China's eight-point rules contribute to global governance

Editor's note: More than a decade on, the Communist Party of China's eight-point rules remain a defining force in Chinese governance. In this series, CGTN presents in-depth analyses of their significance, exploring why the Party has sustained its leadership for over 70 years and how these rules have reshaped both the Party and the nation.

China has launched a nationwide campaign to fully implement the eight-point rules on improving the conduct of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the government. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the eight-point rules – a set of rules adopted by the Party leadership to address chronic bureaucratic issues, including official privileges and extravagant banquets – has provided political parties worldwide with a reference to enhance their governance capacity and pursue people-centered development – making China's contribution to global governance both practical and far-reaching.

Party-to-party exchanges improve global governance cooperation

As the world faces challenges such as political polarization and governance inefficiency, the experience of the eight-point rules offers a compelling alternative paradigm to Western-led models of political accountability, which often rely on external checks from opposition parties and the press instead of internal mechanisms.

For example, Tanzania's ruling party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), which maintains closer party-to-party exchanges with the CPC, has taken the eight-point rules as a model and launched a campaign to fight corruption, eliminate conceit and self-satisfaction and improve working efficiency. These measures have helped the CCM strengthen governance and gain broad public support.

For political parties around the world, especially those from the Global South, the eight-point rules have offered valuable experience in Party building and governance reform, representing an important contribution of Chinese governance philosophy to global governance.

Improved work conduct could win more public support

Today, whether analyzing the reasons behind the CPC's effective governance or exploring the logic of the Chinese model of governance, the eight-point rules serve as a key lens of observation.

The eight-point rules reshape the Party's culture toward frugality, pragmatism and people-centered devotion. Lavish banquets and unnecessary trips are replaced by on-site research, with cadres spending more time listening to people's concerns.

This cultural shift builds deep public trust. Grassroots and primary-level Party organizations hold "on-site office" activities to solve residents' practical problems rather than focusing on formalities. People experience tangible changes – more responsive services, less public resource waste – which strengthens Party unity and solidifies its connection with the public, creating a supportive environment for reform.

Accountability is vital for good governance

Accountability is the basis of good governance and efficient administration. The eight-point rules, which reflect a call for Party members to act with credibility and integrity and lie at the core of the CPC's "institutional constraints and cultural cultivation" governance innovation, have provided important insights into how the CPC has strengthened Party building and enhanced governance.

The eight-point rules build a solid institutional framework by targeting key areas that impact efficiency and public trust. They curb official extravagance, streamline redundant meetings and documents, and standardize receptions – issues that once hindered the Party's public service.

Rigorous accountability mechanisms ensure implementation. Disciplinary organs conduct regular supervision at all levels, and violations are reported publicly to hold those responsible accountable. The "zero-tolerance" approach closes institutional loopholes, fundamentally shifts work styles and turns good governance principles into enforceable standards, laying a solid groundwork for effective governance.

As the world faces challenges, the CPC's experience offers valuable insights for political parties worldwide to strengthen institutional mechanisms, improve conduct and enhance governance capacity.

Read more: 

1. The eight-point rules: A cornerstone for CPC's self-reform and clean governance

2. How China's eight-point rules reshape CPC governance, boost development

(Cover: The Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, October 22, 2022. /CFP)