CCP Demands Loyalty and Initiative as Xi Tightens Control

Chinese Communist Party officials spent four days in Beijing this week discussing stricter leadership and internal discipline. The top echelon of the ruling party met behind closed doors, emerging on Thursday with a resolution that praises General Secretary and President Xi Jinping for his political courage. The document calls for consistent advancement of comprehensive and strict party leadership, signaling a dual demand for both loyalty and greater initiative from officials at every level.

The resolution specifically commends Xi for tackling corruption and the weakening of party governance. It describes his approach as possessing an enormous sense of responsibility. This stance comes amid internal economic difficulties and rising international tensions. Kerry Brown, head of the Lau China Institute at King's College London, notes that Xi is moving to minimize potential sources of instability. He argues that the party fears becoming disunited and unstable like other global powers if it fails to maintain discipline.

Xi has recently targeted what he calls two-faced functionaries within the political system. In a speech published in mid-October by the party's Qiushi Magazine, he described these individuals as political opportunists who profess loyalty while pursuing individualistic goals. He also criticized officials who pretend to be nice guys by using harmony as an excuse to avoid addressing problems. This rhetoric underscores the leadership's intent to purge those who do not align with central instructions.

The push for more initiative creates a complex dilemma for the party structure. Brown points out that expecting innovation and courage from officials could weaken central control. If the party relies too heavily on strict leadership and pressure on rank-and-file members, it risks suppressing the very initiative it seeks. This tension could extend beyond the party itself to affect the military. Brown characterizes the party as extremely risk averse in its approach to governance.

Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, offers a different perspective on the scope of this initiative. He notes that party functionaries under Xi have limited space for independent decision-making. He believes Xi wants officials to act proactively and decisively on specific tasks without questioning the prescribed agenda. The demanded proactivity is limited to implementation rather than strategic decision-making, according to Chong.

Brown suggests that Xi is prepared to sacrifice operational flexibility in exchange for greater control and stability. He argues that unity allows the party to survive, while disunity could lead to immediate collapse. This approach appears to be functioning for now, as the Chinese economy, while not great, is not disastrous compared to the mess in the outside world.

Observers are closely watching the succession plans for the 73-year-old leader. Xi is likely to be confirmed as the party's general secretary next fall, potentially staying in that position until 2032. This longevity is possible because changes pushed in 2018 removed term limits for state and party leaders. Both analysts agree that succession plays a major role in Xi's push for internal stability. Brown warns that differences within the party could fragment it as the question of who follows Xi becomes more prominent.

Chong Ja Ian adds that Xi currently holds all the power, which may make him hesitant to name a successor too early. Such a move could undermine his authority. However, failing to prepare on time could create a power vacuum and cause major instability. Solving this dilemma requires the current leader to have the confidence to take a step back, a trait not everyone possesses.