China’s President Xi says ‘inevitable’ for ruling party to have internal conflicts
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Mr Xi said it is necessary to eliminate all kinds of negative influences in a timely manner.
PHOTO: EPA-EFE
BEIJING – Chinese President Xi Jinping dismissed internal divisions within the ruling Communist Party as unavoidable, while calling for greater efforts to instil discipline, according to newly disclosed remarks he made at an anti-graft meeting in January.
“Changes in the external environment and in the party membership will inevitably lead to various conflicts and problems within the party,” Mr Xi said at the annual huddle of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection.
“It is necessary to eliminate all kinds of negative influences in a timely manner, with the courage of turning the blade inward to ensure that the party is always full of vigour and vitality.”
The top leader’s remarks were revealed in the Communist Party journal Qiushi on Dec 15, just weeks after another high-ranking military official was abruptly suspended from duty
Other parts of Mr Xi’s speech were previously reported by Xinhua in January, without such details.
China’s most powerful leader since Mao Zedong is deepening an anti-corruption campaign that he has used to root out unscrupulous officials and eliminate political rivals since taking office in 2012.
That drive ensnared a record number of senior officials for two straight years and set off a purge that is still roiling the defence establishment.
That widening crackdown has contributed to bureaucratic paralysis as officials, scared of making mistakes, refrain from taking risks to boost the nation’s slowing economy.
Top leaders appear aware of the issue, as they last week reiterated the need to fully implement the party’s instructions and step up “positive incentives” for local officials.
The party does not disclose all speeches delivered by Mr Xi in full, and often releases them months – or even years – after the fact, sometimes as a way to signal policy priorities.
The Qiushi article on Dec 15 also urged to “remove viruses that erode the healthy body of the party” in order to consolidate the Communist Party’s legitimacy. BLOOMBERG
