Xi demands loyalty and initiative from Communist Party after four-day closed session

China’s Communist Party leadership concluded a four-day closed-door session in Beijing this week, issuing a resolution that demands greater loyalty and initiative from officials at every level. The statement, released on Thursday, praised General Secretary Xi Jinping for demonstrating 'enormous political courage and strong sense of responsibility' in addressing corruption and governance weaknesses.

The session marked the latest phase in a long-running anti-corruption campaign that has intensified under Xi’s leadership. In a speech published in mid-October by the party’s Qiushi Magazine, Xi called for the removal of 'two-faced functionaries' who he described as 'political opportunists.' He criticized cadres who pretend to be 'nice guys' to avoid conflict, arguing that such behavior undermines strict party leadership.

Kerry Brown, head of the Lau China Institute at King's College London, explained that Xi is seeking to minimize sources of instability amidst economic difficulties and international tension. 'This is just going to intensify because if [the CCP] isn't disciplined and united, the party believes that it will go the same way as everywhere else in the world at the moment and become disunited and unstable,' Brown said.

The directive creates a complex dynamic for party members. Brown noted that demanding innovation and courage could weaken party control and fuel corruption, while stricter pressure risks suppressing initiative. He described the party as 'very, very risk averse,' suggesting Xi is willing to sacrifice operational flexibility for stability. 'As long as you have unity, you live for another day, right? But if you have disunity, you probably die the same day,' Brown said.

Chong Ja Ian, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore, offered a different perspective on the demand for proactivity. He argued that the 'proactivity' demanded by Xi is limited to implementation rather than decision-making. 'The 'proactivity' demanded by Xi is limited to the implementation, not decision-making,' Chong said, noting that functionaries have limited space to make independent choices.

Observers are watching how this drive for internal stability affects the succession question. Xi, 73, is highly likely to be confirmed as the party's general secretary next fall. He could remain in the post until 2032, following 2018 changes that removed term limits for state and party leaders. Brown said the danger of the party fragmenting over succession is a major factor in Xi's current strategy, adding, 'He can't go on forever.'

Chong said that naming a successor too early could undermine Xi's authority, while failing to prepare in time could create a power vacuum. He noted that resolving this dilemma requires self-confidence and a readiness to eventually step back, a trait not every leader possesses. The next step in this process is the formal confirmation of Xi's leadership position scheduled for next fall.