On the 15th, a national symposium on Party building was held in Beijing, at which arrangements were made for studying and implementing Xi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building.

(1) Addressing the Questions of Our Time

As socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and in the wake of profound changes in the global landscape, China’s national conditions, and the Party’s situation, a major question of our times has been placed before the Communists of China—

What kind of long‑ruling Marxist party should we build, and how should we build it?

Following the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping explicitly put forward the principle of “exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party,” placing it alongside the goals of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, deepening reform across the board, and advancing law-based governance, thereby forming the strategic layout of the “Four Comprehensives.”

The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China clearly set forth the overarching requirements for Party building in the new era, revising and expanding the original “five major areas of Party building” into a new framework: political, ideological, organizational, conduct‑related, and disciplinary development, with institutional development running throughout, and deepening the fight against corruption.

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China outlined major tasks for deepening the new great project of Party building in the new era across seven key areas, and for the first time put forward the significant initiative of “improving the system for exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party.”

The National Conference on Organizational Work and the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection systematically expounded General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important thoughts on Party building and on the Party’s self‑revolution.

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Entering the new era, in response to major issues of our times, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has put forward a series of new concepts, ideas, and strategies, thereby giving rise to Xi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building.

Rooted in the scientific theory of Marxism, grounded in the fine traditions of Chinese culture, and nurtured by the great practice of comprehensively and strictly governing the Party in the new era, Xi Jinping’s thought on Party building has made significant original contributions to the development of Marxist theory on Party building, bearing major practical significance and far‑reaching guiding value for strengthening both the Party and the country.

(II) Grasping the Core Essence and Key Principles

Xi Jinping’s thought on Party building is an important component of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and serves as the fundamental guiding principle for strengthening Party building in the new era.

To deeply understand and grasp the essential meaning of Xi Jinping’s thought on Party building, it is imperative to thoroughly comprehend the “Fourteen Upholdings”—

Upholding the leadership of the Party is the most essential feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Uphold the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee;

Uphold the principle of exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party;

Uphold the original aspiration and keep the mission firmly in mind;

Uphold the Party’s political development as the overarching principle;

Uphold the Party’s innovative theories to unite hearts and forge souls.

Uphold the cultivation of strong Party character;

Uphold and improve an organizational system that ensures seamless vertical alignment and robust implementation;

Uphold the development of a high-caliber cadre team capable of shouldering the great mission of national rejuvenation;

Uphold the sustained and institutionalized advancement of conduct-building efforts.

Uphold strict discipline in governing the Party as a whole.

Uphold the integrated approach of ensuring that no one dares to be corrupt, cannot be corrupt, and has no desire to be corrupt.

Uphold Party governance based on institutions and regulations;

Uphold and implement the political responsibility for Party governance and self-governance.

The aforementioned “Fourteen Upholdings” are rich in content and meticulously structured, embodying firm ideals and convictions, a high degree of historical initiative, a clear problem‑oriented approach, a strong sense of mission and responsibility, a profound commitment to the people, and a scientific methodology. They strike a balance between principle and practice, seamlessly integrating theory with application, and exhibit a distinct theoretical character.

(3) Guiding the Future Course

In 2026, China will mark the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and also usher in the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Looking at the world, the profound changes unfolding over the past century are accelerating, with a confluence of turmoil and instability intensifying, and great-power competition growing ever more complex and fierce. In China, the problems of unbalanced and inadequate development remain pronounced, the task of transitioning from old to new growth drivers is daunting, and risks and vulnerabilities persist in key areas. The “four major tests” and “four kinds of dangers” confronting the Party will endure for the long term, requiring even more arduous efforts in strengthening the Party itself.

The situation and the tasks, as well as history and our mission, all call for a Party that is stronger, more resolute, and brimming with vitality.

As we embark on a new journey, the entire Party must regard studying and implementing Xi Jinping’s Thought on Party Building as an important political task for the present and the period ahead. We must not only devote ourselves to “learning,” ensuring that we understand both what is and why it is; we must also delve deeply into “thinking,” thoroughly expounding the principled achievements, original contributions, scientific framework, rich connotations, essential spirit, and practical requirements of this thought. Moreover, we must seek tangible results in “application,” guiding Party organizations at all levels to consciously use this thought to plan and advance Party building, to implement all aspects of comprehensively strengthening Party self‑discipline with higher standards and more concrete measures, and to unite hearts and minds and pool strength so as to ensure steady and sustained progress in the cause of the Party and the country.