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Speakers:

Wang Xiaohui, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)

Wang Jianxin, director of the Publicity Department of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC and the National Commission of Supervision

Qi Jiabin, member of the Ministerial Board of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee

Xu Yousheng, deputy director of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee

Han Wenxiu, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Financial and Economic Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee

Liu Jianchao, deputy director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee

Chai Fangguo, deputy head of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee

Chairperson:

Xu Lin, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of the State Council Information Office

Date:

Aug. 26, 2021

Xu Lin:

Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. Welcome to the press conference held by the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). This year marks the centenary of the founding of the CPC. Over the past 100 years, the Party has united and led the Chinese people in writing the most magnificent chapter in the millennia-long history of the Chinese nation. To help the rest of the world better understand the Party, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee is holding a press conference today to release and explain a key publication on the Party's mission and contributions. Present at today's press conference are Mr. Wang Xiaohui, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Wang Jianxin, director of the Publicity Department of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC and the National Commission of Supervision; Mr. Qi Jiabin, member of the Ministerial Board of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Han Wenxiu, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Central Financial and Economic Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Liu Jianchao, deputy director of the Office of the Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee; and Mr. Chai Fangguo, deputy head of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee. Next, I will give the floor to Mr. Wang Xiaohui.

Wang Xiaohui:

Friends from the media, it gives me great pleasure to introduce and recommend the key publication titled "The CPC: Its Mission and Contributions." The document has been published by the People's Publishing House and handed out to journalists present here today.

This year marks the centenary of the founding of the CPC. On July 1, General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a speech at a ceremony held by the CPC Central Committee marking the centenary, which attracted attention both at home and abroad. The Publicity Department of the CPC Central Commission released the key publication to help the rest of the world have a true, multi-dimensional, and panoramic view of the Party. Guided by General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, the document offers a comprehensive picture of the Party's struggles over the past century and a profound explanation of its governance philosophy, practice and achievements. The document can help people better understand where the CPC came from, where the Party is going, and what kind of political party it is.

The document consists of a preamble, the main body of text and a conclusion. The preamble and conclusion explain where the CPC came from and where it is going. The main text elaborates on what kind of political party the CPC is from five aspects. Next, I will focus on these five aspects.

First, the CPC serves the people wholeheartedly. Of the people, by the people, for the people — this principle has guided the CPC's development and success over the past century. Based on a large amount of historical facts and data, the document stresses that the CPC has made the happiness of the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation its abiding goals from the outset. All of the Party's struggles have been directed toward enabling the people to run their own country and live a good life. In the new era, the CPC takes meeting the people's expectations for a better life as its goal and has launched a full range of initiatives to deliver more tangible benefits to the people. The Party and the people work together and share weal and woe, and there is an inseparable bond between them. No attempt to sever that bond will ever succeed.

Second, the CPC works hard to realize its ideals. The Party stands firm in its ideals and convictions of socialism and communism. Since its founding 100 years ago, the Party has never given up its struggle, no matter what hardships or bitter sacrifices it faced. The document reviews the arduous process of the country's revolution, reconstruction and reform under the CPC's leadership. It was because of the ideals, convictions and persistent struggles that the CPC rose above adversity, emerged stronger from setbacks, and reversed the fate of the Party itself and the country. It was because of the ideals, convictions and persistent struggles that the CPC has embarked on the path of socialism with Chinese characteristic after continuously expanding its understanding of governance by a communist party, the development of socialism, and the evolution of human society. It was also because of the ideals, convictions and persistent struggles, that the CPC has overcome risks and challenges in the new era, and prompted historic achievements and shifts in the cause of the Party and the country. Over the past 100 years, the CPC has united and led the Chinese people in establishing, upholding and developing socialism, and demonstrated its vitality and bright prospects.

Third, the CPC is a political party with robust leadership and strong governance capabilities. In a huge country like China, the CPC can rally and unite hundreds of millions of people, overcome a multitude of difficulties and crises, and forge ahead from victory to victory. This is due to its robust leadership and strong governance capabilities. The document analyzes in detail the source of the CPC's firm leadership and strong governance capability. First, it comes from the high degree of the Party's solidarity and unity, its robust core of leadership, and the high-level authority of the CPC Central Committee. Second, it comes from the Party's sound guidelines and strategies in different historical periods as well as its practical goals, tasks, policies, and roadmaps. Third, it comes from the Party's tightly-knit organization and strict discipline and rules, so that its decisions and plans can be implemented in a timely, decisive and effective manner. Fourth, it comes from the Party's ability to combine all the forces that can be united, mobilize all positive factors, and pool as much strength as possible for collective endeavors. Fifth, it comes from the Party's large number of high-caliber officials and the scientific mechanisms it uses for selecting talented and capable professionals and putting them to good use. The CPC's leadership system and its working mechanism suit China's national conditions, conform to traditional Chinese culture, and enjoy extensive support from the people, demonstrating high efficiency and the greatest strength in practice.

Fourth, the CPC is a political party that always maintains vigor and vitality. The CPC was born and developed in a rather complex domestic and external environment, and it continues to face a variety of tests and challenges. The document summarizes experiences from both sides and points out the reason why the Party has always been able to endure over the past hundred years with prosperity. The reason is that the CPC has constantly led the people in great social revolution while engaging in significant self-reform and always maintaining vigor and vitality. The Party's vigor and vitality are reflected through upholding intra-party democracy and continuously increasing Party members' initiative and creativity; through upholding the truth and correcting mistakes for people's interests; through taking resolute measures against all phenomena that may undermine its integrity and advanced nature and resolutely combating corruption; and finally by promoting study and review, continuously pursuing reform and innovation and strengthening its practical capability. We believe that as long as the Party has the courage and ability to carry out self-reform, it will be able to meet any challenge, withstand any test, and always maintain vigor and vitality.

Fifth, the CPC is a political party that contributes to world peace and development. No matter how the global situation might have changed, the CPC has always focused on humanity's future and destiny and been willing to join hands and forge ahead with all progressive forces in the world. The document introduces China's concepts and actions about safeguarding world peace and promoting mutual development. It elaborates that peaceful development is embedded in the trajectory, logic and goals of the CPC's governance and China's development. As the world has once again reached a crossroads, the CPC has proposed the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind. This aligns with the general trend of history, reflects the common values of all humanity, and creates new developing roads of win-win cooperation, joint construction, and shared benefits.

Looking ahead, the CPC will resolutely develop socialism, follow the path of peaceful development, and stand on the right side of history and human progress. The CPC will continue to enhance communication and cooperation with political parties all over the world and promote coordination and cooperation between countries. The CPC will work to facilitate common development, and strive to pursue mutual benefits and win-win results, so as to make greater contributions to a better world.

That concludes my introduction. Thank you.

Xu Lin:

Thank you, Mr. Wang. Next, the floor is open for questions. Please identify your news outlets before asking questions. As we are joined by many foreign journalists today, simultaneous interpreting will be available throughout the press conference. Questions asked in English will be translated into Chinese. The floor is now open.

CCTV:

China has built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and is marching toward the second centenary goal of building itself into a great modern socialist country in all respects. What are the challenges facing China in terms of narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor and achieving common prosperity? How will China cope with these challenges? Thank you.

Xu Lin:

Mr. Han will take this question.

Han Wenxiu:

This is a hot topic. Common prosperity is an essential requirement of socialism, a key feature of Chinese-style modernization, and the shared expectation of the people. Not long ago, the tenth meeting of the Central Committee for Financial and Economic Affairs studied the issue of common prosperity. During the meeting, General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered key remarks and made comprehensive deployments. As far as I'm concerned, efforts need to be made in the following aspects.

First, what is common prosperity? We have completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. On that basis, we need to succeed in making a bigger pie and dividing it well. We need to promote high-quality development, raise the income of urban and rural residents, gradually narrow the income distribution gap and prevent wealth polarization. The term common prosperity means everyone in the country enjoys a rich life in material and spiritual terms both, rather than only a small portion of the population living wealthy lives, or people being materially well-off albeit spiritually barren. However, it doesn't mean there will be equal division of wealth. Differentiations between individuals will still exist. 

Second, how do we realize common prosperity? Joint effort is fundamental to achieving common prosperity. We should encourage people to earn their wealth through hard work and innovation. We should cheer the people taking the lead in creating wealth who are hardworking, run their businesses in accordance with the law, and have an entrepreneurial soul. Prosperity may first be realized among a small group of people, who will then help the rest get rich as well. We don't undercut the rich to benefit the poor. We should secure and improve people's livelihoods through development and create an inclusive and fair environment for people to get better educated and gain more abilities for self-improvement. We should improve upward mobility and create opportunities for more people to enjoy prosperity. We should do our best to advance equal access to basic public services, but not do things beyond our capabilities in case fall into the trap of welfarism. We can't let people grow dependent on the help of others, idling around waiting for everything being prepared for them. Efforts are needed to make basic systematic arrangements for coordinated primary, secondary, and tertiary distribution. We should further regulate the income gap by utilizing taxation measures, the social security system, and payment transfers, thus expanding the middle-income group and forming an olive-shaped income distribution structure that tapers toward both ends from the middle. Tax policies should offer incentives for tertiary distribution to be realized through charitable donations or other ways, in a voluntary manner, to help improve the distribution structure.

Third, we need to be fully aware that achieving common prosperity will be a long-term, arduous, and complicated task. China is now building a modern socialist country in all respects, pursuing common prosperity after building itself into a moderately prosperous society in all respects and shifting from a middle-income country to a high-income country. Achieving common prosperity requires continued efforts and cannot be done overnight with various goals completed all at once. We need to pursue steady progress with sustained efforts. Step by step, we will promote well-rounded development of each individual and make substantive progress in achieving common prosperity among the entire nation in this new era. Thanks. 

Kyodo News:

China attaches great importance to its fine traditional culture, with the essence of which being Confucianism. How does the CPC view the traditional culture centering around Confucianism, and the country's history of ruling people through Confucian ideology? And, how does the CPC define the relationship between socialism with Chinese characteristics and Confucianism? Thanks. 

Wang Xiaohui:

In my view, to gain a better understanding of the CPC, it is important to look at the efforts it has made in terms of preserving and promoting culture. The CPC has a lofty, culture-related mission. It has actively guided and promoted China's advanced culture while keeping alive and strong China's fine traditional culture, which encompasses rich philosophical ideas, humanistic spirit, moral ethics, and governance wisdom and is a major source of nourishment for the continued evolution of the Chinese nation and the most invaluable spiritual wealth of the CPC. The scientific, reason-based and progressive side of Confucianism is certainly part of China's fine traditional culture.

In fact, the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics are both rooted in the fertile soil of Chinese culture, and they are both products of a combination of Marxism, China's reality and its fine traditional culture. The CPC has been doing a good job in integrating the essence of Marxism with unique spiritual features of China's fine traditional culture, which provided a solid foundation for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. I believe this is a very important reason that socialism and Marxism can take root, blossom, and yield fruitful results in this country of profound history. The uniqueness of China's cultural tradition, history, and current situation has created today's CPC and determines the unique development path that suits China's own reality.  

Going forward, we will follow the principle of creative transformation and development and draw upon China's fine traditional culture with respect. At the same time, we will study all the fine accomplishments of human civilization, add new impetus and provide important ideological guarantees to the cause of the Party and the country. Thanks. 

CNN:

After U.S. President Joe Biden took office, he and his senior officials have increasingly characterized the competition of the United States and China as conflicts between democracy and autocracy and also that many of the CPC's governance philosophies are part of the biggest challenges and threats to the Western liberal democratic system today. The CPC has repeatedly said that it does not export its government and values system, but in the eyes of many Americans and westerners, judging from China's publicity campaigns and major foreign-related projects, or the tendency that it has played an increasingly dominant role in the international organizations, the CPC is actually seeking to export its own value system through various means and revise the existing international norms. What are your responses and comments on this? Thank you.

Liu Jianchao:

Thank you for your question. I think that the characterization of the United States that you mentioned just now is based on incorrect observations. That is to say, the U.S. has not figured out what true democracy is, nor has it understood that democracy can be practiced in different forms across the world. For democracy, there should not, and there is not just one model or template. Deciding what kind of democracy to pursue for countries in the world should be consistent with the country's national realities, historical and cultural traditions, and the will of the people. Some people want to impose their own country's systems and model of democracy on other countries. I think this is against the principles of democracy. What kind of democracy to practice should be decided by the people of the country instead of other countries. Therefore, I believe that the so-called characterization of the U.S. doesn't hold water. It is wrong and detrimental and will eventually lead to division and even confrontation in the international community.

In addition, the U.S. also believes that many of the CPC's governing philosophies pose a challenge to the so-called global democratic and liberal order. I think the U.S. has made a mistake in such a belief. I've been wondering if the U.S. is no longer confident in its own democracy because many have found flaws in its own system? The flaws have also been noticed by people in many other countries all over the world. If the U.S. believes that its own democratic system is good and supported by the people, then what is there to worry about? Why are they afraid of the so-called challenge? China's democratic system has proven to be successful, which means that it has brought economic and social development to a country that is home to one-fifth of the world's population and has improved people's living standards. China has also offered opportunities of development to all countries for the pursuit of happiness for all people across the world. There is nothing to worry about. On the contrary, I think the U.S. should adopt a welcoming attitude, not a dissenting attitude.

Since the founding of the CPC, the Party has been committed to leading the Chinese people to pursue and realize freedom and democracy. Generations of Chinese communists have devoted their lives to this cause, shed blood and made sacrifices. The Chinese people finally became masters of our country, established our democratic system, and are constantly improving it. Chinese democracy has its own features. It is people-centered. The CPC conducts whole-process democracy. The democracy also combines Party leadership, the running of the country by the people, and law-based governance. The CPC leadership, the socialist system, and also the democratic system, are important choices made by the Chinese people over the course of history. The Chinese people are the builders, beneficiaries, and guardians of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics. They highly recognize and firmly support their own democratic system and are full of confidence in such a system.

Just now you also mentioned that China is exporting its own value or political system globally in the process of advancing international cooperation. I want to stress here that China firmly respects the choices of people of all countries in terms of their development path which suits their own national conditions and sovereign rights. China never exports its own ideology, values, or development model. I think it is groundless to say that China is dominating international society and international affairs, and China will not accept such accusations. Meanwhile, we also support exchanges and mutual learning between countries with different civilizations, systems, and even beliefs based on mutual respect and equal footing. China is also willing to introduce China's development experience and path to other countries based on facts. At the same time, we are also willing to learn from other countries with an open mind. The more exchanges and mutual learning between countries on an equal footing and with mutual respect, the more beneficial it is to civilization development and peace and prosperity in the world. Thank you.

Xinhua News Agency:

We have seen data showing that the number of CPC members has now exceeded 95 million. Facing such a large group, how can we guarantee the quality of Party members? Do some individual members have any utilitarian considerations regarding their motives for joining the Party? How do we ensure the purity of the CPC members' motivations for joining the Party? Thank you.

Qi Jiabin:

Thank you very much for the questions. Let me answer them. As of this June, the CPC has 95.148 million Party members and 4.864 million grassroots Party organizations, making it the largest ruling party in the world. Ever since the founding of the CPC, our Party has always regarded maintaining the advanced nature and purity of its members as a fundamental issue and important goal of Party building. Especially since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has promoted full and strict governance over the Party and vigorously strengthened development of the Party membership. The number of Party members has continued to increase and the membership quality has been greatly improved.

For the past 100 years, our Party has been persistently strengthening its ideological and theoretical work. Guided by the scientific theories of Marxism, it has constantly armed the whole Party with the latest achievements of the sinicization of Marxism. Our Party has firm ideals and convictions, and regards communism, the greatest cause in human history, as the Party's unswerving goal. Our Party adheres to the people's stance and is rooted in the people, and its bloodline and strength lie in the people. Our Party has always been linked with the hearts of the people, breathing together, and sharing a common future. These essential characteristics are a vivid portrayal of the advanced and pure nature of the millions of Party members, and are the inexhaustible source of the CPC in maintaining high-quality development.

Our Party has a high degree of organization and discipline, and has a well-knit organizational system that runs between top and bottom, and enforces efficiently. From the central to the local and grassroots level, Party organizations at all levels faithfully fulfill their political responsibilities of self-governance, and implement the requirements of full and rigorous Party governance within every Party branch and every Party member, ensuring that the role of grassroots Party organizations as a battle fortress and the role of Party members as exemplary vanguards can be brought fully into play. Our Party has a complete system of rules and regulations. It has established and perfected a regulation mechanism based on the Party constitution and other rules and regulations. It insists on strictly governing the Party in accordance with regulations. Our Party has iron-clad discipline, especially since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, as it has further tightened Party rules and discipline, drawn the red line and bottom line for Party members and cadres, strengthened supervision and discipline enforcement, and formed a strong restraining force.

Our Party strictly controls the gateway to membership, prioritizes political integrity as the primary criterion, adheres to the principle of admission on an individual basis, and factors in the characteristics of the times to admit the most advanced individuals from all aspects of society into the Party. To become a Party member, there are no requirements regarding personal identity, education or wealth, but there are strict political and moral requirements. The procedures for joining the Party are strict. Not only must individuals actively apply, but they must also be subject to strict inspections by the organization. After joining the party, every Party member, regardless of their status, will be incorporated into a Party branch, Party group, or specific Party organization, and will regularly participate in organizational life, accept the supervision of the organization and the people, and improve their Party spirit. In light of the situation and tasks faced by our Party in a certain period of time, our Party has also carried out intensive education in response to prominent problems among Party members. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, we have conducted five intensive mass studies and education campaigns. This strict intra-party political life has played an important role in eliminating some incorrect thoughts in the ideology of Party members and also ensured the high-quality development of Party members.

Our Party continues to fight corruption and resolutely expels corrupt individuals from the Party. It combines organizational activities with democratic appraisal of Party members, and regularly deals with unqualified Party members. We will not retain any unqualified Party members, and we will resolutely remove them from the Party. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, more than 900,000 members have been removed from the Party. This fully demonstrates the courage of the CPC to carry out self-reform and that it dares to "scrape the poison off the bone." It also ensures that the Party's body is healthy and the Party members are full of vitality.

The CPC is determined to make great long-term achievements for the Chinese nation. Its centenary simply marks its prime and bloom of youth. Thank you.

Global Times:

We have noticed that some countries, media and think tanks around the world have criticized the united front led by the CPC. They believe that the CPC, through its united front work, has carried out so-called "infiltration" of the media, businesses, academia and politics in some Western countries, posing a threat to the security of these countries. How do you think we should view the united front work of the CPC? Thank you.

Xu Yousheng: 

Thank you for your question. We have noticed the situation you mentioned. I think there are two reasons for such biases. One reason is that some people have misunderstandings about the CPC's united front work. The other reason is that some people, particularly hostile forces, just keep playing dumb, and wantonly vilify and slander our work, which fully reflect their rigid Cold War mentality and ideological prejudices. Here, I would like to talk about the united front led by the CPC briefly. 

What is the united front? In a way that is easy to understand, it means great unity and solidarity, making as many friends as we can, and as few enemies as we can. It can be said that almost all political forces at all times and across the globe know the importance of unity and solidarity, and work for that. The difference lies in the purpose of unity and solidarity. The purpose of the CPC-led united front is to expand common ground and the convergence of interests. It is also to strengthen the great unity and solidarity of all Chinese people, both at home and overseas, so as to focus their ingenuity and energy on the same goal and come together as a mighty force, to work together to realize national prosperity and rejuvenation, and ensure the people's wellbeing. 

During the one hundred years of work on the united front, we have developed important values and philosophies. For example, we stick to the principle of seeking common ground while reserving differences, properly balance commonality and diversity, and respect and accommodate differences. We also uphold cooperation and mutual benefit. Based on seeking and achieving common interests, we respect, protect, and fully consider the interests of all sectors. We adhere to democratic consultation, under which we conduct broad consultation in decision making and problem solving, and public issues are discussed by all those involved. In this way, we unite people together extensively and pool strengths. 

In foreign exchanges, China persistently advocates that all of the world's different civilizations should stay inclusive and draw on each other's strengths. We promote harmonious relationships between all countries and the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. We attach importance to the role of overseas Chinese and students studying abroad as a bridge linking China and the world. Our purpose is to promote people-to-people exchanges, good relations, and mutual understanding and friendship between China and other countries. As Mr. Liu said just now, we never interfere in other countries' internal affairs, and never export any ideology or social system. 

We can say that the united front work of the CPC is carried out in a transparent and open manner, and it is a far cry from the so-called "infiltration" claimed by some hostile forces to defame and malign China. We will constantly consolidate and develop the broadest possible united front, make full use of the united front as an important treasure, and unswervingly work for the great cause to seek happiness for the Chinese people, rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and the common good for the world. Thank you. 

People's Daily: 

It is reported that since the Party's 18th National Congress, the discipline inspection and supervision organs nationwide have investigated and punished more than 4 million people, including many officials at all levels. With so many people having been investigated, does this affect the image of the CPC? The CPC Central Committee unswervingly exercises full and strict governance over the Party. In what aspects is "strict" embodied? 

Wang Jianxin: 

Thank you for your question. I will answer it. "A hallmark that distinguishes the Communist Party of China from other political parties is its courage in undertaking self-reform," General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized at a ceremony marking the centenary of the CPC. On July 1, we all watched the ceremony through different channels. On Tian'anmen Square, more than 70,000 representatives from all walks of life formed the shape of a "giant vessel". One hundred years ago, the CPC was born in a shikumen building in Shanghai, and started a journey from the South Lake in Jiaxing, Zhejiang province. On the way, the CPC has stayed true to its original aspiration and founding mission, fought bravely, and made sacrifices. That small red boat from a hundred years ago has become a great ship that navigates China's stable and long-term development. 

Therefore, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that an important reason why the Party remains so vital and vibrant despite having undergone so many trials and tribulations is that it practices effective self-supervision and full and rigorous self-governance. Since the Party's 18th National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, has stressed that it takes a good blacksmith to make good steel, and included full and rigorous self-governance into the Four-pronged Comprehensive Strategy. Through fine conduct, we have boosted the faith of our Party members and our people. We have strengthened governance over the Party through strict disciplines, and punished corruption with an attitude of "zero tolerance." The anti-corruption campaign has been a resounding success, and the achievements have been consolidated. The CPC has achieved historic progress in full and rigorous self-governance. I have the latest statistics, which the journalist mentioned in the question. During the period from the Party's 18th National Congress to the end of June this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the discipline inspection and supervision organs nationwide investigated 3.884 million cases, and punished 4.173 million people. 

The CPC Central Committee has always adhered to the overarching principle of "rigorous governance over the Party." Full and rigorous governance over the Party is mainly reflected in the following six respects:  

The first is strict governance over thinking. We require that all Party members and officials should arm themselves with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, keep purifying their political souls, consciously forge ahead, and make pragmatic efforts based on their original aspiration and mission. They should be brave to rise up to major challenges and be adept at pushing through the struggles. 

The second is strict governance over supervision. We are improving an authoritative and efficient oversight system with complete coverage under the Party's unified command, strengthening political oversight, and carrying out daily oversight to ensure that the power entrusted by the Party and the people is properly exercised.  

The third is strict governance over discipline enforcement. We have tightened political discipline and rules and resolutely guarded against the "seven forms of misconduct" (nepotism, forming cliques, fabricating rumors, buying popularity, promising others fame and gain in exchange for their help, ostensible obedience, and slandering the CPC Central Committee). We put discipline at the forefront and use stringent discipline to forge the whole Party into a "solid piece of steel." Statistics show that from the 18th CPC National Congress to the end of June this year, 3.804 million people received Party disciplinary and administrative penalties.  

The fourth is strict governance over officials' behaviors and performance. We have strictly investigated the practice of seeking official positions through back door means, buying and selling official positions, as well as vote buying and bribery, and resolutely tackled corruption and other forms of misconduct regarding the election and appointment of officials. We have strengthened daily management and reminded officials of misconduct for early correction through letters or by talking to them directly to make Party officials truly feel that strict management is care.  

The fifth is strict governance over conduct. We have been keenly observing the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct. We have been continuously addressing the practice of formalities for formalities sake, bureaucratism, hedonism, and extravagance by strict investigation and targeted treatment. Between the 18th CPC National Congress and the end of June this year, 637,000 cases of violating the central Party leadership's eight-point decision were investigated and dealt with nationwide, and 558,000 people received Party disciplinary and administrative penalties.  

The sixth is strict governance over anti-corruption efforts. The Party has allowed no safe haven, left no stone unturned, and shown no tolerance in fighting corruption. We have firmly investigated and punished the leaders and officials who didn't stop playing with fire. We have resolutely investigated and addressed corruption cases involving both political and economic matters. We have been determined to deal with corruption involving petty officials. In doing so, we have done better in ensuring that officials do not dare to be, are denied the opportunity to be, and have no wish to be corrupt. 

The above-mentioned facts irrefutably prove that our Party's full and rigorous self-governance and efforts to ensure discipline, improve Party conduct, and fight corruption are by no means empty talk. Instead, we have undertaken this task unswervingly and consistently, reshaping the Party's image and giving it a new look. Party solidarity and unity have also been reinforced. Our Party has become stronger through revolutionary forging, providing powerful political guidance and guarantees for the development of the Party and the country. General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly stressed that we should live up to the expectations of the 1.4 billion Chinese people by punishing thousands of corrupted officials. This is well illustrated by the findings of the National Bureau of Statistics: 95.8% of the people believe that outstanding achievements were made in full and rigorous governance over the Party in 2020, an increase of 16.5 percentage points from before 2012, when the 18th CPC National Congress was convened. This indicates that the people have greater trust in our Party and full confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Thank you.  

Phoenix TV:  

The CPC puts forward the Party leadership over all work and stresses that "the Party exercises overall leadership over all areas of endeavor across the country and is the highest force for political leadership." How should we understand such leadership? Some people abroad call it a one-party dictatorship. What's your take on this? Thank you.  

Wang Xiaohui:  

This has been clarified in the third chapter of the publication. I also heard hyping from some foreign countries, and I'd like to take this opportunity to emphasize a few points.  

First, the leadership of the Party is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and constitutes the greatest strength of this system. This leadership position is not self-appointed. Instead, it's determined by the nature and purpose of the Party, it's the choice of history and the people, and it has been written into the Constitution of the People's Republic of China. History and practice have proved that the Party's leadership is the foundation and lifeblood of the Party and the country and the crux upon which the interests and wellbeing of all Chinese people depend.  

Second, Party leadership over all work means that the leadership must be comprehensive, systematic, and holistic. Party leadership must be upheld in all work areas of the Party and the country, including reform, development, and maintaining stability, as well as the country's internal affairs, national defense and diplomacy, and governance over the Party, the country, and the armed forces. The leadership must be upheld in all sectors and in every part of the country. This is what we mean by upholding the party's leadership over all work.  

Third, regarding strengthening the Party's overall leadership, we are not only committed to upholding the Party's leadership and its position as the governing party, we are also working to form a new type of political party relations featuring cooperation, unity, and harmony. China adopts the system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation, which is a great creation of China's political system and a new type of political party system that was born in China. Under this system of CPC-led multiparty cooperation and political consultation, we have developed a political pattern featuring "the CPC's leadership in governing the country with cooperation from and participation of all the other parties," realizing the organic unity of governance and participation, leadership and cooperation, and consultation and supervision.  

Fourth, strengthening the Party's leadership in all respects is based on upholding democratic centralism. Democratic centralism is our Party's fundamental organizational principle and fundamental leadership system. The system combines centralization on the basis of democracy with democracy under centralized guidance. This not only ensures that the wishes of Party members and Party organizations are fully expressed and their enthusiasm and creativity can be effectively brought into play, but also ensures the cohesion of the wisdom and strength of the whole Party and consistency of action.

Fifth, to strengthen the Party's overall leadership, we should achieve the organic unity of the Party's leadership, the people's ownership of the country and the rule of law. We should adhere to the rule of law and the rule of law under the leadership of the Party. At the same time, the Party is required to carry out its activities within the scope of the Constitution and laws. All Party and government organs, various social organizations and every citizen must obey and abide by the Constitution and laws. In particular, Party members and officials must be models of respecting, learning, abiding by and using the law.

Sixth, strengthening the Party's overall leadership does not mean that the Party should assume responsibility for everything, but rather that the Party exercises overall leadership and coordinates the efforts of all parties. By improving the Party's overall leadership system and the national governance system, we have improved the Party's level of scientific, democratic and law-based governance, and implemented the Party's leadership in all aspects, fields and links of national governance in an institutionalized and standardized manner, so as to form a situation where all areas of endeavor not only perform their respective duties and responsibilities, but also cooperate with each other and display their own strengths.

In my opinion, these points show that this is totally different from the so-called "one party dictatorship." Thank you.

TASS:

Recently, the Chinese government's anti-monopoly measures have attracted much attention, such as the continuous strengthening of regulations and rectification of internet platforms. Some foreign investors have expressed concern that this represents a tightening of controls on private enterprises, fearing that this is an adjustment to China's policy of opening up to the outside world and private economy. What do you think? Thank you.

Han Wenxiu:

Your question involves several key words, including anti-monopoly, internet platforms, private economy and opening up to the outside world.

Anti-monopoly work is common practice in market economy countries. During the past few decades, the United States and some countries in Europe have been acting against monopoly. Now, China's economy is expanding and there are more and more large enterprises, which may lead to monopolies forming. Therefore, it is an important and regular task of the Chinese government to strengthen anti-monopoly work and anti-unfair competition. It will help foster a market environment of fair competition, create broad development space for all types of market players, especially small and medium-sized enterprises, and better protect the rights and interests of consumers.

At present, strengthening the supervision of large tech firms — such as internet platforms — and preventing monopolies and the disorderly expansion of capital, are a global challenge. All countries are exploring solutions. We insist on paying equal attention to both standardization and development. On one hand, we need to set up traffic lights for capital, improve the negative list management system for market access, and strictly control blind trends and clear the hazards from the sector's past development. Our aim is to protect data security and personal privacy, safeguard national security and public interests, and promote the standardized and sound development of all types of capital. On the other hand, we also recognize that the platform economy is an important component of advanced productive forces. We need to give full play to its positive role in optimizing resource allocation, promoting scientific and technological progress, facilitating people's lives, and participating in international cooperation and competition. Strengthening regulation is for healthier, more sustainable and long-term development, and the same is true for capital markets.

Among the online platform enterprises, there are not only state-owned enterprises and private enterprises, but also foreign-funded enterprises, as well as many mixed ownership enterprises. The policies to regulate internet platforms treat all market entities as equals. They are aimed at illegal acts, not targeting private enterprises and foreign-funded enterprises. This is very clear.

First, we adhere to our basic socialist economic system, and unwaveringly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the private sector. As important components of the socialist market economy, both public ownership and non-public ownership lay a solid foundation for the country's economic and social development. Private enterprises and private entrepreneurs belong to our own family. We should treat them well and strictly in order to promote the sound development of private enterprises and entrepreneurs.

Second, opening up to the outside world constitutes a basic national policy China adheres to. General Secretary Xi Jinping has made it clear time and time again that China's door of opening up will never be closed and it will only open wider. We are fostering a new development paradigm. What we envision is not a development loop behind closed doors, but more open domestic and international circulations. We will firmly pursue high-level opening-up, better coordinate development and security, seriously implement the Foreign Investment Law, effectively protect property and intellectual property rights, improve the transparency and predictability of policies, communicate with the market well and further foster a market-oriented international business environment underpinned by a sound legal framework. We welcome enterprises and investors from all over the world to start businesses in China, jointly sharing the huge development opportunities brought about by its huge market with the characteristics of high growth. Thank you.

China News Service:

The CPC has made great achievements over the past hundred years. However, the Party has also made mistakes and experienced setbacks. How do you view the mistakes and setbacks now? Does the Party purposely downplay them? Thank you.

Chai Fangguo:

From 1921 to 2021, the Party's 100-year journey has surged forward with great momentum. Over the past hundred years, the Party has united and led the Chinese people in crossing many barriers and achieving great success in the New Democratic Revolution, the socialist revolution and reconstruction, reform, opening up, socialist modernization, and the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. We have made a tremendous transformation from standing upright to becoming prosperous and growing in strength. The Party has changed China thoroughly and profoundly promoted the development and progress of humanity.

In the course of leading China's revolution, reconstruction and reform to great success, the CPC has also made mistakes and experienced setbacks. Instead of avoiding or covering them up, the Party has faced up to them, analyzed their causes and drawn wisdom and strength to forge ahead from them. The experiences and lessons learned in this regard are reviewed systematically in the Resolution on Certain Issues in the History of the CPC (released in 1945) and the Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of the CPC Since the Founding of the People's Republic of China (released in 1981). By doing so, the whole Party has come to a clear consensus on its past, grown stronger in unity, enhanced awareness of historical experiences, and set the stage for forging forward in better shape. The Party also examine the inadequacies and weakness exposed in our work at important meetings, and accordingly put forward improvement measures, while reviewing successes and experiences. With a serious and scientific attitude, we have written and published books on Party history, including "The History of the Communist Party of China (1921-1949)," "The History of the Communist Party of China (1949-1978)," "The Ninety-Year History of the Communist Party of China," and "The Brief History of the CPC" published this year, which have all truthfully reflected on and portrayed the journey the Party has traveled over 100 years of struggle. As General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized, "Honestly acknowledging its problems and mistakes, including those of its leaders, the CPC has always conducted careful analysis of root causes and taken resolute measures to correct them. Its mistakes, failures, and lessons, together with its successes, all serve as an invaluable textbook."

As we all know, a new path of development is shaped by exploring and practicing. Every political party is restrained by the historical conditions they are in, both the specific subjective and objective conditions. No political party dares to say that it never makes mistakes. Looking back over the path we have taken, it is essential that we develop an accurate understanding of Party history. We should grasp the main points, themes and essence of the course of Party history, and understand and evaluate the important events, meetings and figures in its history accurately and scientifically. Efforts should be made to unequivocally oppose historical nihilism. The CPC is a political party that can see its past objectively and scientifically. The Party has corrected its mistakes, overcome its setbacks, ended disorder, and broke new ground constantly by upholding the truth. In the long course of its development, the Party has constantly engaged in significant self-reform, exercised effective self-supervision, practiced strict self-discipline in every respect, and consistently pursued improvement. These fine traditions are also the salient feature of the Party. Thank you.

Lianhe Zaobao:

In recent years, some Western countries have claimed that they will "safeguard the rules-based international order," accusing China of challenging the existing international order and coercing other countries. The CPC is now actively pushing ahead with reform and improvements in the global governance system. Does this mean a rejection of the existing international order and norms? Thank you.

Liu Jianchao:

Thank you for your question. The so-called "rules-based international order," claimed by certain countries, sounds good outwardly, but we must comprehensively analyze the concept. What, in essence, are the "rules," and who are the rule-makers? After extended observation and analysis, we have concluded that the so-called "international order" that these countries claim, based on military alliances and oriented by ideology, is only in line with the rules set by themselves. Their aim is to safeguard the dominant role of several certain countries in the world, and exclude developing countries from the international system and the global governance system.

We believe that there is only one international system and one international order in the world. We must underscore the role of the United Nations (UN) as it is an important international platform that forges and reflects the international consensus and demonstrates democracy in international relations. We call for an international system with the UN at the core and an international order based on international law. Meanwhile, we believe that there is only one set of fundamental international norms, the one that is based on the missions and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. There is only one type of true multilateralism, which is also underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and features equality and win-win cooperation, instead of fake or pseudo multilateralism used by several countries as a pretext for acts of unilateralism.  

You just referred to the accusation that China has coerced other countries. I think the truth is quite the reverse. China has put forward a series of proposals and initiatives welcomed by the international community, including the Belt and Road Initiative, advocation of the free and open international trade and multilateral trade, and development of the foreign trade and economic relations following the principles of equality and mutual benefit. Meanwhile, in today's world, who, on the contrary, is attempting to dictate international affairs, determine other countries' destiny, or monopolize development resources? Who is engaging in clique politics by rejecting dissidents, threatening, or intimidating other countries? Who has imposed decoupling, supply disruption, or sanctions? Who has pushed the world into division and even confrontation? I think people around the world all know the obvious answer. China stays committed to openness and inclusiveness instead of closeness and exclusion; to international law and rules instead of seeking one's supremacy; to consultation and cooperation instead of conflict and confrontation; and to keep up with the times instead of rejecting change. China has always worked to safeguard world peace, contribute to global development, and preserve international order. The CPC has proposed building a human community with a shared future and an open, inclusive, clean, and beautiful world that enjoys lasting peace, universal security, and common prosperity. It is the CPC's major initiative to address the prominent issues facing the world today and guarantee the sustainable development of human civilization.

China will unswervingly uphold true multilateralism, shoulder its responsibility in safeguarding world peace, take every effort to advance global development, set a good example of preserving international order, contribute and respond to global challenges, and work together with countries around the world to promote the building of a human community with a shared future. Thank you.

Xu Lin:

Due to time constraints, we will have the last question.

China Daily:

As we know, the ethnic issue has always been a global and regional hot issue. My questions are: What policies have the CPC adopted to manage ethnic issues and maintain harmony among all ethnic groups? How did the Party implement these policies in practice? Thank you. 

Xu Yousheng:

As you stated, the ethnic issue is indeed a global and regional issue, and in fact, also a hard one. China is a unified and multiethnic country. Over the long course of a several-thousand-year history, all our ethnic groups have jointly guarded our vast territory and created a long history and a splendid culture, forming a paradigm with ethnic groups diversified yet integrated as one. It should be said that the CPC has attached great importance to the work concerning ethnic groups. Focusing on fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, the Party has introduced a series of systems and policies concerning ethnic groups to constantly consolidate and develop socialist ethnic relations of equality, unity, mutual assistance, and harmony. The key aspects are as follows:

First, we implement the system of ethnic regional autonomy. Under the unified leadership of the central government, regional autonomy is exercised, and organs of self-government are established to exercise of the right of autonomy in areas where ethnic minorities live in compact communities.

Second, we uphold equality between all ethnic groups. All ethnic groups are guaranteed equal participation in the management of state affairs and lawful rights and interests. Discrimination against and oppression of any ethnic group are prohibited. 

Third, we consolidate the unity of the Chinese nation. We have carried out in-depth publicity and education on ethnic unity and progress to promote exchanges and interaction among all ethnic groups to boost their recognition of the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the CPC, and socialism with Chinese characteristics. In this way, we will unite all ethnic groups in pressing forward for common prosperity and development.

Fourth, we support ethnic minority groups and ethnic minority areas to accelerate development. We have thoroughly implemented the strategy for large-scale development of the western region, pressed ahead with the action plan to bring prosperity to border areas and their residents, and provided strong support for the development of ethnic minority groups and ethnic minority areas. In accordance with the requirement of the CPC Central Committee that no single ethnic group should be left behind in the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, we have so far have helped 31.21 million people living in ethnic minority areas and 420 poor counties in ethnic autonomous areas out of poverty.

Fifth, we respect and protect ethnic minority cultures. We respect the customs and habits of ethnic minority groups and make efforts to inherit and protect their cultures. On the basis of comprehensively promoting the standard Chinese language, we respect and support the study and use of ethnic minority languages. Under the guidance of the CPC's policies concerning ethnic groups, all ethnic groups of China have developed relations of equality, unity, mutual assistance, and harmony, and are closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate. The practice has fully proved that the CPC has found the right way of managing ethnic issues that suits China's national reality and reflects China's distinct characteristics. Thank you.

Xu Lin:

Thanks to all the speakers and journalists. Today's press conference concludes here. Thank you.

Translated and edited by Zhang Liying, Wang Qian, Zhu Bochen, Ma Yujia, Cui Can, Liu Sitong, Wang Yiming, Zhou Jing, Liu Qiang, Zhang Rui, Liu Jianing, Zhang Junmian, Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Wei, Xiang Bin, Huang Shan, Yuan Fang, Li Xiao, Li Huiru, Chen Xia, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.