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Volume 1 Issue 2

3/28/2016

David Gitter

With

Leah Fang

Rongfei Gou

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

PARTY WATCH is a weekly intelligence report delivered every Monday morning focusing on the latest

activities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). Firmly based on Chinese language sources that are either

controlled by the CCP or controlled by organizations directly subordinate to the CCP, Party Watch endeavors

to provide a broad overview of China and the world through the lens of the country’s most powerful institution.

It also offers context and original analysis to help those that want to dig deeper.

Under the direction of China specialist David Gitter, Party Watch’s team of researchers with native Chinese

language fluency monitor an array of webpages including those controlled by: leading small groups, the four

central departments, CCP news outlets, research and archive centers, cadre study websites, journals, Party

schools and training academies, central work committees, All-China unions and associations, and many other

organizations. Special attention is given to topics that are underreported by traditional media and think tank

outlets. The result is a unique yet important angle that supplements the reader’s understanding of China.

About the Authors

David Gitter is a China specialist and research consultant on Chinese politics, foreign policy, and strategic

industries. He has worked in various research and support capacities at Defense Group Inc. (DGI), the

Congressional Research Service (CRS), the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy (OUSDP),

Project 2049 Institute, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) focusing on cross-strait

relations and broader Asian security issues. Dave received his MA in Asian Studies from the Elliott School of

International Affairs at George Washington University and his BA in Political Science from the State

University of New York at Stony Brook. He has lived and studied in Beijing, China and has working

proficiency in Mandarin. He offers custom research and consulting services and can be reached at:

davegitter@gmail.com.

Leah Fang is a master’s candidate at The Johns Hopkins University Paul H. Nitze School of Advanced

International Studies, where she focuses on international economics and energy-related issues.

Rongfei Gou is a master’s candidate at the George Washington University Elliott School of International

Affairs, where he focuses cross-strait relations and issues related to political risk.

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

Contents

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .............................................................................................................................. 4

PROPAGANDA WORK .............................................................................................................................. 4

The Best Central Support is to Tolerate Mistakes .................................................................................. 4

22nd Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reform Meeting.......................... 4

Loving the Country Means Loving the Party, Establish New Patriotic Education Plan ................... 4

Li Keqiang at Boao Forum: China’s Economy Remains Strong .......................................................... 5

UNITED FRONT WORK ............................................................................................................................... 5

Central Committee Implements Important Decision to Battle Poverty ............................................ 5

Gathering Strength and Unifying Parties to Battle Poverty ................................................................. 5

Li Keqiang Meets with Honorary Chairman of Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation ........... 5

PARTY DISCIPLINE .................................................................................................................................... 6

Heilongjiang Province Sees 67 First Round Discipline Inspections in 2016 ......................................... 6

CENTRAL MILITARY COMMISSION (CMC) .............................................................................................. 6

General Fang Fenghui to Kissinger: Build New Model of China-US Relations .................................. 6

National Defence University Should Provide Human Resources and Intellectual Support ............ 6

OTHER ....................................................................................................................................................... 7

China’s Economic, Social, and Political Systems Superior to America’s .......................................... 7

Xi Jinping to Taiwan: Accept 1992 Consensus, Essence of Both Sides Belonging to One China .. 7

Rule of Law Forum Revolves Around Legal Safeguards for Innovation ............................................ 7

Popular Science Education Crucial to National Advancement, Well-Being ................................... 8

INTERNATIONAL LIASON WORK .............................................................................................................. 8

Meetings: 21-27 March 2016 ................................................................................................................... 8

ORGANIZATION WORK ............................................................................................................................ 9

Cadre Appointments: 21-27 March 2016 .............................................................................................. 9

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Following the annual “two meetings,” the CCP leadership is focusing attention on strengthening legal

protections and social services in order to foster innovation and economic growth, as it works to

advance the creation of a moderately prosperous society.

The 24 March cooperation agreement between the CCP Central Committee General Office and

Russia’s Presidential Executive Office is the first of its kind, and signifies the CCP Central

Committee’s desire to coordinate routine cooperation in development efforts and international affairs.

The CCP leadership continues to put pressure on the incoming Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)

administration in Taiwan to accept the One China principle, and continues to advance economic

relations as an incentive for accepting it.

PROPAGANDA WORK

The Best Central Support is to Tolerate Mistakes CPC News

3.21: A CPC News article advocated more tolerance for Party cadres that make mistakes while attempting to

advance reform. The piece claims that if a cadre’s work abides by the law and follows the spirit and decisions

of their superiors, the Party should reduce their accountability or fully indemnify the mistaken official from

punishment in order to encourage more responsibility for innovation. During the March 2016 National

People’s Congress (NPC) meeting, CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping (习近平) asked all Party cadres to take

leading roles in local economic reforms, and pointed out that some local officials are neglectful of their duties.

However, Xi did not hint at increasing tolerance for mistakes.

22nd Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reform Meeting Xinhua

3.22: During the 22nd Central Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reform meeting, Xi Jinping

pointed out that implementing the new development concept (新发展理念) through comprehensive reform is

the key for achieving a moderately prosperous society. The meeting passed eight opinions regarding: the legal

counsel system; environmental protection; poverty alleviation; child healthcare services; investing and

financing system reform; the judge and prosecutor promotion process; the legislative worker, judge, and

prosecutor selection process; and strengthening and normalizing reform experimentation work. The Central

Leading Group for Comprehensively Deepening Reform, led by Xi, is a powerful body responsible for

forming and implementing policies in line with the leadership’s comprehensive reform efforts.

Loving the Country Means Loving the Party, Establish New Patriotic Education Plan China Spiritual Civilization Net

3.23: According to an article from China Spiritual Civilization Net, Xi Jinping announced at the 18th CCP

Politburo’s 29th collective study session that the persistent integration of nationalism with socialism is

necessary in order to promote Chinese nationalism. The article contends that the two are inextricably linked

by China’s history and national situation, arguing that only socialism can save China, and only socialism with

Chinese characteristics can develop China. The concept that a Chinese citizen can love their country without

loving socialism was also rejected on the grounds that the nation’s very prosperity depends on socialism with

Chinese characteristics, thereby necessitating every citizen to love it. Loving one’s country was also directly

linked with loving and accepting the CCP’s leadership, and defending the country’s socialist system. The

article called for the establishment of a 5 to 10 year national patriotic education plan, citing Russian President

Vladimir Putin’s January 2016 announcement of a Russian patriotic education plan as an example to draw

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

upon. The goal of such a plan would be to elevate socialism into a concept that draws the ardent faith and

spiritual support of every Chinese person.

Li Keqiang at Boao Forum: China’s Economy Remains Strong State Organs Work Committee of the CCP Central Committee

3.24: CCP Politburo Standing Committee Member and State Council Premier Li Keqiang (李克强)

made a keynote speech at the opening of the 2016 Boao Forum in Hainan Province. Li pointed out that as the

world economy remains in the middle of an adjustment phase, many countries in Asia are facing substantial

difficulties. In order to meet these challenges, Li stressed that the region must: work together to protect

regional peace, continue friendly neighborly relations, treat each other equally, peacefully coexist, promote

economic growth, avoid trade protectionism, advance integrated development through One Belt, One Road

and other initiatives, and jointly encourage innovation. He also explained that although China is currently

experiencing deep-seated structural contradictions and is undergoing a period of economic upgrading, the

economy on the whole continues to maintain reasonable activity; industry upgrades were said to be advancing,

and the consumer and services industries were said to be transforming into key engines for economic growth.

Li asserted that China’s long-term economic trends will continue to demonstrate room for domestic demand,

robust development, innovative potential, and reassurance that the Chinese government possesses enough

policy instruments to maintain economic stability.

UNITED FRONT WORK

Central Committee Implements Important Decision to Battle Poverty United Front Work Department

3.22: During United Front Work Department Minister Sun Chunlan’s (孙春兰) trip to Guizhou (贵州), she

pointed out that different impoverished areas have different situations, and that the United Front Work

Department needs to find practical methods to alleviate poverty. Sun emphasized that the department should

work with CCP local committees and local governments to identify impoverished populations and the best

methods to lift them out of poverty. In 2015, Xi Jinping pledged to lift China's 70 million poor people above

the poverty line by 2020.

Gathering Strength and Unifying Parties to Battle Poverty United Front Work Department

3.24: Leaders from the United Front Work Department, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce,

and other united front parties all gathered in Guizhou (贵州) to learn and discuss poverty alleviation. During

the meeting, Chinese Peasants' and Workers' Democratic Party member Lu Wenguang (卢文广) maintained

that it is the responsibility of every United Front worker and businessperson to contribute to poverty

alleviation. The article also reiterated the importance of the United Front Work Department in poverty

alleviation, reflecting that a central focus of the United Front Work Department is to fight poverty through

collaboration with other united front parties and private enterprises.

Li Keqiang Meets with Honorary Chairman of Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation United Front Work Department

3.25: At the Boao Forum, CCP Politburo Standing Committee Member and State Council Premier Li Keqiang

met with the Honorary Chairman of the Cross-Straits Common Market Foundation and former Republic of

China (ROC) Vice President Vincent Siew (萧万长). During the meeting, Li reiterated China’s position and

policy with regards to the cross-strait relationship. Li emphasized that China’s policy will not change with a

transition in Taiwanese politics. As long as both sides maintain the common political foundation of the “1992

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

Consensus” and the essence of “both sides of the strait belonging to one China” (两岸同属一中的核心意涵), there would be peaceful development and a bright future for the cross-strait relationship, Li said. Siew also

expressed the hope to expand cross-strait economic cooperation. Chinese leaders have not explicitly stated the

consequences that would follow if Taiwan’s next leader Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) fails to embrace this political

foundation, although recent Chinese diplomatic actions suggest a further reduction of Taiwan’s international

space would be likely.

PARTY DISCIPLINE

Heilongjiang Province Sees 67 First Round Discipline Inspections in 2016 CCDI

3.23: The CCDI reports that at the Heilongjiang Provincial Party Committee’s First-Round Special Inspection

Mobilization Meeting, it was divulged that the first round of 2016 discipline inspections involved 67 local

Party committees and follow-up inspections on three localities. In 2015, Heilongjiang saw inspections on 112

localities and units (单位), with 3,066 issues related to political consultation, democratic oversight, united

front work, and research (“The Four Efforts”/“四个着力”) and 2,419 disciplinary issues with leading cadres.

It seems likely that inspections and their resultant disciplinary cases will continue to be used as a measurement

of and testament to the Party’s commitment to tackling corruption. In the past few years, more than half of

CCDI corruption cases were discovered post-inspection, and 100 new provincial level inspection teams have

been created with 900 new employees added. Like elsewhere, inspectors in Heilongjiang were purposefully

obstructed by their hosts from carrying out inspections through bold tactics such as serving inedible food and

bombarding CCDI field stations with loud noises, making it difficult for inspectors to work.

CENTRAL MILITARY COMMISSION (CMC)

General Fang Fenghui to Kissinger: Build New Model of China-US Relations Ministry of National Defense

3.21: The Ministry of National Defense reports that CMC Member and Chief of the CMC Joint Staff

Department General Fang Fenghui (房峰辉) met with former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in Beijing

on 19 March during Kissinger’s participation in the China Development Forum 2016. Fang asserted that China

and the US must adhere to the important consensus reached by Xi Jinping and President Obama, and build a

new model of relations that would avoid confrontation. Fang also stressed that military ties are an important

part of US-China relations and is conducive to the promotion of mutual trust, crisis management, and world

stability. Kissinger advised both countries to have more strategic dialogues and explore effective ways to

manage differences and deal with conflicts.

National Defence University Should Provide Human Resources and Intellectual Support Xinhua

3.23: During Xi Jinping’s visit to the People's Liberation Army’s (PLA) National Defence University, he

urged the university to form a more competent and professional faculty through improving educational

theories and training models. Xi concluded that the university’s most important tasks involve training more

qualified commanders capable of leading joint warfare, and carrying out its duties as a top think tank. Xi also

said that the CMC would have the armed forces and military headquarters contribute to the training of

commanding officers. Finally, Xi asked the university CCP committee to rigorously follow party discipline,

and actively research the role of information technology in military operations. Xi’s visit to National Defence

University echoes his recent speech to the PLA delegation at the 2016 NPC meeting, where he emphasized

that innovation is essential to the PLA’s development. Xi asked the PLA to focus on theoretical innovation,

technological innovation, scientific management, recruiting talented personnel, and practical innovation.

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

OTHER

China’s Economic, Social, and Political Systems Superior to America’s

Qiushi

Jan-March Issue: A piece in the CCP Central Committee’s Qiushi Journal assessed that China’s economic,

social, and political systems are superior to those of the United States. The piece states that the US economy

is still in the midst of a post-crisis recovery, while China’s socialist market economy has effectively combined

the “invisible hand” with the “visible hand,” keeping it free from financial, debt, and economic crises. The

article asserts that the collapse of the traditional American family and the increase of single-parent families,

same-sex couple families, and other “abnormal” families are directly linked to high US crime rates. The piece

also states that American politics is controlled by those with money, while China’s “political forces” have

managed to maintain their independence.

Xi Jinping to Taiwan: Accept 1992 Consensus, Essence of Both Sides Belonging to One China Xinhua

3.21: A Xinhua article specifically focused on interpreting Xi Jinping’s 5 March speech on cross-strait

developments to Shanghai delegates at the 2016 NPC meeting. Xinhua first pointed out that as long as Taiwan

accepts the “1992 Consensus” and the essence of “both sides of the strait belong to one China” (两岸同属一

中的核心意涵), both sides could reach a political foundation that allows for positive interaction. The article

also asserted that China and Taiwan are part of a community of shared destiny due to their tightly

interconnected economies. Additionally, China’s 13th Five Year Plan (FYP) and One Belt, One Road Initiative

could bring more opportunities for cross-strait economic cooperation, the piece stated. Xinhua concluded that

China’s own development is a safeguard for cross-strait economic exchanges, and reiterated China’s position

regarding the cross-strait relationship. However, it specifically mentions that a rejection of the 1992 Consensus

or the essence of “both sides of the strait belong to one China” would entail a change of the status quo, putting

more pressure on Taiwan’s next leader, Tsai Ing-wen. Tsai seems to accept that some kind of agreement was

reached between the two sides in 1992, but does not accept the 1992 consensus itself as a historical fact.

Rule of Law Forum Revolves Around Legal Safeguards for Innovation China Law Society

3.24: China Law Society Party Group Member and Vice President Bao Shaokun (鲍绍坤 visited Shenzhen

City to inspect and guide the China Rule of Law Forum. After listening to the forum’s work report, Bao

pointed out that the meeting was an important forum of the China Law Society. Bao also said that the forum

was useful for focusing and coordinating the advancement of the “four comprehensives” and furthering the

development of a moderately prosperous society. Bao required that the meeting revolve around the theme of

“legal safeguards of enterprise innovation development,” without permitting “misunderstandings,

misjudgments, or misrepresentations” of Party or national major policies. He also warned participants against

violating the Party’s “Eight-Article Regulations,” which prohibit excessive pageantry at official meetings. The

Party understands that becoming a more innovative society by 2020 will be difficult without strengthening the

legal system to protect the innovative process, which includes the legal system for intellectual property rights.

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

Popular Science Education Crucial to National Advancement, Well-Being Xinhua

3.24: Xinhua reports that the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) opened its 47th

consultative conference on 24 March, with the theme being “Energetically Strengthen Popular Science

Education.” CCP Politburo Standing Committee Member and Chairman of the CPPCC Yu Zhengsheng (俞

正声) presided over the conference and also presented a speech. The article explained that the CPPCC

members in attendance felt that the CCP Central Committee attaches great importance to popular science, and

that a nation’s scientific quality relates to science and technology innovation, societal harmony, societal

consensus, scientific decision making, and the people’s level of health. Members also offered suggestions on

how to strengthen popular science education, which included strengthening scientific training for leading CCP

cadres.

INTERNATIONAL LIASON WORK

Meetings: 21-27 March 2016

3.21: International Department Minister Song Tao (宋涛) met with the head of the Communist Party of Nepal

(Unified Marxist–Leninist) and Nepalese Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli in Beijing. During the meeting,

both sides reiterated the importance of the China-Nepal friendship and the wish to expand party-to-party

exchanges.

3.22: International Department Vice Minister Zhang Fengxiang (长陈凤) met with Social Democratic Party

member and Austrian Vice President of the Federal Council Ingrid Winkler in Beijing. Both agreed to further

develop party-to-party and China-Austria relations.

3.23: International Department Vice Minister Zhou Li (周立) met Russia’s Deputy Head of the Presidential

Foreign Policy Directorate. Both sides undertook preparations for the upcoming visit of Russia’s Chief of

Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Ivanov Sergei.

3.24: International Department Minister Song Tao met with former Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in

Beijing. Both sides exchanged views on international and regional issues.

3.24: CCP Central Committee General Office Director Li Zhanshu (栗战书) met with Russia’s Chief of Staff

of the Presidential Executive Office Ivanov Sergei at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Li expressed

that President Xi Jinping and President Vladimir Putin attach great importance to the China-Russia strategic

partnership, and that the China-Russia relationship is a high priority for China. The two sides signed a protocol

on cooperation agreement between the CCP Central Committee General Office and the Russian Presidential

Executive Office.

3.25: International Department Vice Minister Chen Fengxiang (陈风翔) met with Germany’s Federal Foreign

Office State Secretary Markus Ederer. Chen praised both countries’ bilateral and party-to-party relations, and

expressed the CCP’s desire to link China’s 13th FYP with the development strategies of Germany and Europe.

3.25: CCP Politburo Standing Committee Member and Secretary of the CCDI Wang Qishan (王岐山) met

with Russia’s Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Ivanov in Beijing. Wang stated that

China-Russia relations maintain a healthy and stable development trend, with the China-Russia strategic

partnership continually deepening and advancing. Wang further stated that fighting corruption and improving

CCP discipline has produced satisfactory results for the Chinese people, and that strictly governing the party

is a never-ending process. Ivanov expressed that Russia values its cooperation in China’s anti-corruption

efforts, and is willing to deepen contributions to the Russia-China strategic partnership.

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Copyright © 2016 Party Watch by David Gitter, All rights reserved.

3.26: President Xi Jinping met with Russia’s Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office Sergei Ivanov

in Beijing. Xi pointed out that both nations consider the China-Russia strategic partnership as their most

important partnership, and hoped both nations would take this year to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the

2001 Good-Neighborly Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. Xi stated that the two nations must focus on

the links of the China-Russia development strategy, strengthen international and regional affairs coordination,

and advance the political settlement for major hotspot problems. He also said that he and President Vladimir

Putin both support communication and cooperation between the CCP Central Committee General Office and

the Russian Presidential Executive Office, and other cooperation between different government departments.

Ivanov stated that Russia’s Presidential Executive Office is willing to work together with the CCP Central

Committee General Office in order to advance the agreements reached by Putin and Xi. The CCP Central

Committee General Office’s cooperation with its Russian counterpart is its first such relationship with a

foreign president’s executive office.

Summary: The CCP is strengthening and regularizing its routine cooperation with Russia’s Presidential

Executive Office in order to advance jointly agreed upon goals in regional and international affairs,

particularly in areas of mutual concern.

ORGANIZATION WORK

Cadre Appointments: 21-27 March 2016

Wu Hailong

3.23: Wu Hailong (吴海龙) was confirmed to be the new Chinese People’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (中国

人民外交学会) president. He was previously Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United

Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland.

For questions regarding Party Watch, please contact David Gitter at: davegitter@gmail.com