Xi Jinping's passion and composure

Some doubt whether the CPC could keep the anti-corruption campaign going. Or in another word, they are worried that some interest groups may launch a counterattack, which would ultimately lead to an abortion of this campaign. To make their case, they cited the prevalence of a thinly veiled defense for the corrupt officials and the claims that anti-corruption efforts may result in economic slowdown and loss of face for the government and the ruling party.

I think such worries are unwarranted. Xi and his team know pretty well and have long been prepared for the new features and trends of the anti-corruption campaign. First, they are highly vigilant against a possible counterattack or backlash from vested interest groups. Recently, Xi and his colleagues underscored the importance of discipline and rules and regulations for government officials, and voiced their firm opposition to "small groups" who seek selfish vested interests. Second, Xi knows full well that if he gives up halfway, he will let the people down and lose their trust, and that it will significantly compromise the political foundation of the ruling party. In this context, the destiny of China, and that of China's ruling party, hinges on whether this anti-corruption campaign will bring about a clean, efficient and service-oriented government.

Xi has adopted this mission as one of his ideals. And this is exactly the source of his passion and composure.

Qin Xiaoying is a Research Scholar with the China Foundation for International and Strategic Studies.

The article was first published at Chinausfocus.com. To see the original version please visit http://www.chinausfocus.com/culture-history/xi-jinpings-passion-and-composure/