CPC's new rules aim for stricter Party governance

The Communist Party of China (CPC) on Wednesday publicized an update to its norms on Party political life within the CPC.

The document, dealing with norms of political life within the Party under current conditions, was approved at the sixth plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee last week.

The document, together with a regulation on intra-Party supervision, was introduced to perfect the CPC's "Four Comprehensives" and promote strict governance of the Party, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said while briefing the meeting on the documents.

A similar document was issued in 1980. The CPC noted in the new document that the main principles and provisions of the 1980 norms are still relevant today.

However, problems which need to be addressed have emerged, it said, citing lax discipline, nepotism and corruption.

In particular, a handful of senior Party officials, overcome by their political craving and lust for power, have resorted to political conspiracies by forming cliques to pursue selfish interests, it read.

The new document thus urged CPC members to further consolidate their communist faith through study and adhering to the basic line of the Party.

They must oppose all statements and acts that seek to disavow the Party leadership, China's socialist system or the reform and opening-up drive, as well as those attempts to distort or smear socialism with Chinese characteristics, the history, Party leaders, acclaimed heroes and role models.

It also called on all Party members to uphold the authority of the CPC Central Committee.

Party organizations at all levels and all Party members, especially senior cadres, should follow the CPC Central Committee and CPC theory, in path, principle and policy, as well as decisions made by the CPC Central Committee, and work to prevent individualism and faux obedience.

The document urged that discipline be thoroughly enforced with no exceptions. Every individual or organization is equal before Party discipline and none enjoys any prerogatives, it said.

No Party member should make or distribute statements that run counter to the Party's theory, path, principle, policy and decisions. They shall not practice religion, nor indulge or support religious extremism, ethnic separatist activities, and violence and terrorism.

They must stay honest to the Party, and refrain from forming cliques within the Party, and work to stop careerists and conspirators from rising to power.

In addition, they must stay close to the people, work to dispel difficulties for the public, and protect social harmony and stability. Endi