Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, October 24 Title: A Strong Leadership Collective Leading Us into a New Era, a New Journey, and New Glories—A Documentary Account of the Formation of the Party’s New Central Leadership Body
Xinhua News Agency reporter
Having traversed a century of glorious history and embarked on a new journey for a new era, the great Communist Party of China has once again reached a landmark moment of profound historical significance—
On the morning of October 23, 2022, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
Amid enthusiastic applause, the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China elected a 24-member Political Bureau of the 20th Central Committee. Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi were elected as Standing Committee members of the Political Bureau; Xi Jinping was elected General Secretary of the Central Committee. The members of the Secretariat were also approved; the composition of the Central Military Commission was determined; and the leadership body elected at the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was ratified.
On October 23, Xi Jinping, who had just been elected General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the First Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, along with members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee—Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi—warmly met with Chinese and foreign journalists covering the 20th National Congress of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. This is Xi Jinping delivering an important speech. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Xue Ren.
It’s the right time to row vigorously and set sail once more.
Under the leadership of Comrade Xi Jinping, the new central leadership collective is united in leading the entire Party, the armed forces, and all ethnic groups across the country to forge ahead with confidence and self-reliance, uphold integrity while promoting innovation, press forward with vigor and determination, and courageously advance toward the grand goal of fully building a modern socialist country and comprehensively advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Steering the course and leading the way to inaugurate a great cause of rejuvenation.
— General Secretary Xi Jinping steers and guides our Party, military, and people of all ethnic groups across the country on a new journey in a new era, earning their heartfelt admiration and support. The entire Party firmly upholds the “Two Establishments” and resolutely practices the “Two Safeguards.”
On October 23, Xi Jinping, who had just been elected General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the First Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, along with members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee—Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi—warmly met with Chinese and foreign journalists covering the 20th National Congress of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. In this photo, Xi Jinping waves to the Chinese and foreign journalists present. Photo by Pang Xinglei, Xinhua News Agency.
On the clock face of time, there are always dazzling moments that mark the course of history.
In the golden autumn of 2021, amid the fervent atmosphere of the Chinese Communist Party’s grand celebration of its 100th anniversary, our Party adopted the third historical resolution in the history of the Party, clearly putting forward the “two确立”—
The Party has established Comrade Xi Jinping’s position as the core of the Party Central Committee and the entire Party, and affirmed the guiding status of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This reflects the shared aspiration of the entire Party, the entire military, and all ethnic groups across the country, and holds decisive significance for the development of the Party and the state in the new era and for advancing the historical process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
This is a significant historical conclusion drawn from a profound summary of the Party’s century-long struggle, especially the great transformations of the new era, and it embodies the common will of the entire Party and expresses the shared aspirations of the people.
The five years since the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China have been extraordinary and remarkable. The Party Central Committee has coordinated the strategic overall plan for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation with the unprecedented global changes unfolding over the past century, making major strategic deployments for the development of the Party and the country. It has united and led the entire Party, the armed forces, and all ethnic groups across the country to effectively respond to the severe and complex international situation and the mounting, daunting risks and challenges. With a spirit of vigorous striving and proactive action, it has propelled socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era forward, overcome many long-standing, intractable problems, accomplished numerous major undertakings of far-reaching significance, and achieved remarkable, globally acclaimed accomplishments in the cause of the Party and the country.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Party, socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. History is destined to forever remember these extraordinary and remarkable 10 years—
Over the past decade, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has held high the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, fully implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and united and led the entire Party, the People’s Armed Forces, and all ethnic groups across the country in strategically overseeing the great struggle, the great project, the great cause, and the great dream. It has adopted a series of strategic initiatives, advanced a series of transformative practices, achieved a series of breakthrough developments, and attained a series of landmark accomplishments, thus creating the great achievements of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era—achievements that carry milestone significance in the history of the Party, the history of New China, the history of reform and opening-up, the history of socialist development, and the history of the Chinese nation’s development.
Over the past decade, we have steadfastly upheld and strengthened the Party’s overall leadership, coordinated the advancement of the “Five-in-One” overall layout, and synergistically promoted the “Four Comprehensive” strategic layout. We have upheld and improved the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, advanced the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity, won the battle against poverty as scheduled, and achieved the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects on schedule—the first centenary goal—thus embarking on a new journey toward fully building a modern socialist country.
Over the past decade, we have consistently upheld the Party’s great self-revolution as the guiding force behind the great social revolution, deepened the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party, persistently addressed unhealthy tendencies and enforced discipline, and promoted simultaneously the principles of not daring to be corrupt, not being able to be corrupt, and not wanting to be corrupt. As a result, the Party’s close bond with the people has become even stronger, and a sound political environment within the Party has continued to take shape and develop, providing robust political guarantees for the development of all undertakings of the Party and the country.
Over the past decade, the great achievements created by the Party’s leadership have demonstrated the vigorous vitality and dynamism of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The Party’s unity, the military’s solidarity, and the people’s enthusiasm have reached an unprecedented level of cohesion and inspiration. The Chinese nation has ushered in a great leap—from standing up to becoming prosperous and then strong—and the realization of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered an irreversible historical process. The face of the Party, the face of the country, the face of the people, the face of the armed forces, and the face of the Chinese nation have all undergone changes on an unprecedented scale.
The tide of the times and the leading figures always mutually shape each other, and the course of history and the course of thought always surge and interact with one another.
Faced with an exceptionally complex situation and unprecedented risks and challenges in both domestic and international arenas, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with the grand vision, far-sighted insight, and extraordinary strategic acumen of a Marxist statesman, thinker, and strategist, has carefully planned the overall domestic and international landscape. He has provided overarching guidance on reform, development, and stability; on domestic affairs, foreign policy, national defense, and military affairs; and on Party building, state governance, and military leadership. He has promptly put forward major strategies, made crucial decisions, and laid out significant tasks. Under his leadership, the entire Party, the armed forces, and people of all ethnic groups across the country have remained firmly confident and risen to meet challenges head-on. This has fully demonstrated the political wisdom, strategic composure, sense of mission, commitment to serving the people, and masterful leadership skills of a leader of a great party and a great nation, earning him the heartfelt support and admiration of the entire Party, the armed forces, and people of all ethnic groups across the country.
In the great practice of advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era, the Communists of China, with Comrade Xi Jinping as their principal representative, have consistently integrated the basic tenets of Marxism with China’s specific realities and with China’s outstanding traditional culture. By combining theory with practice, they have addressed a series of major contemporary issues that bear on the overall development of the Party and the country, providing scientific answers to questions about China, the world, the people, and the times. As a result, they have established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is contemporary Chinese Marxism and 21st-century Marxism; it embodies the quintessence of Chinese culture and the Chinese spirit for our time, and has opened up a new realm for the sinicization and modernization of Marxism.
The great transformations of the past decade in the new era have revealed a profound historical conclusion: The historic achievements and transformative changes made by the Party and the country are fundamentally attributable to the leadership and guidance of General Secretary Xi Jinping as the core of the Party Central Committee and the entire Party, as well as to the scientific guidance provided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
The great transformations of the past decade in the new era embody fervent aspirations of our times. Standing at a new historical starting point and facing an increasingly complex international environment as well as daunting and arduous tasks of domestic reform, development, and stability, we must firmly uphold the “Two Establishments” and resolutely practice the “Two Safeguards” to ensure the continued advancement of the Party’s cause and the long-term stability and prosperity of the nation. It is essential that the core of the Party Central Committee and the core of the entire Party remain steadfastly stable under the continued leadership of the Party’s core—someone who has stood the test of history, proven himself through practical experience, and honed his mettle in struggles. This is what the Party deeply desires, what the people eagerly anticipate, and what everyone universally supports. It is also a great blessing for the Party, for the country, for the armed forces, and for the people!
Whoever can lead the people toward the goal of building a strong nation and whoever can guide the people in advancing the great cause of national rejuvenation—history will choose them, and the people will support them.
During the election of delegates to the 20th National Congress of the Party, Comrade Xi Jinping was elected unanimously. During the election of members of the 20th Central Committee, Comrade Xi Jinping was also elected unanimously. At the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee, when electing the new central leadership body, Comrade Xi Jinping was once again elected unanimously as General Secretary of the Central Committee.
Each ballot and every round of applause embody the shared aspirations of all delegates and committee members, reflect the heartfelt admiration that over 96 million Party members have for General Secretary Xi Jinping, and demonstrate the firm confidence of hundreds of millions of people in following closely behind the leader who is guiding us toward great rejuvenation and forging an even brighter future.
Amidst the turbulent waves of the vast ocean, the keystone stands firm; among the majestic mountains, the towering peak commands attention. The Communist Party of China, entrusted with a great historical mission, will, under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, unite and lead all Party members, the armed forces, and people of all ethnic groups across the country to move forward with one heart and unwavering courage, creating new miracles and achieving new victories.
With foresight and a commitment to selecting and appointing talented individuals.
— Focusing on carrying forward the Party’s cause and ensuring the long-term stability and prosperity of the country, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core is systematically planning and deliberating on the nomination of candidates for the new central leadership body.
On October 23, Xi Jinping, who had just been elected General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the First Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, along with members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee—Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi—warmly met with Chinese and foreign journalists covering the 20th National Congress of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Shen Hong.
As the long river of history surges forward, the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation has entered a critical stage, and both the domestic and international environments it faces are undergoing profound changes—
Looking at the world as a whole, the unprecedented major shifts occurring globally are accelerating, and the characteristics of global change, epochal change, and historical change are becoming even more pronounced.
Looking at the domestic situation, China’s development is facing new strategic opportunities, new strategic tasks, a new strategic stage, new strategic requirements, and a new strategic environment. The risks and challenges we need to address, as well as the contradictions and problems we need to resolve, are more intricate and complex than ever before.
A great cause for millennia hinges on the people.
At this critical moment—when we are embarking on a new journey to fully build a modern socialist country and marching toward the second centenary goal—people across the Party, the military, and all ethnic groups throughout the nation share a common aspiration: to elect a central leadership collective that is united, strong, and ready to shoulder heavy responsibilities. Under the leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping, this collective will continue to consolidate our achievements, overcome tough challenges, forge ahead with determination, effectively address various risks and tests, surmount all difficulties and obstacles on our path forward, and smoothly achieve the goals and tasks set forth for this new era and new journey.
How will the new central leadership body be formed to steer China—a giant ship—through turbulent waters and ensure its steady, long-term progress? This issue is receiving close attention both at home and abroad.
According to the Party Constitution, the 20th National Congress of the Party elected a new Central Committee and a new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection. The First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee then elected a new Politburo, the Standing Committee of the Politburo, and the General Secretary of the Central Committee.
“Our Party is a large party with over 96 million members, and as the ruling party in a country of more than 1.4 billion people, we bear a heavy burden and immense responsibility. It is imperative that we form a central leadership collective that is politically firm, united and cohesive, strong and capable, and full of vigor and initiative.” General Secretary Xi Jinping’s remarks are profound and far-sighted, imbued with deep meaning.
A broad vision outlines the overall picture, and profound thinking guides the way forward.
Under the overall planning and coordination of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the deliberation and nomination of candidates for the new central leadership body are proceeding smoothly.
Since the beginning of 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping has carefully listened to the views of the members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on how to deliberate and select candidates for the new central leadership body.
Everyone unanimously agreed that, building on the successful practices and experiences from the 17th and 18th National Congresses of the Party, we should continue to uphold the fine practices in the nomination of candidates for the 19th Central Leadership Body and the vetting of candidates for the “Two Committees.” We should refrain from adopting “mass nominations” or “open elections,” instead opting for a method of individual interviews and surveys. In this way, we will solicit firsthand recommendations and suggestions—within a defined scope—from relevant individuals regarding the composition of the new Central Political Bureau, the Standing Committee, and the Secretariat; the members of the State Council leadership; the composition of the Central Military Commission; and newly appointed Party members to the National People’s Congress and the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.
On March 24, 2022, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to conduct a special study and adopted the “Plan for Talks and Research on the Nomination of Candidates for the New Central Leadership Body.” The talks and research as well as the nomination process were carried out under the direct leadership of General Secretary Xi Jinping. The following principles were mainly followed:
We will unswervingly adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as our guiding principle, focusing on the coordinated advancement of the “Five-in-One” overall layout and the coordinated implementation of the “Four Comprehensive” strategic layout. Grounded in the new stage of development, we will implement the new development philosophy, foster a new development pattern, and promote high-quality development, thereby fully building a modern socialist country and realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. We will also focus on fully implementing the general requirements for Party building in the new era and the Party’s organizational line for the new era, upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership, enhancing its capacity for long-term governance, and preserving its advanced nature and purity. With a spirit of self-revolution, we will deeply advance the new great project of Party building in the new era and continuously consolidate the Party’s ruling status. Moreover, we will ensure that the Party’s cause has successors and continues to thrive, thus guaranteeing the long-term stability and prosperity of both the Party and the country.
Uphold the Party's core leadership role, uphold the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, improve the mechanisms for selecting leaders of the Party and the state, and actively and steadily select and appoint the new leadership teams of the Party and the state.
Uphold the standards for a Marxist political cadre corps; adhere to the principle of selecting talent from all over the country and valuing merit above all else; insist on both moral integrity and competence, giving priority to moral character; put the cause first and maintain fairness and integrity; uphold the criteria for good cadres in the new era as well as the requirements of loyalty, integrity, and responsibility. Strictly scrutinize candidates’ political qualifications and integrity, and make precise and scientific choices in personnel selection and appointment.
Uphold the principle of Party leadership over cadre management, implement the system of democratic centralism, fully promote intra-Party democracy, and enhance both the quality and effectiveness of democratic decision-making. The focus of talks and surveys is on pooling wisdom and reaching consensus; there is no limit on the number of candidates recommended, and the number of votes received by each candidate serves merely as a reference—not the sole criterion for selecting personnel. We will take a holistic view of the overall situation of Party and state work, carefully considering the qualifications of cadres, their consistent performance, and the structural needs of the leadership team, in order to propose candidates for the new Central Leadership Body.
The new central leadership team should have a reasonable size and structure.
In accordance with these principles, the central authorities have put forward the following requirements for recommended candidates:
Politically firm and loyal to the Party, possessing strong political judgment, political comprehension, and political execution capabilities, deeply understanding the decisive significance of the “Two Establishments,” enhancing the “Four Consciousnesses,” firmly upholding the “Four Self-confidences,” and resolutely maintaining high consistency with the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—in thought, politically, and in action—such a person is a qualified Marxist politician.
Possesses strong leadership skills and extensive practical experience, a profound sense of dedication to the revolutionary cause, and a spirit of reform, innovation, and seeking truth from facts. Adheres to principles, dares to take responsibility, demonstrates a strong fighting spirit, is courageous in engaging in struggle, and excels at strategic struggle. Holds a correct view of political achievements and has achieved outstanding work results.
Strictly implement the system of democratic centralism, act with fairness and integrity, maintain an open-minded and generous attitude, be adept at uniting colleagues, firmly keep in mind our original aspirations and mission, consciously follow the Party’s mass line, carry forward the Party’s glorious traditions and fine style, and serve the people wholeheartedly.
Strictly abide by the Party’s discipline and rules, comply with the Central Government’s Eight-Point Regulations and the Code of Integrity and Self-Discipline, demonstrate high moral cultivation, maintain integrity and honesty, and enjoy high prestige and a positive image both within and outside the Party.
On this basis, in light of the needs of the Party and the country’s development and the actual situation of building the central leadership bodies, and drawing on practices from previous sessions, the Central Committee has put forward clear requirements regarding the scope, age, and composition of recommended candidates.
During the talks and consultations, everyone unanimously agreed that the Party Central Committee’s guiding principles for deliberating on candidates for the new central leadership body are clear-cut and highly focused; the criteria and conditions for selecting candidates are lucid and unambiguous, with a distinct orientation; and the recommended scope, age limits, and structural requirements are scientifically sound, practical, and fully reflect the Party Central Committee’s profound foresight and visionary insight.
Scientific democracy, fostering broad consensus.
—The selection of the new central leadership team fully embodies our Party’s fine tradition and style of fully promoting democracy and skillfully pooling the wisdom of the entire Party, and demonstrates the remarkable strengths and valuable experience of a century-old party in selecting talented individuals and putting them to good use.
On October 23, Xi Jinping, who had just been elected General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee at the First Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, along with members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee—Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi—warmly met with Chinese and foreign journalists covering the 20th National Congress of the CPC at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping and the other leaders entered the hall amid enthusiastic applause. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhai Jianlan.
Early summer morning in 2022, Zhongnanhai, Beijing.
Just after 7 o’clock, a leading official at the provincial or ministerial level arrived here early to prepare for a serious and solemn conversation. The day before, he had received notification to come to Beijing; only after arriving at Zhongnanhai did he learn the details of the talk and the survey.
In the waiting room, he carefully read through several documents laid out on the table: “Arrangements for the Talk-and-Research Session,” “Register of Party Members Among Current Party and State Leaders,” “Register of Party Member Leading Cadres at the Provincial and Ministerial Level”...
At 9 a.m., the talks officially began. Leading comrades from the central authorities engaged in face-to-face exchanges with the comrades participating in the talks, carefully listening to their opinions and suggestions on candidates for the new Central Leadership Body.
This is a vivid scene from the talks and surveys conducted during the deliberation process for candidates for the central leadership bodies.
Starting from April 2022, despite his extremely busy schedule, General Secretary Xi Jinping made special arrangements to hold individual talks with current members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, secretaries of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, the Vice President of the country, and members of the Central Military Commission, fully listening to their views. In total, he held such talks with 30 individuals.
According to the arrangements made by the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, from April to July 2022, relevant leading comrades from the central authorities separately solicited the views of 283 individuals, including current officials of state institutions and other Party-member leaders in the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference; principal officials who are Party members in ministerial-level units of central and state organs; top-ranking Party and government officials at the provincial, regional, and municipal levels; commanders and political commissars of military theater commands; and other members of the 19th Central Committee. Meanwhile, responsible comrades from the Central Military Commission separately sought the opinions of 35 individuals—namely, current senior commanders of theater commands and principal officials of theater-level departments within the CMC organs—regarding candidates for the Central Military Commission.
Through procedures such as talks and surveys, soliciting opinions, repeated deliberations, and decisions made at meetings, candidates for the central leadership bodies have been gradually formulated and selected. The entire candidate-selection process fully reflects the continuous improvement of the mechanisms for selecting Party and state leaders, demonstrating our Party’s maturity, confidence, and broad-mindedness.
This process is one of organically unifying the commitment to strengthening Party leadership with the full promotion of intra-Party democracy—
The selection of candidates for the central leadership bodies is a crucial and fundamental issue that affects the overall development of the Party and the country.
In selecting and appointing personnel, Party organizations must strengthen their leadership and ensure that they uphold strict standards. General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: “The Party’s leadership and democracy are unified, not opposed to each other; we must never neglect either one, and we must never simply rely on votes alone to select people.” “Having celebrated its centenary, our Party has accumulated rich experience and established a comprehensive system. The criteria and procedures for selecting and appointing personnel have been refined through countless trials and are now well-established and mature.”
Comrades who participated in the talk-and-survey session expressed that the central leaders have devoted so much precious time and energy to thoroughly soliciting opinions over such a wide range, which demonstrates the high importance that General Secretary Xi Jinping and the Party Central Committee attach to selecting the right candidates for the new central leadership body. It also reflects their great trust in us. We are deeply moved and excited, and we will certainly speak our minds and offer our suggestions with utmost seriousness and honesty.
“The entire conversation was completely open-ended—there was no time limit, and no cap on the number of people we could recommend. We could talk as much or as little as we liked, and we could recommend whoever we felt was most qualified and capable. We were even free to share any good ideas or suggestions we had about how to build the new central leadership team,” said one interviewee with emotion. “The atmosphere of these conversations was remarkably relaxed, and we had plenty of time beforehand to review the materials and think carefully about our responses. We all opened up fully and spoke frankly, sharing our own opinions and thoughts without reservation.”
Some comrades repeatedly reviewed the materials in the waiting room and prepared detailed talking outlines; others not only recommended candidates but also provided thorough descriptions of their performance and specific examples; still others, after the conversation concluded, followed up with additional comments via phone calls, letters, and other means...
Appropriate personnel selection hinges on the right approach. Everyone fully affirmed this round of talks and surveys, unanimously agreeing that the deliberation process for candidates for the new Central Leadership Body did not resort to “open nominations” or “public elections.” Instead, adopting the method of talk-and-survey sessions—directly listening to opinions face-to-face—proved to be an excellent choice. The feedback received was more comprehensive and authentic, representing a higher-quality, more effective form of democracy—a scientifically sound and democratic approach.
This process is one of upholding standards and selecting the worthy and capable—
General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that in the deliberation of candidates for central leadership positions, political criteria must be given top priority, the political vetting process must be strictly enforced, and the bottom line of integrity must be firmly upheld.
“Members of the central leadership body shoulder a heavy responsibility of our times and carry the high expectations of hundreds of millions of people. They must be measured against the standards of Marxist politicians.” During the talks and surveys, participants unanimously agreed that the members of the new central leadership body should be politically strong and deeply loyal to the Party, possessing keen political judgment, profound political insight, and robust political execution capabilities. They should be firm supporters of the ‘Two Establishments’ and conscientious practitioners of the ‘Two Upholds.’
“Leadership positions in the Party and the state are not ‘iron chairs.’ Even those who meet the age requirements are not automatically re-nominated. We must uphold the principle of putting the cause first, and based on job requirements, candidate qualifications, integrity records, and public reputation, we should be able to retain, transfer, promote, or demote personnel as needed—thus establishing a clear and distinctive approach to personnel selection for the new era.” During the talks and surveys, many interviewees expressed precisely this view.
Whether one dares to take responsibility, is courageous in fighting, and possesses the capabilities and qualities needed to lead modernization efforts are important considerations in recommending candidates. As everyone says: “Over the next five years, the tasks of reform, development, and stability will be arduous and heavy, and the risks and challenges will be severe and complex. We need to build a leadership team that is capable of overcoming tough obstacles, capturing key strongholds, and surmounting every hurdle.”
The talk-and-survey process not only serves as a test and an education in Party spirit for those participating, but also represents a vivid practice of senior leading cadres engaging in political life within the Party. Many comrades remarked that this talk-and-survey session was characterized by extremely strict disciplinary and confidentiality requirements, and the entire process was marked by integrity and uprightness, clearly demonstrating the remarkable achievements of comprehensively enforcing strict Party governance in the new era.
This process is one that strictly adheres to established rules and procedures—
After carefully considering opinions and suggestions from all quarters, General Secretary Xi Jinping engaged in thorough communication and repeated deliberations with the members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee regarding the guiding principles and proposed composition of the new central leadership body. After drafting a preliminary proposal, General Secretary Xi Jinping once again sought the views of the members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, members of the Political Bureau, and secretaries of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee. On this basis, he put forward the proposed composition of the new central leadership body.
The proposed list of candidates for the leadership members of the new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection was deliberated and discussed by relevant bodies including the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the Central Organization Department, and then submitted to the Party Central Committee. The proposed list of candidates for the composition of the new Central Military Commission was collectively discussed by the Central Military Commission itself and then submitted to the Party Central Committee.
On September 28, 2022, the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting to study and discuss the proposed list of candidates for the new central leadership body. On September 29, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee reviewed and approved this proposed list and decided to submit it to the First Plenary Session of the 20th CPC National Congress and the First Plenary Session of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection for election, approval, and decision-making, respectively.
With vigorous determination and relentless effort, let us write a brand-new chapter.
—The new central leadership team brings together outstanding, experienced cadres from all sectors of the Party. They will lead the entire Party, the armed forces, and people of all ethnic groups across the country to successfully navigate this new journey of testing and assessment, and will tirelessly strive toward the goal of fully building a modern socialist country and realizing the Chinese Dream of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
Careers and dreams are passed down here, and the spirit of struggle and hard work is carried forward here—
On October 22, the 20th National Congress of the Party elected a new Central Committee and a new Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
On October 23, the First Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Party elected a new central leadership body.
This is a leadership collective that unites the will of the entire Party, reflects the expectations of the people, and deserves the full trust of all Party members, the armed forces, and people of all ethnic groups across the country—
The members of the new central leadership body meet the standards of Marxist politicians. They take the lead in upholding the “Two Establishments,” strengthening the “Four Consciousnesses,” firmly believing in the “Four Self-confidences,” and practicing the “Two Safeguards.” They are fully capable of adapting to the need to continue promoting the coordinated advancement of the “Five-in-One” overall layout and the “Four Comprehensive” strategic layout. They possess strong leadership skills for modernizing national development, dare to shoulder responsibilities and engage in tough struggles, have rich leadership experience and excellent abilities in mass work, and serve as the backbone of Party governance in all fields, enjoying high prestige among cadres and the masses.
This is a leadership team that boasts high-quality personnel, a rational structure, and the ability to meet the long-term development needs of the Party and the country.
The 20th Central Political Bureau consists of 24 comrades who are familiar with work in various fields and sectors. All members hold high academic qualifications and specialized expertise, and the composition is relatively balanced. The members come from a wide range of backgrounds: some have worked at the local level, others in central government agencies and state organs, and still others have served in the military. Among them, 11 comrades were re-nominated from the 19th Central Political Bureau, 2 comrades were nominated through transfer, and 11 comrades were newly appointed.
This is a leadership collective that carries forward the past and ushers in the future, paving the way for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation—
The proportion of new and outgoing members in the new central leadership body is appropriately balanced, ensuring continuity in both personnel and work. A group of leading cadres who are both virtuous and talented, and in the prime of their careers, have joined the new central leadership body, fully demonstrating that our Party has a strong and promising succession of talent, guaranteeing its continued prosperity and development.
As the new central leadership team was being deliberated and candidates were being solicited, several comrades from the Party and state leadership, putting the interests of the Party and the people above all else and demonstrating a high sense of responsibility for the country’s development and national rejuvenation, voluntarily stepped down to make way for relatively younger comrades. This exemplified the broad-mindedness and noble integrity characteristic of Communist Party members.
The past has already unfurled a thousand layers of brocade; tomorrow we’ll climb another hundred feet higher.
Around 12:00 on October 23, 2022, the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People was brilliantly lit and filled with a warm, festive atmosphere. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, along with members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau—Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi—entered the hall and warmly greeted Chinese and foreign journalists covering the 20th National Congress of the Party.
Under the lens and flashlights, the central leaders walked with vigorous strides and composed demeanor. General Secretary Xi Jinping, wearing a smile, waved to everyone, prompting enthusiastic applause from the entire audience.
Subsequently, General Secretary Xi Jinping walked to the podium and, on behalf of the new Central Leadership Team, sincerely thanked all Party members for their trust. He pledged that they would always bear in mind the Party’s nature and宗旨, firmly remember their own mission and responsibilities, perform their duties conscientiously and work diligently, and never fail to live up to the trust placed in them by the Party and the people. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that on this new journey ahead, we must consistently maintain a vigorous and enterprising spirit, always put the people first and rely on the people for everything, continuously advance the Party’s self-revolution, and constantly uphold the common values shared by all humanity. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that this new journey is an expedition filled with glory and dreams. The blueprint has been drawn, and the clarion call has sounded. We must press forward with determination and courage, and strive to create an even brighter tomorrow.
This is the confidence of a leader guiding a new era, the sense of responsibility of a helmsman steering a new journey—and even more so, it serves as a beacon for the century-old Party to continue writing its glorious chapter and offers hope for our great nation as it strides toward rejuvenation.
The mighty wind sweeps across a century of tides; this peak stands firm as the cornerstone of humanity.
The new central leadership collective, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, will surely lead the entire Party, the armed forces, and all ethnic groups across the country to firmly embark on a new journey of testing and striving. Together, we will unite in our efforts to fully build a modern socialist country and comprehensively advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, ensuring that the Chinese nation, in this new era and on this new journey, stands tall among the world’s nations with an even more vigorous spirit!
With great responsibilities on our shoulders and a bright future ahead, the Party has united and led the people to achieve a century of glory—and will surely continue to unite and lead the people in writing an enduring legacy for millennia to come!
