Xi pledges to ‘fulfill duty’ as new CPC leaders revealed

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‍Xi Jinping pledged to continue China’s march towards common prosperity as he revealed the make-up of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 19th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Wednesday morning.

“We will work diligently to do our duty, fulfill our mission and earn the trust of CPC members,” he said.

Xinhua Photo

Xi spoke at a press briefing at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing after being re-elected general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) at the first plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.

Standing alongside the other newly-elected members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau, Xi told the watching world his re-election was “not just approval of my work, but also encouragement that will spur me on” and pledged to continue “to rid ourselves of any virus that erodes the Party’s fabric.”

New Standing Committee

Click here for more details on the Standing Committee members’ biographical sketches.

Xi Jinping and Li Keqiang are the only men to retain positions on the seven-person Standing Committee.

The five newly-elected members are Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Wang Huning, Zhao Leji and Han Zheng.

Twenty-five Central Committee members were also elected on Wednesday morning to the Political Bureau, the body from which the Standing Committee is elected.

‘March towards common prosperity’

Xi outlined his plans for China over the coming five years in a short speech, noting that the 19th CPC National Congress had set new goals and tasks that must be seen through.

He stressed the need to continue to strive to achieve benefits for all Chinese people and eradicate poverty, stating that “on the march towards common prosperity, no one must be left behind."

”The aspirations of the people to lead a better life must always be the focus of our efforts,” he added. “I have no doubt in my mind that our people’s lives will see further improvement year after year.”

Xi also outlined “several important junctures and signposts” lying ahead in the next five years.

"We will continue our efforts to accomplish all the tasks laid down in the 13th Five-Year Plan, develop new blueprints for China's future and see the flourishing of all our endeavors," he said.

Xinhua Photo

Xi noted that 2018 marks 40 years since the start of China’s reform and opening-up process, and pledged to deepen reform and open up further to the world: “The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will become a reality during the course of reform and opening up.”

"We will act on the new vision for development, and strive for sustained and healthy economic growth that benefits people in China and around the world," Xi added.

Xi also urged the press to continue to follow China’s development and progress, and learn about and report on “more dimensions” of the country.

“We do not need lavish praise from others. However, we do welcome objective reporting and constructive suggestions. For this is our motto: 'not angling for compliments, I’d be content that my integrity fills the universe.'”

Zhao Leji to head CCDI

Zhao Leji was elected the new secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) of the CPC on Wednesday morning.

Zhao Leji. /CGTN Photo

Xi stressed that the CPC, as the world’s largest political party, must act in a manner commensurate with its status.

"We as its members must always have a youthful spirit and forever be the servants of the people, the vanguard of the times and the backbone of our nation. Exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party is a journey to which there is no end," he said.

"We should never entertain the idea of taking a breather or halting our steps. Instead we must continue to rid ourselves of any virus that erodes the Party’s fabric."

Xinhua Photo‍

Zhao will continue the far-reaching anti-corruption drive that has seen more than 70,000 officials at or above the county level investigated for suspected corruption since 2012.

Zhao was elected at a plenary session of the CCDI, at which the discipline body also elected its deputy secretaries and Standing Committee members.

Xi Jinping Thought

The new leadership announcement came a day after the conclusion of the 19th CPC National Congress, at which Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era was enshrined in the Party Constitution.

The final day of the CPC National Congress also saw the 19th Central Committee elected with 204 full members and 172 alternate members. The new membership of the 133-strong CCDI was also elected on Tuesday.

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