The institutional code of enforcing strict Party self-governance

Editor's note: Gao Lei, a special commentator for CGTN, is an associate professor at the School of Marxism Studies, the Center for Xi Jinping Thoughts on Opening-up, Research Institute of Globalization and China's Modernization, University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. Hong Yuanhe is a postgraduate student at the School of Marxism Studies, University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. The article reflects the authors' opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

While some people argue that China's continuous economic growth is the "hard power" of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in leading national development and consolidating the foundation of national rejuvenation, actually it is the persistent transformation of conduct that is the deeper and more lasting "soft foundation" for uniting the Party and the people and consolidating the foundation of governance.

In 2012, the central leadership of the CPC introduced the Eight-Point Regulation, a code of conduct to curb official privileges, combat bureaucracy and corruption, and bring the Party closer to the people. This has played a key role in cementing the "soft foundation."

How did the eight-point rule evolve from a simple trust-establishing measure into an institutional force capable of shaping social norms? How has this transformation in work style driven the profound reshaping of China's political ecosystem and the concept of political performance?

The underlying logic lies in shifting focus from addressing prominent problems to establishing correct guidance – a systemic approach that relies on self-revolution of the CPC to break free from the historical cycle of rise and fall.

The eight-point rule serves as a hallmark for Party self-governance in the new era. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC in 2012, the Central Committee has addressed fundamental issues by formulating and implementing this regulation, starting with the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, to set standards by leading by example and establishing clear rules. Not only does this initiative target persistent problems in work conduct, but it also represents a solemn commitment to the people.

Over the past decade, institutionalized oversight has been strengthened. The rule, cracking down on lavish banquets, red-carpet events, pomp, entourages, unnecessary meetings and luxury perks once regarded by some as typical symbols of power, has transcended mere institutional framework; it has evolved into a political principle that guides social conduct and public ethics toward positivity and virtue, ultimately achieving the transformation of practices into enduring customs.

The transformation of social conduct as well as work style has driven a profound reshaping of the political ecosystem and the concept of political achievements. With formalism and bureaucracy addressed, the benchmark for officials' dedication to their work has shifted accordingly.

The focus has moved from an exclusive emphasis on GDP growth to prioritizing improvements in people's livelihoods and ecological protection; from valuing visible results over underlying accomplishments to pursuing tangible outcomes that can withstand historical scrutiny and public evaluation.

Thus, a correct concept of political achievements has been established under stringent standards. And the healthier political environment stems precisely from resolute correction of erroneous notions of achievement and strong incentives for practical action and responsibility.

From addressing prominent problems to establishing correct values, the fundamental rationale behind comprehensively enforcing strict Party self-governance lies in addressing both symptoms and root causes while simultaneously dismantling outdated practices and fostering new ones.

On the one hand, corrupt behaviors and misconduct are investigated and punished equally; a zero-tolerance policy is adopted toward corruption stemming from unrealistic performance expectations, with stringent disciplinary measures eradicating its breeding ground. On the other hand, a scientific and precise assessment system has been rolled out, enhancing comprehensive performance evaluation indicators for high-quality development by increasing the weight of latent performance metrics related to people's livelihoods, ecological conservation and overall security.

Concurrently, the principle of "three distinctions" – referring to distinguishing between errors caused by lack of experience in pilot reforms and deliberate violations of discipline and law; between errors made in conducting experiments that are not explicitly restricted by higher-level authorities and arbitrary violations of discipline and law in the face of higher-level authorities' explicit prohibition; and between unwitting errors made in pursuing development and violations of discipline and law for personal gains – has been implemented, along with improved fault-tolerance and correction mechanisms, thereby stimulating cadres' intrinsic motivation in better serving the people.

In one of his articles published in Qiushi, the Party's flagship magazine, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said: "Officials should be selected and promoted based on what they have done, what they have accomplished, and whether their work is recognized by both the Party and the people."

Behind this lies the institutional code of the CPC, which transcends the historical cycle of rise and fall. Comprehensively enforcing strict self-governance over the Party represents a great self-revolution. By refining the behavioral norms of Party members and cadres and regulating the exercise of public power, the Party has achieved self-purification, self-improvement, self-renewal and self-enhancement as the governing body.

In Chinese history, Shang Yang (390-338 BC), an important reformer of the State of Qin during the Warring States Period (475-221 BC), earned public trust by honoring his promise to reward anyone who moved a wooden pole placed at the city gate. The story has long stood as a powerful metaphor for the importance of credibility in governance.

Today, that spirit finds new expression in the CPC's commitment to full and rigorous self-governance. What began with a determination to build public confidence through concrete action has evolved into a broader effort to cultivate integrity as a social norm and strengthen Party governance through institutions and regulations. In doing so, the campaign has not only transformed the Party itself but also become a driving force behind China's development and governance in the new era.

Admittedly, the improvement of work style as well as political attitude is an ongoing journey. This will be a hallmark on China's path toward building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.

(If you want to contribute and have specific expertise, please contact us at opinions@cgtn.com. Follow @thouse_opinions on X to discover the latest commentaries in the CGTN Opinion Section.)