- Admin
Weekly Report 5|9 2.25.23-3.3.23
Highlights
Xi Jinping presided over a meeting and delivered an important speech at a “democratic consultation meeting” held by the Party Central Committee and reported on the “reform plan for party and state institutions” and leadership appointments to non-Party representatives. (See Senior Leaders section)
Qiushi published a speech delivered by Xi Jinping titled “The Only Path for the Party and People to Advance in the New Era” in November 2022 during the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress. (See Senior Leaders section)
Xinhua published the communique of the second plenary session of the 20th Central Committee held in Beijing between 26 and 28 February. (See Propaganda Work section)
Senior Leaders
Xi Jinping Presides Over and Delivers an Important Speech at a Democratic Consultation Meeting Held by the Party Central Committee
2.28 The Party Central Committee held a “democratic consultation meeting” to report on the “reform plan for party and state institutions” and leadership appointments with representatives from democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and non-Party figures. Xi Jinping presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech. He began by stating that “the 20th Party Congress had made “important deployments” for the “reform of Party and state institutions.” He emphasized “deep reform of the financial system” and improving the “system of unified leadership over technology work.” He highlighted optimizing the “government responsibility system” (政府职责体系) and resource allocation in addition to promoting “party-building work” in public and non-public enterprises. He proceeded to discuss the draft plan on the reform of Party and state institutions and stated that after deliberation and subsequent approval at the second plenary session it would be submitted to the 14th National People’s Congress. It stated that overall these reforms target “key industries and areas” and will focus on resolving society’s most pressing and “difficult issues.” Additionally, they will have “important effects on economic and social development.” He stressed the upcoming First Session of the 14th National People’s Congress and emphasized that the election of new leadership is an “important mission” for the two sessions. Next, he emphasized “comprehensively implementing socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era, 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).” He expressed his hope that “democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and non-party personnel” will “deeply understand” the “major significance” of the reforms and “unite thought and action with the reform programs (改革方案).” He stated the importance of uniting the “thoughts and action” of the vast majority of members and the people with the “decision-making and deployments of the Central Committee” and “fully supporting the reforms.” Politburo members Shi Taifeng (石泰峰), Li Ganjie (李干杰), and He Lifeng (何立峰) were also present during the meeting in addition to other relevant figures.
Xi Jinping: The Only Path for the Party and People to Advance In the New Era
2.28 Qiushi published a speech delivered by Xi Jinping titled “The Only Path for the Party and People to Advance in the New Era” in November 2022 during the fifth session of the 13th National People’s Congress. Reflecting on “historical progress of the Party and people in the new era,” Xi stated that “we have further consolidated some important understandings.” He proceeded to name and discuss five of them. First, Xi emphasized upholding the Party’s comprehensive leadership as the only path towards upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. He emphasized that “only by firmly not wavering from the Party’s comprehensive leadership” and “maintaining the unified, centralized leadership and authority of the Party Central Committee” can it be ensured that the Party and country possesses “political cohesion,” develops self-confidence, innovates, and overcomes obstacles. Second, Xi stressed that “socialism with Chinese characteristics” is the only path to realize the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” He stated that as long as the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics is not deviated from, the people will be able to realize better lives. He also emphasized “continuously promoting common prosperity (共同富裕) for all people.” Third, Xi discussed how “uniting in struggle” is the only way for the Chinese nation to consolidate historical accomplishments. He stated that as long as the entire country and all ethnic groups unite under the Party’s leadership and they “dare to struggle and are adept at struggle, we will absolutely be able to overcome all difficulties and challenges when moving forward.” Fourth, Xi emphasized “implementing the new development concept” as the only way for the country to develop in the new era. He stated that by “completely, accurately, and comprehensively implementing a new development concept, accelerating the construction of a new development pattern, promoting high-quality development, and accelerating the realization of technological self-reliance and self-strengthening (科技自立自强), we will absolutely be able to continuously elevate the competitiveness and sustainability of the country's development.” He emphasized “grasping the initiative” amid growing international competition and “winning the future.” Fifth, Xi stressed that “comprehensive and strict Party governance” is the only way for the Party to always maintain its vitality. He stated that the “Party” and strict governance over it are the “key” to doing a good job in China’s affairs. He emphasized that as long as the “original mission is not forgotten,” there is the courage for “self-revolution,” and “harmful factors” to the Party are overcome; it can be ensured that the Party does not “deteriorate” or “change colors.”
Xi Jinping Holds Talks with Belarusian President Lukashenko
3.1 Xi Jinping met with the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko in Beijing. He emphasized that during the previous year both sides had announced that bilateral relations would be upgraded to an “all-weather strategic partnership” (全天候全面战略伙伴关系), thus injecting strong momentum for cooperation in more areas. He stated that China’s “high-quality development” and “modernization process” would bring “new opportunities” to all countries of the world, including Belarus. He stated that China “highly appreciates” Belarus’ firm support of China’s “legitimate stance on issues related to Taiwan, Xinjiang, Hong Kong, and human rights.” He stated that both sides support the “development path” selected by each other, support each other in defending individual “core interests” (核心利益), and jointly oppose interference by external forces. He further emphasized supporting each other in protecting the sovereignty and “political security” of both countries. He proceeded to discuss expanding economic and trade cooperation, building a “China-Belarus Industrial Park” (中白工业园), establishing further linkages through the “Belt and Road Initiative” (一带一路) and the China-Europe Railway Express, in addition to organizing more people-to-people exchanges. Next, he stated that the world is confronting “profound changes unseen in a century” and that “defending world peace and development” remains an arduous task. He expressed his appreciation to Belarus for its support for the “Global Development Initiative” (全球发展倡议) and “Global Security Initiative” (全球安全倡议) and stated that China is willing to strengthen coordination with Belarus on multilateral platforms such as the UN to jointly address global challenges and “join hands to build a community of shared future for humankind (人类命运共同体).” During their meeting, they also addressed the Ukraine issue. Xi stated that the “Chinese side’s position on Ukraine has been consistent, clear, and that China’s position paper on a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis has been released.” He emphasized that the “core of China’s position” is to urge peace talks. He stated the importance of discarding a “Cold War mentality” (冷战思维), respecting each country’s “reasonable security interests,” and “constructing a balanced, effective, and sustainable security architecture for Europe.” He proceeded to stress that the “relevant countries” should “stop politicizing and instrumentalizing the world economy and truly assist in bringing about a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the crisis.” Lukashenko, for his part, stated that he “completely agrees and supports the Chinese side's position concerning a political resolution to the Ukraine crisis” and emphasized that it has “major significance.” During their meeting, the two sides also signed off on two joint statements. Politburo members Wang Yi (王毅) and He Lifeng (何立峰) were present during the meeting.
Xi Jinping Delivers an Important Speech at a Celebratory Meeting for the 90th Anniversary of the Central Party School and the Opening Ceremony of the 2023 Spring Semester
3.1 Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the Central Party School in Beijing. He started by emphasizing that the school has “never changed its original aspiration” of cultivating talents for and providing suggestions to the Party. He stressed that all levels of the school must “uphold this original aspiration, forge ahead with determination,” and make “new contributions” to “comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” He proceeded to discuss maintaining political loyalty to the Party and insisting on “loving the Party.” He emphasized “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).” He stressed “consciously maintaining a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee on ideology, politics, and action,” following the needs of the Party, giving full play to its “own advantages” and becoming the kind of cadres the “Party needs.” He emphasized the school’s “special value” in educating Party talents and stated it must take an active role in cultivating cadres that are worthy of the task of national rejuvenation. He also highlighted promoting “reform, development, and stability.” Next, he stated the importance of “theoretical cultivation” (理论修养) and stressed that the more cadres understood Marxism the higher their “political standing” would be. He further emphasized strengthening the “political judgment, political comprehension, and political administration” capabilities of cadres, “preventing and resolving risks,” and strengthening education and training in Marxist theory. He then stressed the “four histories,” (四史) the importance of upholding “revolutionary traditions,” and carrying out clean governance. He emphasized that all levels of the school should focus on the “major decisions and decision-making” of the Party Central Committee and on improving the ability of cadres to promote “high-quality development, serve the masses, and prevent and defuse risks.” He proceeded to discuss the importance of simultaneously strengthening the “spirit of struggle” and developing an “ability to struggle.” Next, he emphasized that the Central Party School bears the important responsibility of advising the Party and stressed that it must promote “theoretical innovation” (理论创新). He stressed that the school is an important forum for the Party’s ideological work and emphasized that it must be “in the hands of” those who are “loyal to the Party and loyal to Marxism.” He further stated that the school should propagate the Party’s views and play a role in “refuting all kinds of heresies” in a targeted manner. Lastly, he discussed the importance of adhering to the “strictest political, academic, teaching, and management standards” and “strengthening political discipline (政治纪律) and education on political rules.” Politburo members Li Ganjie (李干杰) and Li Shulei (李书磊) also attended the speech among other relevant leadership figures.
Propaganda Work
He Li: The Trend of Cross-Strait Cooperation Cannot be Stopped
2.26 People’s Daily published a page-six He Li (禾立) commentary titled “The Trend of Cross-Strait Cooperation Cannot be Stopped.” It noted that KMT Vice Chair Andrew Hsia and others had recently led delegations to the mainland for “communication and dialogue.” It emphasized that these “cross-Strait exchange activities” had reflected the “common aspirations of compatriots on both sides of the Strait” for peace, development, exchanges, and cooperation. It noted that since the start of the pandemic, “the mainland has overcome the effects of pandemic factors and barriers created by the DPP.” It stressed that “integrated development has deepened” and that “as the mainland enters a new stage of pandemic prevention and control,” it will “resume cross-Strait exchanges at an earlier date, realize the normalization of cross-Strait personnel exchanges, and regularize exchange and cooperation in cross-Strait areas.” It stressed that this is in line with the “people’s will on both sides of the Strait.” It asserted that the mainland has “continuously promoted the comprehensive resumption of the ‘mini three links’ (小三通)” and urged Taipei to “resume cross-Strait direct flights.” It also stated that the “DPP authorities” have “disregarded the will of the people” and “aroused strong opposition from people with knowledge and experience on the island.” It stated that “currently, the mainland is exhibiting strong vigor and vitality thus providing broad space and bringing huge opportunities for cross-strait exchange and cooperation.” It noted that various organizations in Taiwan have expressed a “willingness” to organize delegations to the mainland and expressed hope of “creating a friendly atmosphere through cross-Strait economic and trade exchanges.” It emphasized that “compatriots on both sides of the Strait are of the same root, same origin, same language, and same kind” and that they are “one family whose blood is thicker than water” (血浓于水的一家人). It stated that “intrinsic motivation inherent in cross-Strait exchange and cooperation areas” and an accumulation of experiences has led to an “irreversible historical trend” that cannot be “shaken” by “upcoming difficulties or obstacles” and let alone stopped “any artificial barriers.”
Communique of the Second Plenary Session of the 20th Party Central Committee
2.28 Xinhua published the communique of the second plenary session of the 20th Central Committee held in Beijing between 26 and 28 February. At the session, Xi Jinping delivered a report on behalf of the Politburo to the Central Committee. The meeting established a list of candidates for leading positions of state institutions to be recommended at the 14th National People’s Congress in addition to a list of candidates for leadership of the 14th Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee. During the session, Xi explained the draft “Reform Plan for Party and State Institutions,” and the plenum agreed to submit parts of the plan in accordance with legal procedures to the first session of the 14th National People’s Congress. The session’s participants agreed that China currently confronts a “severe and complex international environment” and arduous tasks ahead related to “domestic reforms, development, and stability.” The session emphasized that the Politburo has adhered to the mantra of “seeking progress while maintaining stability” (稳中求进) and implemented the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and the first session of the 20th Central Committee. It highlighted better coordination of the relationship between pandemic prevention and control with socioeconomic development and between “development and security.” It proceeded to point out the Party’s recent achievements including organizing a memorial ceremony for Jiang Zemin after his passing, optimizing pandemic prevention and control measures, promoting steady economic recovery, “firmly protecting the country’s security and social stability,” and successfully starting on the “new journey” of “major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics.” Next, it emphasized that the first sessions of the 14th National People’s Congress and the CPPCC were of major importance for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist country. It highlighted that since the 18th Party Congress Xi Jinping has made “deepening reforms” of Party and state institutions a “major task” in promoting the “modernization of the country’s governance system and governing capabilities.” It emphasized deepening reforms of institutions in “key areas” to make the Party’s leadership over socialist modernization more scientific, more optimized in terms of “functional allocation,” and more effective in terms of “operation and management.” It stressed that all regions and departments should “deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), strengthen the ‘four conciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidate the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), and achieve the ‘two defends’ (两个维护).” It further emphasized consciously uniting thought and action with the decision-making and deployments of the Party Central Committee.
It proceeded to highlight that the country’s development has entered a period defined both by strategic opportunity and risks and challenges and that many uncertainties lie ahead. It stated that China’s “reform, development, and stability” still face deep-rooted issues such as the “triple pressures” (三重压力) in insufficient demand, disrupted supply, and weakening future expectations. It further stated that the “foundation for economic recovery is not strong.” It then discussed doing a good job of implementing “Class B management” (乙类乙管) of the virus. Next, it stressed the importance of expanding domestic demand, improving the resilience and security level of the industrial supply chain, and further “optimizing” a market-oriented and international business environment. It discussed bolstering the “social safety net,” compensating for “shortcomings” in rural health service provision, and comprehensively promoting “rural revitalization” (乡村振兴). It emphasized the importance of deepening “reform and opening” (改革开放), launching “strategic, innovative, and guiding reform measures (改革举措),” upholding and improving the “basic socialist economic system,” improving the “modern industrial system with Chinese characteristics,” and bolstering “financial supervision” (金融监管). Moreover, it stressed rectifying the “four forms” (四风; formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance) and winning the “protracted battle against corruption.” Lastly, it emphasized the “three musts” (三个务必), “self-reliance and self-strengthening,” and promoting “Chinese-style modernization” (中国式现代化).
Qiushi Commentator Article: Gather the Majestic Forces of Unity and Forging Ahead on the New Journey
3.1 A Qiushi Commentator Article marked the upcoming first session of the 14th National People’s Congress and the first session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), calling for increased adherence to Xi Jinping thought and the reform and development policies he has put forward. The article explained how the “functional system of party and state institutions is an important part of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and an important guarantee for the Party to govern the country,” highlighting how the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core has deepened reform of party and state institutions as an important task. As part of this modernization, it further highlighted the principles of adhering to the Party’s comprehensive leadership; centering work around the people; optimizing coordination and efficiency while governing the country; and adhering to the strategic layout of the “four comprehensives” (四个全面). The article stated that “all regions and all departments should stand at the overall height of the development of the Party and state”; fully understand the importance and urgency of the reform of party and state institutions; “deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidate the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), and achieve the ‘two defends’ (两个维护)”; strengthen organizational leadership; and fully implement institutional reform. It called for leading cadres to continue to make an example in comprehensive learning and implementation, as well as to “deeply understand the significance of the great chance in the decade of the new era” and “closely combine the specific actual situation with the implementation of specific measures.”
The article pointed out that the 20th Party Congress conducted a macro outlook on the two steps for the establishment of socialist modernization, and concluded that it clearly requires “new steps for reform and opening up” (改革开放迈出新步伐). These steps include unswervingly deepening reform and opening up, focusing on the goal of comprehensively building a modern socialist country, and launching a number of reform measures to strengthen the integration of reform systems and achieve new breakthroughs in important fields. Lastly, the article noted that “every time theoretical innovation goes further, theoretical weapons must follow,” and Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics in a New Era is “contemporary Chinese Marxism,” the “essence of the era of Chinese culture and Chinese spirit,” and provides “fundamental adherence” for the development of the Party and country in the new era. It called for using Xi Jinping Thought to “build the soul,” further unify thought, arm the mind, and guide practice and emphasized the need to “scientifically plan, carefully organize, strengthen theoretical learning and use, and achieve real results.”
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.”
Jun Zheng: Victorious Advances Under Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military
3.1 Qiushi published a Jun Zheng (钧政) commentary, which emphasized strengthened adherence to and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military (习近平强军思想). The commentary first noted that the leadership of the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core has focused on the Chinese dream (中国梦) of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and led the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) to conduct “in-depth theoretical exploration and practice creation,” continuously enrich and develop “Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military” and write a new chapter on the “road of a strong army with Chinese characteristics.” It then split its argument into three main sections. The first section focused on “deeply understanding the significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military.” Key themes included: 1. Opening up a new realm of sinicization and modernization of Marxist military theory; 2. Drawing a grand blueprint for comprehensively building a world-class military, including the “three-steps” (三步走) development strategy to modernize national defense and the armed forces; 3. Leading the great transformation of the people’s army in a new era, including persevering in correcting the “four forms” (四风) and deterring “Taiwan independence (台独) separatist forces”; and 4. Strengthening the spiritual pillar of officers and soldiers of the whole military so that the people’s army will be able to unite into “a solid piece of steel.” The second section focused on comprehensively and accurately grasping the main content of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military. Key themes included: 1. The Party’s absolute leadership is the foundation of the people’s army and the soul of a strong army, so it is necessary to ensure that the troops are “absolutely loyal, absolutely pure, [and] absolutely reliable,” 2. A strong country must have a strong military, and so consolidating national defense and a strong people’s army constitutes strategic support for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, 3. The Party’s goal of strengthening the military in the new era is to build a people’s army that obeys the Party’s command, can win battles, and has a good style of work - by the middle of the century, the people’s army will be built into a world-class army. 4. It is clear that the military is to prepare for war, and must focus on being able to fight and win battles, hold back powerful enemies, innovate military strategic guidance, develop strategies and tactics of “people’s war,” and manage and control crises.
The third section focused on scientifically applying contemporary Chinese Marxist military concepts and methodology in Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military. Key themes included: 1. Adhering to political leadership, with Xi pointing out that “the military is subject to politics, and politics is the essential attribute of the military.” 2. Persisting in using arms to stop fighting, in which Xi emphasized having the ability to both fight in war and stop fighting. He stressed that “in the face of wars that may be imposed on us, we must speak to the enemy in a language they understand, and use victory to win peace and respect.” 3. Persisting in proactive advances, in which Xi emphasized that only by being proactive can the military grasp opportunities and take the initiative. These opportunities included a new round of scientific and technological revolution and military revolution, as well as major changes in the concept of winning a war. 4. Adhering to overall planning and consideration, including military preparations in all aspects, implementing the holistic approach to national security (总体国家安全观), and coordinating economic construction and national defense construction. 5. Adhering to “daring to fight and win” (坚持敢打必胜), in which Xi pointed out that “war is a material contest as well as a spiritual competition,” and highlighted key achievements of the PLA over the course of its existence. Xi further emphasized the military’s insistence on daring to overcome all difficulties and grasping the timing, speed, and efficiency of fighting well to open up new horizons. In closing, the article emphasized the need to firmly establish the fundamental guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Strengthening the Military; “deeply comprehend the decisive significance of the ‘two establishes’ (两个确立), strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), consolidate the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), achieve the ‘two defends’ (两个维护)”; implement the CMC Chairman Responsibility System (军委主席负责制); do a good job in the Party’s innovative theoretical arming; and use practical actions to deliver new qualifying answers (合格答卷) to the Party and the people.
United Front Work Department
The Opening Ceremony of the Spring Season at the Central Institute of Socialism
3.1 Politburo member and United Front Work Department (UFWD) head Shi Taifeng (石泰峰) delivered a speech at the opening ceremony of the spring season at the Central Institute of Socialism (中央社会主义学院). He began by stating the importance of non-Party representatives “comprehensively learning, grasping, and implementing the spirit of the 20th Party Congress,” deeply comprehending the “decisive significance of the two establishes (两个确立),” and firmly not wavering from the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core. He stressed consolidating an “ideological and political basis” for the “united front” (统一战线) and “united struggle” (团结奋斗) as well as achieving the “two defends” (两个维护). He expressed hope that non-Party representatives would “grasp the requirement to unite in struggle” during the new era and focus on implementing the decision-making and deployments made at the 20th Party Congress. He further emphasized bolstering awareness of “risk prevention” (风险防范), doing a good job in ideological guidance, and helping the Party and government effectively “defuse all kinds of potential risks (风险隐患).” Next, he stated the importance of actively participating in the construction of “Chinese discourse,” telling the “story of China well” in its foreign relations, and creating a “positive environment” for the “comprehensive promotion of Chinese-style modernization (中国式现代化).” He emphasized that non-Party representatives constitute an important part of the Party and country’s “talent team” and expressed his hope that everybody would engage further in “self-construction” (自身建设). Additionally, he stressed focus on improving “political capabilities” (政治能力), improving “work styles” (工作作风), continuously strengthening representation, and uniting more closely around the Party.
International Work
2.28 CCP International Department (CCP/ID) Deputy Head Chen Zhou (陈洲) met with the Secretary of International Relations of the Workers' Party of Brazil, Romenio Pereira.
3.1 Between 25 and 28 February, CCP/ID Assistant Head Li Minxiang (李明祥) led a delegation to Tanzania.
3.1 Between 25 and 28 February, CCP/ID Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) led a delegation to Malta.
3.2 CCP/ID Head Liu Jianchao (刘建超) held a video call with the President and CEO of the Asia Society, Kevin Rudd.