China” that was combined with the Sixth China-Africa Young Leaders’ Forum. The combined event was chaired by CCP/ID Assistant Head Li Mingxiang (李明祥). Speakers included South African Communist Party General Secretary Solly Afrika Mapaila, Gabonese Democratic Party General Secretary Steeve Nzegho Dieko, and United Democratic Alliance of Kenya General Secretary Veronica Maina. 11.25 CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) participated in a virtual exchange activity with representatives of the Communist Party of Australia, including General Secretary Andrew Irving and President Vinicio Molina.
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