Rules to Manage Leaders of Public Institutions - China-Israel Ties - Self-Revolution & Historical Confidence - America’s Worsening 'Racial Malaise'
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy from the Monday, January 24, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: Let’s begin with a story from the stories of Xi meeting with (shaking hands with) grassroots cadres. This one’s about the honorary president of the Dunhuang Research Institute Fan Jinshi’s five engagements with Xi Jinping. Of course, the key point being made is that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi has placed “the protection and utilization of historical and cultural heritage in a more prominent position.” Also, there is some discussion of the importance of the protection of historical and cultural relics, specifically focussing on the work done in Dunhuang.
Next, a new book on the history of CCP propaganda work has been published. The PD story informs that Xi Jinping not only issued instructions but was engaged in the process of manuscript preparation. It also says that leading central comrades were also engaged in the process.
The report informs that the book offers a “systematic summary of the fine traditions and valuable experience of the Party’s propaganda work, highlighting the great spirit of party building and the unique ideological and political advantages of the Party. It provides important material to promote the standardised and long-term study of Party history, as well as basic teaching material for studying the history of Party propaganda.” 系统总结党的宣传工作优良传统和宝贵经验，集中彰显了伟大建党精神和我们党独特的思想政治优势，是推进党史学习教育常态化长效化的重要读物，是学习研究.
It adds: “The book comprises 11 chapters…It contains rich historical materials, concise and vivid. It will help the whole Party and society, especially the propaganda, ideological and cultural fronts, to study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and develop a profound understanding of the decisive significance of the ‘two establishments’, further strengthen the ‘four consciousness’, the ‘four self-confidences’, achieve the ‘two safeguards’... 该书分上下卷，共11章、83节，约49万字，史料丰富、凝练生动，对于推动全党全社会特别是宣传思想文化战线深入学习贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，深刻认识“两个确立”的决定性意义，进一步增强“四个意识”、坚定“四个自信”、做到“两个维护”
Third, a report about Li Keqiang presiding over a symposium to hear their opinions on the draft government work report from people from the fields of education, science and technology, culture, health, and sports. The PD report mentions the different speakers and Li’s responses to them. Xinhua English has a good summary of all this in one paragraph:
“When exchanging with representatives from a primary school and Peking University, Li vowed to guarantee salaries for teachers in compulsory education and improve teaching conditions for schools in rural, mountainous and remote areas, as well as to better support the application of scientific and technological achievements, with micro, small, and medium tech enterprises being included in preferential policies. Li also stressed training rural doctors and promoting better diagnosis and treatment skills among primary-level hospitals to make quality medical services more accessible.”
Han Zheng, Sun Chunlan, Hu Chunhua, Liu He, Wang Yong, Xiao Jie, Zhao Kezhi and He Lifeng are mentioned in the report.
Finally, the General Office of the Central Committee has issued a set of regulations on managing leaders of public institutions. The full text, which comprises 10 chapters, is published on pages 1 and 2. The regulations, Xinhua reports, “aim to improve the mechanisms of selecting and supervising leaders of public institutions, such as those under Party committees or government organs.” I am doing a breakdown of the bits that I thought were noteworthy to the best of my ability and understanding. But there’s a fair amount in there about the process too, if you are interested.
Article 1 of the document states that these regulations are about “improve the selection and appointment mechanism and the management and supervision mechanism” with the aim of “building a contingent of high-quality and professional leading personnel across public institutions” who possess “political integrity and ability” and are “loyal, clean and responsible.” 第一条 为了加强和改进事业单位领导人员管理，健全选拔任用机制和管理监督机制，建设一支德才兼备、忠诚干净担当的高素质专业化事业单位领导人员队伍，根据有关党内法规和法律，制定本规定.
Article 2 says that these provisions shall apply to the members of the leading groups of public institutions directly under the Party Committees and governments at or above the provincial level, as well as the members of the leading groups of the standing committees of people’s congresses, CPPCC committees, commissions for discipline inspection and supervision, people’s courts, people’s procuratorates and mass organization organs at or above the provincial level. 第二条 本规定适用于省级以上党委和政府直属以及部门所属事业单位领导班子成员，省级以上人大常委会、政协、纪委监委、人民法院、人民检察院、群众团体机关所属事业单位领导班子成员.
But it adds that in instances where there are other provisions on the management of leaders of public institutions in the relevant party regulations and laws, those provisions shall prevail.
Article 3 lists the principles for the selection and appointment of individuals to public institutions.
Party leadership and supervision
The individuals should have both political integrity and ability, putting morality first, appoint people on their merit
Appoint people suited to the posts
Pay attention to practical work and responsibility, work achievements, and recognition by the masses
Graded and classified management
Democratic centralism
Acting in accordance with regulations and laws
Article 5 then talks about qualifications that individuals must possess:
First, the document talks about ideological and political qualities. It mentions having firm belief and convictions and adherence to all the key thoughts and theories of past leaders and, of course, Xi Jinping Thought; it also reiterates the 4-4-2 formulation and maintaining a high degree of alignment in terms of action, ideology and politics with the Central Committee.
The second point is about having strong organizational and leadership ability, conscientiously implementing democratic centralism, and acting in accordance with the law.
The third point is about competence, professional knowledge and understanding of the sector/industry.
The fourth point is about having a strong sense of innovation, and the ability to effectively promote important innovations in technology, management and system.
The fifth point underscores the need for a strong sense of responsibility and public welfare orientation.
The sixth point talks about appropriate exercise of powers, adherence to principles, taking the lead in practicing core socialist values, observing professional ethics, being self-disciplined, honest and clean.
After these six, the article also talks about how there are industry-specific requirements that appointees will need to keep in mind. For instance,
Leaders of propaganda ideological and cultural institutions should insist on political control over publications and maintain strong ideological positions.
Those in charge of scientific research institutions should uphold the principle of self-reliance, focussing on national needs and being at the forefront, and serving the people.
Leaders of institutions of higher learning, primary and secondary schools should conscientiously implement the party's educational policy, adhere to the socialist direction of running schools, and consciously implement the fundamental task of cultivating people by virtue.
Leaders of public hospitals should adhere to the direction of serving people’s health.
不同行业事业单位领导人员基本条件应当适应本行业特点和要求。其中，宣传思想文化系统事业单位领导人员应当坚持政治家办报办刊办台办新媒体，有强烈的意识形态阵地意识；高等学校和中小学校领导人员应当认真贯彻党的教育方针，坚持社会主义办学方向，自觉落实立德树人根本任务；科研事业单位领导人员应当坚持高水平科技自立自强的方向，坚持面向世界科技前沿、面向经济主战场、面向国家重大需求、面向人民生命健康，尊重科研工作规律，弘扬科学家精神，自觉践行创新科技、服务国家、造福人民的价值理念；公立医院领导人员应当坚持为人民健康服务的方向，有适应医院高质量发展的先进管理理念和实践经验.
The next bit offers some other qualification requirements, such as education and work experience.
Article 9 makes room for bringing in outstanding talents in fields where they may be needed, such as high-tech talents or folks needed to head institutions key to major national strategies or execution of major projects, by relaxing some of the above-mentioned criteria.
Chapter 3 of the document focuses on the process of selection and appointment, and Chapter 4 talks about term and tenure. It talks about individuals generally having a term of 3 to 5 years. It adds that “the continuous service of leaders in the same post is generally not more than 10 years.” All of this, of course, also depends on the grades of employment and also tasks, from what I gather.
Article 23 broadly says that the setting of the term of office should be in line with the requirements based on the new development stage, implementing the new development concept, building a new development pattern and promoting high-quality development; it should reflect the characteristics of different industries and different types of institutions and lay the foundation, benefiting the long-term and seeking practical results. 第二十三条 事业单位领导班子和领导人员一般应当实行任期目标责任制。任期目标的设定，应当符合立足新发展阶段、贯彻新发展理念、构建新发展格局、推动高质量发展的要求，体现不同行业、不同类型事业单位特点，注重打基础、利长远、求实效。
Article 24 says that term objectives shall be determined by the collective study of the leading bodies of the public institutions. The term of office objectives of the leading bodies shall generally be submitted to the competent authorities (departments) for approval and for the record.” 第二十四条 任期目标由事业单位领导班子集体研究确定，领导班子的任期目标一般应当报经主管机关（部门）批准或者备案. 制定任期目标时，应当充分听取单位职工代表大会或者职工代表的意见，注意体现服务对象的意见.
Chapter 5 of the document talks about assessment and evaluation. It says that there will be an annual assessment and a term of office assessment. It adds that assessment and evaluation is based on job responsibilities and term objectives, with daily management being the basis; there will be focus on political quality, performance and social benefits, and it should also highlight effectiveness in party building. 第二十五条 事业单位领导班子和领导人员的考核，主要是年度考核和任期考核，根据工作实际开展平时考核、专项考核。考核评价以岗位职责、任期目标为依据，以日常管理为基础，注重政治素质、业绩导向和社会效益，突出党建工作实效.
Article 26 says: The grades for the annual assessment and term assessment of the leading groups are excellent, good, fair and poor; the evaluation grades of individual leaders' annual assessment and tenure assessment are: excellent, qualified, basically qualified and unqualified. 领导班子年度考核和任期考核的评价等次，分为优秀、良好、一般、较差；领导人员年度考核和任期考核的评价等次，分为优秀、合格、基本合格、不合格.
The next two chapters deal with communication and incentive, and then Chapter 8 deals with supervision.
Article 39 says that the:
“focal points of supervision are: practicing the ‘two safeguards’, being loyal to the Party, and implementing the Party’s theory, line, principles and policies, the decision-making arrangements of the Party Central Committee and the decisions of higher-level Party organizations; manage affairs according to law, implement democratic centralism, perform one’s duties, take responsibility, improve work ethic and conduct, select and employ people, manage state-owned assets, and income distribution; implement the main responsibility of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party, uphold professional ethics, set an example, observe discipline, and be honest and self-disciplined.” 第三十九条 监督的重点内容是：践行“两个维护”，对党忠诚，贯彻落实党的理论和路线方针政策、党中央决策部署以及上级党组织决定情况；依法办事，执行民主集中制，履行职责，担当作为，行风建设，选人用人，国有资产管理，收入分配情况；落实全面从严治党主体责任和监督责任，职业操守，以身作则，遵守纪律，廉洁自律等情况.
Chapter 9 deals with removal. It lists the following points because of which people can be removed:
If they reach the age limit for retirement
If one is rated as below standard in the annual or term assessment; or if one is rated “basically qualified” in two consecutive assessments.
If the employment contract or employment period ends
Those under investigation will be removed
Those who are deemed a unsuitable for a post
Those who violate rules and regulations
Those who cannot perform their duties normally for more than a year due to health reasons
Those who should be removed from their present posts due to work needs or other reasons
（一）达到任职年龄界限或者退休年龄界限的；（二）年度考核、任期考核被确定为不合格的，或者连续2年年度考核被确定为基本合格的；（三）解除聘任关系（聘任合同）或者聘任期满不再续聘的；（四）受到责任追究应当免职的；（五）不适宜担任现职应当免职的；（六）因违规违纪违法应当免职的；（七）因健康原因，无法正常履行工作职责1年以上的；（八）因工作需要或者其他原因应当免去现职的.
Page 2: The above-mentioned regulations extend to the second page, and there’s also an interview with someone from the organisation department talking about the regulations. My colleague Swayamsiddha Samal has helped work out the translation of the interview.
In response to the first question about the background and need for the regulations, the person informs that there are some 800,000 public institutions in the country with more than 27 million employees. In 2015, the General Office had issued interim regulations for leaders of institutions. This was critical for the appointment, management and supervision of leaders in public institutions and promoting the construction of leaders’ contingent. Practice has proved that this was “generally feasible, and the time is ripe for timely revision and formal implementation.”
In terms of the revised regulation, he highlights the following points as objectives:
First, put the new spirit and standards into action. Completely implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, as well as the new cadre-building criteria proposed by the 19th National Congress and its plenary sessions.
Second, tie new policies and systems together. It is inextricably tied to current revisions or formulations of important policies and laws, such as organisational work regulations, cadre appointment regulations, and cadre evaluation regulations.
Absorb new information and practises. All localities and departments have researched and produced some excellent experiences and good practices in the management of public institution leaders, and have consolidated them into institutional norms following the implementation of the Interim Provisions.
Fourth, adjust to the new environment and tasks. The measures provide a strong institutional guarantee for the construction of high-quality, professional leaders of public institutions who have integrity and ability, are loyal, clean and responsible.
The next question is about the kind of cadres that are desired based on the regulation. In this, the official reiterates some of the points I’ve covered above. For instance, he emphasises the need to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, resolutely implement the party’s theory, line, principles, and policies, strengthen the ‘four consciousness’ and ‘four self-confidences,’ achieve ‘two safeguards,’ and consciously maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee. Also, they must have professional qualities, innovation awareness, and innovation abilities. Or that they must “dare to explore, dare to overcome difficulties,” etc.
The next question is about improvement in criteria for selection of cadres. He argues that:
“it is suggested that "based on the needs of career development, strengthen overall consideration, scientific planning, timely selection and matching of strengths, optimise the structure of age, speciality, experience, and other factors, and enhance the overall function of the leadership team”
On improving the selection and appointment system, he further explains that the document says:
“Generally, internal and external selection are used for selection;” it also proposes that "competition for posts, open selection, and entrusting relevant agencies to select, etc.,. So as to identify candidates based on industry characteristics and work needs.
He then highlights the exceptions made for outstanding candidates, which I’ve discussed above.
The other questions discuss other aspects of the document that I’ve covered above.
Page 3: Just one piece to note. There’s an article by China’s ambassador to Israel, Cai Run. He is writing on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral ties. Xi Jinping on Monday also exchanged congratulatory messages with Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
Cai begins by mentioning the call between the two leaders in November last year. He then says that:
“Both the Chinese nation and the Jewish nation have a long history and splendid civilisation. The friendly exchanges between the two sides have a long history, leaving behind many touching stories worth remembering.” He talks about Jews coming to China along the ancient Silk Road in the 8th century. He talks about WWII and then the establishment of formal ties in 1992.
The rest of the material in the piece is also reproduced in English as an interview in Xinhua. In fact, the interview has more information. Here are the key points:
China and Israel have built key mechanisms for bilateral cooperation, including the China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation and The Intergovernmental Mechanism of Economic and Technological Cooperation. In 2017, the two countries announced the establishment of an innovative comprehensive partnership to take the bilateral ties to a new level, the Chinese ambassador noted. China has become Israel's largest trading partner in Asia and the third-largest in the world, Cai said, noting that the trade volume, which was only 50 million U.S. dollars at the beginning of the diplomatic ties, expanded to 22.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2021. The bilateral trade has continued to grow against the headwind of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflecting the resilience and potential of the China-Israel economic and trade cooperation, he said. The two sides also have seen active two-way investment in fields such as science and technology, agriculture, and medicine and health, said the ambassador. “Chinese companies have participated in the infrastructure construction in Israel, and many innovative Israeli companies operate in China. The two sides have cooperated to build landmark projects such as the new Haifa Port, the Red Line of the Tel Aviv light rail project, the China-Israel Changzhou Innovation Park, and the Shanghai Innovation Park,” he added.
“These achievements were also made possible by the two sides’ adherence to the spirit of mutual respect and seeking common ground while reserving differences. China and Israel have respected each other’s development path, and abided by the basic norms of international relations such as mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, the Chinese envoy explained.”
“China will take the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to work with Israel to implement the important agreements reached by the leaders of the two countries, firmly grasp the right direction of the development of bilateral ties, and continuously enhance strategic mutual trust and friendship between the two peoples,” he said.
Page 4: A couple of reports about appointments at provincial levels.
Xu Kunlin was elected governor of east China’s Jiangsu Province by the provincial legislature
Wu Zhenglong, the Provincial Party Secretary, is the director of the Jiangsu Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee
Wang Ning, the provincial Party Secretary, is the director of the Yunnan Provincial People's Congress Standing Committee.
Li Lecheng was elected governor of northeast China's Liaoning Province
Other Stories:
On Page 5, we have the 5th, and last I guess, in the series of commentaries on historical confidence. This one talks about the significance of self-revolution. It argues that it is critical to keep in mind the original intention and mission. This “inspires the Party to persevere forever, urges our Party to struggle forever, and keeps our Party alive forever.” It adds that “only by being firm in spirit can a nation stand strong and upright through the torrent of history.”
It further states that:
The spirit of self-revolution is a powerful support for the Party to keep its youthfulness and vitality forever. It is precisely because of this unique political character that our party has been able to go through a century of ups and downs, rise up many times in times of crisis, and set things right after mistakes, becoming an invincible Marxist party. History tells us that the party has become more dynamic after a hundred years of vicissitudes, and its secret lies in always sticking to the truth and correcting mistakes. History also tells us that under the new historical conditions, it is up to the Party itself to preserve its true character as a Marxist party. The key to self-revolution is to face up to the problem consciously and have the courage to turn the blade inward. On the new road ahead, the whole Party must bear in mind that it was born in adversity and dies in peace; it is important to always be forward-looking, and be prepared for danger in times of peace, constantly removing all factors that damage the Party advanced nature and purity, and constantly removing all viruses that erode the Party’s health, so as to ensure that the Party does not deteriorate, change colour or flavour.” 自我革命精神是党永葆青春活力的强大支撑。正是因为具备这种独有的政治品格，我们党才能穿越百年风风雨雨，多次在危难之际重新奋起、失误之后拨乱反正，成为打不倒、压不垮的马克思主义政党。历史启示我们，党历经百年沧桑更加充满活力，其奥秘就在于始终坚持真理、修正错误。历史还启示我们，在新的历史条件下，要永葆党的马克思主义政党本色，关键还得靠我们党自己。自我革命关键要有正视问题的自觉和刀刃向内的勇气。在新的赶考之路上，全党必须铭记生于忧患、死于安乐，常怀远虑、居安思危，不断清除一切损害党的先进性和纯洁性的因素，不断清除一切侵蚀党的健康肌体的病毒，确保党不变质、不变色、不变味.
On Page 9, three scholars of philosophy talk about the significance of Marxism in the Party’s 100-year history and how Xi Jinping Thought has further developed Marxism.
Finally, on the international page, there’s a report providing a critical assessment of race relations in the US in the backdrop of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It talks about a range of issues from voting rights, race-related hate crimes and police violence to argue that “America’s chronic racial malaise is worsening.” 种种乱象表明，美国种族痼疾呈进一步恶化趋势.