How was the CCP Constitution Revised and What are the Revisions? - New Politburo's First Study Session
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Thursday, October 27, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: Today the full revised constitution of the CCP is published along with a long piece on the recent amendment during the 20th Party Congress. The full English text of the constitution is available here. Let’s begin with the article on the amendment. But before I get to the piece, there’s one important difference to highlight. The resolution to amend the constitution that was adopted is different from the actual text of the changes in the constitution. For instance, the Two Establishments framing does not find its way into the constitution as obligations for Party members, but the Two Safeguards/Upholds does.
Anyway, the article informs that at the Congress, the Party:
“unanimously agreed to include the new developments of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era since the 19th Party Congress into the Party constitution;
agreed to include the original aspiration of the Party, the great achievements of the Party’s century-long struggle and historical experience into Party constitution;
agreed to include the goal of building a comprehensively modern socialist country and comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernisation into Party constitution;
agreed to include the major theoretical viewpoints and strategic ideas established in the report of the 20th Party Congress into Party constitution;
agreed to include into the Party constitution the new experiences of the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core in upholding the overall leadership of the Party and strengthening Party building since the 19th Party Congress.”
大会一致同意把党的十九大以来习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想新发展写入党章；一致同意把党的初心使命、党的百年奋斗重大成就和历史经验的内容写入党章；一致同意把全面建设社会主义现代化国家、以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的奋斗目标写入党章；一致同意把党的二十大报告确立的重大理论观点和重大战略思想写入党章；一致同意把党的十九大以来以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚持党的全面领导、加强党的建设的新鲜经验写入党章.
The article informs that this is the ninth time that the CCP’s constitution has been revised since the new constitution was adopted in 1982. In terms of the process this time, the first notice to seek opinions was issued in January 2022. On May 27, Xi Jinping presided over a Politburo meeting, which made the decision to revise the constitution and established a team for that purpose. This team would work under the leadership of the PBSC. 在深入调研论证的基础上，5月27日，习近平总书记主持召开中央政治局会议。会议从党的事业和党的建设大局出发，作出党的二十大对党章进行适当修改的重大决定，并成立党章修改小组，在中央政治局常委会领导下工作. The first plenary session of this team to revise the constitution was held on May 30.
The piece then talks about what are the key changes that have been made and why they were necessary:
First, the revision was necessary for “in-depth study and implementation of the Party’s innovative theory.” This basically says that “the new developments of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era since the 19th Party Congress has been written into the Party Constitution. This will help the whole Party to strengthen the ideological, political, and action consciousness of studying and implementing the Party’s innovative theory. It is necessary to implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era in all aspects of the work of the Party and the country, so that this thought can radiates with a stronger power of truth and great power of practice.” 把党的十九大以来习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想新发展写入党章，有利于全党增强学习贯彻党的创新理论的思想自觉、政治自觉、行动自觉，把习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想贯彻落实到党和国家工作各方面全过程，让这一思想彰显出更加强大的真理力量和实践伟力.
Second, revisions were necessary to advance the development of the Party and the country. The basic point being made is that China has entered a new development stage and the inclusion of the “new concepts, new ideas and new strategies of the Party Central Committee in governing the country in the Party constitution will enable comrades across the Party to accurately grasp the new requirements in the development of the cause of the party and the country in the new era and on the new journey…” 及时在党章中体现党中央治国理政新理念新思想新战略，有利于全党同志准确把握新时代新征程党和国家事业发展新要求，进一步坚定信心、锐意进取，不断夺取全面建设社会主义现代化国家新胜利.
Third, the revisions were needed to further Party building in the new era. This talks about incorporating the idea of self-revolution and strict Party governance in the constitution in order to ensure that the Party maintains “sobriety and determination” to solve its unique problems.
Fourth, the revisions were necessary to reflect the spirit of the 20th Party Congress. This refers to the political, economic and governance vision outlined in Xi’s report to the Congress.
The next section of the article talks about Xi’s oversight over the process of amending the constitution. It says that he was very hands-on from the beginning to the end and presided over 11 central work meetings to study the revision work and review the relevant documents. 习近平总书记高度重视、亲力亲为，自始至终关心指导，多次作出重要指示、提出明确要求，先后11次主持召开中央相关工作会议，研究党章修改工作、审议党章修改相关文件.
On September 7 and 9, he presided over a PBSC and Politburo meeting, respectively, to review the amendments (the draft resolution) to the party constitution. The Politburo meeting approved the draft amendment, which was then submitted to the 7th Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China. 9月7日、9日，习近平总书记先后主持召开中央政治局常委会会议、中央政治局会议审议党章修正案（讨论稿），强调要根据会议审议意见抓紧修改好相关文件，要求在提请党的十九届七中全会审议前，对各地区各部门反馈的意见再研究再吸收，在提法表述上作认真打磨，做到思想观点准确、新增内容稳妥、文字语意精准。中央政治局会议研究并通过了拟提请党的十九届七中全会讨论的党章修正案稿.
During the 7th Plenary of the 19th Central Committee, the PBSC reviewed the draft based on the opinions and suggestions of the plenary meeting. Here, Xi put forward clear requirements for further improving the revisions to the Party constitution. Then at the 20th Congress, Xi presided over the first meeting of the presidium of the 20th National Congress. At this meeting, he listened to a report on the revision of the Party Constitution, and made important instructions. 党的十九届七中全会期间，10月11日晚，中央政治局常委会会议对根据全会意见和建议作出修改后的党章修正案稿进行审议，习近平总书记对进一步做好党章修改工作提出明确要求。党的二十大期间，党章修正案稿吸收与会代表提出的意见和建议，作了进一步修改完善。10月19日晚，习近平总书记主持召开大会主席团常务委员会第一次会议，听取党章修正案修改情况汇报，并作出重要指示.
After this, the piece talks about the process for soliciting opinions that was carried out. I am summarising a lot of text, so not sharing the Chinese version. But if you do find the the need for corrections, please do let me know.
On May 27, the Party Central Committee issued a notice soliciting opinions to various regions and departments on the revision of the Party Constitution.
In mid-June, various regions and departments submitted 108 written reports, unanimously in favour of making appropriate revisions to the current party constitution and maintaining the overall stability of the party constitution, fully agreeing with the revision principles determined by the Party Central Committee, and putting forward a total of 1929 revision opinions and suggestions.
On August 4, the CPC Central Committee issued the draft of the Constitution of the Communist Party of China (Amendment) together with the draft of the report of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and distributed it to all regions and departments.
In late August, various regions and departments submitted 108 written reports to the Party Central Committee, unanimously in favour of the revisions made in the draft for the revision of the Party Constitution.
On the basis of the opinions received, a resolution for the revision of the Party Constitution was put forward. 48 revisions were made to the Party Constitution, reflecting 1,447 opinions.
This was then sent back to various localities and departments, and then six changes were made to the draft resolution amending the Party constitution based on the feedback.
Anyway, the key point is that finally what was cleared were 50 amendments, including 37 amendments to the General Program of the constitution and 13 amendments to the specific articles. These changes, the article argues:
Fully reflect the new achievements of the modernisation of Marxism in China.
Fully reflect the new requirements of strengthening historical self-confidence and enhancing historical initiative.
Fully reflect the new measures of upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era
Fully reflect the new experience of adhering to the overall leadership of the party and promoting Party building
Why revise the constitution?
After a fair amount of praise for Xi Jinping, the official basically says that:
“during the process of soliciting opinions from the CPC Central Committee on the report of the 20th Party Congress, all localities and departments unanimously suggested that Party constitution should be appropriately revised, the new development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era since the 19th Party Congress should be written into constitution, new concepts, new ideas and new strategies for the governance of the country proposed by the Party Central Committee since the 19th Congress into the party constitution, and a series of major innovations and effective successful experiences of the CPC Central Committee in promoting the comprehensive and strict governance of the party since the 19th Party Congress should be written into constitution It can be said that revising party constitution was needed in order to thoroughly study and implement the Party’s innovative theory, to promote the further development of the Party and the country, to further promote the new great project of Party building in the new era, and to implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress.” 在党中央就党的二十大报告议题征求意见过程中，各地区各部门一致建议，对党章进行适当修改，把党的十九大以来习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想新发展写入党章，把党的十九大以来党中央提出的治国理政新理念新思想新战略写入党章，把党的十九大以来党中央推动全面从严治党向纵深发展一系列重大创新成果和行之有效的成功经验写入党章。可以说，修改党章是深入学习贯彻党的创新理论的需要，是推进党和国家事业发展的需要，是深入推进新时代党的建设新的伟大工程的需要，是贯彻落实党的二十大精神的需要.
He added that: “Embodying the important contents of the report of the 20th Party Congress in the Party constitution and making it the code of conduct and fundamental guideline for the whole Party is conducive to organically combining the study of party constitution and the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and promoting the implementation of the spirit of the 20th Party Congress.” 在党章中体现党的二十大报告的重要内容，使之成为全党的行为规范和根本遵循，有利于把学习党章与学习党的二十大精神有机结合起来，推动党的二十大精神贯彻落实.
And of course, the revision was required for the constitution to “fully reflect the latest achievements in the modernisation of Marxism in China.
What are the main features of the revisions?
This was more about the process of revisions, which I’ve covered above.
How to understand the significance of the amendment to the Party Constitution to enrich and improve the scientific connotation and historical orientation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era?
This talks about how Xi has with “extraordinary theoretical courage, outstanding political wisdom and strong sense of mission of a Marxist politician, thinker and strategist” “provided profound thinking and scientific assessment on a series of major theoretical and practical issues related to the development of the Party and the country in the new era, and put forward a series of original new concepts, ideas and strategies for governing the country, writing a new chapter in the sinicization of Marxism.” 党的十九大以来，习近平总书记以马克思主义政治家、思想家、战略家的非凡理论勇气、卓越政治智慧、强烈使命担当，对关系新时代党和国家事业发展的一系列重大理论和实践问题进行了深邃思考和科学判断，提出一系列原创性的治国理政新理念新思想新战略，谱写了马克思主义中国化时代化新篇章.
The changes in this regard are reflected in the 8th natural paragraph in the General Program section of the constitution.
He adds: “In the process of soliciting opinions on the revision of the party constitution, all regions and departments unanimously suggested that the new development of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China should be written into the party constitution to better reflect the progress of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. It is a major contribution to the party's theoretical innovation, practical innovation and institutional innovation…Making these revisions is conducive to promoting the unity of will and action across the whole Party, in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and better exerting the fundamental guiding role of this scientific theory. The whole party must deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and implement this thought throughout the entire process of the party’s and the state’s work.” 在这次党章修改征求意见过程中，各地区各部门一致建议，将党的十九大以来习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想新发展写入党章，更好反映以习近平同志为核心的党中央推进党的理论创新、实践创新、制度创新的重大贡献... 作这些修改，有利于推动全党统一意志、统一行动，深入学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，更好发挥这一科学理论的根本指导作用。全党必须深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，把这一思想贯彻落实到党和国家工作各方面全过程.
Why did the revision to the party constitution add the content regarding the major achievements and historical experience of the party's century-long struggle?
The changes in this regard are in the 9th natural paragraph of the General Program. “Adding these contents will help inspire the whole Party to strengthen its historical self-confidence, strengthen its historical initiative, adhere to its original mission, inherit the red genes, grasp the historical characteristics of the new great struggle, and unite and lead the people of all ethnic groups across the country to win new victories in socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.” 党章修正案在总纲第九自然段坚定道路自信、理论自信、制度自信、文化自信后，增写发扬斗争精神，增强斗争本领的内容。增写这些内容，有利于激励全党坚定历史自信、增强历史主动，坚守初心使命、传承红色基因，把握新的伟大斗争的历史特点，团结带领全国各族人民夺取新时代中国特色社会主义新胜利.
This question is about the goals that are included in the constitution. The response talks about the changes to the 24th natural paragraph, which deals with the second centennial goal and the Chinese dream of great national rejuvenation. The paragraph details what is needed for this. This is at the end of Page 12, if you are reading the English version.
What changes have been made with regard to the content related to the primary stage of socialism?
In the 10th natural paragraph, content related to Chinese-style modernisation was added. If you are reading the English version, this is on Pages 5 and 6. The answer says that language regarding the basic socialist economic system was adjusted to say that:
“The Party must uphold and improve the basic economic systems including the system under which public ownership is the mainstay and diverse forms of ownership develop together, a system under which distribution according to work is the mainstay while multiple forms of distribution exist alongside it, and the socialist market economy. It must encourage some areas and some people to become well-off first, gradually realize the goal of common prosperity for all, and on the basis of developing production and social wealth, keep meeting the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life and promote people’s well-rounded development. Development is the Party’s top priority in governing and rejuvenating the country. The Party must commit to a people-centered philosophy of development. It should have an accurate understanding of this new stage of development, apply a new philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development, accelerate efforts to foster a new pattern of development that is focused on the domestic economy and features positive interplay between domestic and international economic flows, and pursue high-quality development. The general starting point and criteria for judging each item of the Party’s work are that it must benefit the development of the socialist productive forces, be conducive to increasing socialist China’s overall strength, and help to improve the people’s living standards. The Party must respect labor, knowledge, talent, and creativity and ensure that development is for the people and relies on the people, and that its fruits are shared among the people. In accordance with the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, the Party must promote coordinated economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological advancement, and coordinate efforts to build a modern socialist country in all respects, comprehensively deepen reform, fully advance the law-based governance of China, and strengthen Party self-governance in every respect. On the new journey in the new era, the strategic 7 objectives of economic and social development are to basically realize socialist modernization by 2035 and build China into a great modern socialist country by the middle of this century.”
I wasn’t interested in the next question; so I am jumping to the 8th, which is about national defence and army building, the united front, and diplomatic work.
The response is that relevant paragraphs of the General Program have been revised in accordance with the important ideological views of General Secretary Xi Jinping on national defence and army building, the united front, and diplomatic work since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.
With regard to the army, this is the bit that has been revised from what was earlier there: “strengthen the development of the People’s Liberation Army by enhancing its political loyalty, strengthening the military through reform, science and technology, personnel training, and running the military in accordance with the law; build people’s forces that obey the Party’s command, can fight and win, and maintain excellent conduct; elevate our people’s armed forces to world-class standards.”
In terms of diplomacy, the revision is around this sentence: ”resolutely oppose and deter separatists seeking ‘Taiwan independence’, and achieve the reunification of the motherland by fully, faithfully, and resolutely implementing the policy of One Country, Two Systems.” Also what’s been added is content around “humanity’s shared values of peace, development, fairness, justice, democracy, and freedom” and this bit: “advance the building of an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity.”
The next question is about changes related to Party building.
The answer here is about the six specific points that have been discussed in the constitution.
Adherence to the Party’s basic line.
Commitment to emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, advancing with the times, and being realistic and pragmatic
Adherence to the Party’s organizational line for the new era: “The Party must fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; focus on improving the organizational system to train high-caliber officials who are loyal to the Party, clean, and responsible and to bring together talented people from all fields who are patriotic and dedicated; and select officials on the basis of both moral integrity and ability, with greater weight given to integrity, and on the basis of merit, so as to provide a strong organizational guarantee for upholding and strengthening overall leadership of the Party and upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics.”
Dedication to wholeheartedly serving the people
Resolve in upholding democratic centralism
Firmness in exercising strict self-supervision and self-governance
The next question is about the changes related to the content around the Party's leadership. This is the change apparently: “The Party is the highest force for political leadership. It exercises overall leadership over all areas of endeavor in every part of the country.”
What obligations do the revisions impose on party members and party cadres.
The answer is “studying the history of the Party, strengthening four consciousnesses and four self-confidences and achieving Two safeguards. This, the official says, is important for cadres to “deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthen their ideals and beliefs, keep in mind the original mission, and maintain alignment with the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core in thought, politics and action.” 答：根据习近平总书记对党员提出的新要求，在党员一章，党章修正案对党员义务进行了完善，增写学习党的历史，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”的内容。作这样的充实，对于引导广大党员经常对照党章规定和要求，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，始终坚定理想信念、牢记初心使命，在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致，更加积极地奋进新征程、建功新时代，具有重要意义.
Finally, with regard to the discipline system, do check out articles 40, 45 and 46, where minor changes have been made.
The other top story on the page is about the first group study session of the new Politburo, which Xi chaired. Xi basically called for “fully studying, understanding and implementing the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC to strive for new successes in building a modern socialist country in all respects.”
Xinhua reports that “Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi shared their thoughts on the guiding principles. Noting that the 20th National Congress of the CPC has charted the course and provided the fundamental guidelines for the endeavors of the Party and the country on the new journey in the new era, they expressed their resolution to firmly uphold Xi's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, as well as uphold the authority and centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core.”
The also said that “it is necessary to profoundly understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, keep in mind 国之大者, strengthen the four consciousnesses and four self-confidences and achieve two safeguards; with high-spirits and a pragmatic work style, we will implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress and strive to create a new situation for the development of the Party and the country on the new journey.” 我们要坚决维护习近平总书记党中央的核心、全党的核心地位，维护以习近平同志为核心的党中央权威和集中统一领导。要深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，牢记“国之大者”，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，以昂扬的精神状态、务实的工作作风贯彻落实党的二十大精神，努力在新征程上开创党和国家事业发展新局面.
Xinhua English then offers a summary of Xi’s remarks:
“In his address to the study session, Xi said that studying, publicizing and implementing the guiding principles of the Party's 20th National Congress is and will continue to be a top political task for the whole Party and the entire country. Stressing efforts in studying the guiding principles, Xi called for an in-depth understanding of the historical, theoretical and practical logic of the fundamental policies and strategic arrangements laid out by the 20th CPC National Congress for the cause of the Party and the country. A comprehensive understanding of the worldview and methodology of the Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as well as its underlying stances, viewpoints and methods was demanded. The profound connotation and significance of the great changes taking place in the past decade of the new era should be fully understood, Xi added. He also demanded a full understanding of the Chinese characteristics and essential requirements of Chinese modernization and the key principles that must be firmly adhered to, and of the strategic plans rolled out at the 20th CPC National Congress. Stressing full implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, Xi urged concrete efforts with clear timetables and roadmaps to forge ahead in a down-to-earth manner. The members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead in upholding the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, Xi noted, urging them to carry forward the fighting spirit and bear the courage to overcome various difficulties.”
In the PD report, there’s this bit where Xi is basically telling leading cadres to read the original text of the report and understand the changes that have taken place since the 18th and 19th Congresses. He talks about the need for enhanced and vivid understanding rather than “just memorising some concepts and formulations.” 领导干部要原原本本学习报告，同时要把学习大会报告同学习大会系列讲话和相关文件结合起来，同学习党的十八大报告、十九大报告精神结合起来，联系着学。新时代以来，党的理论创新和实践创新是十分生动的，我们的学习也应该是生动的，不能仅停留在记住一些概念和提法.
He further adds:
“It is necessary to fully grasp the profound connotation and significance of the great changes in the new era in the past 10 years, deeply feel the profound influence of these great changes on the Party, the Chinese people, the process of socialist modernisation and the development of scientific socialism in China in the 21st century, and deeply understand that we must adhere to the Party’s innovative theory, strategic layout and strategic measures in the new era, and strengthen our strategic self-confidence. It is necessary to fully grasp the Chinese characteristics, essential requirements and important principles of Chinese-style modernisation, deeply understand the relationship between Chinese modernisation theory and the strategic layout of building a comprehensively modern socialist country, and realise that the former is the theoretical support of the latter, so as to deeply understand the scientificity and inevitability of the strategic layout of building a socialist comprehensively modern socialist country. It is necessary to fully grasp the strategic arrangements made by the 20th Party Congress, closely link with the new strategic opportunities, new strategic tasks, new strategic stages, new strategic requirements and new strategic environment facing China’s development, deeply understand the arduousness and complexity of realising the goals and tasks of building a comprehensively modern socialist country, and enhance the consciousness of and determination for implementation.” 要全面把握新时代10年伟大变革的深刻内涵和重大意义，深刻感悟这些伟大变革对党、对中国人民、对社会主义现代化建设、对科学社会主义在21世纪中国的发展的深远影响，深刻领会在新时代新征程上必须坚持新时代党的创新理论和战略布局、战略举措不动摇，坚定战略自信。要全面把握中国式现代化的中国特色、本质要求和必须牢牢把握的重大原则，深刻理解中国式现代化理论和全面建设社会主义现代化国家战略布局的关系，认识到前者是后者的理论支撑，从而深刻理解全面建设社会主义现代化国家战略布局的科学性和必然性。要全面把握党的二十大作出的各项战略部署，紧密联系我国发展面临的新的战略机遇、新的战略任务、新的战略阶段、新的战略要求、新的战略环境，深刻认识实现全面建设社会主义现代化国家各项目标任务的艰巨性和复杂性，增强贯彻落实的自觉性和坚定性.
He then warned against empty talk and called for implementation action, and cautioned that if one does not focus on implementation then the best of plans are like building castles in the air. 习近平强调，学习贯彻党的二十大精神，要在全面落实上下功夫。空谈误国、实干兴邦，一分部署、九分落实。不注重抓落实，不认真抓好落实，再好的规划和部署都会沦为空中楼阁. In terms of implementation, he called for comrades in the Politburo to take the lead and act quickly to make arrangements for studying and implementing the work outlined at the 20th Congress in the areas that they are in charge of or where they are in charge. 政治局的同志要带头真抓实干，就分管的领域或主政的地方学习贯彻党的二十大精神工作作出部署，抓紧行动起来.
He added: The goals and tasks set by the 20th Party Congress are short-term, medium-term and long-term. We should prioritise, advance comprehensively and highlight key points. We should not only pay close attention to the present, but also focus on the long-term, and do more things to lay the foundation and benefit the long-term, prevent the practice of formalism and bureaucracy. All localities and departments should, in light of their own realities, transform the strategic deployment put forward by the CPC Central Committee into their own tasks.” 党的二十大确定的目标任务有近期的，有中期的，也有长期的，要分清轻重缓急，既要全面推进，又要突出重点；既要狠抓当前，又要着眼长远，多办打基础、利长远的事，防止搞形式主义、官僚主义。各地区各部门要结合自身实际，把党中央提出的战略部署转化为本地区本部门的工作任务。
Next, there’s a front page commentary talking about the “three musts/imperatives” 三个务必. These are about being modest, prudent and working hard; keeping the original mission in mind; and daring to struggle and being good at struggle.
The article describes the 20th Party Congress report as a “Marxist programmatic document” and says that “efforts should be made to comprehensively study, grasp and implement, deeply understand the historical logic, theoretical logic and practical logic of the general policy and strategic plan of the 20th CPC National Congress on the development of the cause of the party and the state, firmly grasp the great significance of the past five years' work and the great changes in the first decade of the new era; firmly grasp the global outlook and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, firmly grasp the mission and task of comprehensively promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with Chinese-style modernisation…”要在全面学习、全面把握、全面落实上下功夫，深刻领悟党的二十大关于党和国家事业发展大政方针和战略部署的历史逻辑、理论逻辑、实践逻辑，牢牢把握过去五年工作和新时代十年伟大变革的重大意义，牢牢把握习近新时代中国特色社会主义思想的世界观和方法论，牢牢把握以中国式现代化全面推进中华民族伟大复兴的使命任务，牢牢把握以伟大自我革命引领伟大社会革命的重要要求，牢牢把握团结奋斗的时代要求，自觉用党的二十大精神统一思想和行动，心往一处想、劲往一处使，坚定不移把党的二十大提出的目标任务落到实处，奋力夺取全面建设社会主义现代化国家新胜利.
The article reiterates the point about cadres needing to be good at struggle and being prepared for struggle, rather than engaging in empty talk. It further adds that “on the way forward, we should closely focus on the mission of the Communist Party of China in the new era and the new journey, keep in mind the fundamental question of what the Communist Party of China is and what it wants to do, strengthen our ideals and beliefs, stick to our initial mission, adhere to the people-centred development philosophy, and strive to achieve the goals that have been set through unrelenting determination in order to ensure that the fruits of modernisation benefit all our people in a more equitable manner.” 前进道路上，我们要紧紧围绕新时代新征程中国共产党的使命任务，牢记中国共产党是什么、要干什么这个根本问题，坚定理想信念，坚守初心使命，坚持以人民为中心的发展思想，以咬定青山不放松的执着奋力实现既定目标，让现代化建设成果更多更公平惠及全体人民.
The article adds that the “great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process.” But it cautions that while accomplishing the historic task of poverty alleviation, building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieving the first centennial goal are crucial steps toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, it is important to not become complacent and stand still. Building a comprehensively modern socialist country is a great and arduous undertaking with a bright future and a long way to go. Faced with a more glorious mission and a more arduous task, the whole Party must continue to be modest, prudent and hard-working, manage our own affairs well, and answer the questions of the new era with sobriety and determination.党的十八大以来，以习近平同志为核心的党中央团结带领全党全国各族人民自信自强、守正创新、艰苦奋斗，创造了新时代中国特色社会主义的伟大成就，实现中华民族伟大复兴进入了不可逆转的历史进程。同时我们清醒认识到，完成脱贫攻坚、全面建成小康社会的历史任务，实现第一个百年奋斗目标，这只是迈向中华民族伟大复兴的关键一步，我们决不能骄傲自满、止步不前；全面建设社会主义现代化国家，是一项伟大而艰巨的事业，前途光明，任重道远。面对更加光荣的使命、更加艰巨的任务，全党必须继续谦虚谨慎、艰苦奋斗，全力办好自己的事，以“赶考”的清醒和坚定答好新时代的答卷.
The next paragraph again emphasises the importance of struggle and the need to strengthen the sense of urgency, adhere to the bottom-line thinking, carry forward the spirit of struggle, strengthen ambition, backbone and confidence, etc.
The paragraph after this reiterates the importance of the three imperatives and what they imply for maintaining historical confidence. It says: “Over the past 100 years, irrespective of the changes in the situations and tasks, irrespective of the kind of storms we encountered, our Party has always seized the historical initiative, anchored the goal of struggle, and moved forward firmly in the right direction.” 百年来，不管形势和任务如何变化，不管遇到什么样的狂风暴雨，我们党都始终把握历史主动、锚定奋斗目标，沿着正确方向坚定前行.
Practice tells us that having the guidance of Marxist scientific theory is the foundation of our party's firm belief and grasp of historical initiative, it adds.实践告诉我们，拥有马克思主义科学理论指导是我们党坚定信仰信念、把握历史主动的根本所在. It also describes the Two Establishments as the “major political achievement of the Party in the new era, and the decisive factor in ensuring that the cause of the Party and the country has made historic achievements and undergone historic changes.” “两个确立”是党在新时代取得的重大政治成果，是推动党和国家事业取得历史性成就、发生历史性变革的决定性因素. And flowing from this logic, the piece reiterates the 4-4-2 formulation and calls for closer alignment with the Central Committee with Xi Jinping as the core in thought, politics and action.
Next, there’s a report about Li Keqiang congratulating the new British PM Rishi Sunak. Two other key reports on the page to note.
Li Xi chaired the first meeting of the Standing Committee of the 20th CPC CCDI and a meeting of the CPC CCDI and the National Commission of Supervision. He talked about the importance of the Two Establishments and the 4-4-2 formulation. Xinhua English summarises his comments well.
“Disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies should fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, said Li…It will be the primary political task for the present and for some time to come for the whole Party to study, publicize and implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, he said. The CCDI, NCS and disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies of all levels should equip themselves with a better understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, he said. Li asked disciplinary inspection and supervision agencies to firmly safeguard the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, take coordinated steps to see that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to become corrupt, and win the tough and protracted battle against corruption. He also told them to conduct concrete, targeted and regular political oversight so as to ensure that the strategic plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress will be implemented.
Then, there’s a report on the NPCSC’s 37th session in Beijing. Xinhua English reports:
“The agenda of the session's first plenary meeting was to study and implement the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Li Shulei, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, delivered a report at the meeting. Li Zhanshu urged efforts to maintain a high degree of unity with the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core ideologically, politically and in action, and to gain an in-depth understanding of the major political outcomes achieved by the 20th CPC National Congress. Efforts should be made to fully grasp the Party's central tasks on the new journey in the new era and ensure the sound implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, said Li Zhanshu. He also called for efforts to uphold the exercise of law-based governance on all fronts, develop whole-process people's democracy, and give better play to the important role of the system of people's congress in state governance.”
In the PD report, Li Zhanshu says that “to study and implement the spirit of the 20th Party Congress, we must thoroughly understand the original thinking and its spiritual essence, deeply understand the decisive significance of the Two Establishments, strengthen the four consciousness and four self-confidences, and achieve Two Safeguards; we must consciously maintain a high degree of alignment with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core in terms of thought, politics and action.” 栗战书说，学习贯彻党的二十大精神，要吃透原文思想，领会精神实质，深刻领悟“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”，自觉在思想上政治上行动上同以习近平同志为核心的党中央保持高度一致.
He also talked about Xi’s re-election as General Secretary reflecting the “heartfelt love and firm support of more than 96 million Party members”
Page 5: A couple of reports to note. First, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif will pay an official visit to China from November 1. He is the first head of government who is visiting after the Party Congress.
Second, Wang Yi met with ASEAN diplomatic envoys. Xinhua reports that Wang “highlighted the epoch-making significance and great achievements of the 20th National Congress of the CPC. ‘With General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping continuing to steer the course and the correct guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we will surely achieve the development strategy and goals set by the 20th National Congress of the CPC,’ he said. The Chinese path to modernization will bring significant opportunities and benefits to all countries in the world, and China is willing to march toward modernization together with ASEAN countries, Wang said.”
Page 10: I am not doing detailed breakdowns of the articles on the theory page. I think I have struggled enough for the day.
But the lead piece is by Zhang Anmin on grasping the global outlook and methodology of Xi’s thought. At one point in the piece, he basically talks about using the thought to cast souls. This is the key point apart from all the slogans. As the article says: “Arming the whole Party with the Party’s innovative theory is the fundamental task of the Party’s ideological construction.” In other words, what’s needed is to build true believers.
Later the piece makes the point about cadres needing to be good at fighting and daring to struggle because there will be complex risks and challenges ahead and even unimaginable stormy waves. Regardless of the position they are in or what kind of work they do, Party members must focus on tempering the character of being brave and good at fighting. Strengthen the will to fight, strengthen the ambition, backbone and confidence; do not fear pressure or challenges, and advance in spite of difficulties and face them; grasp the direction of struggle, keep a clear head, stand firm, and fight resolutely on issues of principle, never budge and never flinch; strengthen the ability of fight, persist in strengthening the sense of urgency and maintain the unity of strategic determination, strategic judgement and tactical decision, and the unity of struggle process and actual effect in specific work…进入新时代，我们比历史上任何时期都更接近、更有信心和能力实现中华民族伟大复兴的目标。同时，前进道路上我们面临的风险考验只会越来越复杂，甚至会遇到难以想象的惊涛骇浪。广大党员干部不论在哪个岗位、做什么样的工作，都要注重淬炼敢于斗争、善于斗争的品格。坚定斗争意志，增强志气、骨气、底气，不信邪、不怕鬼、不怕压，知难而进、迎难而上；把握斗争方向，头脑特别清醒、立场特别坚定，在原则问题上坚决斗争、寸步不让、毫不退缩；增强斗争本领，在具体工作中坚持增强忧患意识和保持战略定力相统一、战略判断和战术决断相统一、斗争过程和斗争实效相统一...