Xi's Spring Festival Journeys - High-Quality Talent for PLA - Party's Principal Responsibility System in Schools - Aid to Tonga - Guidelines for Anchors & Broadcasters
Here are the stories and pieces that I found noteworthy from the Thursday, January 27, 2022, edition of the People’s Daily.
Page 1: A bunch of news stories to cover on the page today. First, a short report about Xi Jinping’s congratulatory letter to the China Media Forum, which has the theme of a High-tech Winter Olympics. Second, another short report (English report) about a congratulatory message by Xi.
This one was sent to the “Icebreakers” 2022 Chinese New Year Online Celebration. The event was supported by the China-Britain Business Council and the China Chamber of Commerce in the UK. “Xi hailed the ‘ice-breaking trip’ made by a group of British entrepreneurs, represented by Jack Perry, in the 1950s, saying it broke the ice in the West’s trade with China. He wants more “visionary people and business representatives in both countries will uphold the ‘icebreaker’ spirit.”
Third, we have a very, very long piece tracing Xi’s footsteps during the Spring Festival over the past decade. There are lots of details of Xi’s visits and anecdotes in the piece. It’s impossible for me to share all of these. Instead, I am jotting down the bit points that the article is making. The biggest of which is essentially about Xi being a sort of paternal, caring and determined leader leading China into the future.
The piece begins by quoting Xi’s New Year speech given at the end of 2021. I am using the official translation.
“Our country, big as it is, also has its list of priorities. The myriad of things we attend to all boil down to matters concerning every household. Through my field trips to different places, I have seen and heard a lot of things which I find very inspiring and rewarding. Every time I visit people in their homes, I would ask if they have any more difficulties, and I would remember everything my folks have to share with me.” “大国之大，也有大国之重。千头万绪的事，说到底是千家万户的事.” “每到群众家中，常会问一问，还有什么困难，父老乡亲的话我都记在心里.”
This sets the tone for the piece. The basic points that it makes are:
that Xi Jinping cares for the people and their needs;
that he has spent time with the people, particularly during the holiday season, visiting homes and meeting the frontline grassroots workers;
that he believes that national rejuvenation must ultimately be reflected in the happiness and continuous improvement of the lives of the people;
that he is focussed on issues that the masses care about, such as employment, education, social security, medical care, housing, pension, food safety, etc;
that eliminating poverty, improving people’s livelihood, and gradually realising common prosperity are the essential requirements of socialism and an important mission of the Party;
that “development is the Party’s top priority in governing and rejuvenating the country. Achieving high-quality development is the fundamental path to start a new journey to build a modern socialist country in an all-round way and achieve the second centenary goal.”
that innovation is the driving force for high-quality development; at the same time, it is important to quicken the pace of scientific and technological self-improvement and self-reliance, particularly when it comes to core technologies;
that the concept of green development or ecological civilisation is important; in fact, the construction of an ecological civilisation is not only key to China’s sustainable development but also links to traditional Chinese culture;
that ethnic unity and development of minority groups is important;
that Xi has made it a point to visit armed forces personnel during the Spring Festival; for instance, in one encounter in 2013, the piece tells us that in the bitter cold, Xi also removed his coat because the soldiers didn’t have coats apart from their winter uniforms. It also tells us that in the General Secretary’s heart, it is the soldier that weighs the most. 士兵，在统帅心中有着最重的分量; there’s also a lot in there about being combat ready and building a strong army; and
that one must not forget where one came from and always remember the original intention
Next, there’s a report (English report) about the Central Military Commission issuing a decision ordering greater efforts to improve work related to military talent. Based on the report, the goal is to cultivate “high-quality and professional military personnel” who possess both “political integrity and skill.”
It stresses “the need to upgrade the capabilities, composition, as well as development and management of military personnel, and cultivate high-quality and professional military personnel.” Apart from calling for adherence to Xi Jinping’s ideas, strategies and measures related to talent work and enhancing political, ideological and action consciousness, the report also says that:
“It is necessary to ensure that the gun is always in the hands of people who are reliable and loyal to the Party; to strengthen the Party’s overall leadership over talent work; implement the Party’s organisational line in the new era, implement the Chairman Responsibility System; and persist in training and evaluating talents politically, and unswervingly clean the political ecology of selecting and employing people.” 要确保枪杆子始终掌握在对党忠诚可靠的人手中，加强党对人才工作的全面领导，贯彻新时代党的组织路线，贯彻军委主席负责制，坚持从政治上培养和考察人才，坚定不移纯净选人用人政治生态。
The report also says that the decision talks about the need to improve the supply of talent for combat readiness in terms of both capacity and quality.
Next, there’s a report about Li Keqiang meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Xinhua reports:
“Pointing out that both China and the Netherlands are committed to multilateralism and free trade, Li said China firmly upholds its opening-up policy and is committed to creating a market-oriented, law-based and international business environment for all Chinese and foreign enterprises registered in China. Li said China supports the establishment of a China-Netherlands business council as a new platform for business exchanges and cooperation between enterprises of the two countries. He said China is willing to deepen cooperation with the Netherlands in the fields of climate change, science and technology, modern agriculture and other areas. Li stressed that China and the EU share broad common interests. The two sides should adhere to dialogue and cooperation, respect each other, treat each other as equals, properly handle disputes and differences, and work for the sound and steady development of China-EU relations.”
This is followed by a piece about new guidelines for the development of Guizhou that have been issued by the State Council. Xinhua reports:
The guideline clarified Guizhou’s strategic role as a demonstration area for comprehensive reform in the development of west China, and encouraged the province to blaze new trails in rural revitalisation, the development of the digital economy, and the construction of an ecological civilisation. By 2025, comprehensive reforms in the province to advance the development of west China should have seen notable progress, and the regional economy should be more open, the guideline stated. It said that the province's economic strength will reach a new level by 2035, and that it will be better equipped to take part in international cooperation and competition.
The document says that “strengthening the Party’s overall leadership over education is the fundamental guarantee for running education well.” Here are some excerpts from the document that I found noteworthy:
Adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, strengthen ‘four consciousnesses’, strengthen the ‘four self-confidences’ and achieve the ‘two safeguards’, implement the Party’s basic theory, line and strategy, persist in educating people for the Party and cultivating talents for the country, and ensure that the Party’s education policy and the decision-making arrangements of the Party Central Committee are effectively implemented in primary and secondary schools.
Adhere to the political standards and requirements throughout all aspects of the whole process of running schools, teaching and educating people; adhere to the socialist direction of running schools, implement the fundamental task of cultivating people by virtue…
“Carry out education in socialist core values, do a good job in students’ moral education, do a good job in the ideological and political work of teaching staff and school ideology, strengthen the construction of teachers’ morality and ethics and the construction of school spiritual civilisation…
Lead trade unions, the Communist Youth League, women’s organizations, young pioneers and other mass organizations and faculty meetings…strengthen student unions and student associations, and do a good job in United Front work.
Under the leadership of the Party organisation, the school principal/president shall exercise functions and powers according to the law, and be fully responsible for the education, teaching and administration of the school in accordance with the relevant resolutions of the school Party organisation. 校长在学校党组织领导下，依法依规行使职权，按照学校党组织有关决议，全面负责学校的教育教学和行政管理等工作. The document also empowers the Party Secretary as the person essentially in charge.
The document also contains details about protocols and procedures for meetings and decision-making. So, the Party organisation is expected to meet to discuss and decide the major issues. This meeting is to be convened and presided over by the Party Secretary. Members of administrative units who are not members of the Party organisation unit can attend the meeting as non-voting delegates depending on need. The Party Secretary is empowered to set the agenda. Generally, quorum requires 50% of members to be present; when deciding on appointment and dismissal of cadres and other important matters, more than two-thirds must be present. 学校党组织会议讨论决定学校重大问题。党组织会议由党组织书记召集并主持，不是党组织班子成员的行政班子成员根据工作需要可列席会议。会议议题由学校领导班子成员提出，党组织书记确定。会议应当有半数以上党组织班子成员到会方能召开；讨论决定干部任免等重要事项时，必须有三分之二以上党组织班子成员到会.
Page 3: A few reports to note. First, Minister of National Defense Wei Fenghe spoke to Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Defense Minister Khalid bin Salman. Xinhua reports:
“Both sides agreed that the two militaries should improve practical cooperation and further enhance bilateral relations. China and Saudi Arabia have been deepening their political mutual trust and expanding cooperation in various fields, and the two are good friends and partners that trust each other, share mutual benefits, and develop together, Wei said. He suggested that the two militaries should maintain strategic communication and strengthen solidarity in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Khalid bin Salman said the comprehensive strategic partnership between Saudi Arabia and China has been developing steadily, and that the military cooperation between the two countries has yielded substantial results.”
Do recall, this report in December about Saudi Arabia having imported sensitive missile technology from the Chinese military and is manufacturing its own ballistic missiles.
Second, a report about Wang Yi’s chat with his counterpart from Tonga, Fekitamoeloa Katoa 'Utoikamanu. Xinhua reports:
“As a good friend and partner of Tonga, China is willing to stand firmly with the Tongan people at this difficult moment, he said, adding that the emergency supplies purchased by China in Fiji will arrive in Tonga Thursday, and more Chinese assistance is on the way. China has allocated disaster relief supplies and equipment to the country according to the needs of Tonga, such as drinking water, food, generators, water pumps, first aid kits, prefab houses and tractors, Wang said. Some of the relief supplies will be delivered by Chinese military aircraft Thursday morning, while the rest will be shipped by Chinese warships, he said, noting that the two sides should make a smooth handover and deliver the aids to most-needed places in Tonga in time. Wang said that the Chinese government is very concerned about Chinese citizens and institutions in Tonga, and hopes and believes that the Tongan government will guarantee their safety.”
Third, Wang Yi’s comments after China took over the rotating President of the Conference on Disarmament. Xinhua reports:
“He further pointed out that the world today is experiencing the combined impacts of major changes and a pandemic both unseen in a century, and the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation system stands at a critical crossroads. Facing the new circumstances and challenges, the international community needs to vigorously advocate peace, development, equity, justice, democracy and freedom, which are common values of humanity, commit to the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security at the global level, and resolutely uphold the authority and sanctity of the United Nations, he said. The state councilor argued that the international community should advance steadily the reform of the global security governance system and the international arms control, disarmament and non-proliferation processes, and jointly build a community with a shared future for mankind that enjoys lasting peace and universal security.”
Page 4: Just one report to note. The General Office of the Propaganda Department and the General Office of State Administration of Radio, Film and Television have issued guidelines on the management of professional behaviour and social activities of broadcasters and hosts/anchors.
The guideline says that these individuals are important forces in the Party’s propaganda and ideological and cultural undertakings, and that they bear an important responsibility of adhering to the correct orientation, spreading advanced culture and leading civilised fashion. It also talks about adhering to “strict management, “paying equal attention to incentives and constraints, and accelerating the development of a team of professionals with firm political stance, high moral character, extensive cultural knowledge, lofty professional spirit and ability to work hard.” 《意见》指出，播音员主持人作为媒体的形象代表，是党的宣传思想文化事业的重要力量，承担着坚持正确导向、传播先进文化、引领文明风尚的重要职责。要坚持严管厚爱结合、激励约束并重，加快建设一支具有坚定政治立场、高尚道德品质、广博文化知识、崇高职业精神、过硬工作本领的专业人才队伍.
The next paragraph talks about maintaining political quality and then it says that these individuals “should take the construction of professional ethics as the foundation, consciously resist the temptation of fame and fortune, vulgarity and kitsch, purify their ‘social circle’ and ‘circle of friends’, shape a good public image, actively accept social supervision and consciously carry forward professional spirit.” 播音员主持人要把职业道德建设作为立身之本，自觉抵制名利诱惑和低俗庸俗媚俗，净化“交际圈”“朋友圈”，塑造良好公众形象，主动接受社会监督、自觉弘扬职业精神.
The next paragraph says that broadcasting organizations should formulate rules and regulations for broadcasters and anchors to participate in social activities, and clarify the management principles and approval process. It talks about tightening rules around their participation in private activities. The anchor/broadcaster’s participation in various commercial activities, such as endorsements, commercial promotion and live online sales/marketing, must be approved by the broadcasting organisation. 播音员主持人参与广告代言、商业推广、网络带货等各类商业活动，须经所在播出机构批准.
Other Stories:
On the theory page, the lead piece is about hosting the upcoming Olympics written by the Beijing Municipal Committee’s Theory Learning Group.