Gong Tanghua: Consciously Guiding All Discipline Inspection and Supervision Work with General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Thought on the Party's Self-Revolution
General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), from the strategic height of coordinating the "two overall situations" [1], profoundly summarized the major achievements in comprehensively and strictly governing the Party during the opening year of the new journey. It profoundly expounded on the important thought on the Party’s self-revolution and made strategic deployments for maintaining momentum and advancing the anti-corruption struggle in depth. This important speech is farsighted, broad in vision, deep in thought, and rich in connotation; it serves as the fundamental follow-off for deeply advancing comprehensively and strictly governing the Party, the construction of Party conduct and clean government, and the anti-corruption struggle on the new journey in the New Era. As a vital force in advancing the Party’s self-revolution, discipline inspection and supervision organs must unify their thoughts and actions with the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech. They must advance comprehensively and strictly governing the Party and the Party’s self-revolution in depth, providing a strong guarantee for comprehensively advancing the great cause of building a strong country and national rejuvenation through Chinese-path modernization.
Deeply study and comprehend the essence, core meanings, and practical requirements of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution, and firmly grasp the correct direction of progress
The most significant political achievement of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CCDI was the formal proposal and profound exposition of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution. This constitutes the soul and essence of the Plenary Session. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has led the whole Party in advancing comprehensively and strictly governing the Party with unprecedented determination and intensity. He has creatively proposed a series of original and landmark new concepts, thoughts, and strategies, forming General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution and guiding the century-old Party to open a new realm of self-revolution. We must raise our political standing, enhance our political consciousness, and profoundly grasp the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments" therein, truly comprehending this important thought deeply, grasping it accurately, and implementing it effectively.
Profoundly realize the heart-touching power of truth within this important thought. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution scientifically answers major questions such as why our Party needs self-revolution, why it can achieve self-revolution, and how to advance self-revolution. It clearly proposes the practical requirements of the "nine 'to upholds'" [2], encompassing both strategic arrangements and work deployments, as well as both epistemology and scientific methodology. These constitute the "Self-Revolution Chapter" of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This important thought possesses distinct theoretical originality; it is a new achievement of our Party’s persistence in the "Two Combinations" [3] to advance theoretical innovation. It has enriched and developed the Marxist theory of Party building in an all-around way—in its theoretical form, practical manifestations, and discourse expression. It marks a new height in our Party’s integrated application of the historical experience of the Party’s century of struggle and the fresh experience of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party in the New Era. It reaches a new height in understanding the laws of Marxist party building and the laws of Communist Party governance, as well as in the practical exploration and theoretical reflection on escaping the historical cycle of rise and fall [4]. It holds milestone significance in the process of the Sinicization and modernization of Marxism, in the history of the Chinese Communist Party’s development, and in the history of Marxist party building.
Profoundly realize the world-transforming power of practice within this important thought. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution was formed and continuously enriched during the magnificent and great practice of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party in the New Era. It is a refinement and summary of the practical experience of the Party’s self-revolution in the New Era, providing a scientific guide to action for our Party to solve its own problems by relying on its own strength. This important thought possesses powerful practical guidance, concentrated in its adherence to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee as the fundamental guarantee; leading the great social revolution as the fundamental purpose; Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as the fundamental follow-off; escaping the historical cycle as the strategic goal; solving the unique challenges of a large party [5] as the main direction of attack; improving the system of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party as the effective path; forging strong organizations and building a high-caliber workforce as the important focus; rectifying conduct, enforcing discipline, and fighting corruption as the important grasp; and combining self-supervision with people’s supervision as the powerful engine. It thoroughly explains the "core code" [6] by which our Party stays increasingly strong despite trials, creating a new atmosphere for the "Governance of the Communist Party of China" and the "Governance of China." The great transformations of the decade of the New Era and the good start achieved on the new journey both fully demonstrate the practical might of this great thought.
Profoundly realize the inspiring spiritual power of this important thought. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution profoundly discusses the underlying rationale and basis of confidence for advancing the Party's self-revolution. It concentratedly reflects the political character, value pursuits, and spiritual style of Chinese Communists, giving us direction, conviction, and strength. This important thought possesses extraordinary spiritual appeal; it is the essence of Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit in our era, shining with the light of truth and character. It fully demonstrates General Secretary Xi Jinping’s supreme realm, sincere sentiments, intense sense of responsibility, and spirit of revolutionary heroism as a Marxist statesman, thinker, and strategist, exemplified by his mottos: "I will live selflessly and live up to the people" [7]; "I would rather offend thousands than fail the 1.4 billion"; and "Though thousands of people stand against me, I shall go forth" [8]. This will forever be the powerful engine inspiring us to be fearless and forge ahead courageously.
The banner guides the direction, and thought consolidates strength. To promote the high-quality development of discipline inspection and supervision work on the new journey, the most fundamental requirement is to firmly support the "Two Establishments" and resolutely achieve the "Two Upholds." We must study and grasp General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution with deep emotion, firm faith, and a strong sense of mission. We must consciously implement it in all aspects and throughout the entire process of discipline inspection and supervision work, making the ideas and measures for comprehensively and strictly governing the Party in state-owned assets and central enterprises (SOEs) more rigorous, and ensuring that self-revolution on every front and in every link is handled with specificity and depth.
Deeply study and comprehend General Secretary Xi Jinping’s strategic deployment on resolutely winning the tough and protracted battle against corruption, and integrally advance "the three non-corruptions" with a spirit of thorough self-revolution
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CCDI that in the anti-corruption struggle on the new journey, we must maintain momentum and advance in depth to eradicate the soil and conditions that give rise to corruption. The communique of the Plenary Session closely centered on the implementation of the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important speech, using the "Eight Prominences and Eight Deepenings" [9] to define the "construction drawing" and "task book" for maintaining momentum and advancing in depth. To "maintain momentum" means to advance the rectification of conduct, enforcement of discipline, and anti-corruption struggle without a moment’s pause; there must be no turning back, no relaxation, and no misplaced mercy—the charge must be sounded perpetually. To "advance in depth" means to deepen the treatment of both symptoms and root causes through systematic governance, continuously expanding the depth and breadth of the anti-corruption struggle, and promoting the normalization and long-term effectiveness of preventing and governing corruption. As the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group stationed in the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council (SASAC), we must have a clear understanding of the new situations and trends in the anti-corruption struggle within the field of state-owned assets and central enterprises. We must clearly recognize the soil and conditions for corruption, pinpoint our functional positioning in advancing the Party’s self-revolution, always be at the forefront of the tough and protracted battle against corruption, resolutely "cut off the black hands" reaching for state-owned assets, resolutely safeguard the security of state-owned assets, and clear the obstacles for the high-quality development of state-owned assets and central enterprises.
Persist in maintaining momentum and advancing in depth to strengthen the high-pressure deterrent of "not daring to be corrupt." Corruption and anti-corruption are a long-term trial of strength. Faced with a situation that remains grave and complex, we must maintain a high-pressure stance in punishing corruption, with greater intensity to clear existing stock and curb incremental growth. We must persist in viewing and addressing matters from a political perspective first, continuously keeping a close eye on the "seven counts of 'some people'" [10], and treating the severe punishment of corruption involving collusion between political and business interests as the top priority of this tough battle. We must resolutely investigate and punish corruption where political and economic problems are intertwined and resolutely eliminate "two-faced people." We must profoundly grasp the characteristics and manifestations of corruption in the field of state-owned assets and central enterprises, focusing on key sectors such as finance, energy, medicine, and infrastructure projects. We must keep a close watch on key links like mergers and acquisitions, personnel decision-making, material procurement, bidding, and overseas investment. We must increase efforts to govern "eating from the enterprise" [11] (insider stripping of assets), severely punish chronic ailments like related-party transactions, rent-seeking, and interest transfer, and resolutely eliminate corrupt elements who embezzle state-owned assets. We must continuously expand the depth and breadth of the anti-corruption struggle, thoroughly investigating hidden corruption behind major losses, major accidents, major risks, and illegal decision-making. We must resolutely rectify the integration of conduct issues and corruption, persist in investigating both those who accept bribes and those who offer them, and strengthen the rapid handling of new and hidden forms of corruption, creating a powerful deterrent against corruption in the field of state-owned assets and central enterprises.
Persist in maintaining momentum and advancing in depth to strengthen the institutional constraints of "not being able to be corrupt." The essence of corruption is the abuse of power. Many corruption problems are related to unscientific power allocation, unregulated exercise of power, and inadequate supervision. We must deepen reform to block the breeding and spread of corruption, persisting in treating both symptoms and root causes through systematic governance. We must combine the investigation of cases with the deepening of reform, the improvement of systems, and the strengthening of supervision, performing the "second half of the article" [12] as a matter of routine so that chronic problems gradually decrease and new problems find it difficult to spread. We must strengthen the analysis of categories of cases, and in response to exposed weaknesses, provide discipline inspection and supervision recommendations regarding the improvement of state-owned asset supervision, the promotion of corporate governance, the strengthening of internal management, and the prevention and mitigation of risks. We should urge and coordinate with state-owned assets and central enterprises to deepen specialized rectifications, improve the mechanism for power allocation and operational constraints, further plug regulatory holes, standardize discretionary power, and reduce opportunities for rent-setting and rent-seeking. We must continue to deepen the reform of the discipline inspection and supervision system, promoting the integrated connection of discipline inspection and supervision with other forms of oversight such as investor supervision, inspections, and auditing. We must improve the supervision system for state-owned assets and central enterprises, establishing "firewalls" and "buffer zones" to prevent power from going off track. We must improve the supporting systems for strengthening supervision over "heads of government" (the "top leaders") and leadership teams, making intra-Party political life more serious, and strengthening supervision over selection and appointment processes. We must strictly verify political integrity, capability, and honesty, strictly preventing "promotion while ill" or "taking office while ill" [13], thereby promoting the continuous improvement of the political ecosystem from the source.
Persist in maintaining momentum and advancing in depth to strengthen the ideological education of "not wanting to be corrupt." Good Party conduct, government style, and a clean corporate culture are invisible forces leading Party members and cadres in state-owned assets and central enterprises toward goodness. We must persist in simultaneously addressing Party spirit, Party conduct, and Party discipline, focusing more on tracing back to the source and consolidating the foundation. We must enhance the ability of Party members and cadres in state-owned assets and central enterprises to resist corruption and prevent degeneration, resolutely breaking down erroneous ideas such as "central enterprise exceptionalism." Taking the opportunity of studying and implementing the newly revised Regulations on Disciplinary Actions, we should promote the in-depth development of concentrated disciplinary education in state-owned assets and central enterprises, focusing on solving problems such as indifference to, lack of understanding of, or failure to master Party rules and discipline. We must persist in combining strict management with "kind concern" (showing care for cadres), taking the accurate and standardized application of the "Four Forms" [14] of oversight and discipline as the guide to strictly enforce discipline, making it a habit for Party members and cadres to work and live in an environment subject to supervision and constraint. We should further clarify the circumstances and procedures for fault tolerance, making the "Three Distinctions" [15] more specific and standardized. We must perform solid work in clearing names/rectification and providing educational assistance, and investigate and punish malicious accusations and frame-ups according to laws and regulations, promoting a state where cadres are clean yet proactive, diligent, and dedicated. We should promote the construction of warning bases for clean government education within SASAC, deeply excavating the clean culture resources of state-owned assets and central enterprises. We should make good use of the results of case investigations by compiling collections of confessions, filming documentaries, and holding warning education conferences. By strengthening education from both positive and negative angles, we can foster a healthy atmosphere of advocating integrity and rejecting corruption within state-owned assets and central enterprises.
Deeply study and comprehend General Secretary Xi Jinping’s earnest instructions on strengthening the ranks of discipline inspection and supervision cadres, and strive to be a model of self-revolution and a benchmark for following rules and discipline
As the specialized organs for intra-Party supervision and state oversight, and as the "sharp sword" of the Party and the people for maintaining state power and defending national rejuvenation, discipline inspection and supervision organs shoulder special political responsibilities and glorious missions. They must be exceptionally "hard" themselves. The discipline inspection and supervision teams in state-owned assets and central enterprises must recognize the extreme importance of strengthening their own construction from a political and global perspective. They must consolidate and expand the achievements of the thematic education and the education and rectification campaigns, truly turning the "blade inward" to conduct thorough self-revolution. They must always be absolutely loyal, absolutely reliable, and absolutely pure, forging a "discipline inspection and supervision iron army" that the Party Central Committee can trust and the people are satisfied with.
Take the lead in strengthening theoretical armament. We must strictly implement the "First Topic" system [16], using our hearts and emotions to deeply study and grasp Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thought on the Party’s self-revolution. We must persist in making continuous efforts on deepening, internalizing, and transforming this thought. We must persist in frequently sweeping the "dust from our souls" and clearing "ideological trash," resolutely preventing confusion of faith or loss of spirit, and resolutely preventing the erosion of decadent Western values. By improving our ideological and theoretical levels, we promote the enhancement of our political, leadership, and work capabilities.
Take the lead in fortifying political loyalty. We must carry out political and Party spirit education as a matter of routine, carry forward the great founding spirit of the Party, and inherit the glorious traditions of discipline inspection and supervision organs. At all times and under all circumstances, we must be of one heart and one mind with the Party Central Committee, reflecting its centralized and unified leadership in all aspects and throughout the process of discipline inspection and supervision work. We must transform the "Four Consciousnesses," "Four Confidences," and "Two Upholds" into practical actions of following the Party’s command and performing our duties for the Party.
Take the lead in being daring and adept at struggle. We must effectively shoulder the major political responsibility of advancing the Party’s self-revolution, adhering to principles without fear or selfishness. We must be daring and adept in struggle, taking on responsibilities and performing duties. On major political principles and matters of right and wrong, we must take a clear-cut stand, daring to engage and "show the sword." In the struggle against unhealthy trends and corrupt phenomena, we must not "believe in heresies, fear ghosts, or yield to pressure" [17]. We must continuously improve our skills in struggle, strengthening practical exercise and professional training. We must focus on enhancing our abilities to see the essence through appearances, grasp the timing of investigations, and perform the "second half of the article" effectively, developing the "hard backbone," "iron shoulders," and "real skills" necessary for being adept at struggle.
Take the lead in maintaining perpetual purity and integrity. To ensure "self-hardness," one must first ensure "self-integrity." We must carry out disciplinary warning education, inspect and rectify prominent problems in the cadre ranks, and eliminate "black sheep" as a matter of routine. We must resolutely prevent the violation of discipline while enforcing it, or the violation of the law while executing it. We must prevent the use of supervisory, disciplinary, and law enforcement powers or official influence for personal gain. We must resolutely prevent the abandonment of principles or the loss of integrity, which would damage the credibility of discipline inspection and supervision organs and the image of the Party. We must establish a correct orientation for selection and appointment, focusing on selecting discipline inspection and supervision cadres who have long fought in arduous positions, who can carry heavy loads at critical moments, who dare to fight tough battles, and who have outstanding achievements. We should improve the talent pool for discipline inspection and supervision cadres in state-owned assets and central enterprises, carry out rotation and exchange of cadres in an orderly manner, and improve the chain of training and selection for young cadres. This will inspire them to perform their duties with peace of mind and take on responsibilities, maintaining the "iron army" character of being loyal, clean, responsible, and daring and adept at struggle.
(The author is the Leader of the Discipline Inspection and Supervision Group of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision stationed in the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council, and a member of the Party Committee of the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of the State Council.)