Xi Jinping: Fully leverage the leading and safeguarding role of comprehensively strengthening Party self-governance to ensure that the goals and tasks for the 14th Five-Year Plan period are effectively implemented.

Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, emphasizing that…

Fully leverage the leading and safeguarding role of comprehensively strengthening Party self-governance.

Ensure that the goals and tasks for the 14th Five-Year Plan period are effectively implemented.

Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, and Han Zheng attended the meeting.

Zhao Leji presided over the meeting.

　　On January 22, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Xueren.

　　On the morning of the 22nd, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of the People’s Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China. He emphasized that this year marks the first year of implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan and embarking on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country, and that all work must be centered on ensuring a strong start and a solid foundation. It is imperative to thoroughly implement the principle of exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party, give full play to its leading and safeguarding role, uphold the correct political direction, maintain political resolve, and ensure that our stance remains unwavering, our determination unshaken, and our standards uncompromised, so as to see the goals and tasks of China’s development during the 14th Five-Year Plan period effectively realized.

　　Li Keqiang, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, and Han Zheng, members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting. Zhao Leji, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, presided over the meeting.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that 2020 was an exceptionally extraordinary year in the history of New China. Faced with a complex and volatile international landscape, daunting tasks of reform, development, and stability—especially the sudden COVID‑19 pandemic—the CPC Central Committee coordinated the strategic overall plan for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the unprecedented global changes unfolding over the past century. Upholding the principle of using the Party’s self‑revolution to lead the great social revolution, it remained steadfast in exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party, resolutely advancing Party conduct, clean governance, and the fight against corruption, and unswervingly strengthening the Party so that it becomes even more robust and powerful. First, the Party flag has been held high in the battle against the epidemic, in securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and in winning the battle against poverty. The broad masses of the people have deeply felt that, when storms strike, the Party’s strong leadership and the authority of the CPC Central Committee are the most reliable bulwark. Second, political oversight has been strengthened around the “Two Upholds,” the system of exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party has been improved, Party leadership and supervision have been reinforced, political inspections have been deepened, the Party and state supervision system has been refined, Party discipline has been comprehensively tightened, and the application of the “four forms” of disciplinary action has been further advanced. Oversight and inspection have been intensified in implementing major decisions and deployments related to coordinating epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, winning the three critical battles, ensuring the “six stabilizations,” and fulfilling the “six guarantees.” Third, formalism and bureaucratism have been resolutely tackled; efforts to improve work style have been leveraged to advance poverty alleviation; cases of falsification and deception in acceptance and certification have been rigorously investigated and punished; work to reduce burdens at the grassroots level has been deepened and expanded; hedonism and extravagance have continued to be rectified; and wasteful practices in the catering sector have been firmly curbed. Fourth, the new trends in the fight against corruption have been thoroughly understood, with integrated efforts to ensure that no one dares to be corrupt, no one can be corrupt, and no one wishes to be corrupt. Corrupt elements who show no sign of restraint or repentance have been resolutely investigated and prosecuted; attention has been focused on corruption cases involving both political and economic dimensions; those who are disloyal to the Party and hypocritically compliant have been severely punished; corruption within the political and legal systems has been met with zero tolerance; and corruption in poverty alleviation, livelihood‑related areas, and the “protective umbrellas” shielding organized crime and evil forces have been pursued to the very end. Fifth, the political and organizational functions of Party organizations have been enhanced, and a stringent management system covering ideology, work, conduct, and discipline has been improved. Cadres have been assessed and identified on the front lines of struggle, and outstanding individuals have been admitted to the Party under fire. The CPC Central Committee is satisfied with the achievements made in Party conduct, clean governance, and the fight against corruption.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized that, in pursuing comprehensive and rigorous Party self‑governance, we must first adopt a political perspective and continuously enhance our political discernment, political comprehension, and political execution. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, although historic achievements have been made in improving Party conduct, fostering integrity, and combating corruption, the situation remains grave and complex. We must clearly recognize that corruption—the greatest risk to the Party’s governance—continues to exist; the existing stock has yet to be fully eliminated, and new cases continue to emerge. Political and economic issues are intertwined, posing a serious threat to the political security of the Party and the country. Traditional forms of corruption coexist with emerging types, making corrupt practices more concealed and sophisticated. Corruption is closely linked with unhealthy tendencies, with the “Four Undesirables” providing fertile ground for corruption to take root. The struggle between corruption and anti‑corruption will endure over the long term; even a momentary lapse could undo all previous progress. There is no alternative but to press ahead despite difficulties.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that building a sound Party style and clean government is an ongoing endeavor, and the fight against corruption is likewise a never-ending journey. As a century-old party, our Party must remain ever advanced and pure, and sustain its vitality and dynamism; to this end, we must advance Party conduct and clean governance and the anti-corruption campaign without pause. Leading cadres at all levels, especially principal officials, must earnestly shoulder their political responsibility for governing the Party, maintain a clear-headed sense of vigilance as if facing an examination, stay alert to the dangers of “corrosion” and “hunting,” and uphold a rigorous tone of discipline over the long term. Guided by the principles of systemic governance and addressing both symptoms and root causes, we must rectify conduct, enforce strict discipline, and combat corruption, continuously strengthening the Party’s capacity for self-purification, self-improvement, self-renewal, and self-elevation, thus breaking free from the historical cycle of chaos and prosperity, and ensuring that the mighty vessel of socialism with Chinese characteristics sails steadily and far into the future.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized that robust political oversight must be exercised to ensure the thorough implementation of the CPC Central Committee’s major decisions and deployments. It is essential to study, understand, apply, and put into practice the Party’s innovative theories, taking the centenary of the founding of the Communist Party of China as an opportunity to guide Party members and cadres in strengthening their Party spirit and cultivating sound moral character, thereby firmly upholding their ideals and convictions and persevering in doing their own work well. We must improve the mechanisms for supervising and holding accountable the implementation of the CPC Central Committee’s major decisions and deployments, and intensify oversight and inspection of how these decisions are being carried out, particularly with regard to implementing the new development philosophy, forging a new development pattern, and promoting high-quality development. Party members and cadres must fortify their ideological defenses, constantly exercise self‑respect, self‑reflection, self‑caution, and self‑encouragement, and remain prudent in all matters—whether in solitude, in minor details, at the outset, or in the final stages—so as to become individuals of clear understanding who are steadfast in their political convictions and scrupulous in observing rules and discipline.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that we must unswervingly advance the fight against corruption, continuously striving to achieve the strategic goal of simultaneously ensuring that no one dares to be corrupt, no one can be corrupt, and no one wants to be corrupt. We must integrate efforts to rectify conduct, enforce discipline, and combat corruption with deepening reform, improving systems, and enhancing governance; make full use of the “four forms” of disciplinary action; and comprehensively leverage their deterrent, punitive, rehabilitative, and educational functions. We must continue to hold financial management departments, regulatory agencies, and local Party committees and governments firmly accountable for their principal responsibilities, ensure seamless coordination between anti-corruption work in the financial sector and the handling of financial risks, and strengthen oversight and internal governance in the financial field. Anti-corruption measures should be planned, deployed, and implemented in tandem with reform initiatives, advancing reforms to oversight mechanisms in key areas and addressing institutional weaknesses in a targeted manner. Leading cadres at all levels must take the lead in observing Party discipline and state laws, consciously oppose notions and practices of privilege, set an example in maintaining integrity within their families, and exercise strict oversight over their relatives, children, and staff. Party committees at all levels should intensify verification of leading cadres’ reports on personal matters.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized the need to relentlessly address the “Four Undesirables,” resolutely preventing formalism and bureaucratism from taking root and spreading. We must deepen education on the Party’s fine traditions and work style, improve the long-term mechanism for strengthening conduct, carry forward these cherished traditions into the new journey, and promote a sound work style in the new era. We must uphold comprehensive and rigorous governance, maintaining strict standards to the very end, striking hard at any emerging unhealthy tendencies—such as using public funds for lavish dining and food waste—and repeatedly reinforcing discipline. With regard to formalism and bureaucratism, we must show no compromise, conduct thorough reviews, target specific problems for rectification, continue to lighten burdens and streamline procedures at the grassroots level, foster a personnel orientation that values pragmatism and tangible results, and urge the entire Party to shoulder responsibilities, take initiative, and strive to accomplish practical tasks.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that we must continue to address corruption and misconduct close to the people, ensuring that the public gains a stronger sense of fulfillment from the anti-corruption campaign targeting petty corruption. We must resolutely tackle disciplinary and legal violations within the political and legal sectors, striving to ensure that the people experience fairness and justice in every judicial case. We should institutionalize efforts to eradicate organized crime and evil forces, firmly cracking down on criminal gangs and their “protective umbrellas,” and never allowing them to once again inflict harm on the populace. We must closely monitor the implementation of the CPC Central Committee’s policies aimed at improving people’s livelihoods, promoting common prosperity, and addressing issues of inequality, continuing to rectify corruption and unhealthy practices in education, healthcare, elderly care, social security, poverty alleviation, and environmental protection, thereby effectively resolving the urgent, difficult, and pressing concerns of the people and enabling them to feel the benefits of fairness and justice.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized the need to improve the Party and state oversight system, integrating oversight into the development efforts outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan. Oversight must be embedded throughout the entire process of the Party’s leadership over economic and social development, with the refinement of mechanisms for exercising power and ensuring checks and balances serving as a foundational pillar for implementing the plan, thereby establishing a comprehensive accountability and oversight framework. Party committees (leading Party groups) must assume their principal responsibility; secretaries, as the primary persons accountable, must dare to take charge and manage matters earnestly. Disciplinary inspection and supervisory organs should focus on key individuals and critical issues. The Party and state oversight system must be further strengthened, with intra‑Party oversight playing the leading role, continuously improving systems for overseeing the exercise of power and for disciplinary and law‑enforcement work, while ensuring that various forms of oversight are coordinated and seamlessly integrated to forge a sustained, effective synergy. Moreover, the role of oversight in grassroots governance must be fully leveraged, ensuring that oversight is effectively implemented and enabling the public to participate actively in the oversight process.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that disciplinary inspection and supervision organs must take the lead in strengthening the Party’s political development, firmly safeguard the authority of the CPC Central Committee and the unity of the Party, and, in light of the overarching goal of modernization, fulfill their roles in oversight, ensuring implementation, and promoting improvement and development—keeping their responsibilities firmly in mind, shouldering them with resolve, and putting them into practice. Party committees at all levels must strengthen their leadership over disciplinary inspection and supervision work, assume responsibility for coordinating the training, selection, and appointment of cadres in these fields, and select and appoint the best talent to build a strong contingent of disciplinary inspection and supervision personnel. Disciplinary inspection and supervision organs must subject themselves to the strictest constraints and oversight, intensify rigorous management and self‑purification, and, addressing weak links in their mechanisms for exercising power and in their systems of management and oversight, tighten and reinforce institutional safeguards to resolutely prevent any lapses in accountability under one’s own watch. Efforts should be made to forge an iron‑clad force of discipline inspectors and supervisors—highly politically qualified, loyal, clean, responsible, professionally competent, and courageous and adept at fighting—so as to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China with outstanding achievements.

　　While presiding over the meeting, Zhao Leji pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech fully affirmed the new major achievements made in comprehensively strengthening Party self‑discipline over the past year, profoundly expounded the new circumstances and tasks facing this endeavor, and emphasized that, above all, comprehensive Party self‑discipline must be viewed from a political perspective. He called for continuously enhancing political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution; for relentlessly advancing Party conduct and integrity building as well as the fight against corruption; and for ensuring, through robust political oversight, that the goals and tasks set forth during the 14th Five‑Year Plan period are effectively implemented. The speech is of high strategic vision, profound in thought, and rich in content, serving as an important guide for deepening and advancing the cause of comprehensively strengthening Party self‑discipline. All Party organizations at every level and the vast majority of Party members and cadres must thoroughly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech, strengthen their “four consciousnesses,” firmly uphold their “four confidences,” and resolutely safeguard the “two upholds.” They must earnestly carry out the arrangements adopted at the plenary session, maintain a consistently stringent tone, and continue to advance the strategic goal of simultaneously ensuring that no one dares to be corrupt, no one can be corrupt, and no one wants to be corrupt.

　　Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, relevant leading officials of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress, State Councilors, the President of the Supreme People’s Court, the Procurator-General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate, relevant leading officials of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, as well as members of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting.

　　Members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, principal officials of various departments of the CPC Central Committee and state organs, heads of relevant people’s organizations, and leading officials of relevant military units attended the meeting. The meeting was held via videoconference, with sub-venues set up in all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and relevant military units.

　　The Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China opened in Beijing on January 22. The session was chaired by the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. On the afternoon of the 22nd, Zhao Leji, on behalf of the Standing Committee, delivered a work report titled “Promoting High-Quality Development of Discipline Inspection and Supervision in the New Era, and Celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China with Outstanding Achievements.”

Source: Xinhua News Agency