Xi & One Country, Two Systems - Li 'Very Concerned' about Employment - Li Qiang re-elected Shanghai Party Secretary - Ren Ping Commentary on Self-Revolution - Ren Lixuan on the 'Four Greats'
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy in the Wednesday, June 29, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: Let’s begin with a report about Xi’s reply to a letter by Xu Congxiang, a veteran grain farmer in Taihe County, east China's Anhui Province. Xinhua reports:
“Xi said he is pleased to learn that Xu has reaped a bumper wheat harvest and Xu's offspring have followed in his footsteps to work in agriculture. Noting that people will feel assured when having an ample supply of food, Xi said he has always paid close attention to grain production. In recent years, the CPC Central Committee has rolled out a slew of policies to support grain production, aiming to make sure the Chinese people hold their rice bowls firmly in their own hands, and farmers earn tangible benefits and make their lives better, Xi said in the letter.”
Next, there is a long feature piece telling us that Xi Jinping has led the practice of ‘one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong, achieving steady progress. The piece rolls over to take all of Page 2 too. The article basically reaffirms the adoption of the national security law, the changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system and the emphasis on the principle of “patriots governing Hong Kong.” It makes the point that these efforts have stabilised and improved the situation in the city. It also makes the point that the central government has consistently been supportive of Hong Kong’s development. There’s a lot of repetition of examples from the piece I covered in detail yesterday.
When speaking about the one country, two systems formulation, Deng Xiaoping gets acknowledged for having the “wisdom and courage of a great statesman” for putting forward the idea. The piece then talks about protests in recent years and the government’s response. What’s noteworthy is how it defines the problem and praises Xi’s handling of it.
“On July 1, 2017, celebrating the 20th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland and at the inauguration ceremony of the fifth government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: ‘Practice has fully proved that one country, two systems is the best solution to the Hong Kong issue left over from history, and the best institutional arrangement for maintaining long-term prosperity and stability after Hong Kong’s return. It is feasible, achievable, and popular.’ As an unprecedented pioneering undertaking, one country, two systems has encountered some new situations, new problems and new challenges in practice. Because of some deep-seated reasons, problems that are not conducive to the smooth implementation of one country, two systems or violate the principle of one country, two systems and challenge the bottom line of the principle of one country, two systems have occurred from time to time. In this regard, the white paper The Practice of One Country, Two Systems in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, published in June 2014, clearly pointed out: ‘As a groundbreaking initiative, ‘one country, two systems’ is a major issue of governance to the central leadership, and marks a major historical turning point for Hong Kong and Hong Kong people as well. While comprehensive progress has been made on all fronts in the HKSAR, the practice of one country, two systems has come to face new circumstances and new problems. Some people in Hong Kong have yet felt comfortable with the changes. Still some are even confused or lopsided in their understanding of one country, two systems and the Basic Law’.” 回归后，香港自身特色和优势得以保持，中西合璧的风采浪漫依然，活力之都的魅力更胜往昔。2017年7月1日，在庆祝香港回归祖国20周年大会暨香港特别行政区第五届政府就职典礼上，习近平总书记指出：“实践充分证明，‘一国两制’是历史遗留的香港问题的最佳解决方案，也是香港回归后保持长期繁荣稳定的最佳制度安排，是行得通、办得到、得人心的。”作为一项前无古人的开创性事业，“一国两制”在实践中也遇到一些新情况、新问题、新挑战，因为一些深层次原因出现矛盾和杂音，一些不利于“一国两制”顺利实施甚至有违“一国两制”方针、挑战“一国两制”原则底线的现象和问题时有发生。对此，2014年6月发表的《“一国两制”在香港特别行政区的实践》白皮书旗帜鲜明指出：“‘一国两制’是一项开创性事业，对中央来说是治国理政的重大课题，对香港和香港同胞来说是重大历史转折。在香港特别行政区各项事业取得全面进步的同时，‘一国两制’在香港的实践也遇到了新情况新问题，香港社会还有一些人没有完全适应这一重大历史转折，特别是对‘一国两制’方针政策和基本法有模糊认识和片面理解.
Later it says: “In the face of the complicated and severe situation in Hong Kong, the CPC Central Committee with comrade Xi Jinping at the core demonstrated foresight, unswervingly adhered to the bottom line of the principle of ‘one country, two systems’, adhered to the bottom line of principle, and was firm in taking major decisions with superb political wisdom and extraordinary courage. Under the guidance of the principle of administering Hong Kong according to law, the central government has firmly supported the HKSAR government to govern according to law, and has repeatedly affirmed that the HKSAR government should strictly follow the Basic Law, the relevant decisions of the NPCSC and the laws of the SAR on major issues such as curbing ‘Hong Kong independence’ and dealing with street violence according to law.” 面对香港复杂严峻甚至一度风高浪急的局势，以习近平同志为核心的党中央高瞻远瞩，坚持“一国两制”方针不动摇，坚守原则底线不退让，以高超的政治智慧和非凡的胆略果断作出有关重大决策。在依法治港方针指导下，中央政府坚定支持香港特区政府依法施政，多次肯定特区政府在遏制“港独”、依法处置街头暴力活动等重大问题上严格按照香港特别行政区基本法、全国人大常委会有关决定和特别行政区法律办事.
The above was in reference to the timeline of around 2017. Later the piece has a specific section that deals with the events of 2019.
It says that in 2019 the city was hit by a “revisionist storm,” as “anti-China forces” “openly advocated ‘Hong Kong independence’, ‘self-determination’ and ‘referendum’, inciting radical and violent activities, deliberately disrupting the social order in Hong Kong, and openly challenging the constitutional order of the HKSAR established by the Constitution and the Basic Law. Some foreign countries and external forces were also pointing fingers (指手画脚) and intervening in the situation. Hong Kong had fallen into the most severe situation since the reunification…Faced with major risks and challenges, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core reviewed the situation, took resolute decisions, addressed both the symptoms and the root causes, and took major steps to improve the exercise of overall governance over the Special Administrative Region in accordance with the Constitution and the Basic Law, improved the relevant systems and mechanisms for the implementation of the Constitution and the Basic Law, promoted the establishment and improvement of the legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, improved the electoral system of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and firmly implemented the principle of ‘patriots governing Hong Kong’, so that the situation in Hong Kong changed from chaos to governance and Hong Kong’s development returned to the right track.” 2019年，一场“修例风波”侵袭香港。反中乱港势力公然鼓吹“港独”“自决”“公投”等主张，煽动各种激进暴力活动，蓄意破坏香港社会秩序，公然挑战宪法和基本法确定的香港特别行政区宪制秩序。一些外国和境外势力指手画脚、深度干预。香港，陷入回归以来最为严峻的局面...面对重大风险挑战，以习近平同志为核心的党中央审时度势，果断决策，标本兼治，作出健全依照宪法和基本法对特别行政区行使全面管治权、完善同宪法和基本法实施相关制度机制的重大决策，推动建立健全香港特别行政区维护国家安全的法律制度和执行机制，完善香港特别行政区选举制度，坚定落实“爱国者治港”原则，促使香港局势由乱到治、香港发展重回正轨.
After this, the piece details the legislative changes in terms of the NSL and the electoral system. Then it says that on January 27, 2021, Xi heard Carrie Lam’s work report via video link.
"Hong Kong’s transition from chaos to governance once again demonstrates a profound truth, that is, to ensure the stability and far-reaching practice of one country, two systems, we must always adhere to the principle of ‘patriots governing Hong Kong’. This is the fundamental principle that concerns national sovereignty, security and development interests and Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.’ General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed that only by ‘patriots ruling Hong Kong’ can the central government's comprehensive governance rights over the Special Administrative Region be effectively implemented, the constitutional order established as per the Constitution and the Basic Law be effectively maintained, various deep-seated problems can be effectively addressed, and Hong Kong can achieve long-term stability and make due contributions to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” “香港由乱及治的重大转折，再次昭示了一个深刻道理，那就是要确保‘一国两制’实践行稳致远，必须始终坚持‘爱国者治港’。这是事关国家主权、安全、发展利益，事关香港长期繁荣稳定的根本原则。”习近平总书记强调，只有做到“爱国者治港”，中央对特别行政区的全面管治权才能得到有效落实，宪法和基本法确立的宪制秩序才能得到有效维护，各种深层次问题才能得到有效解决，香港才能实现长治久安，并为实现中华民族伟大复兴作出应有的贡献.
The section ends by thanking “the joint efforts of the central government, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government and all sectors of society” which led to Hong Kong achieving “a major transition from chaos to governance, and now being in a critical period from governance to prosperity.” It is precisely because of the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core that the practice of one country, two systems’ in Hong Kong has, like a ship navigating the ocean, braved waves and survived dangerous currents. 如今，在中央政府、香港特别行政区政府和社会各界的共同努力下，香港已实现由乱到治的重大转折，正处在由治及兴的关键时期，“一国两制”的强大生命力得到充分彰显。正是因为有以习近平同志为核心的党中央掌舵领航，“一国两制”在香港的实践才如同在大海上遇到风浪的轮船一样，劈波斩浪、化险为夷.
Next, there’s the Xinjiang chapter in the series on following Xi’s footsteps.
Fourth, a report (English report) about Li Keqiang’s remarks during an inspection tour of the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security. The report says that Li remains very concerned about the task of stabilising employment. He said that “employment stability is an important symbol of economic operation being in a reasonable range.” He added that “China’s economy has made progress in recovery, but the fundamentals for recovery are not yet sufficiently solid and the tasks to stabilise employment remain arduous.”
“Development is the foundation and key to solve all problems in China. It is very important for the policy measures to stabilise the economy to focus on ensuring market players in order to stabilise employment. It is necessary to further enhance the sense of urgency, continue to implement various policies, push economic operations back to the normal track as soon as possible, promote employment through development, protect people’s livelihood through employment, and reduce and control the unemployment rate as soon as possible. Efforts should be made to increase market-based job opportunities, improve career services for university graduates, and expand employment for migrant workers as a form of social relief.” 发展是解决我国一切问题的基础和关键。稳经济大盘政策措施很重要的是着力以保市场主体来稳就业。要进一步增强紧迫感，继续落实各项政策，推动经济运行尽快回归正常轨道，以发展促就业、以就业保民生，尽快把失业率降下来、控制住。用改革的办法拓展市场化社会化就业渠道、增加就业岗位，实现可持续。抓实抓细高校毕业生就业促进服务工作，扩大面向农民工的以工代赈规模.
Further, “while paying a visit to a technical guidance center for employment training of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, Li urged efforts to further catalyze entrepreneurship and innovation and provide equal support for market entities of all types, including those in the private sector and self-employed individuals. Vocational training must adapt to market demand, Li said, underscoring the importance of maximizing the country's advantages in human resources.”
Finally, Xinhua English summarises:
“During his visit to the Ministry of Civil Affairs, the premier was provided with information about the low-income population and the implementation of social assistance policies. He called for efforts to coordinate social assistance policies with employment policies and to encourage people to work hard for better lives. Li said that the current COVID-19 resurgence and natural disasters have triggered an increase in the number of people facing difficulties. He stressed the urgency of incorporating people in need into social assistance systems, expanding the scale of social assistance and relief, and preventing China's once-impoverished population from falling back into poverty in large numbers. Efforts should also be made to ensure that pensions are paid in full and on time, and government work on compulsory education and basic healthcare and housing must be carried out well, Li said. Governments at all levels need to practice fiscal frugality and shoulder their responsibilities for safeguarding people's basic livelihoods, Li added.”
Fifth, a report about Li Zhanshu’s chat with Erlan Koshanov, the speaker of the Mazhilis, or lower house, of Kazakhstan’s parliament. Xinhua reports:
“Li said it is crucial that the two countries continuously enhance political mutual trust. China supports Kazakhstan in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions, and the two sides should continue to strengthen international cooperation. Facing the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic, the pragmatic cooperation between the two countries has shown strong resilience, Li said, and China hopes that the two sides will continue to focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and tap into the potential of their cooperation. The legislative bodies of the two sides should strengthen exchanges and mutual learning, and provide a fair, just, transparent and equal legal environment for pragmatic cooperation, Li said. Koshanov said Kazakhstan thinks highly of the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and is ready to work with China to advance the Belt and Road Initiative and jointly implement the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Sixth, a brief report informing that Wang Qishan will be leading the Chinese delegation attending the inauguration of Philippines’ new president Ferdinand Marcos Jr. tomorrow.
Finally, a report informing of the issuance of new work rules regarding party supervision and discipline organs stationed at other institutions. The full text of the rules is available on Page 10. I recommend bookmarking this page from China Law Translate for a work-in-progress translation.
Page 3: A brief report about Li Qiang being re-elected as Shanghai Party Secretary. Second, a report on Wang Chen’s comments about the protection of the ecological environment of the Yangtze River. Xinhua says that an inspection team will carry out the inspection of the enforcement of the Yangtze River Protection Law in seven provincial-level regions in the Yangtze River basin from July to September this year.
Third, a report about United Front chief You Quan’s visit to Tianjin. You said that it is necessary to thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on strengthening and improving the United front work, persist in striving for progress while maintaining stability, do one’s best to prevent risks, ensure safety and promote stability and create a united, harmonious and stable environment ahead of the 20th Party Congress of the Party, and firmly defend the ‘Two establishments’ and achieve the two safeguards through practical actions. 中共中央书记处书记、中央统战部部长尤权在天津调研时强调，要深入学习贯彻习近平总书记关于加强和改进统一战线工作的重要思想，坚持稳中求进，全力做好统战领域防风险、保安全、促稳定工作，为党的二十大胜利召开营造团结和谐稳定的环境，以实际行动坚定捍卫“两个确立”、坚决做到“两个维护”.
Two other interesting bits from the report:
“You Quan emphasised that the United front work involves national security and social stability, especially in the ethnic and religious fields. We should conscientiously implement the spirit of the Central Conference on Ethnic Work and the National Conference on Religious Work, improve the system and mechanism of ethnic and religious work, thoroughly investigate the hidden risks in ethnic and religious fields, do a good job in dealing with emerging problems, grasp the timeliness and effectiveness of solving problems, and promote ethnic unity and religious harmony. You Quan pointed out that it is necessary to strengthen the ideological and political guidance of private economic personnel, do a good job in policy propaganda and interpretation, reflect opinions and demands in a timely manner, promote the implementation of policies that benefit enterprises, help enterprises solve practical difficulties, standardise healthy development, and use pragmatic measures to stabilise, inspire and rally people's hearts.” 在与天津市有关负责同志座谈时，尤权强调，统一战线工作涉及国家安全和社会稳定，特别是民族宗教领域面临诸多风险挑战。要认真贯彻落实中央民族工作会议和全国宗教工作会议精神，健全民族宗教工作体制机制，深入排查民族宗教领域风险隐患，做好苗头性倾向性问题处置，把握好解决问题的时度效，促进民族团结、宗教和谐。尤权指出，要加强对民营经济人士的思想政治引领，做好政策宣传解读，及时反映意见诉求，推动惠企政策落地见效，帮助企业解决实际困难、规范健康发展，用务实举措稳定人心、鼓舞人心、凝聚人心.
Finally, personnel changes in different government departments. Xinhua reports:
Sun Guangyu was appointed as vice minister of emergency management.
Zhen Zhanmin will no longer serve as vice president of the National Academy of Governance (NAG) and was appointed vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.
Yu Bin was appointed as deputy director of the Development Research Center of the State Council.
Xie Chuntao was appointed as NAG vice president (minister level), who will be in charge of daily operations, replacing Li Shulei.
Zhang Xiaoming was removed from the post of deputy director in charge of daily operations of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council.
Page 4: There’s a report about Hu Chunhua’s remarks addressing an event of the France-China Committee. French Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire also delivered a video speech at the event. Xinhua reports:
“Hu said that China stands ready to work with France to earnestly implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, take more practical measures to deepen exchanges and cooperation on economy and trade and push bilateral relations to a new level. Noting China and France are each other's important economic and trade partners, Hu stressed that the two countries should further strengthen trade and investment cooperation, continue to deepen cooperation on major projects, foster new growth points for cooperation, and push China-France practical cooperation to a higher level. China is willing to work with France to actively promote coordination and cooperation in multilateral fields and make due contributions to world peace, stability and common development, Hu said. China is committed to opening up at a higher level and improving trade and investment liberalization and facilitation, Hu stressed, adding that the Chinese side welcomes French companies to further explore the Chinese market and expand the space for trade and investment cooperation.”
Next, there’s a report on Wang Yi’s meeting with Nicolas Chapuis, the outgoing ambassador of the European Union. Xinhua reports:
“Wang said that China-EU cooperation has seen important achievements in recent years. At the same time, there are some differences between China and the EU that affect the sound development of relations from time to time. ‘A key point is that the EU should form a more objective and correct understanding of China's development direction,’ Wang said, noting that China will continue to follow its path of peaceful development and develop a new system of open economy of higher standards. Wang said the world has entered a period of turbulence and transformation, with increasing risks and challenges. He said that China and the EU, as two important forces in the world, should strengthen dialogue and communication, firmly uphold the basic position of partnership, adhere to the approach of seeking common ground while shelving differences, and uphold a win-win cooperation model and the trend of multilateralism to provide more stability and positive energy for the world.”
Third, a report (English report) on China delivering a joint statement together with over 90 countries at the 50th session of the UN Human Rights Council, highlighting the importance of promoting and protecting economic, social and cultural rights within the context of addressing inequalities in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fourth, MoFA’s statement on the two key outcomes from the recent high-level dialogue on development.
One, the Chinese government has decided to upgrade the South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund to a Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund and add $1 billion to the fund on top of the $3 billion already committed to support developing countries in implementing the Global Development Initiative (GDI) and the Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Two, the establishment of the global development promotion center will mainly act as a platform for actions and mobilize resources for implementing the GDI. The Chinese side will develop a project pool covering key GDI areas and hold a Forum on Global Action for Shared Development to provide insights for GDI cooperation.
Finally, another commentary following up on the key themes from Xi’s speech at the BRICS summit, and a piece by the Egyptian ambassador to China, Mohamed Elbadri, praising China’s development diplomacy and BRICS’ inclusive cooperation approach. What’s interesting is that in saying that “China has proposed important concepts and international public goods such as building a community with a shared future for mankind and the Global Development Initiative,” he does not mention the Global Security Initiative.
Page 5: There’s a page-long Ren Ping commentary on comprehensive and strict governance of the Party and self-revolution, i.e., the second answer to the “cave-dwelling question” of breaking out of the dynastic cycle. This goes back to the third history resolution adopted at the 6th Plenum.
The piece then quotes from Xi’s speech from November 11, 2021, which was later published in Qiushi. Xi had then said that during the Yan’an period, Mao had given the first answer to the question of the dynastic cycle problem, i.e., “the only way for the government to not slack off is for the people to oversee the government.” Since the 18th Party Congress, “self-revolution” has emerged as the second piece of this answer to the question of the dynastic cycle. The commentary says that the third history resolution has made clear that persisting in self-revolution is among the 10 Clears that were distilled after the Party’s century of struggle.
The article then turns to the recent Politburo study session where Xi spoke about the anti-corruption struggle, describing it as “a major political struggle that cannot be lost and must not be lost.” It reiterates Xi’s comment that:
“As long as we vigorously carry forward the great spirit of party building, not forget the original intention, be brave in self-revolution, and constantly eliminate all harmful factors that damage the party's advanced nature and purity, and all pathogens that erode the healthy body of the party, we will certainly be able to ensure that the party will not deteriorate, change colour or flavour.” 只要大力弘扬伟大建党精神，不忘初心使命，勇于自我革命，不断清除一切损害党的先进性和纯洁性的有害因素，不断清除一切侵蚀党的健康肌体的病原体，我们就一定能够确保党不变质、不变色、不变味.
The second section of the article says that since the 18th Party Congress, Xi Jinping has “made plans grasping the overall situation of the strategy of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and the unprecedented, once-in-a-century changes taking place in the world, promoted the Party’s self-revolution with a deep sense of urgency and a high degree of historical consciousness, and promoted the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party with firm determination, indomitable will and unprecedented strength, and put forward a series of new concepts, new ideas, and new strategies, forming the strategic thought on the Party's self-revolution.” 治国必先治党，治党务必从严。党的十八大以来，习近平总书记统筹把握中华民族伟大复兴战略全局和世界百年未有之大变局，以深沉的忧患意识、高度的历史自觉推进党的自我革命，以坚定决心、顽强意志、空前力度推进全面从严治党，提出了一系列新理念新思想新战略，形成了关于党的自我革命的战略思想.
This includes (I am summarising these)
Managing and governing the Party not only concerns the future and destiny of the Party but also to the future and destiny of the country and the nation.
Comprehensive and strict governance of the Party must align with the development stage of the cause of the Party and the country. Adhere to strict words, implement strict requirements throughout the whole process of managing the Party, and focus on solving outstanding problems in the Party with the political courage of self-revolution
Strict governance requires having a political perspective first. Constantly improve political judgement, political understanding and political execution.
Upholding the Party leadership, i.e., adhering to the position that the Party should govern itself and comprehensive strict governance of the Party, is the fundamental guarantee for carrying out the great struggle with many new historical features, advancing the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics and realising the great dream of national rejuvenation, and it is also the inevitable requirement for the Party to keep pace with the times while always maintaining its advanced nature and purity.
As a Marxist party, taking a clear-cut stand on politics is the fundamental requirement of our party. Political construction is the fundamental construction of the party and determines the direction and effect of the Party’s construction. It is the primary task of the Party’s political construction to ensure that the whole Party obeys the central leadership and adheres to the authority of the Central Committee and the Party’s centralised and unified leadership.
A Marxist political party is not one formed out of interests, but one organised by common ideals and beliefs. To build a strong Marxist ruling party, we must start from our ideals and beliefs.
Supervision should run through the whole process of economic and social development under the leadership of the Party, and the improvement of the exercise of power and exercising oversight and restraint should be taken as the basic construction for implementing the plan.
In terms of work style, it is necessary to closely focus on maintaining the flesh-and-blood ties between the party and the people, enhancing the mass foundation for the Party’s governance.
Strengthening discipline construction is the fundamental policy of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party
Strengthening of intra-party supervision should be regarded as an important basic project of party building. This requires addressing deficiencies in terms of primary responsibility, supervisory responsibility and lax and weak governance of the Party
There’s no breather or resting when it comes to the Party’s strict governance; it’s a continuous process.
——“管党治党不仅关系党的前途命运，而且关系国家和民族的前途命运”。——“党和人民事业发展到什么阶段，全面从严治党就要跟进到什么阶段，坚持严字当头，把严的要求贯穿管党治党全过程，以自我革命的政治勇气着力解决党内存在的突出问题，做到管党有方、治党有力、建党有效。”——“全面从严治党首先要从政治上看，不断提高政治判断力、政治领悟力、政治执行力。”——“坚持党的领导，坚持党要管党、全面从严治党，是进行具有许多新的历史特点的伟大斗争、推进中国特色社会主义伟大事业、实现民族复兴伟大梦想的根本保证，也是我们党紧跟时代前进步伐、始终保持先进性和纯洁性的必然要求。”——“旗帜鲜明讲政治是我们党作为马克思主义政党的根本要求。党的政治建设是党的根本性建设，决定党的建设方向和效果。保证全党服从中央，坚持党中央权威和集中统一领导，是党的政治建设的首要任务。”——“马克思主义政党不是因利益而结成的政党，而是以共同理想信念而组织起来的政党。建设坚强的马克思主义执政党，首先要从理想信念做起。”——“要把监督贯穿于党领导经济社会发展全过程，把完善权力运行和监督制约机制作为实施规划的基础性建设，构建全覆盖的责任制度和监督制度。”——“加强作风建设，必须紧紧围绕保持党同人民群众的血肉联系，增强群众观念和群众感情，不断厚植党执政的群众基础。”——“加强纪律建设是全面从严治党的治本之策。”——“全面从严治党，必须从根本上解决主体责任缺失、监督责任缺位、管党治党宽松软的问题，把强化党内监督作为党的建设重要基础性工程，使监督的制度优势充分释放出来。”——“全面从严治党永远在路上，不能有任何喘口气、歇歇脚的念头。”
The section ends by saying that since the 18th Party Congress, through resolute struggle that Party has addressed unhealthy tendencies and malfeasances that had not been checked for many years, resolved many long-standing stubborn ailments that had not been resolved for a long time, eliminated serious potential problems within the Party, the state, and the armed forces, and defused serious political risks facing the Party, addressing the original sources of the problem, straightening the bow, and ensure that the whole Party moves forward along the correct course. 经过坚决斗争，我们党刹住了一些多年未刹住的歪风邪气，解决了许多长期没有解决的顽瘴痼疾，清除了党、国家、军队内部存在的严重隐患，化解了党面临的严重政治风险，正本清源、拨正船头，保证全党沿着正确航向前进。
It adds that through an “unprecedented anti-corruption struggle” the Party has won public support and ensured unity. Comprehensive and strict governance of the Party is a “strategic choice” to ensure unity within the Party and with the people, it adds.
Section three of the article then talks about the six musts outlined by Xi at the CCDI’s sixth plenum in January. I had summarised them back then too.
We must adhere to the Party’s political construction as the guide and adherence to the fundamental political direction of self-revolution
We must adhere to ideological construction as the basic construction of the Party, and refine the sharp ideological weapon of self-revolution
We must implement the spirit of the eight central regulations
We must persist in “fighting against corruption and punishing evil with the thunder,” which is part of “protracted battle for self-revolution”;
We must strengthen the political function and organisational cohesion of Party organisations, thereby forging a contingent of cadres who dare to struggle and are brave in engaging in self-revolution
We must build an institutional system of rules and regulations to guarantee self-revolution
Section four highlights more points from Xi’s CCDI speech. This is followed by these two very interesting paragraphs in section five.
From a global perspective, it has historically been a challenge for ruling parties around the world to deal with the test of being in power. After a party gains political power, due to the change in its status, the corrosion of power and the temptation of interests, it often loses its enterprising and fighting spirit, breeds passivity, laziness and corruption, and finally ends up losing its qualification to rule. Western political theory arbitrarily thinks that a ruling party cannot self-regulate, and it prescribes the implementation of a two-party system or multi-party system. But this leads to conflicts and constant disputes between parties. Some people tout the Western practice of multi-party governance in turn and separation of powers between the executive, legislature and judiciary. They do not believe that our Party is capable of turning the blade inward and extricating the rotten flesh. For these people, the CPC’s practice of being brave in self-revolution has provided a resounding and powerful reply. Our party has promoted self-revolution, and explored a successful path to solve its own problems and break out of the dynastic cycle amid its long-term rule. This has not only solved the global problem of self-supervision in national governance, but also contributed Chinese wisdom to the development of human political civilisation.
Looking at the political parties in various countries, it can be said that there are very few political parties like the CPC who can consistently face up to their own problems, form a complete system of self-regulation, and severely punish a large number of corrupt elements within the Party. From investigating and dealing with high-ranking officials' greed and beating tigers, to punishing grass-roots corruption and swatting flies, from pursuing fugitives internationally via Skynet and ‘Fox Hunt’ to strengthening inspections and auditing, how many ruling parties in the world dare to fight corruption on a such a large scale, so vigorously and so persistently like ours? We have embarked on a path of anti-corruption that relies on the strength of institutions and the rule of law, and written a new chapter in the history of mankind's fight against corruption…
从全球看，执政党如何应对执政考验，是世界政治发展史上的难题。一个政党取得政权后，因地位的改变、权力的腐蚀和利益的诱惑，往往会丧失进取精神和斗志，滋生消极怠惰情绪和腐化腐败现象，最终失去执政资格。西方政治理论武断地认为执政党不可能自我约束，开出的“药方”是实行两党制、多党制，但带来的是党派之间互相倾轧、纷争不断。有些人吹捧西方多党轮流执政、“三权鼎立”那一套，不相信我们党能够刀刃向内、自剜腐肉。中国共产党勇于自我革命的实践给了他们响亮有力的回答。我们党推进自我革命，探索出一条长期执政条件下解决自身问题、跳出历史周期率的成功道路。这不仅破解了自我监督这一国家治理的世界性难题，也为人类政治文明发展贡献了中国智慧。纵观各国政党，真正像中国共产党这样能够始终如一正视自身问题，能够形成一整套自我约束的制度规范体系，能够严肃惩处党内一大批腐化变质分子的，可以说少之又少。从查处高官巨贪打“老虎”，到惩治基层腐败拍“苍蝇”，从“天网”“猎狐”推进反腐国际追逃，到加强巡视、审计利剑高悬……世界上那么多执政党，有几个敢像我们党这样大规模、大力度、坚持不懈反腐败？我们成功走出了一条依靠制度优势、法治优势的反腐败之路，书写了人类反腐败斗争历史新篇章。正如外媒评价，中国共产党的反腐败成绩是“足以同在中国这样一个世界上人口最多的国家解决温饱问题、极大消除贫困相提并论的一个巨大贡献”。
The final few sections underscore the importance of keeping in mind the Party’s original aspiration and keeping in mind its Marxist character in the future too. It also reiterates the slogans of the two establishments and two safeguards.
Page 9: The lead article on the theory page is bylined Ren Lixuan. I am not doing a detailed breakdown. Messrs Ren Ping have exhausted me. But the key points that the article makes are as follows:
Only the Communist Party of China can shoulder the historical mission of realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. This talks about the Party’s ability to adapt over the years, while maintaining its adherence to Marxism. “The Party's century-long struggle fully proves that, in the final analysis, the reason why the CPC is capable and why socialism with Chinese characteristics is good is because Marxism works. The reason why Marxism works lies in the fact that the Party constantly pushes forward the modernisation of Marxism in China and guides its practice.” 党的百年奋斗历程充分证明：中国共产党为什么能，中国特色社会主义为什么好，归根到底是因为马克思主义行. 马克思主义之所以行，就在于党不断推进马克思主义中国化时代化并用以指导实践. In this context, the piece praises the establishment of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which has provided “profound answers to the questions of what kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics we should uphold and develop for the new era, and how we should uphold and develop it, and what kind of great modern socialist country we should build, and how we should build it.” It also says that the “Party has established comrade Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the entire Party, and established the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This reflects the common aspiration of the whole Party, the whole army and the people of all ethnic groups in the country, and is of decisive significance for advancing the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
The piece also lays strong emphasis on maintaining popular legitimacy by maintaining flesh and blood ties with the people, addressing people’s needs, maintaining the people-centred development ideology, and representing the fundamental interests of the people, as opposed to a privileged class or interest groups. It also emphasises the importance of self-revolution for the Party.
The second part of the piece makes the argument that adherence to the desire to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation runs through the 100-year history of the Party. It then says that going ahead, it’s important to keep in mind the “four greats” 四个伟大.
“On the new journey, we must deeply understand the decisive significance of the two establishments, strengthen the four consciousnesses, strengthen the four self-confidences, and resolutely achieve the two safeguards. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, carry forward the spirit of the great party building, inherit and develop the precious historical experience accumulated by the Party’s century-long struggle, and embrace the four greats, unite and lead the Chinese people to work tenaciously and unremittingly, and forge ahead towards the goal of realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.” 新征程上，我们要深刻领会“两个确立”的决定性意义，增强“四个意识”，坚定“四个自信”，坚决做到“两个维护”，在以习近平同志为核心的党中央坚强领导下，全面贯彻习近平新时代中国特色社会主义思想，弘扬伟大建党精神，继承和发展党的百年奋斗积累的宝贵历史经验，统揽“四个伟大”，团结带领中国人民顽强拼搏、不懈奋斗，向着实现中华民族伟大复兴的目标砥砺前行.
The four greats are:
To realise great dreams, we must engage in great struggles: This covers being prepared for struggle, being fearless and brave, resolutely safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests, as was done amid the trade war launched by the US or in adhering to dynamic clearing amid the pandemic. The author says: “The various struggles we face are not short-term but long-term, and will be around with us throughout the process of achieving the second centenary goal. Only by daring to fight and being good at fighting can we conquer the perilous peaks and cross the perilous shoals.”我们面临的各种斗争不是短期的而是长期的，至少要伴随我们实现第二个百年奋斗目标全过程。只有敢于斗争、善于斗争，才能征服险峰、闯过险滩。
To realise great dreams, we must build great projects: This says that there remain some mismatches and challenges with regard to the Party’s construction and some problems that weaken the party's advanced nature and damage its purity, which are dangerous and destructive. On the new journey, therefore, it is important to take the party's political construction as the guide, continue to push forward the new great project of party building in the new era, persist in comprehensive and strict governance of the party…
To realise great dreams, we must advance great causes: This primary refers to staying on the path of high-quality development and making substantive progress in achieving common prosperity.
The Chinese dream is a dream of peace, development, cooperation and win-win, which is closely related to the beautiful dreams of people of all countries: This emphasises doing one’s own thing well but also building a community of common destiny.