Xi Jinping pushes party for tighter control and greater action

Chinese Communist Party leaders concluded a four-day closed-door session in Beijing this week with a focus on tightening internal discipline and demanding higher performance from officials. The meeting produced a formal resolution that praised President Xi Jinping for his leadership in addressing corruption and governance issues. The document described the head of state as possessing "enormous political courage and strong sense of responsibility." It called for the consistent advancement of what it termed comprehensive and strict Party leadership.

Xi signaled that the party will deepen its existing anti-corruption drive. He also instructed officials at all levels to demonstrate increased loyalty and proactive behavior. Kerry Brown, head of the Lau China Institute at King's College London, stated that Xi aims to minimize sources of instability. Brown noted that amid international tensions and domestic economic difficulties, the party believes discipline and unity are essential to avoid the fragmentation seen in other political systems globally.

Xi recently identified "two-faced functionaries" as a primary target for removal from the political system. In a speech published in mid-October by the party's Qiushi Magazine, he criticized individuals who profess loyalty to central leadership while pursuing individualistic goals. He labeled these figures "political opportunists." He also criticized officials who use harmony as an excuse to avoid addressing problems, describing them as pretending to be "nice guys."

Brown highlighted a dilemma facing the current leadership. If officials are encouraged to show innovation and courage, party control may weaken, potentially increasing corruption. Conversely, if leaders rely heavily on strict discipline, they risk suppressing initiative. This suppression could extend beyond the party structure and affect the military. Brown described the party as very risk averse in its approach to these internal dynamics.

Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, observed that party functionaries under Xi have limited space for independent decision-making. He explained that Xi wants officials to act decisively on specific tasks but does not want them questioning the prescribed agenda. Chong stated that the demanded proactivity is limited to implementation rather than decision-making. Brown agreed, adding that Xi appears ready to sacrifice operational flexibility to gain greater control and stability.

Brown argued that unity ensures survival while disunity leads to failure. He noted that the current approach functions adequately because the Chinese economy is not in a disastrous state, even if it is not performing at its peak. He pointed to the chaotic condition of the outside world as context for this strategy.

Outside observers are also monitoring the question of Xi's succession. The 73-year-old leader is firmly in control and is highly likely to be confirmed as party general secretary next fall. Due to changes pushed by Xi in 2018 that removed term limits for state and party leaders, he could remain in that position until 2032. Both analysts said the succession issue plays a major role in Xi's push for internal stability.

Brown stated that differences within the party can fragment it, particularly when the question of succession arises. He added that even without an immediate successor in sight, speculation about who might follow Xi is inevitable. He noted that Xi cannot lead indefinitely.

Chong Ja Ian said that because Xi currently holds all the power, he may fear that naming a successor too early could undermine his authority. However, he acknowledged that failing to make preparations on time could create a power vacuum and cause major instability. Chong stated that solving this dilemma requires the current leader to have self-confidence and the readiness to step back, a trait not everyone possesses.

The session concluded on Thursday with the publication of the resolution. The party continues to monitor internal cohesion as it navigates economic challenges and global tensions. The focus remains on balancing strict control with the need for officials to execute tasks effectively without overstepping their defined roles.