Weekly Report 5|8 2.18.23-2.24.23
Highlights
Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at a Politburo study session on strengthening basic research. He emphasized that strengthening basic research is a requirement for realizing the goal of “self-reliance and self-strengthening” and building robust scientific and technological power. (See Senior Leaders section)
Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the Party Central Committee during which it was decided that its second plenary session would be held between 26 and 28 February. (See Senior Leaders section)
Politburo Standing Committee Member and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Secretary Li Xi (李希) delivered a work report at the 2nd Plenum of the 20th CCDI. (See Discipline and Inspection section)
Senior Leaders
Wang Yi Delivers Keynote Speech at 59th Munich Security Conference
2.18 Politburo member and Director of the CCP Central Foreign Affairs Office Wang Yi (王毅) delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference titled “Building a Safer World.” He stated that the past three years of fighting the pandemic have revealed a “plain truth” which Xi Jinping has “emphasized many times,” namely that “we are all members of a global village” and belong to a “community of shared future [for humankind]” ([人类]命运共同体). He emphasized that “human society must not return” to “camp confrontation” (阵营对立) and the “old path” of “division and opposition.” He further stated the importance of “absolutely not falling into the trap of zero-sum confrontation (零和博弈) and war and conflict.” He proceeded to state that “constructing a safer world is the firm wish of people from all countries,” that it is a “common responsibility” that all countries share, and that it constitutes the “correct direction” for progress and development in this era. He stated that “for the world to be more secure, we all have to uphold and respect each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity” and “all must uphold using dialogue and consultation to peacefully resolve disputes.” He emphasized the importance of “returning to the purpose and principles of the UN Charter” and “prioritizing the key role of development.” He highlighted that “constructing a safer world” is China’s “unwavering pursuit” and that it would continue to walk a “path of peace and development.” He stated that this was a “strategic choice” (战略抉择) and that China would “unite more countries” to walk the same path. Next, he answered questions regarding the “Ukraine issue, US-China relations, and the Taiwan issue.” Lastly, he announced that China would release its “position concerning the political resolution of the Ukraine crisis” in addition to a “Global Security Initiative Concept Paper” as well.
Xi Jinping Emphasizes Practically Strengthening Basic Research and Consolidating the Foundation of Scientific and Technological Self-Reliance and Self-Strengthening at the Politburo’s Third Group Study Session
2.22 Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at a Politburo study session on strengthening basic research. He emphasized that strengthening basic research is a requirement for realizing the goal of “self-reliance and self-strengthening” (自立自强) and building robust scientific and technological power. He stressed that “Party committees and governments at all levels should strengthen basic research” and promote its “high-quality development.” He then discussed how the country’s “basic research” has consolidated “major achievements” particularly since the establishment of New China and “reform and opening” (改革开放). He emphasized achieving high-level self-reliance and self-strengthening when facing “international scientific and technological competition” and highlighted promoting the construction of a new development pattern in addition to resolving key technical issues from top to bottom. He stated that it is important to strengthen the “forward-looking, strategic, and systemic layout of basic research” and adhere to the “four orientations” (四个面向). He proceeded to stress “grasping the trend of scientific and technological development and national strategic demands (国家战略需求)” and “fully respecting the opinions of scientists.” He emphasized “supporting key disciplines (重点学科)” in addition to disciplinary integration and interdisciplinary research. Next, he spoke about the importance of high-quality human capital and “cultivating strategic scientists (战略科学家)” in addition to enabling younger scientific talents to shoulder more responsibility. He discussed the importance of various youth initiatives to spur research talent and emphasized giving full play to the role of universities, particularly those that are designated as “Double First Class Universities” (双一流高校). He proceeded to emphasize that to resolve the common problems of humanity, “international cooperation” is necessary and noted the importance of expanding the country’s degree of external opening when it comes to science and technology plans. He stated the importance of joint research initiatives with other countries to address issues such as “climate change, energy security, and biological security.” He emphasized that it is important to “deeply participate” in global technological governance, participate or establish international technological organizations, and support domestic universities and scientific institutions to make connections internationally. He proceeded to state that China would seek to make “major original innovations (原始创新) and key core technology breakthroughs” for the advancement of human civilization and would also “effectively protect the country’s technological security interests (科技安全利益).” Next, he emphasized the “spirit of the national defense scientists,” the “westward relocation spirit” (西迁精神), and the “spirit of Beidou in the new era” and noted how they jointly build an “innovation ecosystem (创新生态) with Chinese characteristics.” He then stressed improving the scientific literacy of the people, demonstrating “scientific and technological achievements,” and cultivating young people willing to dedicate themselves to the task of scientific research. Lastly, Xi stressed that cadres at all levels should “carry forward the scientific spirit,” actively and preemptively solve problems facing technology workers, and implement a series of “strategic deployments” (战略部署) made by the Party Central Committee related to technological innovation.
Decision to Hold the Second Plenary Session
2.22 Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the Party Central Committee during which it was decided that its second plenary session would be held between 26 and 28 February. The meeting emphasized that since the 18th Party Congress, the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping “as the core” has regarded deepening reforms of Party and state mechanisms as an “important task” for the promotion of the national governance system and modernization of governance capabilities. It emphasized “adhering to the comprehensive leadership of the Party, upholding the people as the center,” and consolidating “historical achievements for the Party and country’s work.” The meeting emphasized the “important decisions” made at the 20th Party Congress to deepen reforms and to comprehensively construct a “modern socialist country.” It stressed “seeking progress while maintaining stability” (稳中求进), the “five-in-one” (五位一体) overall approach, and the requirement of the “four comprehensives (四个全面) strategic layout.” It then stated the importance of inter-agency coordination before stressing the “promotion of a more scientific organizational structure for Party leadership over socialist modernization” that is also “more effective in operations and management.” It proceeded to discuss the draft “Government Work Report” that the State Council is planning to submit at the 14th National People’s Congress and established that last year was an “important year in the history of the Party and country.” It noted the successful convening of the 20th Party Congress and asserted that it had drawn a “grand blueprint” for the “comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country.” It emphasized that while the past five years have been “unusual” the Party has responded to various difficulties, risks, and challenges, and effectively “coordinated pandemic management and control with socioeconomic development.” It proceeded to note this is the first year that the spirit of the 20th Party Congress can be implemented and that it is important to “comprehensively implement” such spirit under the “firm leadership of the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core.” It emphasized following the deployments of the Central Economic Work Conference, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implementing the “new development concept,” and accelerating the construction of a “new development pattern.” Next, it stated the importance of “better coordinating development and security, comprehensively deepening reform and opening (改革开放),” and bolstering market confidence. It further emphasized “the work of stabilizing growth, stabilizing employment, and stabilizing prices of goods” in addition to “effectively preventing and defusing major risks.” It also emphasized “implementing an active fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy” in addition to “earnestly implementing the ‘two unswervings’ (两个毫不动摇).” It further stated the importance of attracting and utilizing foreign capital and “stabilizing food production, promoting rural revitalization (乡村振兴), and working hard to complete this year’s targets and objectives for socioeconomic development.
Xi Jinping Issues Important Instructions on Carrying Out Learning Activities About Lei Feng
2.23 Xi Jinping delivered important instructions on learning from the spirit of Lei Feng at a symposium dedicated to inheriting his spirit. He stressed that this year is the 60th anniversary of Mao Zedong and other “old revolutionaries” writing dedications to Lei Feng and noted that over 60 years the country has conducted far-reaching activities to honor him. He emphasized that Lei Feng’s name is ubiquitous among households and that his “spirit” has “nourished” the “psyche” of generations of “Chinese sons and daughters.” He stated that “on the new journey” it is important to “deeply grasp the spirit of Lei Feng (雷锋精神),” have good role models as leading cadres, strengthen guarantees and support for volunteer services, and continuously develop and expand “Lei Feng volunteer and service teams.”. He emphasized the particular relevance of Lei Feng’s spirit to young people before stating the importance of “comprehensively constructing a modern socialist country” and promoting the “cohesive, powerful force of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” Politburo Standing Committee member Cai Qi (蔡奇) also delivered a speech at the symposium. He pointed out the “important guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping” and asserted that “we must deeply study and understand, grasp well and implement, and carry out further activities about learning from Lei Feng” and carry forward his spirit across generations. He noted that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi Jinping has made a “series of important discussions on the spirit of Lei Feng” and stressed that it is necessary to “deeply study” them. He proceeded to emphasize “consolidating and upholding the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), firmly achieving the ‘two defends’ (两个维护), consciously “integrating personal pursuits with the work struggles of the Party and people,” and contributing to “Chinese-style modernization” (中国式现代化). Lastly, he highlighted “strengthening ideological and political guidance” and ensuring that activities about learning from Lei Feng have the “appeal of the times” and are “normalized” for the long-term. Politburo member Li Shulei (李书磊) presided over the symposium while Central Military Commission (CMC) Member Miao Hua (苗华) and State Council Vice-Premier Sun Chunlan (孙春兰) were in attendance.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Sheng: The United States’ Hegemony, Domineering, and Bullying Seriously Harms the World
2.21 People’s Daily published a Zhong Sheng commentary titled “The United States’ Hegemony, Domineering, and Bullying Seriously Harms the World.” It argued that the United States’ conduct had “caused stronger and stronger criticism and opposition from the international community.” It asserted that the United States’ talk about “democracy, freedom, human rights, and upholding the ‘rules-based international order’” was belied by its pursuit, defense, and abuse of its hegemony and that its “patchy record on political and military affairs, economics and finance, science, technology, and culture seriously harms world peace and stability and the well-being of the people of all countries.” It highlighted the deleterious effects of US sanctions on Syria and accused the United States of causing “chaos and disaster” by interfering in other countries’ affairs, such as through the “new Monroe doctrine,” instigation of “color revolutions” in Europe, and its “spurring on” of the Arab Spring. It stated that the United States’ “false narrative of ‘democracy versus authoritarianism’” and pursuit of alliances based on values and “‘small circles’” had sown “regional schisms, incited confrontation, and damaged peace.” It highlighted the United States’ high military expenditure, participation in “approximately 400 military interventions,” and the casualties and refugees caused by its military activities and asserted that US “military hegemony” has caused “many humanitarian catastrophes.” It asserted that the United States exploited the primacy of the US dollar in the international system; that its injection of cash into global markets after the spread of coronavirus caused “huge losses” to other countries; that it used the IMF for its own strategic purposes; and that it used “coercive economic methods to suppress competitors” and engaged in “long-arm jurisdiction” and sanctions.” It said that the United States uses its “scientific and technological hegemony” to “contain other countries’ scientific, technological, and economic development,” citing its efforts to “monopolize” intellectual property; its “politicization, weaponization, and ideologization of scientific and technological issues”; its efforts to “suppress and sanction other countries’ companies”; the way that it “seals off” other countries technologically; and its “going in big for cyberattacks and the theft of secrets.” It criticized US “cultural hegemony” in asserting its views and opinions across various mediums and asserted that “the black hand of US cultural hegemony has always stretched out very far,” citing its increasing use in recent years of “false information as a tool to attack other countries.” It concluded that “the danger posed by the United States’ actions is profound and has “caused stronger and stronger criticism and opposition from the international community” and that the United States “should deeply examine its own conduct and deeds, abandon its arrogance and prejudice, and abandon its hegemony, domineering, and bullying.”
He Yin: Together Towards a Lasting Peace, a Better Tomorrow for Universal Security
2.22 People’s Daily published a He Yin (和音) commentary on the release of a concept paper on the Global Security Initiative (GSI) titled “Together Towards a Lasting Peace, a Better Tomorrow for Universal Security.” The commentary described the release of the Paper as an “important measure” to “promote Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative” and to demonstrate China’s “firm desire” to maintain world peace and global security. It stated that right now, the world is undergoing profound changes and that “regional hotspot issues” have become more prominent and conflict and turmoil has become increasingly frequent. It noted how Xi Jinping had proposed the GSI in April 2022 to foster a spirit of unity to adapt to “adjustments in the international pattern” and foster “win-win thinking when confronting complex and interconnected security challenges.” It emphasized addressing “the root cause (根源) of international conflict” and “improving global security governance.” It stated that the initiative embodies the core meaning of a “community of shared future for humankind” (人类命运共同体) and has received the enthusiastic support of more than 80 countries and regional organizations. It emphasized that the GSI provides “Chinese wisdom” and “Chinese solutions” to “international security challenges” and stems from an “independent foreign policy of peace.” It stated that the “basic premise” of the initiative is “adhering to respect for each country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” It states that the initiative upholds the “purposes and principles of the UN Charter” as fundamental and upholds the “important principle” of attaching heavy importance to the “legitimate security interests” of all countries. It proceeded to discuss the GSI concept paper and noted that it contains twenty directions for cooperation on global development initiatives from the international to the regional level, that they cover traditional to non-traditional “security areas,” and that they target the most urgent and pressing international security concerns. Next, it stated that “security” is the “right of each of the world’s countries” and not the “sole patent of certain countries” and even more so is “not the final say” of other countries. It emphasized that China firmly opposes all forms of hegemony and power politics and firmly opposes “Cold War thinking” (冷战思维) and “camp confrontation” (阵营对抗). It proceeded to stress not interfering in China’s internal affairs and emphasized that it would defend its country’s “sovereignty, security, and development interests.” Lastly, it stated that currently the Chinese people are being led by the Party to “comprehensively promote the national rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” using “Chinese-style modernization” (中国式现代化).
Central Military Commission
General Office of the Central Military Commission Issues “Opinions on Strengthening Military Financial Work in the New Era”
2.23 The General Office of the Central Military Commission issued “Opinions on Strengthening Military Financial Work in the New Era.” The Opinions emphasize “adhering to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism in the New Era as guidance, comprehensively implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, deeply implementing Xi Jinping Thought on a Strong Military, and deeply implementing military approaches for the new era.” They further emphasize focus on “comprehensively strengthening military governance” and on establishing “war-oriented financing (打仗型财务), performance-oriented financing (绩效型财务), service-oriented financing (服务型财务), information-oriented financing (信息型财务), and clean-oriented financing (廉洁型财务).” They stress striving to “build and modernize logistics” and “new era military financing (军队财务)” that accommodates the construction of a “world-class military” (世界一流军队). The Opinions represent the “correct direction” for “Party committee financial management” (党委管财) and improve the quality and efficiency of preparations for war. They also promote “reform and innovation in financial management” and the maintenance of a “clean and honest” industrial climate. They emphasize building a team of skilled talents and ensuring comprehensive regulation over organizational leadership, operational methods, and supervision and management. Furthermore, they state the importance of ensuring focus on war and promoting the “effective transformation” of financial resources into combat capabilities. Lastly, they focus on improving “strategic management,” promoting smoother operations, and promoting those that are “not corrupt, cannot be corrupt, and do not want to be corrupt.”
Discipline and Inspection
Li Xi Delivers Work Report of the 2nd Plenum of the 20th CCDI
2.23 Politburo Standing Committee Member and Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) Secretary Li Xi (李希) delivered a work report at the 2nd Plenum of the 20th CCDI. In his speech, Li first emphasized thoroughly implementing the strategic deployments of the 20th Party Congress on comprehensively and strictly governing the Party and providing a strong guarantee for the realization of the Party’s mission and tasks in the new era and new journey. Reviewing disciplinary work since the 18th Party Congress, he highlighted Xi Jinping’s inclusion of comprehensive and strict governance of the Party in the “four comprehensives” (四个全面) strategic layout, the formulation and implementation of the Central Eight Regulations (中央八项规定), “strengthening the tightening of discipline and improving party conduct” (正风肃纪), anti-corruption work, launching a set of “one-two punches” (组合拳) of self-revolution (自我革命), and “finding the second answer to ‘breaking out of historical cycles’ (跳出历史周期率) of governance and chaos.” He noted that the “lax and loose governance” of the Party has been “fundamentally reversed,” and the Party’s ability to “self-purify, self-perfect, self-innovate, and self-improve” has been significantly enhanced, providing fundamental guidance and strong guarantees for the Party to consolidate historic achievements and historical changes. He emphasized practicing loyalty to the Party in the “two defends” (两个维护), consolidating political security in the central government, and laying a solid foundation and providing important experience for further disciplinary inspection and supervision work.
Covering the main tasks in 2023, Li emphasized the following tasks: 1. Strengthening political supervision around the implementation of the strategic deployments of the 20th Party Congress; 2. Promoting the improvement of the system to regulate the Party’s self-revolution (自我革命) system, including the improvement of the intra-party laws and regulations system; 3. Giving full play to the role of political inspection as a sharp “sword” to promote the self-revolution and comprehensive and strict governance of the Party; 4. Continuing to deepen the implementation of the spirit of the Central Eight Regulations (中央八项规定) and correct the “four forms” (四风: formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance); 5. Comprehensively strengthening party discipline by strengthening regular disciplinary education, precisely using the “four forms [of discipline inspection]” (四种形态: education and vigilance; light punishment; heavy punishment; and resolutely punishing and cracking down), and implementing the “three distinctions” (三个区分开来); 6. Resolutely winning the protracted battle against corruption through correcting the “revolving door” (旋转门) and “fleeing resignation” (逃逸式辞职) problems, promoting the normalization of “breaking the net” (打伞破网), and strictly investigating the corruption and “protective umbrellas” (保护伞) behind criminal cases; 7. Further promoting the reform of discipline inspection and supervision systems by adhering to problem orientation (问题导向), goal orientation (目标导向), and results orientation (结果导向), as well as improving the leadership system and working mechanism for the promotion of the “three reforms” (三项改革); and 8. Forging a team of high-quality discipline inspection and supervision cadres worthy of the new era that are “absolutely loyal to the Party.”
Li Xi Emphasized Carrying Out Education and Rectification with a Revolutionary Spirit to Build Loyalty and Clean Responsibility at a National Discipline Inspection and Supervision Meeting
2.24 Politburo Standing Committee member and CCDI Secretary Li Xi (李希) attended a meeting on education rectification and the mobilization of discipline inspection and supervision cadres in Beijing. He emphasized that “all levels of inspection and supervision authorities should deeply study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speeches and important instructions” and “firmly implement the work deployments (工作部署) of the second plenary session of the 20th Party Congress.” He stressed using the most “decisive and firm action to firmly investigate ‘two faced people’ (两面人),” focusing on building “loyalty and clean responsibility,” and building an “iron army (铁军) of inspection and supervision” that “dares to” and is “adept at struggle.” He proceeded to state that “carrying out education and rectification” is an “important political task” of inspection and supervision agencies. He emphasized recognizing that inspection and supervision agencies are the Party’s “disciplinary forces” (纪律部队) and that they are an “important force for comprehensive, strict governance of the Party.” He further stated that they “shoulder important missions and play an important role” in promoting the “process of Chinese-style modernization (中国式现代化).” He proceeded to highlight “forging political loyalty, eliminating black sheep,” completing the construction of a “strict management system,” and strengthening “fighting skills” (斗争本领). He emphasized that education and rectification demands the “organic integration of strict requirements and practical measures” and the “strengthening of education to purify thought.” Next, he stated the importance of “seeking truth from facts” and stressed studying key materials and texts such as the 20th Party Congress report. Next, he emphasized “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).” Lastly, he stressed that education and rectification must be carried out under the “firm leadership of the Party Central Committee” and that it is important to “ strengthen organizational leadership, strengthen the overall plan, focus on combination and integration,” avoid “one-size fits all” solutions, and ensure practical achievements.
Organizational Work
2.22 Xu Qifang (徐启方) was named head of the National Civil Service Administration.
2.24 He Rong (贺荣) was appointed Minister of Justice.
International Work
2.20 CCP International Department (CCP/ID) Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) met with Singapore’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Vivian Balakrishnan.
2.22 CCP/ID Deputy Head Zhu Rui (朱锐) addressed the opening ceremony of an online seminar for cadres of Libya’s Democratic Party.
2.24 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) held a video call with the Head of the Department of International Relations of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Cuba, Emilio Lozada Garcia.
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