BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a criticism and self-criticism meeting from December 25 to 26 on thoroughly studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and fully acting on the guiding principles of the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Centering on enforcing the spirit of the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct and advancing consistent and sustained efforts in this regard, members conducted self-examination, analysis of Party awareness, and criticism and self-criticism in light of their ideological and work realities.
Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.
Relevant departments made serious preparations for the meeting. Members of the Political Bureau held frank and sincere talks with relevant leading officials, soliciting opinions and suggestions, and drafting outlines of their presentations. During the meeting, the members first heard the report on the Political Bureau's implementation of the eight-point decision in 2025 and the report on the efforts to rectify pointless formalities to reduce burdens at the grassroots level in 2025. Then, members of the Political Bureau made a presentation one by one. Centering on the meeting theme and complying with the provisions of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on strengthening and upholding the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee and the detailed rules for the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to implement the eight-point decision, they earnestly identified problems, conducted in-depth analysis, and exchanged views frankly and sincerely, creating a serious yet lively atmosphere and achieving the expected results.
The remarks by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee focused on five key points. First, taking the lead in strengthening political loyalty and improving political competence; second, taking the lead in maintaining firm ideals and convictions, and enhancing Party consciousness; third, taking the lead in being in awe of the people, the Party organization and laws and disciplines; fourth, taking the lead in doing their work well and assuming responsibility; and fifth, taking the lead in resolutely shouldering the responsibility of governing the Party.
It was emphasized in the meeting that 2025 is an extraordinary year. Faced with severe challenges brought about by domestic and international situations, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core united and led the whole Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to work strenuously to confront the challenges head-on. All major goals for economic and social development are to be achieved successfully, and the 14th Five-Year Plan period will conclude successfully. China's economy has forged ahead against pressures, achieving new and higher-quality progress. New strides have been made in reform and opening up, people's livelihoods have been more effectively secured, and overall social stability has been maintained. These achievements have not come easily.
Members of the Political Bureau unanimously agreed that as far as these new and significant achievements are concerned, it is the leadership and guidance of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core that makes the decisive difference, and so does the sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. All Party members must thoroughly understand the decisive significance of the "Two Affirmations," strengthen awareness of the "Four Consciousnesses" and the "Four Confidences," and act on the "Two Upholds." Next year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. It is imperative to resolutely implement the decisions and plans of the Party Central Committee, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, move faster to forge a new development paradigm, and focus on promoting high-quality development. It is also essential to further deepen reform comprehensively and expand opening up, better ensure both development and security, and promote higher-quality economic growth while achieving an appropriate increase in economic output. Efforts will be made to continuously improve people's living standards, maintain social harmony and stability, and advance full and rigorous Party self-governance, striving to get the 15th Five-Year Plan off to a good start.
Xi made comments on and put forward requirements for the self-examination presentations delivered by members of the Political Bureau, and made concluding remarks. He noted that this criticism and self-criticism meeting was very productive in strengthening the cohesion and ability of the Political Bureau, and was of great significance for continuously breaking new ground in advancing Chinese modernization.
Xi stressed that since the 18th CPC National Congress, starting with the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, efforts have been made to implement the guiding principles of the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct, focusing on rectifying pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, with notable results achieved. This year, a study campaign on thoroughly implementing the eight-point decision has been launched across the Party to tackle tough issues and address prominent problems, with new and significant results achieved in further advancing the improvement of Party conduct. It is imperative to uphold the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct as an unbending rule, spare no effort to address the persistent and deep-seated problems concerning pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, and make consistent and sustained efforts in this regard. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should set an example in strengthening Party consciousness and improving Party conduct, and lead the way for the whole Party by embracing conviction, a down-to-earth attitude, a sense of responsibility and self-discipline.
Xi noted that having firm faith in Marxism and unwavering ideals and convictions is the fundamental requirement for Communists. Leading officials should stay mindful of the Party's mission and their own responsibilities, deepen theoretical studies, intensify self-reflection, and become firm Marxists. They should dedicate themselves to the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, focus their minds and efforts on realizing, safeguarding and advancing the fundamental interests of the people, and achieve results meaningful for our times. They must strengthen their political competence, firmly implement the Party's basic theory, line and policy, remain steadfast in political stance, principles and orientation, and always closely follow the Party Central Committee.
Xi stressed that Communists are materialists, and so a pragmatic spirit is an essential quality for them. It is a must for them to seek truth from facts, take a realistic and pragmatic approach, and do their work in a down-to-earth manner. Leading officials should go down to the grassroots, listen to voices from all sides, and have a clear understanding of the real situation. They should make efforts to study, strengthen analysis of the situation, and grasp essence through phenomena, so as to have a command of the way things should be done. They must take the lead in opposing pointless formalities and foster an atmosphere that values solid work and practical results.
Xi pointed out that leading officials should have a stronger sense of responsibility, do their utmost to perform their duties well, and take on heavy tasks and tackle difficult challenges within their jurisdiction. They should face up to difficulties, problems, risks, and hidden hazards, rise to challenges, and overcome obstacles. They must have strong Party spirit and uphold principles, maintain a keen sense of right and wrong, and have the courage to carry out struggle, and take a clear stance on major issues and principles.
He also emphasized that leading officials, especially senior officials, must remain sober-minded and strictly self-disciplined, always stay true to themselves, adhere to their duties, and act with constant vigilance, humility, and prudence. They must strictly observe the democratic centralism, rigorously implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct and its implementation rules, strictly abide by rules of procedure and decision-making, and consciously act in accordance with established systems and rules. They should uphold moral integrity, exercise self-restraint, and maintain personal probity, resolutely oppose privilege-seeking mentality and practices, know where to draw the lines for those around them and matters under their jurisdiction, and truly remain upright, honest, and clean in governance. ■
