Several Provisions on the Political Conduct of Party Members in Central and State Organs Outside Working Hours (Trial)

(Approved at the meeting of the CPC Central and State Organs Work Committee on May 14, 2020; promulgated by the CPC Central and State Organs Work Committee on May 20, 2020)

The central and state organs are, first and foremost, political bodies and constitute the vanguard in upholding the “Two Upholds.” All Party members in these organs must unswervingly prioritize politics, maintain even higher standards and stricter requirements in strictly observing the Party’s political discipline and norms, and, beyond working hours, further strengthen self-discipline, consciously regulate their political conduct, and truly take the lead and set an example. In accordance with the Party Constitution and relevant internal Party regulations, the following provisions are hereby formulated.

I. Uphold the bottom line in speech and conduct. We must never cross the political red line or overstep disciplinary boundaries, and exercise utmost caution in word and deed in all settings outside of work, consistently upholding political principles and observing discipline. It is prohibited to disseminate remarks that contravene the Party’s theories, guidelines, policies, or principles; to fabricate or spread statements that vilify the image of the Party and the state; to make statements that deviate from the “Two Safeguards” or engage in any form of “low‑level red” or “high‑level black”; to use information obtained in the course of duty to circulate so‑called “internal” or unverified rumors; and to accept, without authorization, interviews with the media, particularly foreign media.

II. Exercise utmost caution in online conduct. Bear in mind that the internet is not a lawless zone nor an “enclave” beyond the reach of Party discipline; online and offline activities must adhere to the same standards and requirements. Resolutely combat all words and deeds that contravene, distort, or deny the Party’s political line. It is prohibited to publish, forward, or like any remarks, articles, images, audio, or video that recklessly comment on the CPC Central Committee’s major policies or undermine the Party’s centralized unity; it is forbidden to organize or participate in online forums, groups, live broadcasts, or other platforms that oppose the Party’s basic theory, basic line, or basic strategy; it is not permitted to access or browse illegal or reactionary websites without authorization; and it is strictly prohibited to fabricate or disseminate political rumors or other false information on social media platforms such as Weibo, WeChat, and online forums.

III. Integrity and Loyalty: Be consistent in word and deed. Remain loyal and honest to the Party, act with uprightness and openness, consciously uphold our original aspiration and mission, and forever preserve the character of public servants. It is forbidden to adopt one set of conduct in public and another behind the scenes, to present one face on stage and another offstage, or to make high‑flown statements at work while privately criticizing the Party’s guidelines, policies, and the CPC Central Committee’s decisions and deployments—engaging in duplicity and hypocrisy. It is also prohibited to violate social norms and public order, to utter reckless or offensive remarks in public, to act arbitrarily, or to seek special treatment and privilege. Furthermore, it is impermissible to ignore or shirk responsibility for the legitimate demands of the people under the pretext that such matters fall outside working hours, thereby undermining the relationship between the Party and the people, as well as between officials and the masses.

IV. Observe Discipline When Participating in Activities. Uphold a firm political stance, maintain political resolve, and enhance political acuity and discernment. It is prohibited to participate in gatherings, marches, demonstrations, or other activities that oppose the Party’s theories, lines, principles, and policies; it is also prohibited to engage in feudal superstition, embrace religious beliefs, or take part in cults, or to use such activities to oppose the Party’s lines, principles, and policies. Furthermore, it is forbidden to arbitrarily listen to or watch reactionary radio and television programs from abroad, or to carry or possess reactionary books, periodicals, audio‑visual materials, electronic publications, and the like.

V. Social interactions must be guided by principles. Uphold the bottom lines in conduct, dealings, the exercise of power, and interpersonal relationships; promote clean and straightforward comradely ties, proper and respectful superior–subordinate relations, and transparent, corruption-free government–business relationships; and consciously purify one’s circles of acquaintances, social life, and personal friendships. It is prohibited to form cliques based on ties such as hometown connections, alumni associations, classmate bonds, or camaraderie from military service, or on shared experience within the same system or organization—engaging in private fraternal posturing, sycophancy, and cronyism that fosters small, exclusive groups. It is also forbidden to organize or participate in spontaneously formed hometown associations, alumni gatherings, class reunions, or fellow‑soldier clubs. Furthermore, it is not permitted to use organized dinners, social events, or other activities to “pay homage” to influential figures, establish informal networks, or curry favor with wealthy patrons, thereby facilitating the transfer of benefits or forming vested interest groups.

VI. Strict Oversight and Education to Uphold Family Values. Attach great importance to family, family education, and family traditions; exercise rigorous oversight over relatives and staff members, guiding them to firmly heed the Party’s call and follow its leadership, cultivate moral integrity, observe discipline and the law, and conduct themselves with integrity in their work. It is prohibited to neglect the education and management of relatives and close associates, to turn a blind eye to their political views, ideological stance, professional conduct, and personal lives, or to fail to address their erroneous words and actions, leaving them unchecked and unguided. It is also forbidden to tacitly approve, shield, or condone relatives and staff who, under the banner of central and state organs or by leveraging their personal connections, seek special favors or pursue private gain.

These Provisions shall be interpreted by the Work Committee of the CPC Central and State Organs, and shall enter into force as of the date of their promulgation.