From Reforms of the Party, Ideology, and Economy to Dignity of Cadre
Set the Centre Stage for China and Xi Himself
Xi Jinping’s speech at the 20th Communist Party of China National Congress in Beijing (on 16 October 2022) themed Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects[1]. The report suggests that the upcoming Party leadership would strive to “fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era” – also known as Xi Jinping Thought. The report also attempts to connect the agenda with the 1921 “great founding spirit of the Party” and pledge to “carrying forward” the same. What this report also asks the Party cadre is to “staying confident” in ‘building strength’, ‘breaking new ground’, and ‘forging ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and striving in unity’. Xi persuaded the delegation that the above is the path to “advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts” – meaning becoming a ‘Superpower’.
The speech report’s ideas and content are to build confidence among the primary audience of Xi Jinping – the Party cadre. It is understood that though Xi Jinping’s name was mentioned only once in the draft, the content places Xi on the top of the Party and the Party in the centre of China and China in the centre of the world.
The same intent was expressed all along the speech. For instance, Xi Jinping sees the future as “a critical time as the entire Party and the Chinese people” …. “embark on a new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects”. As Xi has been projected as one who oversaw the ‘First Centenary Goal’, Xi should continue to be the “core” to “advance toward the Second Centenary Goal”.
Content Analysis:
The speech report of 64 pages not just set the stage for China and would also serve as a blueprint for Xi Jinping’s leadership for the next five years. It needs to understand from the perspective of Xi’s “Chinese Dream” of ‘Rejuvenating China’. For external interpretation, Mao Zedong’s phrase on New China’s foreign policy, “cleaning the house before inviting guests”, is useful. Perhaps, the message Xi seems to convey is cleaning the house and also being mindful before inviting guests. Indeed, the substantial focus on Chinese understanding and selective adaption of Marxism and its “fundamental principles”.
The speech report seems like a renewed version of the old revolutionary content; be that as it may, political speechwriters of the draft have carefully shunned too much attachment to the ‘red’ agenda. For the above reasons, speech analysis has to carefully attribute signals with distensions and differences from former speeches of Xi Jinping.
Table 1: Content and Mention (M) of Words in the Report of the 20th Party Congress
In terms of word count, the 2022 speech cut down to about half of the 2017 speech[2]. Likewise, Xi’s speech time was limited to about 2 hours compared with nearly 3 ½ hours of speech in 2017[3]. The version read by Xi and the first speech report available online is not the full text of his political work report to congress. The full version of the report, usually released by Xinhua for the public at the end of the congress, would contain detailed explanations of what Xi meant and comprehensive plans for the next five to ten years or beyond.
Most media headlines have picked up immediate issues of their audiences’ concern; unfortunately, such selective brief stories sideline the central focus. Journalists and reporters’ major takeaways project a view of confident China because the context was external audiences for them. Thus, some have picked the selective comments regarding the ‘Zero Covid’ policy[4], reference to Hong Kong[5]and Taiwan[6]. To some extent, it is accurate; ideological rhetoric and emphasis on image-building in the content caught external attention. However, for Xi Jinping, the audiences are the Party cadre, Chinese people and, to an extent, some selective external audiences,[7] respectively.
As far as the content of the speech report is concerned, the central focus was to reform the Party [266 times], economic [63] and financial [13] shortcomings, ideological [10] reorientation [Socialism: 47/120; and Marxism: 31], ensure the central role of China on the global stage [World: 59; International: 45; Global: 37; and Region: 38], and narrative building of a ‘lovable China’ [Modern: 95; Democracy: 42; Governance: 68; Common: 22; Development: 184; Technology: 48; Trade: 20; New Era: 39; Harmony: 07; Prosperity: 22; and Innovation: 34].
Eight “Great Changes” or Major Achievements of 19th Party Congress:
Usually, most speeches of the Party leadership start with past achievements, followed by an outline of future endeavours with the leadership’s vision and plans. Xi Jinping’s speech report look at achievements as “the Great Changes”. The draft referred to the word ‘achievement’ in about 46 instances. The focus on achievements sticks to Party building economic concerns and ‘national security’ issues[8]. It sticks to the message of Xi Jinping – “The Chinese Communist Party has taken China from standing up and becoming prosperous to becoming strong”.
First, the ongoing ‘Zero Covid’ policy was pushed as an achievement. Here Xi highlighted two aspects, both the ‘On Governance’ [68] model and the ‘People’s War’ concept, which are central to Xi’s leadership style. Of Course, Xi Jinping’s signature national policies have actually been Party’s objectives for decades. The credits of:
Likewise, the work report also praised China’s international efforts [45] in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic [08], using health diplomacy, e.g., supplies of medical kits, drugs, and vaccines.
Second, Poverty Alleviation Drive is one of the Chinese miracles Xi continues to embrace and take credit for. Xi proclaimed again, “We [Party] have achieved moderate prosperity, the millennia-old dream of the Chinese nation, through persistent hard work”. In relation, Xi stated that under his rule, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita income has gone from 39,800 Renminbi (RMB) to 81,000 RMB in the last ten years. Besides, he claimed it was “entirely possible” for his leadership to double income by 2035.
Third, all-round ‘Reforms’ [58] of both Party [266] and the economy [63] with Chinese Characteristics. Xi praised Party’s flexibility and commitment towards political reforms. Xi was referring to adapting to emerging ‘realities’ [04]. In particular, Xi elaborated on how democratic China is. Xi attempts to correlate the Chinese characteristics of “People’s-centred democracy” [42] with the Western idea of constitutional governance and representative democracy. In addition, Xi’s work report praised the checks and balances of China’s political system. Meanwhile, the critic of Xi’s Signature Governance Innovation argued that it did not just give ‘the Rise of Leading Small Groups’[9] and also that Xi Jinping as the “Core” [18] of the Party and state is the “end of collective leader-ship”[10]. Xi’s comment about how his leadership supported “consultative democracy” and controlled the authoritarianism of anyone official may be looked at as a response to domestic critics.
Fourth, the anti-corruption campaign was one of the longest political campaigns after Mao’s. Xi understands the Chinese people’s frustration regarding corrupt officials and scandals related to corruption. Xi said, “We have made significant advances in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance”, … ‘we have used a combination of measures to “take out tigers”, “swat flies”, and “hunt down foxes”, punishing corrupt officials [31] of all types’. Xi remarks on the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) [15] of the CPC and the National Commission of Supervision’s relentless efforts to bring corrupt officials to justice. Other achievements in this module are advancing other initiatives of Party building and “maintain firm ideals and convictions”, “ideological work”, and strengthening the “sound system” of the Party. Xi retreated that the mission in the “new era” would continue and ‘we have resolved to “offend a few thousand rather than fail 1.4 billion”’.
Fifth, Xi takes the credit for making everything necessary for National Security [80]. Xi claimed that “patriots now administer Hong Kong”; in his words, “We have helped HK enter a new stage in which order has been restored, and it’s set to thrive”. Under the leadership of Xi, the central Party leadership and the previous Hong Kong [28] administration have ‘successfully’ introduced and implemented the New National Security Law. Under this, the entire leading political ‘opposition’ to the Party in Hong Kong has been put under legal prosecution for the reason of “insisting chaos”.
Sixth, Xi’s remarks on “National (re)Unification” with Taiwan [21], ‘separatist activities aimed at “Taiwan independence” and gross provocations of external interference’ received the biggest applause.[11]
The speech report claimed that:
Interesting rare and important references concerning cross-Strait relations are Xi Jinping explaining his commitment to “The policies of peaceful reunification and One Country, Two Systems” [11]. Further, Xi retreated that the above is ‘the best way to realize reunification’ and ‘best serves the interests of Chinese people on both sides’. Besides, it promised, “We [Party/China] will adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus”; and “conduct extensive and in-depth consultations” …. “with people from all political parties, sectors, and social strata in Taiwan” (51).
Seventh, Xi Jinping gives credit to the 19th central Party leadership for High-Quality Development’ [184]. Xi pronounced that “China has joined the ranks of the world’s innovators”. In light of Huawei and ZTE being sanctioned in most global north countries, tech competition is another aspect Xi’s China in ‘New Era’ would concentrate its resources on. In relation, the report referred to the ‘supply chains’ for about 11 instances with ‘promote high-quality development’. Xi also assured domestic concerns and pledged that the fight against ‘protectionism, the erection of “fences and barriers”, and decoupling’ would continue.
Eight, Xi takes credit for bringing ‘great change’ to Cultural Confidence. Xi claimed, “we [Party] have China’s dignity”. Perhaps, Xi Jinping was referring to the “Wolf Warriors” diplomacy. In relation, Xi elaborated:
In this respect, Xi’s China may face some resistance from countries with significant ‘overseas Chinese’ who have taken foreign citizenship.
Xi Jinping’s Ambitious Agenda for the “New Era”:
After presenting the 2,296-member delegation on the ‘great changes’ of his last decade, Xi Jinping highlighted specific areas of the Party, Ideology and Economy which would see significant focus and serious reforms.
Party – Xi’s dedication to reforming Party could be understood from the section on “advancing the great New Project of Party Building in the New Era”. Xi said this path would be “Exercising Full and rigorous Self-Governance”. This module outlined Seven steps for “Comrades” to work on, e.g., uphold and strengthen ‘centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee’, Xi Jinping Thought’ – ‘Party’s soul with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era’, systems and regulations for the Party’s self-reform, cultivate and shouldering the mission of national rejuvenation, enhance political and organizational functions of Party, improve Party conduct and enforce Party discipline, and ‘winning the tough and protracted battle against corruption’.
‘On Governance’ – Xi’s China in the New Era continues to develop a “socialist democracy”. The report highlighted some mechanisms that would be initiated to build “consultative democracy”, specifically in primary-level Party organizations, using the “community-level governance” model. Earlier, local governance used to follow a mechanism of feedback from government hotlines, suggestion boxes, public emails, and comments on online platforms. In addition, Artificial Intelligence would support the Party and government as an independent suggestion mechanism.
The ‘Rule of Law in China’ – the speech dedicated a section to a type of “law-based governance on all fronts”. Xi stressed that the path should follow the Chinese Characteristics to “develop a Chinese system of the socialist rule of law”.
Ideology – Xi promised that the Party’s “self-revolution” would be upheld all along and “The Party will never change in quality, change its colour, or change its flavour”. Xi’s speech report also explained the task to the Party delegates about various efforts to “strengthen Party leadership in all respects” by “put the people first”, “maintain self-confidence”, “uphold fundamental principles” of Marxism, “socialism with Chinese Characteristics”, “adopt a problem-oriented approach”, ‘apply systems thinking’, and ‘maintain a global vision’.
Economy – Xi refined the definition of what the Party means by “Common Prosperity”. It focused on Rural Revitalization and clarified that it is not any forcible re-distribution of wealth but “Promote fair opportunities, increase the income of low-income people, expand middle-income groups, standardize the order of income distribution, and standardize wealth accumulation mechanisms”. Concerning the ‘Socialist Market Economy’, the report claimed China would strengthen “anti-monopoly regulation on the tech sector” and protect micro, small, and medium enterprises.
Regarding ‘Digital Economy’, Xi’s references suggest a type of ‘data economy’. Either the reference to building a “digital China” was vague or may be implied the focus. Xi’s speech assures the “focus on improving the productivity of all factors” by utilizing land, labour, capital, technology, data and cyber more efficiently.
Security – according to the speech transcript, Xi mentioned “security” [Ānquán: 安全] about 80 times. Compared with the 2017 speech, ‘security’ cited five times fewer. However, most attributes of security did not scale down policy, but quality and intentions are clear and focused. The references are focused on internal politics and Xi’s confidence. In his words: “We will strengthen support for national security … with improved national security mechanism, we will better safeguard China’s development” and build “risk monitoring and early warning systems to safeguard China’s system & ideology”.
Xi’s “New Era” Blueprint:
Xi Jinping laid out that the focus of the 20th Party central leadership is on future ‘great changes’. The blueprint is expected to address 14 segments: “Advancing rural revitalization”, human resource development, demographic challenges, “Modernizing the industrial system” with innovation, developing the ‘socialist market economy’, the goals of “manned spaceflight, lunar and Martian exploration, deep sea and deep earth probes, supercomputers, satellite navigation, quantum information, nuclear power technology, airliner manufacturing, and biomedicine”.
Two things must be noted in Xi’s new blueprint for future rule: the report was prepared formally and finally convinced Party leaders for his third term, and some content also has a strategic rivalry backdrop. Xi Jinping’s missions and tasks in New Era are detailed as the ‘central task’ of the Party cadre. Xi lectured that “We [Party] must be mindful of potential dangers, be prepared to deal with worst case scenarios” and directed diplomats’ delegation to “Let us [prepare] harness our indomitable fighting spirit to open up new horizons for our cause”.
The missions are the modernization of a huge population, common prosperity for all, material and cultural-ethical advancement, harmony between humanity and nature, and peaceful development.
The tasks are following principles of upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership, following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, applying a people-centred development philosophy, remaining committed to deepening reform and opening up, and ‘carrying forward our fighting spirit’.
The comprehensive ‘two-step strategic plan’ is to “realize socialist modernization from 2020 through 2035”; and “Build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, and beautiful from 2035 through the middle of this century”.
Some Interesting Observations:
The speech report rarely appeared in the Mao-era revolutionary and nationalist remarks. Perhaps, the intent of making the draft a mild version is to present Xi’s vision as more moderate as possible. It also can be seen as a nominal appeal to the senior leadership about his future leadership[12].
Particularly Xi’s clarification about the ‘opening up’. In his words, ‘We have ran a proactive strategy of opening up’. The context was Xi Jinping’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). A signature policy addresses China’s regional political, strategic and economic interests. It gives a sense of understanding that Xi’s China would be more interested in opening up to the world as it goes global.
In contrast, the original idea of Deng Xiaoping’s ‘Reform and Opening Up’ was accommodating external market forces into China while adapting to the local reforms. In the later stage, the policy aspiration was integrating local industries with the global economy. From this report, there is some clarity regarding what Xi’s “Reforms, and Opening Up” model means at the conceptual level. The current model separates ‘Reforms’ and ‘Opening Up’ and pursue independent policies on each. This makes sense for the Party leadership to address the external pressure on domestic economic and political reforms and opening up. The global north has continued pressure and persuasion to reform domestic polity and open up the three sensitive sectors, e.g., financial reforms, telecommunication, the internet – the great firewall, and also borders (closed for three years).
More importantly, Xi’s report underlines new cultural confidence. It appears that Xi has taken a keen interest in the narrative building. The following states the same –
Xi’s historic anti-corruption missions go on with serious focus as he says, “We should never rest, not even for a minute, in our fight against corruption … and we will have zero tolerance and no mercy”. Many overseas interpret this as the biggest achievement, but also jailed rivals.
Xi also promised that [Party], “We’ll develop a policy strategy to boost birth rates” to effectively address the ageing of China’s population issue. Xi also suggests, “Young people, you should steadfastly follow the Party and its guidance …. aim high but stay grounded …. You should strive to be the new era’s great generation”.
Some also made notes on what some call ‘controversial’ or interesting from the images of the congress. Jiang Zemin, the Former President, who was absent from both the opening and closing ceremonies, continues to explain fractional politics. The attendance of Zhang Gaoli, Former Vice Premier who was publicly accused of sexual assault by Peng Shuai, a professional tennis player and a national sports star; and the invitation to a PLA soldier, Qi Fabao[13], the regimental commander, who took part in the Galwan clash to the delegation. Further, the reference to “Coal will be used in a cleaner and more efficient way” is related to energy security and climate change concerns.
Last but not least, a few ideological and hard-line policies are here to stay and have found a place in the speech report, e.g., ‘revolutionary context’, socialism with Chinese Characteristics, and Xi’s utmost commitment to peaceful ‘reunification’, but ‘we will never renounce the use of force’. Meanwhile, in the week-long proceedings, the congress touched on the ‘revolutionary context’ and clarity on the leadership of the upcoming National People’s Congress.
References
[1] Xi Jinping (2022), Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and Strive in Unity to Build a Modern Socialist Country in All Respects, Report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, 16 October 2022.
[2] Deutsche Welle, “China: Xi Jinping’s speech short on detail, big on pride”, 17 October 2022, URL: https://amp.dw.com/en/china-xi-jinpings-speech-short-on-detail-big-on-pride/a-63460604.
[3] Charlotte Gao, “3 Major Takeaways from Xi Jinping’s Speech at the 19th Party Congress”, The Diplomat, 18 October 2017, URL: https://thediplomat.com/2017/10/3-major-takeaways-from-xi-jinpings-speech-at-the-19th-party-congress/.
[4] Stephen McDonell, “Xi Jinping speech: Zero-Covid and zero solutions”, The British Broadcasting Corporation, 17 October 2022, URL: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-63274391.
[5] Natalie Wong and Tony Cheung, “President Xi Jinping emphasises Hong Kong’s critical role as he maps out China’s direction, stresses need to safeguard national security, attract talent”, South China Morning Post, 16 October 2022, URL: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3196131/hong-kong-play-better-role-national-rejuvenation-chinese.
[6] Helen Davidson and Emma Graham-Harrison, “Xi Jinping opens Chinese Communist Party congress with warning for Taiwan”, The Guardian, 16 October 2022, URL: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/16/xi-jinping-speech-opens-china-communist-Party-congress.
[7] Damien Cave and Amy Chang Chien, “On Taiwan, Xi Jinping warns against international ‘interference’”, New York Times, 16 October 2022, URL: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/16/world/asia/on-taiwan-xi-jinping-warns-against-international-interference.html.
[8] CK TAN, “The world according to Xi: security, socialism and soldiers”, Nikkei Asia, 17 October 2022, URL: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/China-s-Party-congress/The-world-according-to-Xi-security-socialism-and-soldiers.
[9]Christopher K. Johnson, and Scott Kennedy, “Xi’s Signature Governance Innovation: The Rise of Leading Small Groups”, 17 October 2017, The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) URL: https://www.csis.org/analysis/xis-signature-governance-innovation-rise-leading-small-groups.
[10] Cheng Li, Chinese Politics in the Xi Jinping Era: Reassessing Collective Leadership, The Brookings.
[11] Xi Jinping, “WATCH LIVE: 20th Communist Party congress”, hosted by YouTube, and South China Morning Post, 16 October 2022, URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dIF3EicPnc.
[12] Jun Mai, “Communist Party congress to offer rare glimpse of China’s former leaders as Xi Jinping ushers in new team”, South China Morning Post, 16 October 2022, URL: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3196107/communist-Party-congress-offer-rare-glimpse-chinas-former.
[13] Ananth Krishnan, “PLA Galwan commander attends Chinese Communist Party Congress opening”, The Hindu, 16 October 2022, URL: https://www.thehindu.com/news/international/chinas-20th-communist-Party-congress-pla-galwan-commander-attends-opening-ceremony/article66017619.ece?homepage=true.
[14] Photos: The Chinese Communist Party’s 20th Congress, URL : https://www.aljazeera.com/gallery/2022/10/17/photos-the-chinese-communist-partys-20th-congress
