The leadership of the Chinese Communist Party has officially introduced the "Xi Jinping Party Building Thought." State media in China report that this marks a systematic elaboration of the "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," calling for comprehensive study, research, and practice across the party.
According to the People's Daily and other state-run outlets, the "Xi Jinping Party Building Thought" was first mentioned during a national symposium on party building held on June 15.
This ideology, which centers on political responsibility in governance, is the seventh area of Xi Jinping Thought, following economic, diplomatic, military, ecological, legal, and cultural domains. The Xinhua News Agency stated, "The Xi Jinping Party Building Thought contributes to enriching and perfecting the scientific theoretical system of Xi Jinping Thought alongside previously established ideas."
The meeting evaluated that "the Xi Jinping Party Building Thought is a crucial component of Xi Jinping Thought, making significant original contributions to the development of Marxist party-building theory and holding important practical and long-term significance for building a strong party and state." It emphasized that "the Xi Jinping Party Building Thought serves as fundamental guidance for strengthening the construction of the Communist Party of China in the new era, and studying and practicing it is an important political task for the party now and in the future." Consequently, it was stated that "party members and officials should be encouraged to read the original text and deeply understand its fundamental principles."
According to the meeting, this thought includes: ▲ the leadership of the Communist Party of China is the most essential characteristic of socialism with Chinese characteristics; ▲ a comprehensive anti-corruption system that prevents corruption from being dared, able, or willing; ▲ adherence to party governance and management according to systems and regulations; and ▲ thorough implementation of political responsibilities in party governance and management.
The symposium, held ahead of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China, featured remarks from key officials, including Cai Qi, the fifth-ranking member of the Communist Party's Central Committee, and Li Xi, the sixth-ranking secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, along with leaders from major party institutions such as the National Supervisory Commission and the Central Organization Department.
Chinese state media have also actively promoted the "Xi Jinping Party Building Thought." Xinhua noted, "As the party grows, the composition of its members and the situation of the party have undergone significant changes, making party building face more serious and complex issues than ever before." It further assessed that "the Xi Jinping Party Building Thought will politicize party building further and reflect the characteristics and laws of the times, ensuring that the party, with its 100-year history, remains vibrant."
Additionally, it stated, "As Western party politics face numerous challenges, with the rise of populism and the spread of far-right ideologies, there is an urgent need for new theoretical guidance for the development of political parties worldwide. The Xi Jinping Party Building Thought will break the existing notions of Western party systems and present a Chinese perspective, contributing to the advancement of global political civilization and the progress of human political civilization in the era of globalization."
With the independent systematization of the "Xi Jinping Thought" in the area of party building, it can be seen as a step toward institutionalizing Xi's governance experience and authority as the official theory for the overall operation of the Communist Party. Furthermore, it is interpreted as an attempt to highlight the Chinese model of party governance as an alternative to Western-style party politics and as a universal theory contributing to global political development.
Coincidentally, June 15, the day the Xi Jinping Party Building Thought was first publicly mentioned, was also Xi's 73rd birthday. State media in China actively highlighted Xi's image as the "People's Leader."
China Central Television (CCTV) released a 6-minute and 20-second video titled "Party Member Xi Jinping" on that day. The video begins with Xi's recitation of his party membership oath and highlights his political journey from rural life to becoming the top leader, emphasizing the achievements of the anti-corruption campaign. Notably, it features Xi's statement, "I will abandon my personal self and will not betray the people," underscoring his image as a leader dedicated to the people.
Hong Kong's Ming Pao noted that despite the usual practice of not publicly celebrating the birthday of the top leader, CCTV's release of the video on his birthday is interpreted as a de facto birthday celebration and an effort to strengthen Xi's image as the "People's Leader."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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