Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made an explanatory address recently regarding the just released resolution that highlights the Party's 100 years of endeavors, where he stressed the "inextricably connected" relationship between the CPC and the people.
"We must always bear in mind that the Party and the people are inextricably connected and rise and fall together," he explained the resolution to the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.
The resolution, the third of its kind, summarizes the CPC's major achievements and historical experience of the CPC over the past 100 years, and was deliberated and approved at the plenum held in Beijing from November 8 to 11. The two previous resolutions of such kind were passed under former leaders Mao Zedong in 1945 and Deng Xiaoping in 1981.
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CPC releases key resolution to embark on another 100 years of endeavors
Considerations
"Our Party has always attached great importance to reviewing its historical experience," said Xi, explaining the considerations on the session agenda.
He hailed the significance of reviewing the Party's century-long journey, saying it will help build a broader consensus and stronger unity in will and action among all Party members and rally and lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in achieving new and great success in building socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
Xi also noted "taking a clear-cut stance against historical nihilism" and clearing up confusion and misunderstandings over certain major questions in the Party's history.
The sixth plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee was held in Beijing from November 8 to 11, 2021. /Xinhua
Xi briefed the session on the priorities in drafting the resolution:
First, the resolution must focus on the Party's major achievements and historical experience over the past century, he said, noting the move will help "pool our wisdom, strengthen our unity, and boost our confidence and morale."
On the previous two resolutions on the Party's historical issues, adopted in 1945 and 1981 respectively, Xi said "their basic points and conclusions remain valid."
Second, the resolution must highlight the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi said, noting this will help further fortify confidence among all Party members and focus on the current endeavors.
Third, the resolution's appraisal of major historical events, significant meetings and important figures must be consistent with the CPC Central Committee's existing conclusions, Xi said.
The basic points and conclusion that have already been made for the major events, meetings and figures in Party history prior to its 18th National Congress were to be upheld in the new resolution, he said, adding that the resolution should reflect the CPC Central Committee's updated understanding on the Party's century-long history.
Drafting process
In March, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee decided that the sixth plenary session would focus on a comprehensive review of the Party's major achievements and experience in its century-long history, Xi said.
A drafting group was established, with Xi as its chief, and Wang Huning and Zhao Leji as deputy chiefs.
On April 1, the CPC Central Committee issued a circular to solicit opinions from Party members and non-Party figures within an appropriate scope.
The consulted localities, departments and sectors widely held that the invaluable experience gained in the past century merits a systematic review, according to Xi's explanation.
They suggested that the review should focus on the new era, historic achievements and historic shifts, and the latest experience that the Party has gained during this period, according to Xi.
The text of the draft resolution was issued on September 6 to select Party members, including retired senior Party officials, for consultation. Opinions were also sought from leaders of other political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and prominent figures without party affiliation, Xi said.
The feedback indicated full endorsement of the draft resolution, he said.
The drafting group analyzed the solicited opinions and suggestions. A total of 547 revisions were made to the preliminary draft.
The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and its Standing Committee held multiple meetings during the drafting process before the draft document was submitted for deliberation at this session, according to Xi.
(With input from Xinhua)