The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Held a Democratic Life Meeting; Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Presided over the Meeting and Delivered an Important Speech.

From December 25 to 26, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a democratic life meeting to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, comprehensively carry out the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, focus on steadfastly upholding the spirit of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct, promote the institutionalization and long-term effectiveness of style-of-work building, conduct self-examination and Party-member analysis in light of both ideological and practical work considerations, and engage in criticism and self-criticism.

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

Prior to the meeting, the relevant authorities made thorough preparations. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held candid conversations with responsible comrades, listened to their views and suggestions, and drafted their statements. During the meeting, reports were first heard on the Political Bureau’s implementation of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct in 2025 and on efforts to combat formalism and alleviate burdens on grassroots-level organizations in 2025. Subsequently, each member of the Political Bureau delivered a speech, focusing on the theme of the meeting and conducting a rigorous self-examination and in-depth analysis in light of the “Several Provisions of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Strengthening and Upholding the Centralized and Unified Leadership of the Party” and the “Detailed Rules for Implementing the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct.” Participants engaged in frank and open exchanges, speaking their minds freely, creating a tone that was both serious and lively and achieving the intended outcomes.

The remarks made by comrades on the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee focused on five key areas: first, taking the lead in strengthening political loyalty and enhancing political competence; second, taking the lead in consolidating the foundations and cultivating the roots, thereby bolstering Party character; third, taking the lead in respecting the people, respecting the organization, and respecting laws and discipline; fourth, taking the lead in getting things done and starting businesses, and in shouldering responsibilities and taking action; and fifth, taking the lead in resolutely assuming responsibility for governing the Party and enforcing strict Party discipline.

The meeting emphasized that 2025 is an extraordinary year. In the face of severe challenges posed by both the domestic and international situations, 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 in rising to difficulties and striving vigorously, ensuring the smooth achievement of the major goals for economic and social development and bringing the 14th Five-Year Plan to a successful conclusion. China’s economy has pressed forward under pressure, moving toward new growth drivers and higher quality; reform and opening-up have taken new steps; efforts to safeguard people’s livelihoods have been strengthened; and overall social stability has been maintained. These achievements have not come easily.

The comrades of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee unanimously agreed that the new major achievements made in the cause of the Party and the country are fundamentally attributable to the guiding leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and to the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The entire Party must deeply understand the decisive significance of the “two establishments,” strengthen the “four consciousnesses,” bolster the “four confidences,” and ensure “two safeguards.” Next year marks the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan; we must resolutely implement the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, fully, accurately, and comprehensively apply the new development philosophy, accelerate the establishment of a new development pattern, focus on promoting high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up in all respects, better coordinate development and security, strive to achieve both qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth in the economy, continuously improve people’s livelihoods, maintain social harmony and stability, and advance comprehensive and strict Party self-governance in depth, so as to secure a strong start.

Xi Jinping offered specific comments on and set forth requirements for each of the self-examination and criticism statements delivered by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and then summarized the meeting. He pointed out that this democratic life meeting was highly effective, strengthened the cohesion and combat effectiveness of the Political Bureau, and is of great significance for continuously breaking new ground in the cause of Chinese modernization.

Xi Jinping emphasized that since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, we have started with the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and with the thorough implementation of the spirit of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct, focusing on rectifying the “Four Winds” and achieving remarkable results. This year, we have carried out in-depth study and education across the Party on thoroughly implementing the spirit of the Eight-Point Decision, earnestly and decisively addressing prominent problems, and thereby securing new and tangible achievements in improving conduct. We must steadfastly uphold the Eight-Point Decision as an iron rule and a rigid standard, relentlessly combat the deep-rooted ills of the “Four Winds,” and continuously promote the institutionalization and long-term effectiveness of efforts to improve conduct. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should set an exemplary standard for Party spirit and style, leading by example and setting a model for the entire Party in terms of firm conviction, pragmatism, sense of responsibility, and self-discipline.

Xi Jinping pointed out that firm belief in Marxism and unwavering ideals and convictions are the very foundation of a Communist’s existence. Leading cadres must link their studies to the Party’s historic mission and the responsibilities they bear, deepen their theoretical learning, conduct rigorous self-reflection, and strive to be steadfast Marxists. They must devote themselves wholeheartedly to the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, focusing their thoughts and energy on effectively realizing, safeguarding, and developing the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people, so as to achieve accomplishments worthy of the times. They must also enhance their political competence, resolutely implement the Party’s basic theory, basic line, and basic policy, maintain a clear political stance, adhere to sound political principles and direction, and always remain in close alignment with the Party Central Committee.

Xi Jinping emphasized that Communists are materialists, and pragmatism is an essential quality; they must seek truth from facts, be pragmatic and realistic, and work diligently and effectively. Leading cadres must go deep into the grassroots and front lines, listen attentively to diverse voices, and maintain a clear understanding of the actual situation. They should devote themselves to study and research, strengthen their analysis of conditions, see through appearances to grasp the essence, and identify underlying patterns. Moreover, they must take the lead in opposing formalism and foster a strong atmosphere that values practical work and delivers tangible results.

Xi Jinping pointed out that leading cadres must be courageous in assuming responsibility: they should perform their duties and fulfill their responsibilities while in office, proactively taking on heavy and difficult tasks within the scope of their responsibilities. They must squarely face difficulties, contradictions, risks, and potential hazards, rise to challenges, and overcome obstacles through determined efforts. They must uphold Party principles, clearly distinguish right from wrong, dare to struggle, and take a firm stand on major issues and matters of principle.

Xi Jinping emphasized that leading cadres, especially those at senior levels, must maintain clear-headedness and strict self-discipline, always stay true to their original aspirations and remain steadfast in their duties, approaching their work with a sense of vigilance and humility. They must rigorously implement the principle of democratic centralism, fully enforce the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct and its detailed rules for implementation, strictly abide by the rules governing deliberation and decision-making, and conscientiously act in accordance with institutional norms and regulations. They should cultivate moral integrity and self-respect, uphold personal integrity and moral purity, oppose any notion or practice of privilege, exercise tight oversight over those around them and all matters within their purview, and truly embody honesty and incorruptibility.