How does the CPC address the challenges of long-term governance?

Editor's Note: Xie Maosong is a senior researcher at the National Institute of Strategic Studies at Tsinghua University. This article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

As a political party that has been in power for decades, the Communist Party of China (CPC) recognizes that it faces enduring challenges in maintaining its governing capacity and staying connected with the public. These include the tests of governance, reform and opening up, the market economy and the external environment, as well as the risks of complacency, inadequate governing capacity, detachment from the people and corruption. Pointless formality, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance pose additional challenges to effective governance. 

For the CPC, addressing these challenges requires strengthening Party building, advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance, and promoting self-reform. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, these efforts have been pursued as a sustained, comprehensive undertaking, with full and rigorous Party self-governance integrated into every aspect of Party building.

Improving work styles and enforcing discipline 

The CPC regards the conduct of a governing party as a matter directly related to its long-term viability. The Eight-Point Decision on Improving Party and Government Conduct, introduced in 2012, has been a landmark measure in advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance.

Spelled out in just over 600 words, the eight-point rules target pointless formality, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, while opposing privilege and misconduct. According to the rules, when conducting grassroots field studies, officials should learn from the people on the ground. Ceremonial formalities such as banners and floral arrangements are not allowed. Official meetings and events must be streamlined. Security protocols such as traffic controls and road or venue closures should be minimized.

The CPC has stressed leading by example, with senior officials setting the standards for the wider Party. Behind seemingly individual problems such as wasteful spending and detachment from the public, the Party also seeks to address deeper risks involving the abuse of power for private gain and the improper handling of private and public interests.

The CPC considers the experience of advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance through improvements in work style an important lesson in its broader efforts at self-reform.

Discipline is another key pillar. The CPC maintains that Party discipline must be stricter than the requirements of national law, covering political conduct, organizational responsibilities, integrity, relations with the public and personal behavior. While the law sets the minimum standard for lawful conduct, Party rules impose additional obligations on members and officials. The aim is to identify and address misconduct at an early stage, before minor violations develop into more serious problems.

Sustaining the fight against corruption 

The CPC regards corruption as a major threat to its governing foundation and considers combating it a long-term task that requires both determination and institutional safeguards.

Since 2012, the Party has pursued an extensive anti-corruption campaign targeting high-ranking officials, misconduct at the grassroots level and corruption involving officials who have fled overseas. It has paid particular attention to sectors where power, public funds and resources are concentrated, as well as improper ties between officials and business interests.

Following the 20th CPC National Congress in late 2022, China's disciplinary agencies have handled 768,000 cases of malpractice and corruption at the grassroots level, imposing penalties on 628,000 officials, according to the National Commission of Supervision.

The CPC also emphasizes preventing the use of political power to protect capital and the penetration of capital into the political sphere. It requires leading officials to exercise strict oversight over the conduct of their spouses, children and other close relatives.

The Party maintains that it does not represent the interests of any particular interest group, and presents its anti-corruption efforts as part of a broader effort to safeguard the public interest.

A central principle of this approach is to address corruption through three interconnected measures: making officials afraid to engage in corruption, making it impossible for them to do so, and fostering an unwillingness to do so.

The first relies on strict enforcement and credible deterrence. The second focuses on improving institutions, tightening oversight and placing checks on the exercise of power. The third emphasizes education, ethical awareness and a stronger commitment to public service.

These measures are intended to reinforce one another: enforcement deters misconduct, institutions reduce opportunities for abuse, and ethical education seeks to strengthen officials' commitment to integrity.

Constraining power through institutions 

The CPC emphasizes that combating corruption requires more than investigating individual cases. It also requires effective systems to regulate how power is exercised.

This involves strengthening internal Party regulations, clarifying the responsibilities and limits of officials, standardizing administrative procedures and improving oversight of key powers, including policymaking, administrative approvals, regulation and law enforcement.

The Party also seeks to integrate different forms of supervision, including routine oversight by Party organizations, disciplinary inspection, supervisory authorities, audits, inspections and public reporting. Together, these mechanisms are intended to strengthen accountability throughout the exercise of power and reduce opportunities for misconduct.

Organizational discipline and personnel management are also important parts of this framework. The CPC emphasizes selecting and appointing officials according to appropriate standards, promoting a sound understanding of governance performance and addressing improper practices in personnel decisions.

Institutional development underpins these efforts. By incorporating Party governance into a more comprehensive system of internal rules and regulations, the CPC seeks to make discipline and accountability an enduring part of its governance rather than relying solely on periodic campaigns.

Ultimately, the CPC presents full and rigorous Party self-governance as a means of strengthening its long-term governing capacity. Its approach combines improvements in work style, strict discipline, anti-corruption efforts, institutional oversight and organizational reform, with the stated goal of ensuring that officials exercise power responsibly and remain committed to serving the people.

For political parties seeking to sustain their governing capacity over the long term, the CPC's experience highlights the importance of continuous self-reform, effective internal rules, accountability and a sustained commitment to public service.