Prepared by: Nabaz Mustafa
Following the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in November 2012, the newly elected Central Committee, led by Xi Jinping, issued an "Eight-Point Decision on improving work styles and strengthening ties between the Party and the people." This decision aimed to enhance the conduct of the Party and the government.
The Eight-Point Decision laid a solid foundation for historical reform and significant changes in the Party's behavior and national governance. This has considerably impacted China's progress in political, economic, social, cultural, and national governance spheres. It has also energized the building of a strong nation and the great national rejuvenation of China through Chinese modernization.
The Eight-Point Decision marks the first step in the CPC's efforts to improve its conduct, which Party members must adhere to. Xi Jinping stated, "Leading officials at all levels must serve as role models and exemplify what they say and how they live up to their promises. Within the Politburo, I will start with myself." This was the beginning of a more comprehensive process of improving work styles and operations within the Party and government.
The Eight-Point Decision included:
Conducting Better Investigations and Research for a True Understanding of Situations at the Grassroots Level: This means being meticulous during field research and truly understanding people's real lives.
Streamlining Meetings and Improving Their Effectiveness: This involves shortening meeting times and ensuring they are effective and productive. It also means taking practical measures and avoiding excessive and useless ceremonies.
Reducing and Improving the Writing of Documents and Speeches: This emphasizes the importance of conveying information clearly and quickly.
Standardizing Procedures for Official Overseas Visits: This helps to carefully plan such visits, ensuring integrity and effectiveness in international relations.
Improving Oversight Mechanisms to Understand and Implement Principles for Better Engagement with the People: This focuses on the relationship between officials and the public, requiring a mechanism to ensure officials remain connected to the people and listen to them.
Enhancing News Reports: This means preparing news that is clearer and more accurate, avoiding excessive propaganda, and being more relevant to people's daily lives.
Establishing Strict Rules Regarding the Publication of Articles: This promotes oversight and adherence to internal discipline and regulations, avoiding unnecessary personal publicity.
Promoting Frugality and Strict Oversight of Regulations on Corruption within the Government or Party: This means having a supervisory system to prevent any form of corruption, misuse of power, or personal gain from positions. The aim is to purify Party and government institutions and restore public trust.
This decision has had a profound impact on China's progress in political, economic, social, cultural, and national governance aspects, including:
Politically, the Eight-Point Decision is viewed as a "minor incision" that triggered comprehensive reforms and tight restrictions on internal Party and government practices. This led to deep self-purification within the Party, safeguarding its position and enhancing its moral integrity, unity, and fighting capacity.
Economically, the Eight-Point Decision brought fundamental changes in how budgets and resources are allocated. By reducing extravagance and preventing rent-seeking, it helped cleanse the relationship between government and businesses, creating a more equitable environment. This was a powerful force for promoting high-quality economic development.
Socially, the Eight-Point Decision resonated deeply with Party members and the general public. It facilitated the resolution of critical issues like corruption and violations of law among officials. This garnered genuine public support and provided a strong foundation for the Party's long-term governance.
Culturally, the decision played a crucial role in eradicating remnants of feudal practices and countering the harmful influences of negative Western cultures. It revitalized the Party and government's work styles as a powerful example in bringing profound changes in public morality and social customs, and liberating the human spirit. The decision provided a solid foundation for advancing China's socialist modernization.
In terms of National Governance, the Eight-Point Decision significantly contributed to the modernization of China's national governance system and its governance capabilities. It injected new spirit into Party members and cadres and substantially strengthened the Party's long-term governance capacity.
Therefore, the Eight-Point Decision created a historic transformation in China and established a decisive characteristic of the Party's governance in the new era. It has been highly valued and continuously supported. The decision provided a strong guarantee for comprehensive progress in building a powerful nation and realizing the great national rejuvenation of China through Chinese modernization.