Weekly Report 3|5 10.25.2019-11.1.2019
Highlights
The Central Committee’s Fourth Plenum concluded in Beijing (see Senior Leaders section).
The Central Committee and State Council published an “Outline on Boosting Civic Morality in a New Era,” which establishes guidelines for good citizenship (see Senior Leaders section).
Senior Leaders
CCP Central Committee and State Council Publish “Outline on Boosting Civic Morality in a New Era”
10.27 Xinhua carried the full text of the report by the CCP Central Committee and State Council aimed at enhancing China’s public morality and establishing guidelines that delineate what constitutes good citizenship in the eyes of the Communist Party. The report states that “the establishment of social morality, professional ethics, family virtue, and personal moral character must be the focal points” of such efforts. It further states that the nation must “continue in untiringly using Xi Jinping thought on socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era to arm the party and educate the people” and that Xi Jinping thought must be a guiding force for China’s continued development.
The report identifies four main missions: the firm construction of ideal convictions of the people in the Party’s ideology, the cultivation and implementation of core socialist values, to continue passing on traditional Chinese virtue, and promoting the spirit of the nation and the era.
Hinting at the more concrete implications of these lofty pronouncements, the report also calls for: renewed efforts to implement the party line and socialist values in the national education system; an emphasis on the ability of works of art, writing, and any public cultural product to broadly publicize values of the new era, particularly through the use of positive models and examples in mass media; insurance that “proper discourse builds a favorable moral environment”; building cyberspace into a place that promotes “positive energy” and is filled with “correct public opinion” (正确舆论); and, “actively practicing a lifestyle of green production.”
130th Birthday Memorial of Comrade Li Dazhao Held in Beijing, Wang Huning Attends and Gives Remarks
10.27 Politburo member and member of the Central Secretariat Wang Huning (王沪宁) gave a speech in remembrance of one of the founding members of the Chinese Communist Party, Li Dazhao (李大钊), who died in 1927. The summary report from Xinhua stated that in his speech, Wang praised Li for having “set the benchmark for Communists as a model of resolute conviction, loyalty to the Party, sticking to original aspirations, benefitting the people, eagerness to undertake work, courage to fight, perseverance in truth, seeking truth from facts, honesty and uprightness, and high moral character.” Wang also directly stated in the speech the importance of “consciously maintaining the same degree of unity in thought, politics, and action with the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core.”
4th Plenum of the 19th Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party Opens in Beijing Xinhua
10.28 Xinhua published an infographic on the 4th Plenum the same day it commenced, on 28 October. Based on the report given to the entire Plenary body, entitled “A Decision on Some Major Issues Concerning How to Uphold and Improve the System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Advance the Modernization of China's System and Capacity for Governance,” the infographic opens with praise for the Chinese system and says “our Party has led the people to continually explore and put [things] into practice, forming a system and governance structure of enormous vitality and great superiority, and creating wonders of economic growth and political stability rarely seen in the world.”
It further stated: “As [we] are faced with unprecedentedly great change, and arrive at a critical juncture for rejuvenation of the nation, [we] must exert even more effort in persevering in and perfecting the system of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics, and in promoting the modernization of national governance system and governance capabilities.” The infographic concludes with an exhortation to uphold the “Three Perseverances” (三个坚持), namely, “persevering [in upholding] the leadership of the CCP”; “persevering in centering around the people”; and “persevering in governing the country according to the law.”
Authorized Release: Communique on the 19th CCP Central Committee’s Fourth Plenum
10.31 Xinhua published an authoritative communique on the Fourth Plenum of the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, which was held from 28 to 31 October. The plenum was attended by 202 members of the Central Committee and 169 alternate members, as well as members of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Standing Committee. According to the communique, the plenum heard and discussed a work report delivered by Xi Jinping, and approved the “Decisions on Some Major Issues Concerning Upholding and Improving the System of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Advancing the National Governance System and Modernization of Governance Capacity.”
The communique said the plenum discussed 13 “outstanding strengths” of Chinese governance:
Upholding the centralized and unified leadership of the CCP, upholding the CCP’s scientific theories, maintaining political stability and ensuring that the country continues to advance in the direction of socialism;
Seeing that the people run the country, developing the people's democracy, building close ties with the masses, and closely relying on the people to push forward the country's development;
Ensuring law-based governance in all fields, building a country of socialist rule of law, and earnestly guaranteeing social fairness and justice and the people's rights;
Coordinating the country as a whole, mobilizing the enthusiasm of all aspects, concentrating forces to handle important matters;
Upholding equality of all ethnic groups, creating a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, realizing a common united struggle and common prosperity and development;
Upholding the dominant role of the public sector and common development of economic entities under diverse forms of ownership, the distribution system whereby distribution according to labor is dominant and a variety of other modes of distribution exist alongside it, the synergy between the socialist system and the market economy, and continuously unlocking and developing the productive forces;
Upholding common ideals and convictions, values, and moral standards, promoting China’s excellent traditional culture, revolutionary culture, and advanced socialist culture, as well as inspiring the people to embrace shared ideologies and mindsets;
Adhering to the vision of making development people-centered, and continuously guaranteeing and improving people's livelihoods and improving people's wellbeing to achieve common prosperity for everyone;
Continuing reform and innovation, moving with the times, and promoting self-improvement and development to build a society full of vitality;
Selecting officials based on integrity and ability and on the basis of merit to cultivate more talented individuals;
Keeping the armed forces under the Party's command and ensuring that the people's armed forces are completely loyal to the Party and the people so as to safeguard China's sovereignty, security and development interests;
Upholding the principle of “one country, two systems,” maintaining lasting prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, and promoting the peaceful reunification of the motherland;
Adhering to the unity of independence and self-reliance and opening up to the rest of the world, actively participating in global governance, and continuing to contribute to the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.
Propaganda Work
Zhong Sheng: Developing Sino-US Relations Is Inseparable from Mutual Respect
10.26 People’s Daily put out a page-two Zhong Sheng (钟声) article, which authoritatively conveys the paper’s views on international affairs, to respond to US Vice President Mike Pence’s 24 October speech on US-China relations, calling the speech “a ‘political show’ that plays the same old tune.” It said that at this “crucial stage” in the US-China relationship, the world was expecting greater positivity; instead, Pence “disappointingly made untruthful criticisms that framed China, using his customary political prejudice and lies to expose his own arrogance and hypocrisy.” The article pointed out that Pence had made similar comments in a speech last October, which it said were “judged as ‘misleading’ by American media, and labeled ‘crude’ by international public opinion.” However, it also noted that the speech contained more conciliatory sentences than before, including that “the United States does not seek confrontation with China,” that it does not seek to decouple its economy from China’s, and that “the US and China can and will work to share a peaceful and prosperous future together.”
Regarding his comments that China suppresses the “rights and freedoms” of Hongkongers and religious freedom in Xinjiang, it said Pence was parroting “rioters and terrorists” and warned that “any conspiracy to damage China’s national unification, ethnic unity and social stability, is bound to be wishful thinking, and is doomed to fail in the face of the unprecedented unity of the Chinese people.” The article also denied Pence’s claims that China was militarizing the South China Sea or using the Belt and Road Initiative for military purposes, and criticized Washington’s economic pressure on China for harming bilateral relations and the world economy. It stressed that US-China relations must develop with mutual respect, for the common benefit of all.
PD Commentator: Promote All People’s Moral Quality and Society’s Degree of Civilization to Reach a New Height
10.28 People’s Daily ran a commentary piece on the recently issued State Council and Central Committee “Outline on Boosting Civic Morality in a New Era” (新时代公民道德建设实施纲要), a document the delineates the Party’s ideals of citizenship and public morality in line with Xi Jinping Thought. “The promulgation of the Outline,” the commentator said, “has great significance for promoting all citizens’ moral quality and the degree of civilization in society to reach a new height, achieving an absolute victory in the thorough establishment of a moderately prosperous society, and opening up a new journey in the building of a modernized socialist country.” In keeping with the Outline’s prescriptions, the commentator also reiterated the necessity of “Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as [our] guide.”
Zhong Sheng: Actively Open Up, Mutually Benefit with the World
10.28 The World Bank released its “Doing Business 2020” report on 24 October, and China’s position globally for ease of doing business rose to 31st place from 46th the previous year. The People’s Daily’s Zhong Sheng byline carried a piece that remarked with pride, “against the backdrop of growing factors of global economic uncertainty and instability, China’s unwavering opening up of practical actions to boost global market confidence are of positive significance.” The piece went on to quote a speech by Xi Jinping emphasizing the peaceful, mutually beneficial rise of China on the world stage: “China benefits from globalization, and also contributes to it, and will unwaveringly pursue the path of peaceful development, adhering to a win-win strategy of mutual benefit” as it contributes to an open world economy.
PD Commentator on Thoroughly Developing the “Remain True to Original Aspiration, Keep the Mission Firmly in Mind” Education Campaign——Emphasize Solving the Urgent Problems Most Pressing, Worrying, and Most Yearned for by the Masses
10.29 People’s Daily published a commentary piece expanding on the “thematic education” slogan first given by Xi Jinping in May of this year, “Remain True to Original Aspiration, Keep Mission Firmly in Mind” (alternatively, “Stay True to the Party’s Founding Mission”). The upcoming second round of education campaign for the Party, according to remarks made by Xi on an investigation visit in Henan, must “have a concrete objective: to help the people in solving [their] difficult problems.” The goals of the campaign are “to resolve current prominent issues within the Party [stemming from] violations of its original aspirations and mission; to resolve the actual problems most concerning problems of the interests of the masses; and to guide Party members and cadres at every level to further keep the original aspirations of the Party and undertake its mission.” In so doing, the commentary argued, “we will certainly be able to firmly build the most reliable class basis and mass foundation for the Party’s long-term governance.”
Guo Jiping: Enjoy the Opportunities and Develop Together--Writing on the Opening Day of the 2nd China International Import Exposition
10.31 People’s Daily published a florid piece under its Guo Jiping (国纪平) byline, which stands for “important commentary related to international affairs” (有关国际的重要评论), lauding the second China International Import Exposition scheduled to begin on 5 November in Shanghai, which it likened to “a beautiful portrait of China’s deep interchange and win-win development with the world [that will] gently unfurl [for all to see].” The piece noted with pride that over 3000 firms and organizations from over 150 countries and regions will be represented, a marked increase over the first Expo. Like the People’s Daily piece on the Expo by Zhong Sheng from the previous day, the article reiterates that “China’s active pursuit of imports is not a makeshift strategy, but rather made out of long-term considerations for [pursuing] common development for the world and the future,” borrowing wording from Xi Jinping.
The piece catalogued a litany of opportunities presented by China’s development, noting the allure of the Chinese market for foreign investment due to the steady rise of the Chinese consumer market, and tying the Expo’s growing success to China’s supposedly improved intellectual property rights protections and environment for innovation, which have calmed transnational corporations doing business in China. The piece concluded with admonishments for the global community not to turn its back on economic globalization despite recent setbacks; “closing doors and blaming others,” it said, “is no proper solution for [such] problems.”
PD Editorial: A Vigorous Guarantee for the Great Rejuvenation of Chinese Nation
11.1 People’s Daily published an editorial detailing the results of the Fourth Plenum on 1 November. “The 4th Plenum of the 19th CCP Central Committee specifically studied [how to] uphold and improve the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advance the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance,” which the article says “reflects the rigorous historical undertaking and farsighted strategic vision of the Party with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core.” All of this “is of great and deep significance for obtaining victory in establishing a moderately prosperous society, comprehensively building a modernized, socialist nation, consolidating the governing position of the Party and affirming the long-term stable governance of the Party and country.” It furthers: “[We] must proceed under the unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, be scientific in planning, meticulous in organizing, wide-ranging in our integration, and holistically carrying forward, so as to ensure each of the goals set by this Plenum comprehensively implemented.”
The article concluded with a succinct list of steps necessary to achieve the vision of the plenum: “Let us must more closely unite around the Party with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, strengthen the ‘four consciousnesses’ (四个意识), resolutely [uphold] the ‘four confidences’ (四个自信), carry out the ‘two defends’ (两个维护), remain true to the original aspiration [of the Party] and keep the mission firmly in mind, to push forth dauntlessly, break new ground and innovate, and work hard in the struggle for upholding and improving the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, advancing the modernization of China’s system and capacity for governance, achieving the “two centenary” goals and the realization of the China dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
United Front Work
Wang Yang Inspects Zhejiang: Earnestly Carry Out the Spirit of the Central CPPCC Work Meetings, Strive for New Accomplishments in Coalescing Wisdom and Strength
10.27 According to a 27 October report by Xinhua, during a trip to Zhejiang to visit local cadres from 25 to 26 October, Wang Yang stressed the importance of following the party line and “continually deepening understanding and being more conscientious in work.” He also urged party members to “continue to explore and improve vehicles to coalesce consensus [and to] link together non-party intellectuals, non-public economic figures, and figures from the new social stratum (新的社会阶层人士) around the Party.” The report ended with a brief line stating that Wang also visited relevant “sites of religious activity and private enterprises” during his trip.
Party Discipline
Supreme People’s Procuratorate Decides to Arrest Qin Guangrong
10.25 People’s Daily reported that the Supreme People’s Procuratorate decided to arrest former National People’s Congress Internal Legal Affairs Committee Deputy Head and Yunnan Provincial Party Secretary Qin Guangrong (秦光荣) for accepting bribes. The decision was made after the National Supervisory Commission (NSC) concluded its investigation and transferred the case to procuratorial organs.
CCDI and NSC Announce Achievements of the First Round of Special Rectification Work on Ignoring or Infringing Upon the Interests of the Masses
10.29 As a part of the “remain true to its original aspiration and keep its mission firmly in mind” education campaign, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) and National Supervision Commission (NSC) led 15 central and state agencies on a campaign to address the problems of “ignoring or infringing upon the interests of the masses.”
According to the announcement, since the start of the campaign, each region and department has strengthened its efforts to establish the “two no-worries and three guarantees” (两不愁三保障; not worrying about food or clothing, guaranteeing compulsory education, basic medical treatment, and housing security) in areas with extreme poverty. It emphasized achievements in deepening the implementation of the “rural minimum subsistence guarantee system” (农村低保) and resolving the problem of elderly, people with disabilities, and children losing or not receiving assistance from the system. Lastly, it pointed out achievements in reducing the economic burden of healthcare with special focuses on treating common pediatric blood disorders and malignant tumors. It also listed the campaign’s achievements in improving education, hygiene, public health, and water security in poor areas.
International Liaison Work
10.28 International Department Head Song Tao (宋涛) and Deputy Head Guo Yezhou (郭业洲) met with South African Deputy President and African National Congress Deputy President David Mabuza.
10.28 International Department Deputy Head Qian Hongshan (钱洪山) met with Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs Undersecretary of State for Security, Asia, the Americas, Africa and the Middle East Policy Maciej Lang.
10.28 Qian Hongshan met with Estonian Riigikogu Estonia-China Parliamentary Group Chairman Kalev Kallo.
10.28 International Department Deputy Head Wang Yajun (王亚军) met with newly appointed Vietnamese Ambassador to China Phạm Sao Mai.
11.29 Guo Yezhou met with a Gabonese Democratic Party (PDG) cadre study group led by PDG Secretary-General Éric Dodo Bounguendza.
11.29 Guo Yezhou met with former Russian Prime Minister and current Russian Institute for Strategic Studies Director Mikhail Fradkov.
10.30 Guo Yezhou met with a South African African National Congress (ANC) delegation led by ANC Treasurer General Paul Mashatile.
10.31 Qian Hongshan met with a United Russia delegation led by a United Russia Bureau of the Supreme Council advisor.
Organization Work
10.27 Zhu Yingying (竹莹莹) was appointed a prosecutor of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate.
10.28 Li Jiheng (李纪恒) was appointed minister of civil affairs and secretary of the Ministry of Civil Affairs’ Party group.
10.29 Yao Lin (姚林) was appointed chairman of Aluminum Corporation of China and secretary of its Party group.
10.29 Wang Dongjin (汪东进) was appointed chairman of China National Offshore Oil Corporation and secretary of its Party group.
10.29 Chi Jingtao (迟京涛) was appointed chairman and general manager of China Grain Reserves Corporation and deputy secretary of its Party group.
10.29 Deng Jianling (邓建玲) was appointed chairman and general manager of China Huaneng Group and deputy secretary of its Party group.
10.29 Tan Chengxu (谭成旭) was appointed chairman of Ansteel Group and secretary of its Party committee.
10.31 Ma Zhengwu (马正武) and Ma Weiming (马伟明) were appointed members of the CCP Central Committee.
11.1 Pan Xianzheng (潘显政) was appointed a member of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs’ Party group.