The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee convened a democratic life meeting, which was chaired by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, who also delivered an important speech.

The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee convened a democratic life meeting, emphasizing that…

Uphold unity and strive for progress, and earnestly implement the major decisions and arrangements of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China.

Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.

　　BEIJING, Dec. 27 (Xinhua) — From December 26 to 27, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee convened a democratic life meeting. The meeting was held under the theme of thoroughly implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply understanding the decisive significance of the “two establishments,” strengthening the “four consciousnesses,” bolstering the “four confidences,” and upholding the “two safeguards.” It aimed to unite and lead Party members and cadres in earnestly carrying out the major decisions and deployments adopted at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China with a spirit of vigorous endeavor. Drawing on the work of the Political Bureau, the meeting reviewed progress, identified shortcomings, conducted an analysis of Party character, and engaged in criticism and self-criticism, focusing on practical efforts to take the lead in upholding the “two safeguards,” using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to forge unity and strengthen ideological cohesion, steadfastly upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership, adhering to a people-centered development philosophy, fostering a fighting spirit, and fulfilling the political responsibility of exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party.

　　Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.

　　From December 26 to 27, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a democratic life meeting, which was chaired by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, who also delivered an important speech. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ju Peng.

　　Prior to the meeting, the relevant parties undertook thorough preparations. Members of the CPC Central Politburo held candid discussions with responsible comrades, listened to their views and suggestions, and drafted speaking outlines. During the session, each member of the CPC Central Politburo spoke in turn, focusing on the meeting’s theme and, in light of the “Several Provisions of the CPC Central Politburo on Strengthening and Safeguarding the Central Committee’s Concentrated and Unified Leadership” and the “Detailed Rules for Implementing the CPC Central Politburo’s Eight‑Point Decision on Improving Party and Government Conduct,” rigorously identified shortcomings, conducted in‑depth self‑criticism, and engaged in open, frank exchanges. The atmosphere was both serious and lively, yielding the intended outcomes.

　　The remarks of the members of the CPC Central Politburo focused on six key areas. First, there is a deeper understanding of the profound significance of studying and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC; we must earnestly devote ourselves to comprehensively studying, fully grasping, and effectively putting into practice the Party’s guiding principles. Second, our comprehension of the decisive significance of the “two establishments” has deepened; we must further strengthen our ideological, political, and practical consciousness in upholding the “two safeguards.” Third, we have gained a more profound appreciation of the long-term guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and we must apply it effectively to fortify our minds, guide our practice, and advance our work. Fourth, our understanding of the distinctive features, essential requirements, major principles, and strategic arrangements for advancing Chinese modernization in all respects has deepened; in the face of arduous tasks and mounting risks and challenges, we must dare to struggle, assume responsibility, and fulfill our duties to the Party and to the people. Fifth, we have come to recognize more deeply the pivotal role of leading cadres as bellwethers in ensuring strict Party self‑governance; we must be rigorous in carrying out self‑revolution and consciously set an example for the entire Party in observing rules and discipline. Sixth, we have developed a clearer awareness of the need to remain sober and resolute in addressing the unique challenges confronting a large party; we must conscientiously shoulder our political responsibility for exercising full and rigorous Party self‑governance.

　　The meeting emphasized that this year is an exceptionally significant one in the history of the Party and the country. We successfully convened the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, charting a grand blueprint for fully building a modern socialist country. Faced with a turbulent international environment and daunting domestic tasks of reform, development, and stability, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has united and led the entire Party and all ethnic groups across the country to rise to challenges, fully implementing the requirements of containing the pandemic, stabilizing the economy, and ensuring secure development. It has coordinated the domestic and international contexts, balanced epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, and integrated development with security, while stepping up macro‑regulation to address shocks from unforeseen factors, thereby maintaining overall economic and social stability. Throughout the year, the economy continued to grow, employment remained broadly stable, prices stayed steady, and the balance of payments was favorable. Grain output has remained above 1.3 trillion jin for eight consecutive years, effectively safeguarding food security, energy security, and people’s livelihoods. The Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics were also successfully held. These achievements have been hard won and are all the more worthy of cherishing.

　　The members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee unanimously agreed that a year of practice has once again demonstrated the decisive significance of the “two establishments.” On the new journey ahead, the entire Party must deeply appreciate the decisive importance of the “two establishments,” strengthen the “four consciousnesses,” firmly uphold the “four confidences,” and ensure the “two safeguards,” resolutely implementing the Party Central Committee’s principles, policies, and work arrangements. Next year will mark the inaugural year for fully implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the CPC; we must comprehensively apply Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, carry forward the great spirit of Party building, bear in mind the “three imperatives,” unite and strive together, pioneer and innovate, and endeavor to secure a strong start, thereby laying a solid foundation for fully building a modern socialist country and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

　　Xi Jinping offered specific comments on each of the self‑criticism and mutual‑criticism statements delivered by members of the CPC Central Political Bureau, putting forward clear requirements for each. He then summarized the session. He noted that this democratic life meeting of the CPC Central Political Bureau was conducted in a thorough and highly effective manner: participants spoke candidly, exchanged views, identified problems, and clarified directions. Such an exercise has been of great benefit in strengthening unity within the Political Bureau, improving its work, and fulfilling its mission, while also enhancing the cohesion, combat effectiveness, and centripetal force of the central leadership collective.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized that the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China has drawn up a grand blueprint for fully building a modern socialist country and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese-style modernization, clearly defining the goals and tasks for the development of the Party and the country in the new era and on the new journey. Thoroughly implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress is the top political task for the entire Party at present and for the period ahead. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should set an example by comprehensively studying, grasping, and implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress, live up to their mission and the expectations of the people, and ensure that their thinking and actions are aligned with all the decisions and arrangements adopted at the Congress.

　　From December 26 to 27, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a democratic life meeting, which was chaired by Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, who also delivered an important speech. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Ju Peng.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that upholding the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee is a fundamental principle for building the Party, one that reflects the maturity of a Marxist ruling party. With a Party and a country as large as ours, if the CPC Central Committee cannot exercise strong and effective centralized leadership, we will descend into fragmentation and unilateralism, rendering it impossible to accomplish anything. Upholding the CPC Central Committee’s centralized and unified leadership is concrete, not abstract; first and foremost, it must be translated into resolute safeguarding of the CPC Central Committee’s authority and into concrete actions that strengthen the “Four Consciousnesses,” bolster the “Four Confidences,” and ensure the “Two Safeguards.” At all times and under all circumstances, we must maintain high-level consistency with the CPC Central Committee, harmonizing ourselves within the symphony of its unified command, and never stray from the right path or distort its spirit. We must always hold high the Party’s banner, follow the Party’s direction, and act in accordance with the Party’s will—resolutely responding to whatever the CPC Central Committee advocates, faithfully implementing its decisions, and firmly refraining from anything it prohibits—regularly benchmarking ourselves against its standards and promptly correcting any deviations. In all situations, we must remain absolutely loyal to the Party, share the same heart and mind with the CPC Central Committee, genuinely love the Party, constantly bear its concerns, steadfastly defend it, and devote ourselves wholeheartedly to its rejuvenation. Major policy decisions, significant matters, and important developments in our work must be promptly reported to and sought for instructions from the CPC Central Committee.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized that Chinese modernization is an unprecedented, pioneering endeavor that calls for continuous exploration and innovation. This poses new and higher demands on the competence and capabilities of Party organizations at all levels and leading cadres, as well as on our mental outlook, work style, and public image. For members of the Political Bureau, the most crucial capacity for fulfilling their duties is political capability. They must hold themselves to the rigorous standards of Marxist statesmen, constantly enhancing their political discernment, political understanding, and political execution; be adept at assessing major domestic and international trends and the overall situation; keep firmly in mind “matters of paramount national importance”; formulate sound strategies for the country and the Party; and strive to benefit the people and win their support. In accordance with the requirements of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, they must continually strengthen their abilities to promote high-quality development, serve the masses, and prevent and defuse risks.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that turning the grand blueprint outlined at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China into a reality requires leading cadres at all levels to step up and take responsibility. Leading cadres at all levels must dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to the Party, work tirelessly for the public good, and fulfill their duties and responsibilities to the Party and the people with a sense of constant vigilance and a spirit of proactive commitment. It is essential to foster a favorable environment that encourages initiative and entrepreneurship, dare to stand by those who take responsibility, hold accountable those who are responsible, and support those who get things done. We must be adept at identifying, cultivating, and deploying cadres who are both willing and capable of shouldering responsibilities, and work vigorously to eliminate all factors that hinder such dedication, so that a culture of willingness, courage, and competence in taking responsibility becomes deeply ingrained. Above all, we must uphold the spirit of struggle, proactively address various risks and challenges, and rely on tenacious struggle to open up new horizons for the development of our cause.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized that members of the CPC Central Political Bureau should take the lead in strengthening systems thinking, elevating their political awareness, and adeptly coordinating the great struggle, the great project, the great cause, and the great dream. They should also be skilled at advancing in a coordinated manner the Five‑Pronged Strategic Layout and the Four Comprehensives strategic layout. It is essential to firmly uphold the principle of national unity, act consciously within the broader context, and ensure that particular interests yield to overarching principles and local interests give way to the overall national interest. We must continuously enhance our capacities for strategic, historical, dialectical, systemic, innovative, law‑based, and bottom‑line thinking, and earnestly achieve forward‑looking analysis, holistic planning, and integrated advancement across all undertakings. We must always keep the big picture and long-term interests in mind, refrain from petty calculations or short‑sighted tricks, and proactively guard against and oppose individualism, fragmentation, liberalism, and parochialism—striving both to bring honor to our own region and to contribute to the greater good.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that the conduct of leading cadres, especially senior officials, has always served as a crucial indicator guiding Party and social ethos, and as an important window through which the people assess the Party’s style. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should, in accordance with the newly revised Detailed Rules for Implementing the CPC Central Committee’s Eight‑Point Decision on Improving Party and Government Conduct, rigorously align themselves with each provision, ensure full and faithful implementation, and focus on addressing the persistent problems of formalism and bureaucratism, thereby setting an example in upholding the Party’s fine traditions. We must vigorously promote a culture of investigation and research, frequently going to the grassroots level in our respective areas of responsibility—especially to places where difficulties are greatest, public concerns are most concentrated, and progress has stalled—to gain a firsthand understanding of the situation, conduct in‑depth analyses, and obtain a comprehensive grasp of conditions so that we can act with full awareness. We must create a conducive environment and favorable conditions to encourage grassroots cadres and the general public to speak truthfully, candidly, and from the heart. With regard to any problems identified, we must analyze their root causes, pinpoint the underlying issues, and devise targeted measures to resolve them.

　　Xi Jinping emphasized that our Party always represents the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the Chinese people and never represents the interests of any interest group, any powerful clique, or any privileged class. For leading cadres to be truly strong, they must first be clean and honest. Integrity hinges on self-awareness, depends on perseverance, and is most difficult to achieve in its full and thorough implementation. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead in upholding integrity and self-discipline, earnestly shoulder their political responsibility for governing the Party, and ensure robust efforts to foster a sound work style and clean governance within their respective areas of responsibility or the localities they oversee. They must resolutely combat all forms of unhealthy tendencies and corruption, and work to cultivate clear and upright relationships among comrades, proper and principled relations between superiors and subordinates, and a new type of government‑business relationship characterized by both closeness and clarity. In doing so, they should serve as exemplary leaders, builders, and defenders of a healthy political environment and a wholesome social atmosphere. At the same time, they must exercise strict oversight over their family members and relatives, as well as those around them, and absolutely prevent them from exploiting their power and influence to seek improper gains.

　　Xi Jinping pointed out that, at this democratic life meeting, members of the CPC Central Political Bureau put forward many valuable opinions and suggestions for improving their work. Following the meeting, they should promptly conduct thorough research, formulate concrete measures, and refine their work, striving to achieve tangible results.