The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a democratic life meeting and emphasized:
Firmly and persistently implement the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation.
Foster unity and gather strength through excellent conduct, and focus on practical implementation.
General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC Central Committee presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.

From December 25 to 26, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a democratic life meeting. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xie Huanchi

Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, December 26 — From December 25 to 26, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a democratic life meeting to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully carry out the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and focus on steadfastly implementing the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulations, promoting the normalization and long-term effectiveness of style-of-work building. Participants conducted self-examination and Party-cultivation analysis in light of their actual thoughts and work, and engaged in criticism and self-criticism.

General Secretary Xi Jinping of the CPC Central Committee presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.

From December 25 to 26, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a democratic life meeting. Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xie Huanchi

Before the meeting, relevant parties made thorough preparations. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held heart-to-heart talks with responsible officials, listened to their opinions and suggestions, and drafted speaking outlines. At the meeting, first, reports were heard on the implementation of the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulations by the Political Bureau in 2025 and on efforts to tackle formalism and reduce burdens on the grassroots level in 2025. Then, members of the Political Bureau spoke one by one, focusing on the meeting’s theme and carefully examining and deeply analyzing issues in light of the “Several Provisions of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Strengthening and Safeguarding the Party Central Committee’s Centralized and Unified Leadership” and the “Detailed Rules for Implementing the CPC Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulations.” They engaged in candid self-criticism and open, frank exchanges, creating an atmosphere that was both serious and lively, and achieved the desired outcomes.

The remarks made by comrades of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee focused on five key areas: First, taking the lead in strengthening political loyalty and enhancing political competence; second, taking the lead in consolidating fundamentals and cultivating virtues, thereby strengthening Party spirit; third, taking the lead in respecting the people, respecting the organization, and respecting laws and discipline; fourth, taking the lead in getting things done and taking responsibility; and fifth, taking the lead in firmly shouldering the responsibility for governing and managing the Party.

The meeting emphasized that 2025 will be an extraordinary year. Faced with the severe challenges posed by both domestic and international developments, the Party Central Committee—with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—has united and led the entire Party and all ethnic groups across the country to rise to these challenges and strive vigorously. As a result, the major goals for economic and social development will be smoothly achieved, and the 14th Five-Year Plan is set to come to a successful conclusion. China’s economy has continued to move forward under pressure, pursuing new directions and higher-quality growth; reform and opening-up have taken new steps; livelihood safeguards have become even stronger; and overall social stability has been maintained. These achievements have not come easily.

The comrades of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee unanimously agreed that the new and significant achievements made by the Party and the country are fundamentally attributable to the leadership and guidance of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, as well as to the scientific guidance provided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The entire Party must deeply grasp the decisive significance of the “Two Establishments,” enhance the “Four Consciousnesses,” firmly uphold the “Four Confidences,” and ensure the “Two Safeguards.” Next year marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. We must resolutely implement the decisions and deployments of the Party Central Committee, fully, accurately, and comprehensively carry out the new development philosophy, accelerate the establishment of a new development pattern, focus on promoting high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening-up in a comprehensive manner, better coordinate development and security, and drive the economy toward both qualitative improvement and reasonable quantitative growth. We must continue to improve people’s livelihoods, maintain social harmony and stability, and advance the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party in depth, striving for a good start.

Xi Jinping commented on each comrade’s self-examination and对照检查 speeches delivered to the members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, putting forward specific requirements for each one and then offering a comprehensive summary. He pointed out that this democratic life meeting was highly effective, enhancing the cohesion and combat effectiveness of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and is of great significance for continuously opening up new prospects in the development of Chinese-style modernization.

Xi Jinping emphasized that since the 18th National Congress of the Party, we have started with the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and, by thoroughly implementing the spirit of the Party’s Eight-Point Regulation, have made concerted efforts to rectify the “Four Winds,” achieving remarkable results. This year, we are carrying out in-depth study and education throughout the Party on the spirit of the Party’s Eight-Point Regulation, tackling prominent problems head-on and with real determination, thereby driving new and significant progress in style-building. We must continue to treat the Party’s Eight-Point Regulation as an iron rule and an unshakable standard, relentlessly addressing the persistent and deeply entrenched “Four Winds” and constantly promoting the normalization and long-term effectiveness of style-building. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should set a high example for the entire Party in terms of firm belief, pragmatism, responsibility, and self-discipline, leading by example and setting a model for all Party members.

Xi Jinping pointed out that firmly believing in Marxism and holding fast to our ideals and convictions are the very foundation upon which communists stand. Leading cadres must connect their theoretical study with the Party’s historical mission and the responsibilities they bear, deepen their understanding of theory, strengthen self-reflection, and become steadfast Marxists. They should devote themselves wholeheartedly to the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, focusing their thoughts and energy on effectively realizing, safeguarding, and developing the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people, and thus achieve accomplishments worthy of the times. They must enhance their political competence, resolutely implement the Party’s basic theories, basic line, and basic strategies, clearly define their political stance, political principles, and political direction, and always maintain a high degree of consistency with the Party Central Committee.

Xi Jinping emphasized that communists are materialists, and pragmatism is an essential quality. We must seek truth from facts, be practical and down-to-earth, and take concrete actions with real results. Leading cadres must go deep into the grassroots level, pay close attention to listening to diverse voices, and ensure they have a clear understanding of the actual situation. They should put great effort into study and research, strengthen their analysis of the situation, see through appearances to grasp the essence, and identify underlying patterns. They must take the lead in opposing formalism and foster a strong atmosphere that values practical work and delivers tangible results.

Xi Jinping pointed out that leading cadres must dare to take responsibility, fulfill their duties conscientiously, and wholeheartedly shoulder their responsibilities. Within the scope of their responsibilities, they should proactively take on heavy and difficult tasks. They must face difficulties, contradictions, and potential risks squarely, rise to the occasion, and overcome challenges with determination. They must uphold the principles of Party spirit, clearly distinguish right from wrong, and dare to fight bravely, taking a firm stand on major issues and fundamental principles.

Xi Jinping emphasized that leading cadres—especially senior cadres—must maintain a clear head and exercise strict self-discipline, always staying true to their original character and faithfully fulfilling their duties with utmost caution and humility. They must rigorously uphold the principle of democratic centralism, strictly implement the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation and its detailed rules for implementation, and strictly abide by the rules governing deliberation and decision-making, consciously acting in accordance with established systems and norms. They should cherish virtue and hold themselves in high regard, stay clean and upright, oppose privileged thinking and behavior, and take good care of those around them and matters within their immediate sphere of influence, truly embodying integrity and honesty.