The General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, has signalled a further clampdown on corruption. He recently made a statement at a Party meeting associated with the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, stating that there should be full and rigorous Party self-governance with higher standards and more concrete measures.
The concept of stamping out corruption has been central to Xi Jinping’s leadership and has garnered much support from the population, especially among those who in the past have felt that Party elites were able to avoid justice for dubious behaviour.
Furthermore, this call for higher discipline within the Party comes into action alongside the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period. Party officials have stated that further efforts will be made to press ahead with anti-corruption policies in an effective manner to help guarantee the success of the goals of the Five-Year Plan.
It is clear from these statements that there is a renewed emphasis on improving Party conduct at all levels of the Party organisation, while also highlighting previous years’ successes in combating corruption. Party unification is a major goal within Chinese Party organisations, a goal that has been marred in the past by corruption at various levels, leading to distrust among the population. This statement sends a message to the people, Party officials, and workers that everyone is equal before the law, and that no individual, regardless of status, can be given special circumstances.
Although statements such as this confirm what many see as a genuine fight against corruption, others will remain sceptical about its effectiveness. However, the statement alone provides many with hope that the fight is genuine and will be carried out. Only the days ahead will truly determine the effectiveness of the policies aimed at rooting out corruption.
BakuTiflis 