The Wind Is Just Right to Hoist Sails Across Ten Thousand Li—A Review of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at Its Core Implementing the Central Eight-Point Regulations and Advancing Style of Work Since the 20th National Congress of the Party

The Eight-Point Regulation has profoundly transformed China.

  At the end of 2023, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee convened, over two consecutive days, a special democratic life meeting on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. An important item on the agenda was to hear a report on how the Political Bureau has implemented the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct since the 20th National Congress of the Party.

  Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has remained keenly aware of and steadfast in addressing the unique challenges facing a party of such great size. It has unremittingly ensured the thorough implementation of the spirit of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct, continuously advanced the building of a sound work style within the Party, and thereby enabled this century-old party to constantly rejuvenate through self-revolution. Under its united leadership, the Chinese people are forging ahead on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

  Maintain unwavering resolve and unrelenting momentum, and see through the thorough implementation of the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct.

  On October 27, 2022, less than a week after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping led the newly elected members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee to Yan’an to pay tribute at this sacred site of the Chinese revolution.

  At the Yan’an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, the General Secretary paused for a long time before the exhibit panel titled “Ten ‘No’s’ During the Yan’an Period.” At the very top of the panel was the statement: “No corrupt officials or corrupt elements.”

  “Back then, Comrade Mao Zedong and other veteran revolutionaries in Yan’an lived in cave dwellings, ate coarse grains, and wore plain cloth—using the ‘Yan’an style’ to defeat the ‘Xi’an style.’” General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “All Party members must faithfully inherit and carry forward the glorious traditions and fine work styles left by the older generation of revolutionaries and Communists; courageously advance the Party’s self-revolution; unswervingly promote full and rigorous governance of the Party; constantly uphold the Party’s advanced nature and purity; and ensure that the Party always remains the strong leadership core of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.”

  Embark on a new journey and showcase a fresh new look.

  Several months later, a “new study competition” among Communists in the new era—the thematic education campaign on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era—was thoroughly launched across the Party.

  The meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held on March 30, 2023, set forth five specific objectives for this thematic education campaign, one of which is “upholding integrity and public service to foster a new ethos.”

  The Party’s style of work and its public image are vital to its creativity, cohesion, and combat effectiveness, and they determine the success or failure of the cause of the Party and the country. Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has attached great importance to, and personally planned, the building of the Party’s style of work on the new journey, consistently pushing this effort forward in greater depth—

  Just three days after the conclusion of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the CPC Central Committee convened a meeting of the Political Bureau, one of the key agenda items being the review and approval of the “Detailed Rules for Implementing the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation” by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

  From the First and Second Plenary Sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, to the Central Economic Work Conference and the Plenary Session of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, and further to the Work Conference on Studying and Implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, among other important occasions, new requirements have been put forward for consistently strengthening the Party’s style of work and thoroughly implementing the spirit of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct.

  Several meetings of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee that were presided over by [the leader] addressed issues related to improving work style.

  A series of important instructions have been issued on strengthening Party conduct and integrity, fostering and practicing a correct view of official achievements, combating formalism and bureaucratism, improving investigation and research, promoting the “Four Approaches to the Grassroots,” and investigating and punishing violations such as unauthorized banquets and drinking.

  In important instructions on political and legal work, Party building and organizational work, the work of general offices in the new era, and publicity, ideological and cultural work, requirements were put forward regarding the improvement of work style…

  There are no small matters in style-of-work building. Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has made a series of important expositions on consistently implementing the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation and deepening style-of-work building, thereby further enriching our understanding of the underlying principles governing this work. These expositions have charted the course forward and provided the fundamental guiding principles for continuously strengthening the institutional safeguards established by the Eight-Point Regulation and for promoting the institutionalization and long-term effectiveness of style-of-work building—

  Clear requirements were set forth for the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, emphasizing that “Comrades on the Political Bureau must, in light of the newly revised Detailed Rules for Implementing the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation, rigorously align themselves with each provision, ensure full and unwavering implementation, focus on rectifying the persistent problems of formalism and bureaucratism, and take the lead in upholding the Party’s fine style of work.”

  Regarding the key tasks in improving work style, it is emphasized that “rectifying formalism and bureaucratism must be given a more prominent position as a priority task in work-style development; targeted measures should be formulated, rectification efforts should be carried out in a scientific, precise, and focused manner, with genuine resolve and concrete results.”

  On strengthening the development of a culture of integrity in the new era, it is emphasized that “in-depth education on Party spirit, style, and discipline must be carried out; the Party’s glorious traditions and fine work styles must be passed down; the lofty ideals and aspirations of Communist Party members must be inspired; and the pursuit of personal gain through the abuse of power and acts of embezzlement and corruption must be regarded as the gravest disgrace.”

  When discussing the work of Party schools, it was emphasized that “Party schools at all levels must dare to take charge and manage rigorously, ensuring that trainees feel the ethos of diligent study, simplicity, and integrity as soon as they enter the institution.”

  ……

  As the cause of the Party and the people advances to a certain stage, so too must the Party’s style-of-work building advance to that same stage. The greater the risks, the more numerous the challenges, and the heavier the tasks, the more we must strengthen the Party’s style of work—using a sound style to invigorate morale, galvanize fighting spirit, enhance the Party’s image, and win the support of the people.

  We must purge the corrupt and promote the upright, and strive for lasting success. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the entire Party has persevered in implementing the spirit of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct, continuously deepening efforts to improve work style. As a result, a vibrant Marxist party is advancing on a new journey and making contributions in the new era with an excellent style and a vigorous spirit.

  Set benchmarks and lead by example, establishing a shining model for the entire Party.

  In April 2023, following the launch of the thematic education campaign on studying and implementing Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Guangdong for inspection and research.

  Over four days and spanning thousands of miles, General Secretary Xi Jinping traveled from the shores of the Qiongzhou Strait to the banks of the Pearl River, traversing western Guangdong from west to east. His tireless efforts were driven by a desire to observe firsthand the region’s development and transformation and to gain a deeper understanding of the actual conditions on the ground.

  “So warm and approachable,” “The questions were so thorough and specific,” “I never imagined the General Secretary would be so well-versed in marine fisheries”... These are the heartfelt impressions of ordinary people upon meeting General Secretary Xi Jinping.

  During his inspection tours in Zhejiang, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited commercial and trade markets to engage in cordial exchanges with merchants and representatives of small business owners; in Jiangxi, he toured a helicopter manufacturing enterprise, personally boarded a helicopter, and gained first-hand insight into its technological R&D achievements. Going deep into the grassroots and the front lines has always been a defining feature of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s field inspections and research trips.

  Lead by example through action and set a model through personal conduct.

  Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has conducted 18 domestic inspection tours and research missions, traveling from revolutionary holy sites to the forefront of reform, from the northwestern border regions to the Yangtze River Delta. His schedule has been packed and his travels relentless, taking him to 16 provinces.

  On September 7, 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Longwangmiao Village in Laojieji Township, Shangzhi City, Heilongjiang Province, one of the areas hardest hit by flooding, to extend his condolences to the affected residents and to learn about the progress of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. Moving from Northeast China to North China, General Secretary Xi said: “I am deeply concerned about the areas that have been struck by disasters. I will visit those places in the future as well.”

  On November 10, 2023, as northern China was entering winter, General Secretary Xi Jinping made a special trip to the severely affected districts of Mentougou in Beijing and Zhuozhou in Hebei Province to visit and offer condolences to the disaster-affected people and to inspect and guide post-disaster recovery and reconstruction efforts.

  Braving the bitter cold on the way there and returning under the cover of night, we spent a full day traveling by car and then by train, crisscrossing Beijing and Hebei provinces. Our itinerary took us to rural areas, urban communities, schools, municipal facilities, and water-conservation projects—where we visited residents, met with teachers and students, and inspected local shops; we also stopped by farm households, ventured into wheat fields, and climbed atop the main river levees…

  “Along the way, I’ve heard and seen so much, which has given me a deep sense of reassurance and satisfaction; the recovery and reconstruction efforts are all proceeding according to plan.”

  The people have always been the object of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s deepest concern.

  On the eve of the 2023 Spring Festival, video conferences were held with grassroots cadres and residents in six provinces and municipalities to extend greetings and offer condolences, engage in casual conversations about everyday life, and help resolve their difficulties.

  During an inspection and research trip to Inner Mongolia, which coincided with the national college entrance examination, he personally instructed that “examinees must be given priority” and that travel routes could be adjusted as necessary.

  During an inspection and research trip to Shanghai, he specifically visited affordable rental housing to meet with new urban residents and carefully inquired about their living conditions.

  ……

  Every word and deed reflects a clear-cut commitment to leading the way in implementing the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct; every small gesture underscores the profound dedication of Communists to governing for the people.

  In the golden autumn of 2023, President Xi Jinping convened with new and old friends from across the globe in Beijing to jointly attend the Third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation.

  In addition to attending the opening ceremony of the High-Level Forum and delivering a keynote address, as well as hosting a welcome banquet, from October 17 to 20, 2023, President Xi Jinping scheduled seven half-day sessions to hold separate talks and meetings with all the foreign leaders in attendance, often working tirelessly from early morning until late at night…

  Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has undertaken six overseas visits lasting a total of 25 days, visiting seven countries and hosting four home-country diplomatic events. Throughout these engagements, he has rigorously adhered to foreign affairs regulations, streamlined his entourage, and simplified ceremonial protocols for welcoming and seeing off guests, thereby setting an example of pragmatic responsibility and lofty conduct by leading from the top.

  Comrades Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and other members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee have conscientiously implemented the important instructions and requirements of General Secretary Xi Jinping, rigorously enforced the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct, and ensured effective implementation within their respective areas of responsibility, departments, and localities.

  In terms of improving investigative research, members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee have conducted field inspections and studies in various localities on major issues such as advancing Chinese modernization, with a focus on fully implementing the spirit of the 20th National Congress of the Party. During these investigations, they have consistently adopted a down-to-earth approach, going straight to the front lines, and emphasized obtaining an accurate understanding of the situation through methods such as “four noes and two straights,” while firmly rejecting formalism and bureaucratism.

  In streamlining meetings and events, we have rigorously controlled the number, scale, and duration of nationwide conferences and activities, and optimized the organizational arrangements for meetings of the Party Central Committee’s decision-making, deliberative, and coordinating bodies. Approval for holding meetings at higher levels or outside the usual jurisdiction has been strictly limited, and the use of video conferencing for meetings and events is increasingly becoming the norm.

  In streamlining documents and briefings, we have adhered to a writing style that is concise, substantive, and innovative, and further refined the standards for the length and word count of central documents. Except as uniformly arranged and approved by the Party Central Committee, no member of the Political Bureau has publicly published personal works or standalone collections of speeches, nor has any issued congratulatory letters, telegrams, inscriptions, calligraphic dedications, or prefaces.

  With regard to the standardization of official overseas visits, arrangements should be rationally coordinated, and requirements concerning the duration of visits, the size of delegations, and accommodation and catering must be strictly adhered to; furthermore, transportation must be used in strict accordance with the relevant regulations.

  In terms of improving news reporting, stricter controls will be imposed on article length, page layout, and broadcast time slots. News coverage of national-level conferences and events will be streamlined.

  In improving security operations, forces are to be deployed strategically to minimize traffic controls and reduce the impact on the public’s daily life and work.

  In earnestly promoting thrift and frugality, we will resolutely implement the requirement to “live a tight budget,” further reduce the central government’s budget for official overseas visits, official hospitality, and official vehicle expenses, and strictly prohibit local governments from engaging in unauthorized construction of government buildings and facilities or borrowing funds to undertake “vanity projects.”

  Those who lead by example follow. The Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has rigorously implemented the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct and its detailed rules for implementation, leaving no room for compromise or deviation, thereby setting a benchmark and providing a model for the entire Party through concrete actions.

  Embarking on a New Journey and Setting Forth Anew to Deepen Efforts in Improving Conduct

  On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day in 2023, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission publicly disclosed seven typical cases of violations of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation, once again sending a clear signal that close scrutiny will be maintained at key junctures and that strict enforcement against misconduct will be prioritized.

  Improving work style is an ongoing journey that will never come to a halt.

  Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, all regions and departments have thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress, gained a profound understanding of the new circumstances, tasks, and requirements for improving conduct, continuously deepened the implementation of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Decision on Improving Conduct, carried out targeted and precise efforts to address persistent problems in work style, and consistently energized Party members and cadres to strive for achievement and entrepreneurship. These new achievements in improving conduct have provided strong guarantees for advancing on the new journey.

  Consolidating hearts and minds, and forging the ideological and political foundation for improving work style—

  “Promoting, through centralized education, the Party’s resolve to address prominent problems in its style of work with a spirit of self-revolution is an important historical lesson.”

  In June 2023, during an inspection and research trip to Inner Mongolia, General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward clear requirements for earnestly upholding proper conduct through study, thereby providing guidance for Party members and cadres to achieve tangible results in the thematic education campaign through robust work styles and concrete measures.

  The Party’s style of work is the Party’s image and serves as a barometer for gauging the relationship between the Party and the people, as well as the people’s support or opposition.

  All regions and departments have conducted comprehensive, systematic, and in-depth study of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Through diverse approaches in the thematic education campaign, they have guided Party members and cadres to forge unity of mind and soul around the Party’s innovative theories. By conducting thorough self-examination, analysis, and rectification, they have swept away ideological dust, rectified unhealthy work styles, and eliminated behavioral blemishes, ensuring that political standards and requirements are consistently upheld throughout the process of improving conduct and fostering a clean and upright political environment.

  Highlight key priorities and, with the tenacious spirit of driving nails home, rectify the persistent problems of the “Four Winds” —

  “A total of 11,860 cases involving violations of the spirit of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation were investigated and dealt with; 16,728 individuals were criticized, educated, or otherwise handled; and disciplinary and administrative sanctions were imposed on 11,870 individuals…” Prior to the 2024 New Year, the website of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission released the monthly report for November 2023 on nationwide investigations into violations of the spirit of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation. This marks the 123rd consecutive month that such data have been publicly disclosed.

  From placing the rectification of formalism and bureaucratism in a more prominent position, launching special campaigns to address “half-finished projects,” “vanity projects,” and issues such as shirking responsibility, inaction, and improper conduct, and strengthening oversight and disciplinary enforcement in areas like grain procurement and sales and arable land protection, to intensifying efforts to correct prominent problems of hedonism and extravagance, rigorously investigating and publicly reporting cases of leading cadres in multiple localities engaging in illegal banquets and drinking, and maintaining strict oversight over violations related to exceeding standards for office space…

  All regions and departments have steadfastly maintained a rigorous approach, focusing intently on persistent problems in work style that are widespread and recurrent, as well as on areas and regions where issues are particularly acute and performance is weak. By targeting specific problems and achieving key breakthroughs, they are ensuring that efforts to improve work style are carried out rigorously and effectively, yielding tangible results.

  Addressing both symptoms and root causes to continuously enhance the effectiveness of style-of-work governance—

  “We will keep a close watch on the ‘key few’—leading cadres—and rigorously address recurring holiday-related problems such as unauthorized banquets and entertainment, improper acceptance or giving of gifts and cash gifts, and unlawful issuance of allowances, subsidies, or benefits. We will also thoroughly investigate the underlying issues of quid pro quo and soliciting favors in exchange for official acts, treating these as inseparable manifestations of both misconduct and corruption, and impose strict and severe disciplinary actions against violations of rules and discipline…”

  Ahead of the 2023 Dragon Boat Festival, the Heilongjiang Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision issued a reminder to all Party members, cadres, and public servants across the province to observe integrity during the holiday, sounding the alarm against the dangerous trend of “corruption stemming from misconduct” and “corruption evolving from misconduct.”

  All regions and departments have steadfastly integrated the Party’s principles, style, and discipline, improved the mechanism for jointly investigating both misconduct and corruption, resolutely addressed the corrupt practices underlying improper conduct, and thoroughly investigated the improper conduct concealed within corruption cases.

  From launching coordinated joint inspections to address issues such as food waste in the catering sector and excessive spending on “three public” expenses, to rigorously investigating the “four undesirable work styles” underlying drunk and impaired driving and publicly exposing typical cases, to advancing the development of an integrated supervision information platform and refining the “punishment, governance, and prevention” work chain—these efforts have collectively forged a synergistic force for effective governance.

  While rigorously addressing the “Four Winds” problems, all regions and departments have integrated education on fine traditions and exemplary conduct, discipline and work style for young cadres, and cautionary education with the campaign to rectify and improve the contingent of cadres. Efforts are focused on fostering a culture of integrity in the new era, using sound Party and government conduct to promote positive social and public morals, advance the transformation of outdated customs and practices, and continuously eradicate the conditions that give rise to作风建设 issues.

  Assume responsibility and take action, using a sound work style and positive image to foster a favorable environment characterized by rigorous implementation—

  “Thanks to you, the cost of irrigating our land has now been cut by more than half—less than half of what it used to be,” said Gao Keguo, a large-scale grain farmer in Yanglou Village, Jiaxiang County, Jining City, Shandong Province, in December 2023.

  According to reports, in response to villagers’ complaints about excessively high irrigation fees, the Commission for Discipline Inspection and Supervision of Jiaxiang County has launched a special campaign to rectify the management of village collective “three assets,” rigorously addressing misconduct that disregards or infringes upon the interests of the masses and thereby boosting the quality and efficiency of rural revitalization.

  One part planning, nine parts execution.

  All regions and departments, in earnestly implementing the strategic plans set forth at the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, have adopted a series of concrete measures to enhance capabilities, improve work styles, and strengthen accountability, thereby inspiring Party members and cadres to stay focused on their goals, work diligently and pragmatically, address practical problems, and deliver tangible benefits to the people, thus fostering a positive momentum of rigorous implementation.

  When it comes to the effectiveness of style-of-work development, the people are in the best position to judge.

  At the end of 2023, the National Bureau of Statistics’ telephone survey on public opinion and social conditions revealed that 95.7% of respondents expressed approval of the overall effectiveness of implementing the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation.

  When the wind is clear, the atmosphere is upright; when the atmosphere is upright, hearts are united; and when hearts are united, all endeavors succeed.

  The year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and is a pivotal year for achieving the goals and tasks set forth in the 14th Five-Year Plan. Advancing the cause of Chinese modernization is a formidable undertaking with a grand and promising future.

  Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the entire Party has pursued rigorous and effective implementation, leaving tangible results at every step, and continuously deepened efforts to improve conduct. We are confident that, through a fine style of work, we will rally the tremendous strength of over 1.4 billion people in unity and forge ahead, steadily advancing the great cause of building a modern socialist country and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!