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Read in Chinese
Speakers:
Wang Xiaohui, deputy head in charge of routine work of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)
Fu Xingguo, deputy head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee
Hu Heping, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of culture and tourism
Qu Qingshan, head of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee
Major General Li Jun, assistant director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission
Chairperson:
Xu Lin, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of the State Council Information Office
Date:
March 23, 2021
Xu Lin:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by 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 CPC has remained committed to its original aspiration and founding mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. The Party has rallied and led the Chinese people in a tenacious struggle for development, accomplishing great achievements recognized by the entire world. China's development has not only delivered a better life for the Chinese people, but also contributed to the well-being of the world and the lofty cause of peace and development for humanity.
Celebrating the centenary of the CPC's founding is a major event in the political life of our Party and country, which attracts much attention from home and abroad. To mark the centenary, the CPC Central Committee will hold a series of celebration activities. In the press conference today, leading officials from relevant departments will brief you on the arrangements and considerations for the celebration activities. They will also answer your questions.
Present at today's press conference are: Mr. Wang Xiaohui, deputy head in charge of routine work of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Fu Xingguo, deputy head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Hu Heping, deputy head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of culture and tourism; Mr. Qu Qingshan, head of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee; and Major General Li Jun, assistant director of the Political Work Department of the Central Military Commission (CMC).
Since there are many foreign reporters present, simultaneous interpretation services will be available throughout the press conference. If reporters ask questions in English, the question part will be interpreted into Chinese.
Next, let's give the floor to Mr. Wang Xiaohui.
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Wang Xiaohui:
Friends from the media, good morning. It is my pleasure to brief you on the arrangements to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the CPC. As you all know, the CPC has travelled a glorious journey of 100 years, growing from a small party with only over 50 members to the world's largest ruling Marxist party with more than 91 million members. The CPC was born 100 years ago amid domestic turmoil and foreign aggression. During the past century, the Party has grown bigger and stronger by overcoming various setbacks and hardships. It has rallied and led the Chinese people in exploring a great path, achieving great accomplishments, and creating a great miracle in the development history of the Chinese nation and the progress of human civilization.
General Secretary Xi Jinping has emphasized on various occasions: "One who wants to stride ahead should not forget the path that was trodden. No matter how far we will travel and how bright a future we will have, we should not forget what we have experienced and why we set out." As the CPC celebrates its centenary year, we will hold activities to review the great journey during which the Party has always stuck together with the people through thick and thin and won one victory after another; to summarize the glorious achievements and valuable experience the Party has gained over the past century; and to demonstrate historic achievements and changes made in all undertakings of the Party and the country in the new era under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. The celebration activities are of far-reaching significance for motivating and mobilizing the entire Party, the military, and the people of all ethnic groups in China to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and to move forward with full confidence on the new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country.
According to the plan approved by the CPC Central Committee, the celebrations will include the following activities:
First, carrying out a campaign on Party history learning and education. While consolidating the outcomes of the initiative to raise awareness of the need to stay true to the Party's founding mission, we will launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members. The campaign will run through the year 2021, requiring Party members to grasp the truth, increase confidence, uphold moral principles, and improve conduct. Party officials will be urged to study the Party's history, understand its theories, do practical work and make new advances.
Second, holding a grand celebration gathering. In the name of the CPC Central Committee, we will hold a grand gathering to mark the CPC's centenary. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the CMC, will deliver an important speech at the event.
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Third, we will carry out the "July 1 Medal" selection and awarding, and commend model Party members, Party affairs workers, and Party organizations. In the name of the CPC Central Committee, we will award July 1 Medals to Party members who have made outstanding contributions to the Party and created invaluable spiritual treasure. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the CMC, will sign and issue certificates, and confer the medals. We will also select and recognize national outstanding Party members, Party affairs workers and national advanced primary-level Party organizations. We will award "Glorious 50 Years in the CPC" commemorative medals to veteran Party members who have a Party membership of at least 50 years and have consistently performed well. In addition, we will organize visits and greeting activities with Party members commended for meritorious service within the Party, Party members facing financial difficulties, veteran Party members and officials, family members of martyrs and Party officials who have died at their posts, to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation.
Fourth, we will hold a major exhibition. We will hold a large-scale exhibition under the theme of "remain true to our original aspiration and keep our mission firmly in mind," to illustrate the glorious journey, great achievements and valuable experience of the CPC over the past 100 years in a comprehensive, systematic, vivid and all-round manner.
Fifth, we will hold a gala performance. We will hold a large-scale gala performance to celebrate the CPC's centenary, and invite Party and state leaders, representatives who have received meritorious honors, grassroots Party members and representatives from various sectors of the general public to attend.
Sixth, we will organize seminars and symposiums on theoretical study. The Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee will jointly hold a seminar on theoretical aspects to mark the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC together with the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Party School of the CPC Central Committee (National Academy of Governance), the Institute of Party History and Literature, the Ministry of Education, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, and the Political Work Department of the CMC. The Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee will host a symposium for national outstanding Party members and Party affairs workers, and representatives of national advanced primary-level Party organizations to celebrate the CPC's centenary, and also hold a symposium for veteran Party members and officials, as well as a seminar on historical experience in Party development. The United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee will hold a symposium for people from various sectors to celebrate the centenary after consultations with the central committees of the non-communist political parties, public figures with no party affiliation and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce.
Seventh, we will create and present a series of literary and artistic works and publications. We will make and broadcast documentaries and special programs based on the glorious history, great achievements and valuable experience of the CPC during the 100 years since its founding, as well as the role models that have emerged in different historic periods. We will produce and present a batch of outstanding literary and artistic works in a variety of forms including drama, music, dance, film, TV series and so on with high cultural appeal and artistic taste. We will publish a number of key Party history books and theoretical articles, and compile and release key publications such as one titled "One Hundred Years of the Communist Party of China." In addition, commemorative stamps, envelopes and coins will also be issued on the theme of the CPC's centenary celebrations.
Eighth, we will carry out publicity and educational activities among the public. We will roll out programs under the theme of "following the CPC forever" in urban and rural areas across the country. Various localities, especially places of great significance in the Party's history, will organize colorful celebrations around important events, important activities and important historic sites in the Party's history based on local conditions.
Under the requirement of the CPC Central Committee, all these activities will be carried out strictly in line with the Eight-point Rules on Frugality and relevant implementation regulations, and in accordance with COVID-19 control measures, so as to ensure that they are conducted in a solemn, jubilant, pragmatic, thrifty, safe and orderly manner.
That concludes my introduction. Thank you.
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Xu Lin:
Thank you Mr. Wang Xiaohui. Now let's begin the Q&A segment. Friends from the media, please ask your questions. Please indicate your news outlet before asking question. Please go ahead.
CCTV:
In recent years, we have held many major celebrations, such as the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up, and the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. These were all very impressive. Just now you also introduced the main content of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary of the CPC's founding. Compared with major celebrations in the past, what are the new features and highlights this time? Thank you.
Wang Xiaohui:
During the CPC's centenary celebrations, we have made efforts to explore and innovate in all aspects on the basis of carefully summarizing and absorbing the successful experience from previous major commemorative activities. In summary, the celebrations will include the following main features:
First, we will highlight the leading role of ideology. Whether it is studying and teaching Party history, holding the commemorative gathering, launching the large-scale exhibition, or awarding medals, making selections and commendations, and presenting performances, we will pay attention to highlighting the ideological aspect. We hope that by summarizing and looking back over history, Party officials and the general public can deeply understand how history and the people have chosen Marxism, the CPC, the socialist path, and reform and opening up. We also hope that they can deeply understand that, from Shikumen to Tiananmen, from the "Red Boat" to the "giant Chinese ship," all the efforts, struggles and sacrifices our Party has made in the past 100 years have been for the happiness of the people and national rejuvenation. We will sing out loudly the main theme of the times across the whole of society, praising the CPC, socialism, reform and opening up, the great motherland, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups.
Second, we will create a festive atmosphere at the grassroots. The centenary is not only the birthday of the CPC but also an occasion for celebration among the people. To create a festive atmosphere at the grassroots and among the people, we will establish several platforms that are both accessible and inviting to the public. For example, we will organize interactive activities around the themes of "Revisiting revolutionary history and carrying forward a fighting spirit," "A closer look at the embodiments of China's strength," and "Getting to know poverty relief achievements and contributing to rural vitalization," among others. We will recommend travel routes to revolutionary sites and organize a variety of cultural activities for the public in order to arouse people's enthusiasm for participation as much as possible.
Third, we will step up efforts to improve people's wellbeing. We will combine the celebration with the improvement of people's wellbeing. With a focus on groups facing the most dire difficulties and biggest problems, we will work to address those problems that most concern people's wellbeing. In particular, we will ensure that public services are inclusive, meet essential needs, and ensure basic living standards for those people facing difficulties in order to enhance their sense of gain, happiness, and security.
Fourth, we will promote inter-party exchanges. The CPC is an open political party. The centenary offers an opportunity for the CPC to engage in multi-level inter-party dialogues and exchanges in multiple forms to publicize the CPC's governance philosophy and China's development path and to share its governance experience with the world's political parties. The CPC is ready to work with political parties around the world to foster a new model of party-to-party relations and promote the building of a community with a shared future. Thank you.
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Xinhua:
As we know, the advantage and strength of a Marxist political party lie in its tight and strict organizational system. Could you please give us a brief introduction to the building of the CPC's primary-level Party organizations? In addition, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and related activities themed around "Party flags flying high at the primary level" will be held. What are the thoughts behind this arrangement? Thank you.
Fu Xingguo:
The primary-level Party organizations lay the foundation for the CPC's governance. They are the foundation of the CPC's work and its capacity to take on challenges. By December 2019, the nation had 4.681 million primary-level Party organizations and 91.914 million Party members. Historically, the CPC has attached importance to the work of consolidating its foundation. In particular, since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, we have placed great emphasis on primary-level Party organizations. We have focused on improving their organizational capacity and given priority to their political functions. The implementation of major tasks has become the touchstone for primary-level Party organizations and the "last mile" of implementing the decisions and deployments of the CPC Central Committee has been got through. As we have seen through the major battles and tests related to epidemic control, poverty alleviation, and flood control and relief, Party organizations at various levels have become pillars of strength and Party members across the nation have played the role of spearheading the Party's policies. This fully demonstrates the capacity for organization and action, as well as the capacity to take on challenges of the Party's tight and strict organizational system.
For the centenary, the goal of holding activities themed "Party flags flying high at the primary level" is to encourage and mobilize primary-level Party organizations and Party members across the nation to stay true to the Party's original aspirations and founding mission and to strive to break new ground and embark on a new journey. Overall, we will revolve around the principle of "Strengthening Party organizations, serving and contributing, and solving problems for the people," and launch programs themed "Addressing real problems for the people" in the course of the campaign on Party history learning and education.
First, we will give full play to the "stronghold" role of primary-level Party organizations. We will mobilize primary-level Party organizations from various fronts and sectors to shoulder heavy responsibilities, tackle tough issues head-on, and become the "backbone" of the people in the fields of economic development, the improvement of people's wellbeing, rural vitalization, grassroots-level governance, projects construction, and leading scientific and technological breakthroughs.
Second, we will give full play to the role of Party members as spearheads and role models. By setting up role model positions, boosting a sense of responsibility, encouraging volunteering, and fulfilling promises, we will guide Party members to strive for excellence and provide quality service in their daily work. We will see that they are up to the standards of Party members, are brave to stand up at crucial moments, and are willing to make sacrifices in moments of crisis.
Third, we will give full play to the role of Party members who hold leadership positions. We will encourage them to take the lead in implementing the "mass line" of the Party and strengthening their sense of public service. With a focus on those people facing dire difficulties, the most prominent problems in society, and the matters that most relate to practical interests. We will also solve a slew of urgent and difficult problems for the people to enhance their sense of gain, happiness, and security. In addition, we will organize a series of visits and activities learn from role models. We will organize new Party members to take an admission of oath and veteran Party members to review their admission oath in order to spur Party members across the nation to strive for new achievements in the new era.
Thank you.
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Nikkei:
As I live and work in Beijing, I find that many young people in China do not seem to know much about the CPC history, especially the history since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949. How will the younger generation be educated about Party history in the future? What arrangements do you have in place for the first Party-wide campaign on CPC history learning and education? Thank you.
Wang Xiaohui:
The history of the CPC occupies the most heroic and moving chapter in the modern history of China. It is also a textbook full of rich and vivid content. Therefore, our Party has always attached great importance to drawing wisdom and strength from the history of the CPC for further advancement. As early as 1941 during the Yan'an period, our Party organized high-ranking officials to study Marxism-Leninism and sum up CPC history. Now as we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee has decided to launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members. I think this is an important measure for us to sum up historical experiences, learn about the law of history and grasp the historical initiative. The decision is also made out of strategic consideration to keep our original aspiration and mission well in mind, stay true to our beliefs and convictions, and firm up our confidence in success. Our aim is to guide Party officials to carry forward fine Party traditions, pass on the traditions of revolution, always maintain the fighting spirit of CPC members and their attachment to the people, and keep on striving with endless energy and unconquerable attitude to make new achievements in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
Last month, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended a key meeting to launch a campaign on Party history learning and education among all Party members and delivered an important speech. The CPC Central Committee issued a circular on carrying out a Party-wide campaign on CPC history learning and education, making overall arrangements for the campaign. The campaign has been launched among all Party members, especially officials at and above the county and director level. The major arrangements are as follows:
First, themed study seminars will be held. We will continue to promote a combination of group study and individual study. Officials will participate in group study sessions and reading seminars, among others. Party schools, academies of governance and executive leadership academies at all levels will organize themed training sessions on CPC history. Primary-level Party organizations will practice the system of holding Party branch plenary meetings, meetings of Party branch committees, Party group meetings, and Party lectures, and launch studying activities on themed days.
Second, publicity and lecture programs will be organized. We have sent the central lecture team to give special lectures across the country. All localities have also been encouraged to organize and send lecture teams to the grassroots, giving face-to-face lectures and making interactive discussions. Meanwhile, we will carry out publicity and education among the general public on histories of the CPC, the country, reform and opening up, and socialist development.
Third, we will hold meetings of Party members in leadership positions and meetings of primary-level Party organizations on the theme. Party members in leadership positions of all levels must participate in the latter as ordinary Party members. In addition to that, they must study, discuss, exchange views, analyze the Party spirit, and receive ideological education together with other Party members.
Fourth, we will carry out practical activities to serve the people. Party members are required to embrace our original aspiration and mission, and learn more about people's lives and public opinion through visits. Party members should carry out activities to serve the people at their posts, address people's difficulties and concerns at the community level, and make the public enjoy benefits in the true sense.
As you just said, some of our adolescents don't know much about the CPC history due to their young age and lack of experience. So, while carrying out publicity and education among the general public on the history of the CPC, the country, reform and opening up, and socialist development, we have always given high priority to learning and education among adolescents. It will be promoted mainly in two aspects. On the one hand, we will actively incorporate the campaign into school textbooks and classes to ensure young people keep the history of the CPC well in mind; compile textbooks for college, primary and secondary school students on the history of the CPC, the country, reform and opening up, and socialist development; and promote colleges to offer courses or lectures on Party history. On the other hand, we will attach great importance to meeting the needs of adolescents; make full use of convergence media and patriotic education; guide adolescents by means of study practices and social surveys to understand Party history, love the Party and the country, unswervingly listen to the Party and follow the Party. Thank you.
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Hong Kong Ta Kung Wen Wei Media Group:
The celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC is a major and joyous event. In the past, many good works of literature and art have been presented for similar events. What are some of the best works that we can look forward to this year around this theme? Thank you.
Hu Heping:
Literary and artistic works are the rallying call for the advancement of the times. They are the best embodiment of the times, and most capable of leading the ethos of an era. Looking back on the CPC's 100-year history, the Party has united and led the people to fight for national independence and people's liberation, to achieve national prosperity and people's happiness, and to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, creating numerous praiseworthy achievements and leaving behind countless heroic deeds. In the past 100 years, the Party has attached great importance to literary and artistic works. A huge number of masterpieces have been made about its historic achievements and its fight. These works have become an inspiration to many people and a boost to the national spirit, inspiring us to secure victory on every step. Some of these works have become long-lasting classics. For example, "The Yellow River Cantata" embodies the unyielding character of the Chinese people, and is a rallying call that encourages the Chinese people to fight. There are also other classic works such as the opera "Sister Jiang;" the song "My Motherland;" the Chinese paintings "Jiangshan Ruci Duojiao" ("How Beautiful the Motherland Looks"), "Galloping Horse," and "Wanshan Hongbian" ("Thousands of Hills in A Crimsoned View"); the oil painting "The Founding Ceremony of the Nation"; and the sculpture "Jianku Suiyue" ("Arduous Times"). To celebrate the centenary of the founding of the Party and to revisit these classics, we have revived a number of classic works this year, such as the national opera "The White-haired Girl," the opera-ballet "The Red Detachment of Women," and the symphonic and choral concert "Long March Suite."
As you mention that when it comes to big events and joyful occasions, we always intensify our efforts on introducing literary and artistic works. This year, regarding the centenary anniversary of the founding of the CPC, we have implemented a project to create fine stage performances and a project to create thematic artistic works. We will organize the creation of 100 stage performances in different categories and on different subjects. This includes works with revolutionary historical themes, such as operas "Red Boat," and "Yimeng Mountain;" the Peking Opera "Stories of the Red Army;" and the dance drama "The Eternal Wave." There are also realism works, such as the national opera "Fupin Lushang" ("On the Way to Alleviate Poverty"), which promotes the spirit of poverty alleviation; the Caidiao Opera (a type of local drama from Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region) "New Liu Sanjie", which depicts fulfilling rural life; and the stage play "Renmin Zhishang" ("People First"), which praises our great fight against the epidemic. We will also develop a batch of artistic works focusing on the Party's endeavors over the past 100 years, and these works will be exhibited both online and offline, in a bid to let more people be informed of the Party's history, and receive education via literary and artistic works.
Mr. Wang Xiaohui mentioned earlier that people are very much looking forward to the stage performance to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the founding of the CPC. The performance will be presented in the form of a large-scale epic theatre production. Through music and dance, stage plays, square marching, dramas, and video documentations, the performance will vividly present the CPC's 100-year endeavor of leading the people in pursuing revolution, construction, and reform. It will also celebrate the historic achievements that China has made as well as the historic transformations happening under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core since the 18th CPC National Congress, and exhibit the promising future of fully realizing a modern socialist country.
Thank you.
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ITAR-TASS:
The People's Liberation Army has always held important arrangements for the big events and celebrations. Will be there any large-scale events organized by the People's Liberation Army? Will the People's Liberation Army, for example, hold parades or something else? Thank you.
Li Jun:
Thank you for your question. A massive celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the CPC is a major political task for the military. According to the deployments of the CPC Central Committee, the CMC has made unified arrangements for celebration events held by the PLA. The overall considerations are to resolutely implement a series of important instructions from Chairman Xi; center around the theme of loving the Party, the nation and socialism; hold tight to the red line of the Party's absolute leadership over the people's armed forces; focus on the centenary goals of the founding of the armed forces; guide officers and soldiers to forge a strong sense of faith in the military; and educate all who serve in the armed forces to always serve as the heroic army that the Party and the people can fully trust. The specific arrangements highlight four aspects:
First, we will forge absolute loyalty. The people's armed forces are created and led by the Party. The armed forces' celebrations focus on solidifying the ideological foundation for safeguarding the core leadership and obeying the Party's command. The study and education of the Party's history should involve all officers and soldiers. We will motivate all the members of the armed forces to further enhance their trust in and support for the Party, encourage them to be devoted to, safeguard and align themselves with the leadership core in a more determined and voluntary manner, and resolutely abide by the commands of and keep a keen sense of responsibility to Chairman Xi so as to keep him reassured.
Second, we will appreciate the power of theory. The century-old history of the Party is a history of constantly promoting theoretical innovation, and also a history of guiding the people and improving practices with innovative theories. We will hold theoretical seminars for the whole armed forces to celebrate the centenary of the founding of the CPC, and hold forums on strengthening the armed forces. We will continuously deepen the theoretical research, publicity and interpretation to recognize the power of the Party's innovative theories in their thinking and practices. Particularly, we will conscientiously apprehend the truth reflected in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and ensure that our work to develop national defense and the armed forces is guided by Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military.
Third, we will continue to carry forward the revolutionary spirit. The history of the Party is the most vivid and convincing textbook. We will hold an exhibition themed "Under the Banner of the Party" in the Military Museum of the Chinese People's Revolution, launch a brand new second edition of "Xing Huo Liao Yuan", establish and open partial displays at the Chinese Navy Museum and other key military history venues including the PLA Hong Kong Garrison Exhibition Center. We will carry out immersive education in venues of significance in CPC history and revolutionary memorial sites, so as to continue with fine conduct on the new journey and carry forward good behaviors in the new era.
Fourth, we will stay committed to strengthening the armed forces. For Chinese soldiers in the new era, striving to build a strong and top-level military is the best way to celebrate the centenary of the Party. In the name of the CMC, we will commend outstanding Party members and Party affairs workers and advanced Party organizations throughout the PLA, and present role models such as "the most beautiful revolutionary soldiers of the new era." We will make military-themed films such as "The Guardian of the Island," "The Battle at the Lake Changjin," and "The Pioneer" to foster a strong atmosphere of obeying the Party's command and working hard to build a strong military.
According to the plans of the CPC Central Committee and the CMC, there is no arrangement for a military parade for the Party's centenary celebrations. All officers and soldiers will remain at their posts to celebrate the centenary of the Party and safeguard the peace and security of the motherland and the people. Thank you.
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Phoenix TV:
The PLA has always emphasized the Party's absolute leadership over the people's armed forces, so how will the armed forces reflect this in the events marking the Party's centenary? In addition, what's the special significance for the military to celebrate the centenary of the Party? Thank you.
Li Jun:
I am glad to answer this question with which you are concerned. As we all know, since its founding, the PLA has been closely linked with the Party and has always acted and fought under the absolute leadership of the Party. The celebrations of the military will make upholding the Party's absolute leadership over the people's armed forces the fundamental focus and the most distinctive feature, and work to build the loyal conviction that the people's armed forces should always follow and obey the instructions of the Party. On the momentous occasion of the centenary of the Party, the armed forces will hold celebrations while coordinating military training, war preparedness and reform and development. I would like to sum up the special significance for the military to celebrate the Party's centenary with the following three "betters":
The first "better" is to better forge the political soul of obeying the Party's commands. Obeying the Party's commands is deeply integrated into the DNA and blood of the people's armed forces. The celebrations of the armed forces will focus on drawing political nourishment from the Party's struggle and great achievements over the century, especially the historic achievements and changes in the new era. We will continue to educate the armed forces with Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, especially Xi Jinping's thinking on strengthening the military. We will guide officers and soldiers to strengthen their consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; stay confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and uphold the Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. We will implement the system of ultimate responsibility resting with the chair of the CMC, and obey the commands of the CPC Central Committee, the CMC, and Chairman Xi in all actions.
The second "better" is to better gather the willpower to advance military training and war preparedness. The century-long journey of the Party embodies great revolutionary spirit and unique ways of winning. The officers and soldiers of the armed forces will have a profound understanding of our Party's valuable experience in leading China's revolution, construction, and reform; and understand and grasp the Party's art of planning for and commanding in military struggles. We will readily translate intense enthusiasm into actions to strengthen the armed forces, transform the Party's political and organizational strengths into winning strengths, and get prepared for various complex and difficult situations at any time. We will also build up our fighting spirit while not being intimidated by strong opponents, and resolutely accomplish the missions and tasks assigned by the Party and the people in the new era.
The third "better" is to better preserve the original character and conduct of the people's armed forces. The Party has gone through many vicissitudes without changing its original aspiration, and experienced hardships without altering its character. An important "secret" for this is that the Party has cultivated and upheld a set of proud traditions and fine conduct. The armed forces of all levels have taken it as a must-do task to review the Party's history, original aspiration, and purpose, and we have promoted the program for passing on the traditions of revolution. The efforts will guide the officers and soldiers of the armed forces to be faithful heirs of the Party's proud traditions and fine conduct, always preserve the character of the Red Army veterans, and set a good example of the people's armed forces and the revolutionary officers and soldiers in the new era. Thank you.
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Lianhe Zaobao:
Over the past century since its founding, the CPC has made substantial achievements, but at the same time experienced some setbacks which have left it with some lessons. I would like to ask what new summaries of the successes and setbacks will the CPC make at this centenary of its founding? In addition, how will the Party deal with future risks and challenges? Thank you.
Qu Qingshan:
Thank you for your questions. Over the 100 years, the CPC has forged glory amid hardships, gained success through exploration, set things right after making mistakes, and won a future after struggle. Over the past century, the CPC has dealt with challenges, overcome difficulties, and won victories, all one after another, by closely relying on the people. It has made great historical contributions to the Chinese nation, and laid a realistic foundation for the Chinese people and the Chinese nation to build on the past and forge ahead courageously.
In the face of a series of risks and challenges, the CPC has kept strengthening and improving itself with the courage of self-reform, and made itself increasingly stronger to always be the leadership core for social development and progress as well as the backbone of the Chinese people. After we sum up its experience in resolving risks and challenges in the past 100 years, I think the Party needs to focus on giving play to four powers when dealing with future risks and challenges. I will briefly summarize them here as the power of leadership, the power of ideology, the power of system, and the power of the people.
First, the power of leadership. Leadership of the CPC is the most essential attribute of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the greatest strength of this system. On the way forward, we must rely on the Party's leadership as the "stabilizer," and work harder to uphold the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, so that our Party can better play its role of leadership core in guiding the overall situation and coordinating the work of all sides, and always maintain its great vitality and strong ability.
Second, the power of ideology. Marxism is the guiding ideology of the CPC and the soul of the ideals and convictions of CPC members. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the ideological banner of the CPC in the new era, and is Marxism in contemporary China and the 21st century. On the way forward, we must continue to integrate Marxism with China's actual conditions, advance theoretical exploration with great effort, and use the latest achievements in the Party's theoretical innovation to arm ourselves, educate the people, guide practice, and advance work, so that the light of truth will be transformed into a powerful material force driving the cause of the Party and the people.
Third, the strength of the system. The system of socialism with Chinese characteristics provides the fundamental institutional guarantee for progress and development in contemporary China. Socialism with Chinese characteristics is the fundamental achievement made by the CPC in uniting the Chinese people and leading them in overcoming countless hardships at enormous cost. Consequently, as we march forward, we must unswervingly stick to and improve socialism with Chinese characteristics. We must neither retrace our steps to the rigidity and isolation of the past, nor take the wrong turn by changing our nature and abandoning our system. We will transform China's institutional advantages into effective state governance so as to provide fundamental guarantees for realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Forth, the strength of the people. People are the creators of history and the fundamental force driving history forward. The people are the foundation and lifeblood of the Party, and the source of the Party's strength. As we march forward, we must rely closely on the strength of the people, always consider people's hearts as the biggest political power, and take winning their support as the main source of confidence to govern. We will share weal and woe with the people, and share the same future with them, so as to create a mighty force that allows us to achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and join together as one to firmly march toward the grand objective.
Thank you.
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China Daily:
This year, the CPC Central Committee will award the July 1 Medal for the first time, and also honor those who have been Party members for at least 50 years with commemorative medals for the first time. Could you please share some more information with us on this? Thank you.
Fu Xingguo:
Thank you for your question. Let me start by talking about the selection and awarding of the July 1 Medal.
In order to mark the centenary of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee has decided to award the July 1 Medal for the first time. In accordance with the intra-Party award regulations of medals and honorary titles released by the CPC Central Committee in 2017, the July 1 Medal, which has been initiated by the CPC Central Committee, represents the highest honor of the CPC. In general, it will be granted every five or 10 years to celebrate major anniversaries of the CPC.
Candidates for the July 1 Medal must meet four requirements: First, they must adhere to firm ideals and convictions, and be loyal to the Party. They must strengthen their consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment. They must enhance confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position in both the CPC Central Committee and the Party as a whole as well as the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. Second, they must have made outstanding contributions to China's revolution, construction and reforms, as well as to the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, the battle against poverty and the great new project of Party building. Third, they should be role models in terms of morality and conduct, and should have created precious spiritual treasure. Fourth, they should have significantly influenced the Party and the whole society and received high praise.
The selection process of the July 1 Medal will follow the correct political direction and sound political criteria, and will also focus on achievements. It will follow the principles of openness, justice and equity, and strictly implement the selection procedures, which will include the following steps: nomination, preliminary review, examination, deliberation and public announcement. The CPC Central Committee will hold a grand ceremony to present the medals ahead of July 1 this year. At present, the relevant work is well underway as planned.
Moreover, ahead of July 1 this year, the CPC Central Committee will honor a group of outstanding Party members and Party affairs workers and advanced primary-level Party organizations.
Next, I would like to share some information on the "Glorious 50 Years in the CPC" commemorative medals.
The CPC Central Committee attaches great importance to giving incentives, care and assistance to Party members, especially to senior Party members. In accordance with the measures of the CPC to give incentives, care and assistance to its members released in 2019, those who have been Party members for 50 years or longer, and have consistently performed well in their roles, will be awarded the "Glorious 50 Years in the CPC" commemorative medal.
According to the arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, the commemorative medals will be awarded for the first time ahead of July 1. This is an important part of the CPC centenary celebrations. The recipients will be living CPC members who have been Party members for 50 years or longer as of July 1, 2021, who have consistently performed well in their roles. Those veteran Party members have dedicated their life to the cause of the Party. The awarding of commemorative medals to them demonstrates the care and commendation of the CPC Central Committee. It will help Party members enhance their sense of honor, of belonging and of mission, and will encourage generations of CPC members to continue to dedicate themselves and struggle. It will also pool the collective strength of all Party members to achieve the 14th Five-Year Plan and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035.
Currently, the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee is organizing the design and manufacturing of the commemorative medals to ensure that over 7.1 million eligible senior Party members will receive them before July 1, and truly feel the care and warmth from the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core.
Thank you.
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The Paper:
Nowadays, an increasing number of people are enjoying "red tourism." Could you tell us what the features of red tourism are? And what measures will be rolled out to boost its development to mark the 100th anniversary of the CPC's founding? Thank you.
Hu Heping:
During the CPC's century-long struggle, a large number of revolutionary sites and artifacts have been preserved. At present, there are 36,000 immovable revolutionary relics, and over 1 million pieces or sets of movable ones in the country. Among them, we are very familiar with the sites of the first CPC national congress and Zunyi Conference, Jinggangshan and Yan'an revolutionary sites, as well as Loushan Pass, site of the Battle of Lazikou and the iron-chain bridge along the route of Long March, plus the translation of "The Communist Manifesto" by Chen Wangdao, the first person to translate it into Chinese, the manuscript of "Lovely China" by Fang Zhimin and the Five-starred Red Flag rising at the founding ceremony of the People's Republic of China in 1949. The Party's splendid development is recorded in these relics, which have become spiritual treasures reminding us of the arduous struggles and glory days.
In recent years, people have developed a stronger interest in learning about revolutionary history and enjoying revolutionary culture, while visiting revolutionary sites, memorials and museums has become increasingly popular, leading to the gradual development of red tourism. From 2004 to 2019, with the expansion of national red tourism resources, more and more valuable relics have been unveiled. Meanwhile, the number of annual red tourism trips has increased from 140 million to 1.41 billion. Many revolutionary sites have become places where middle-aged and older people recall the passions of the past and feel the changes of time, and where young people learn revolutionary stories and honor the heroes. Some destinations are increasingly popular, such as Yan'an, a sacred place of revolution, which includes such attractions as Yan'an Revolutionary Memorial Hall, Yangjialing Revolutionary Site, Zaoyuan Revolutionary Site and Baota Mountain, which are packed with visitors during holidays. Those visiting include several generations of families, and even many people from overseas. In 2019, there were over 73 million visits to Yan'an.
Red tourism not only meets people's demands for travel and learning about revolutionary tradition, but also promotes the economic development of revolutionary bases. For instance, Pingshan county in Hebei province, featuring the revolutionary base Xibaipo, relies on red tourism to develop rural tourism, pick-your-own fruit orchards and gift shops, employing over 80,000 workers and boosting people's incomes.
For the CPC's centenary celebration, we will further the development of red tourism, combining learning and education about CPC history, in order to provide more quality products and services. We will release "100 selected red tours" and launch various events to mark the centenary, such as a contest for tour guides on revolutionary history, organizing top storytellers to visit government departments, campuses, troop units and tell revolutionary stories. Many revolutionary tourist attractions and travel agencies have also launched various activities to attract tourists, allowing them to learn about revolutionary traditions. We will also organize revolutionary research and study tours, and hold a red tourism planning and creativity competition for college students to guide them to learn more about the struggles of their predecessors.
In addition, we have recently been planning a national work meeting on revolutionary relics to roll out overall arrangements for enhancing the protection of relics, boosting the development of memorials and museums, as well as promoting red tourism based on revolutionary relics. This will help people better protect relics, carry forward the revolutionary spirit, and create better conditions for visitors on red tourism trips. Thank you.
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Xu Lin:
Due to time constraints, we will only take one more question.
People's Daily:
General Secretary Xi Jinping stressed on many occasions the need to carry forward the revolutionary spirit, glorious traditions, and fine conduct of the CPC. What are the revolutionary spirit, glorious traditions, and fine conduct that the CPC has forged in its hundred years of history? What is the significance of carrying them forward into the new era? Thank you.
Qu Qingshan:
One of the purposes of launching a campaign on Party history learning and education is to further carry forward the revolutionary spirit, glorious traditions, and fine conduct of the CPC and to inspire Party officials and the general public to march toward a brand new journey in high spirit in the new era.
The CPC attaches great importance to the role of the revolutionary spirit. Comrade Mao Zedong once pointed out that man must have some inner force. General Secretary Xi Jinping has also emphasized on many occasions that for individuals, inner force is important, as it is for a nation. Over the past century, the CPC has united and led the people of all ethnic groups across the country to create not only enormous material wealth but also a great revolutionary spirit. The Research Institute of Party History and Documents of the CPC Central Committee has been working on a project that focuses on how the CPC spirit has evolved over time. According to incomplete statistics, there have been more than 90 different branches of revolutionary spirit forged and developed by the Party throughout different historical periods.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has talked about many types of revolutionary spirit. He has mentioned more than 40 kinds of revolutionary spirit, as well discussed and elaborated on more than 20 others, including the Red Boat Spirit, the spirit of Jinggang Mountains, the Long March spirit, the Yan'an spirit, the spirit of resisting aggression, the Xibaipo spirit, the spirit forged in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea (1950-1953), the spirit of the "Iron Man" Wang Jinxi, the spirit of Daqing, the spirit of Jiao Yulu, the spirit of Lei Feng, the spirit of Wang Jie, the spirit of the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" project, the spirit of the Special Administrative Region, the spirit of manned spaceflight, the spirit of quake relief, the spirit of model workers, the spirit of combating the COVID-19 epidemic, and the spirit of lunar exploration. At a grand gathering to mark the nation's poverty alleviation accomplishments and honor model poverty fighters on Feb. 25, General Secretary Xi Jinping also summarized how China has cultivated a spirit of poverty alleviation.
In the 1950s and 1960s, in order to change China's unfavorable situation in its oil industry, oil drilling workers at the time, as represented by Comrade Wang Jinxi, shouted slogans and made a vow: "I would give up 20 years of life so China can produce oil on its own land." The workers strove to "take off its oil-poor hat and cast it into the Pacific Ocean." In order to suppress a blowout at the oilfield, Wang Jinxi jumped into a mud pool and mixed the mud using his body, leading him to be hailed as the "Iron Man." Many people have seen the photo that captures that moment. We were moved, inspired, and encouraged by the spirit that the "Iron Man" Wang forged through his practical actions and noble qualities. He died at 47.
Since the founding of the CPC, the Party has always attached importance to cultivating fine traditions and conduct. At the seventh CPC National Congress in 1945, Comrade Mao Zedong put forward the three fine conducts of the Party. It was the first time that we had made such a summary. Later, these fine conducts were developed and enriched in practice and gradually forged into a series of glorious traditions for the Party such as staying loyal to the Party, seeking truth from facts, combining theory with practice, maintaining close contact with the people, conducting criticism and self-criticism, adhering to democratic centralism, maintaining modesty and prudence, being free from arrogance and impetuosity, working hard, staying pragmatic, and having the courage to fight and the mettle to win.
The revolutionary spirit and the glorious traditions and fine conduct of the CPC are precious to the spiritual wealth of the Party and the country. It is a comprehensive manifestation of the ideals and beliefs, moral character, work style, and morale of CPC members. It carries the original aspirations and mission of CPC members and inspires the entire Party and the country to bravely forge ahead. In the journey to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, we are faced with many risks and challenges which require us to continue to carry forward the revolutionary spirit, glorious traditions, and fine conduct, as well as invigorate our fighting spirit and continue to create more brilliant achievements! Thank you!
Xu Lin:
The press conference is hereby concluded. Thank you, speakers and friends from the media. Thank you all.
Translated and edited by Zhang Liying, Zhang Junmian, Zhang Rui, Liu Qiang, Zhu Bochen, Chen Xia, Zhang Jiaqi, Gong Yingchun, Fan Junmei, Wang Yanfang, He Shan, Wang Yiming, Li Huiru, Huang Shan, Xu Xiaoxuan, Wang Qian, Wang Wei, Li Xiao, 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.
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