Members of Party urged to identify issues

Xi calls on leaders to arm themselves with theory, stay true to CPC mission

Party members across the country, particularly those in leading positions, have been urged to adopt better practices amid an ongoing education campaign themed "staying true to our founding mission".

They should conduct thorough research to identify problems existing in their work and address these problems actively and resolutely, according to circulars issued by the leading group of the campaign within the Communist Party of China.

The campaign began on May 31 when President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, reiterated at a key meeting that seeking happiness for the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the Party's original aspiration and mission, and all Party members today should stay true to this mission.

He called on Party members and officials to better arm themselves with theory and have the courage to reform themselves.

All areas, departments and organizations should list major problems that need to be addressed and make efforts to resolve them, he said.

Major problems include violations of the eight-point frugality code on improving Party and government conduct, practicing formality for formalities' sake, bureaucratism at primary levels and infringement of people's interests, according to a circular issued by the campaign's leading group.

Party officials were also urged to conduct self-examination and correct mistakes by comparing their behaviors with the Party's Constitution and various rules.

"Bravely facing problems squarely and making rectifications accordingly are prominent features and strengths of the CPC," People's Daily wrote in an opinion piece, adding that adopting a problem-oriented approach and rectifying problems with courage and perseverance are the fundamental requirements of the ongoing education campaign.

In the past months, many central government departments as well as provincial-level regions have conducted studies, research and field trips to identify problems.

For example, the Ministry of Education has listed 10 prominent problems and key issues of public concern and promised to actively find solutions, according to its website.

The Ministry of Commerce has also listed 10 major issues for research and clarified several key work tasks, such as the development of free trade zones and free trade harbors, economic and trade cooperation related to the Belt and Road Initiative as well as the proper handling of trade differences with the United States.

Many leading officials also made field trips to villages and townships to hear from the people. At the end of June, for example, Wang Dongfeng, Party secretary of Hebei province, went to several cities to solicit public opinion on poverty alleviation to figure out what should be urgently addressed, local media reported.

Wang visited Fuping county, Baoding, and asked about an apple tree planting project aimed at helping lift people out of poverty. He also visited a nursing home to understand what services should be provided to seniors, the report said.

China Daily - Xinhua