Qu Qingshan: Gain a Deeper Understanding of the Requirements of the Times to Carry forward the Fighting Spirit, Become Better Able to Fight, and Strive in Unity

     Carrying forward the fighting spirit and becoming better able to fight is needed to respond to the situation and accomplish the tasks. At present, momentous changes of a like not seen in a century are accelerating across the world. A new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is well under way, and a significant shift is taking place in the international balance of power, presenting China with new strategic opportunities in pursuing development. At the same time, however, the once-in-a-century pandemic has had far-reaching effects; a backlash against globalization is rising; and unilateralism and protectionism are mounting. The global economic recovery is sluggish, regional conflicts and disturbances are frequent, and global issues are becoming more acute. The world has entered a new period of turbulence and change. At home, we face many deep-seated problems regarding reform, development, and stability that cannot be avoided or bypassed. In our efforts to strengthen the Party, and especially to improve conduct, build integrity, and combat corruption, we are confronted with many stubborn and recurrent problems. External attempts to suppress and contain China may escalate at any time. Our country has entered a period of development in which strategic opportunities, risks, and challenges are concurrent and uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising. Various “black swan” and “gray rhino” events may occur at any time. We must therefore be more mindful of potential dangers, be prepared to deal with worst-case scenarios, and be ready to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms. The whole Party, the entire military army and the Chinese people should rally closely around the Party Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its. We should carry forward the fighting spirit, become better able to fight, and meet obstacles and difficulties head on. We should dig deep to surmount the difficulties and challenges on the road ahead and harness our indomitable fighting spirit to open up new horizons for our cause. It is imperative that all of members in the Party never forget their original aspiration and founding mission, that they always stay modest, prudent, and hard-working, and that they have the courage and ability to carry on our fight.

 Striving in unity is the defining symbol the CPC and the Chinese people. Unity is strength, and only in unity can we succeed. To build China into a modern socialist country in all respects, we must unleash the tremendous creativity of the Chinese people in their hundreds of millions. Our Party has led the people in creating a glorious history by striving in unity, and it also has to create a better future by striving in unity. In the new journey in the new era, we must stay true to our fundamental purpose of serving the people wholeheartedly, maintain a people-centered mindset, and carry out the mass line. We must respect the pioneering spirit of our people and ensure that we are acting for the people and relying on the people in everything we do. We must follow the principle of “from the people, to the people,” maintain a close bond with the people, and accept their criticism and oversight. We must breathe the same air as the people, share the same future, and stay truly connected to them. We should forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, strengthen the great unity of the Chinese people, expand common ground and the convergence of interests, strengthen the great unity of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation at home and abroad. By doing so, we will create a powerful collective force working with one heart and one mind to realize the Chinese Dream.

 In his report to the 20th Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping set this requirement for all Party members: “All of us in the Party must remember: Upholding the Party’s overall leadership is the path we must take to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics; building socialism with Chinese characteristics is the path we must take to realize the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation; striving in unity is the path the Chinese people must take to create great historic achievements; implementing the new development philosophy is the path China must take to grow stronger in the new era; and exercising full and rigorous self-governance is the path the Party must take to maintain its vigor and pass new tests on the road ahead. We have come to this understanding through many years of practice. It is a conclusion of paramount importance that we must cherish, uphold, and never deviate from. Under its guidance, we will ensure that the great ship of socialism with Chinese characteristics catches the wind, cuts through the waves, and sails steadily into the future.” This is the strongest voice of the new era.

 Finally, General Secretary Xi Jinping issued a great call to the whole Party, which is the clarion call for the new era. He stated that, “The Party has made spectacular achievements through its great endeavors over the past century, and our new endeavors will surely lead to more spectacular achievements. Let the whole Party, the entire military, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups stay closely rallied around the Party Central Committee. Let us keep in mind that empty talk will do nothing for our country; only solid work will make it flourish. Let us maintain firm confidence, unite as one, and forge ahead with resolve. And let us strive in unity to build a modern socialist country in all respects and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts.” Let us rally our strength to accomplish the tasks set at the 20th Congress, and move forward to the sound of the drums of the new journey.

Source from Qu Qingshan, "Gain a Deeper Understanding of the Guiding Principles from the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China", China Discipline Inspection and Supervision Daily, November 3, 2022, p. 5.

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