Chairman Unlimited

Xi Jinping‘s speech at the 19th central committee’s fourth collective study session on Sunday, rendered there by Xinhua newsagency, contained the usual buzzwords from building a modern socialist country, making the great regjuvenation of the Chinese nation real, a country ruled according to the law (依法治国), and the moderately prosperous society (小康社会). Apart from that, Xi reportedly also pointed out that “the constitution is the superstructure and must therefore suit the changes at the economic base (宪法作为上层建筑，一定要适应经济基础的变化而变化).

Xi also seems to have gone to some length to emphasize the legitimacy derived from the constitution, and from constitutional behavior. No wonder: the CCP’s politburo has sent a draft of constitutional changes to the “National People’s Congress'”  standing committee, according to the second Xinwen Lianbo newsitem last night.

The amendment that has caught most of the international attention on Sunday is actually a reduction:

14. Article 79, para 3, “The People’s Republic of China chairperson’s and vice chairperson’s terms in office are identical with the terms of each National People’s Congress, and must not exceed the duration of two terms.” The amendment reads: “The People’s Republic of China chairperson’s and vice chairperson’s terms in office are identical with the terms of each National People’s Congress.”

十四、宪法第七十九条第三款“中华人民共和国主席、副主席每届任期同全国人民代表大会每届任期相同，连续任职不得超过两届。”修改为：“中华人民共和国主席、副主席每届任期同全国人民代表大会每届任期相同。”

With me in charge, you are at ease, are you not? – click photo above for Xinwen Lianbo video

At the central committee’s collective study session, Xi, the beneficiary (and arguably author) of this amendment, was keen on pointing out how important a constitution is, provided that it contains the correct amendments:

Xi Jinping emphasized that the constitution has the highest legal status, legal authority, and legal force. Above all, our party must set an example in venerating and implementing the constitution, and by leading the people in drawing up and implementing constitutional law, and [by leading the people in] persisting in unified action with the party within the scope of constitutional law. No organization or individual must have prerogatives beyond the law. All acts that violate constitutional laws must be investigated. […]

习近平强调，宪法具有最高的法律地位、法律权威、法律效力。我们党首先要带头尊崇和执行宪法，把领导人民制定和实施宪法法律同党坚持在宪法法律范围内活动统一起来。任何组织或者个人都不得有超越宪法法律的特权。一切违反宪法法律的行为，都必须予以追究。 […..]

The constitution is a matter for the “National People’s Congress”, China’s ersatz parliament. As for Xi’s function as CCP secretary general and head of the central military commission (officially, there is one CMC by the state, and one by the party, but they are in fact identical), there appear to be no term limits anyway.

Foarp has started a discussion on his blog.

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Related

How safe will he be in 2023, Dec 13, 2014
Xi Jinping’s first time, Nov 29, 2012
你办事，我放心, People’s Daily, July 4, 2012

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Chairman Xi, Braving the Wind and the Rain in Shenyang Military Region

The following is a translation of the top news of CCTV’s main newscast, Xinwen Lianbo, aired on August 30. Links within the translation added during translation.

Main Link: Xi Jinping visits Shenyang Military Region (习近平视察沈阳战区部队)

CCTV online news (Xinwen Lianbo): On the eve of the National Games of the People’s Republic of China‘s opening ceremony, CCP Secretary General, State Chairman, and Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping paid a special inspection visit to the Shenyang combat zone troops. He emphasized that the implementation of the party’s goal of a strong army under new circumstances needed to be deepened, that the building of the troops needed to be comprehensively strengthened, that the ability to perform missions and responsibilities needed to be improved, to make yet bigger new contributions.

央视网消息（新闻联播）：中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平在出席十二届全运会开幕式 前夕，专门视察了沈阳战区部队。他强调，要深入贯彻落实党在新形势下的强军目标，加强部队全面建设，不断提高履行使命任务能力，为维护国家主权、安全、发 展利益作出新的更大贡献。

Xi Jinping has always shown great interest in the construction and crew training of China’s first aircraft carrier. In the morning of August 28, after getting off the plane, he braved the wind and the rain and came to the Naval Aircraft Integrated Testing and Training Base, watched the carrier-based aircrafts taking off from ski-jump ramps, landing-blocking training, and inspected relevant equipment on the ground. On seeing the pilots completing all kinds of trainings very efficiently, Xi Jinping was most happy and applauded them enthusiastically. Xi Jinping cordially received the first batch of officers on board, the test pilots, and the pilots of the carrier-based aircraft, and strongly appreciated the excellent skills and virtuosity shown by the pilots under complex weather conditions. Xi Jinping also listened closely to an introduction of the carrier-based aircrafts’ design and functions, required the technicians in charge to conscientiously analyse the aircraft test flight data, and to climb to the top of science and technology. On leaving, he encouraged everyone to make persistent efforts, to deepen their studies, to learn diligently and to train proficiency, tp become excellent carrier-based aircraft pilots soon.

习近平一直十分关心我国第一艘航空母舰建设和部队训练。28日上午，他一下飞机就冒着风雨来到海军某舰载机综合 试验训练基地，观看舰载机滑跃起飞、阻拦着陆训练，实地察看有关设备。看到飞行员们干净利落完成了各项训练科目，习近平十分高兴，为他们热情鼓掌。习近平 亲切接见了首批上舰指挥员、试飞员和舰载机飞行员，高度赞赏飞行员在复杂气象条件下表现出的过硬本领和精湛技艺。习近平还仔细听取了舰载机设计和性能介 绍，要求有关科技人员认真分析战机试飞数据，不断攀登科技高峰。临别时，他勉励大家再接再厉、深入钻研、勤学精练，早日成为优秀的航母舰载机飞行员。

On that day in the afternoon, again through wind and rain, Xi Jinping went to Dalian, to board the “Liaoning” naval vessel there. The military flag fluttered in the wind, the sailors stood in good order and the “Liaoning” greeted a moment of glory. Xi Jinping inspected the guard of honor, then climbed up a ladder, then to the hangar, the battle stations, he inspected the equipment and facilities, enquired about the technical and tactical performance, and about the officers’ and men training situation. Xi Jinping showed great concern for logistical support, accomodation [of the crew], food, medical care, and asked detailed questions. He accepted the ship emblem and ship cap, carefully prepared by the sailors, and solemnly signed his name in the logbook. At parting time, Xi entered the gangway, affectionately waved to the sailors, told the ship captain and political commissar to be mindful of their duties, not to dishonor their mission, to shape combat effectiveness and security effectiveness soon, and to make their contributions to a powerful People’s Navy.

当天下午，习近平又风雨兼程赶往大连，登上停泊 在大连港的辽宁舰。军旗迎风飘扬，水兵整齐列队，辽宁舰迎来了一个庄严光荣的时刻。习近平检阅了水兵仪仗队，随后攀舷梯、下机库，深入舱室战位，察看舰上 装备设施，询问技战术性能，了解官兵工作训练情况。习近平十分关心舰上官兵后勤保障情况，住宿、饮食、看病等，他问得很详细。习近平接受了水兵们精心准备 的舰徽、舰帽，郑重在航泊日志上签名。离别时，习近平登上舷梯，向水兵们深情挥手，他叮嘱辽宁舰舰长和政委，你们要牢记职责，不辱使命，早日形成战斗力和 保障力，为建设强大的人民海军做贡献。

On the afternoon of August 29th, Xi Jinping visited the Shenyang Military Region authorities, received officers from the divisional level upwards, and heard the Shenyang Military Region work report. Xi Jinping fully affirmed the achievements made in the building of Shenyang Military Region troops during recent years. He emphasized that the implementation of the party’s goal of a strong army under new circumstances was related to national defense and the overall situation of troop building, and the army’s performance of their missions and responsibilities.  We need to persist in the deep implementation of the goal of a strong army in the building of the troops, vigorously promote the learning and education of the goal of a strong army, uphold the connection between theory and practice, make good use of transformation, to make it a strong driving force for strengthen the comprehensive building of the troops, deepening the reform and innovation of the troops, and for promoting military preparedness. Always hold on to and listen to this spirit of a strong army under the party’s command, by active work on your own initiative, to occupy the troops ideological, cultural, and public-opinion position. Make sure about the troops’ loyalty, absolute purity [or honesty], absolute reliability, so that they always, under all circumstances, firmly obey the party’s central committee and the central military commission. The party committees on all levels must play a leading role at the core in the realization of the goal of a strong army. They must lend efforts to improving the standards of scientific decision-making, democratic decision-making, and of decision-making in accordance with the law. The implementation of the goal of a strong army must be expanded to the grassroots and the most outlying points, the enthusiasm, self-initiative, and creativity of officers and soldiers for the realization of the goal of a strong army be brought into play, to firmly build the solid foundatoin for the goal of a strong army.

29日下午， 习近平来到沈阳军区机关，接见驻沈阳部队师以上干部，听取沈阳军区工作汇报。习近平对近年来沈阳军区部队建设取得的成绩给予充分肯定。他强调，贯彻落实党 在新形势下的强军目标，关系国防和军队建设全局，关系我军有效履行使命任务。要坚持在部队建设中深入贯彻落实强军目标，大力推进强军目标学习教育，坚持理 论联系实际，搞好转化运用，使之成为加强部队全面建设、深化部队改革创新、推进军事斗争准备的强劲动力。要始终扭住听党指挥这个强军之魂，以积极主动的工 作占领部队思想阵地、文化阵地、舆论阵地，确保部队绝对忠诚、绝对纯洁、绝对可靠，任何时候任何情况下都坚决听从党中央、中央军委指挥。各级党委要发挥在 实现强军目标中的核心领导作用，着力提高科学决策、民主决策、依法决策水平。要推动贯彻落实强军目标向基层拓展、向末端延伸，发挥广大官兵为实现强军目标 而奋斗的积极性、主动性、创造性，切实打牢实现强军目标的坚实基础。

Xi Jinping emphasized that there is the need to continue the in-depth construction of the army style in accordance with rising standards, to achieve a fundamental improvement in the building of the army style. In accordance with the general requirements of “looking in the mirror, tidying our attire, taking a bath and curing our diseases”, concentrate on the continuous solution of the four working-style problems of formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, aim at the problems, we must do a good job in rectification, and make sure that special rectification achieves real effects. We must keep the doors open and engage in activities, work and pull together to solve problems, and, achieve solid education. From top to bottom, we must maintain our grasp, one level on the other, and one level leading the other in [the process of] change. We must establish a scientific and reasonable set of rules and regulations, and promote the working-style normalization and durability. Other tasks must be accomplished at the same time with strengthening the work style, with scientific coordination, organic combination [the term might come close to synergy effects], grasping two links at the same time and being mindful of advancing both of them.

习近平强调，要坚持按照标准更高、走在前列的要求不断把部队作风建设引向深入，努力实现 作风建设根本性好转。要按照“照镜子、正衣冠、洗洗澡、治治病”的总要求，集中精力持续解决“四风”问题，针对问题抓好整改，确保专项整治取得实实在在的 成效。要坚持开门搞活动，群策群力把问题解决好、把教育实践活动搞扎实。要坚持自上而下抓，一级抓一级，一级带着一级改。要建立一整套科学合理的法规制 度，推动作风建设常态化长效化。要把加强作风建设同完成其他各项工作任务结合起来，科学统筹、有机融合，做到两手抓、两促进。

Xi Jinping pointed out that support for local economic construction needed to be made an important task, that a good job at supporting the poor and the hardship-stricken, assistance for students and education, medical support, the building of a new [rural] countryside etc. needed to be done. The fields and scopes of integration of the military and civilians needed to be expanded, the defense economy and society’s economy be promoted, military-use and civilian-use technology, army talents and local talents be developed in mutually compatible ways. Support and participation in the construction of local ecological civilization, combined military-civilian efforts in good protection and development of the fertile white mountains and the black water [characteristics of northeastern China, which Liaoning province with its capital Shenyang is part of] was needed.

习 近平指出，要把支援地方经济建设作为一项重要任务，深入做好扶贫帮困、助学兴教、医疗扶持、支援新农村建设等工作。要拓展军民融合的领域和范围，积极推进 国防经济和社会经济、军用技术和民用技术、部队人才和地方人才兼容发展。要支持和参加地方生态文明建设，军民合力把美丽、富饶的白山黑水保护好、发展好。

Finally, Xi Jinping emphasized that right now, the Shenyang Military Region troops needed to play a role as the main force and a shock brigade in flood-relief efforts, protect the safety of the people’s possessions and the fruits of its economic construction. Security and supporting tasks for the 12th National Games needed to be fulfilled meticulously, to make an active contribution to “safe and peaceful National Games”.  Fan Changlong, Wang Huning, Li Zhanshu and Wu Shengli, Liu Xiaojiang, Wang Jiaocheng and Chu Yimin took part in the relevant activities [of Xi Jinping’s visit].

习近平最后强调，当前，沈阳军区部队要在抗洪抢险斗中发挥主力军和突击队作用，保护人民财产安全和经济建设成果。要精心做好第十二届全运会有关安保和支援任务，为实现“平安全运”积极贡献力量。范长龙、王沪宁、栗战书和吴胜利、刘晓江、王教成、褚益民参加有关活动。

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Related

» Military Pop, August 1, 2013
» Quietly like the Rain, July 25, 2013
» Braving the Tide and Sky, Oct 6, 2012
» The Soldiers’ Haircuts, March 10, 2012

Xi Jinping’s New Work Style in Action

There were no formalities and extravaganzas when Xi Jinping revisited Zhengding Town in Hebei Province on July 11, Hebei Daily (via Enorth, Tianjin) reported. No police motorcades, only two small or medium-sized buses, quietly like the rain (雨悄没声). And Xi even recognized the party branch secretary in the village from his first visit, in 2008.

Later, the party and state leader “spontaneously” visited a family:

“The General Secretary has come to our home”, 18-year-old Jie Jinkai wrote on QQ. The General Secretary had randomly chosen Jin’s family to visit there. “Village cadres knocked on the door, and the General Secretary just came in. I was on the internet, my younger sister was watching television, and Grandma, Mum and Dad were busy with other things – I couldn’t believe my eyes.”

“总书记来我家了。”这是18岁的解金凯11日更新的QQ签名。总书记是随机选择来到他家的。“村干部敲开门，总书记就走了进来。当时我正在上网，妹妹正在看电视，奶奶、爸爸、妈妈都在忙着别的事，当时简直不敢相信自己的眼睛。”

The kids airing their heels, and Granny working her ass off: this was extremely realistically choreographed moderate-prosperity stuff, and the message was clear: The party’s new work style is in full swing, with modesty, cloeseness to the masses, small meals, and small people.

Xi Jinping listens closely and conscientiously takes notes – CCTV evening news (Wednesday) on a conference with provincial leaders in Wuhan, Hunan Hubei Province.
Click picture for video.

Xi speaking, cadres taking notes – CCTV evening news on Wednesday.

Will President Xi Jinping turn out to be a reformer in the vein of Taiwan’s Chiang Ching-kuo, the South China Morning Post (SCMP, Hong Kong) asked on July 18. Or will he walk a more conservative path, becoming a leader in the mould of Communist Party helmsman Mao Zedong?

Conventional wisdom has it that a new leader needs to consolidate power before making decisive political moves (if he has any on his mind). But the SCMP quoted members of liberal circles in China who believe the opposite: that Xi could only move before his successor (who would only succeed him in about nine or ten years, if you go by the experience of Jiang Zemin or Hu Jintao) becomes known. That’s to say, Xi’s window of opportunity would be during his first five-year term.

But rather, the SCMP quoted another liberal, Xi had moved to the “left”, i. e. Maoist tradition.

On July 19, People’s Daily (online) reported on Xi’s activities as chairman of the Central Military Commission. The CMC is both an organ of the party and the state, and formally, they are therefore two different bodies. However, membership of both of them is identical, and only during the transition between Hu Jintao and Xi Jinping, when Xi had become the CCP’s general secretary, and Hu remained head of state (and therefore the “state CMC”), their functions could count as slightly different from each other.

With Xi’s approval, People’s Daily wrote, the Central Military Commission has recently published the “Army implementation of the Party’s regulations on building the system of incorrupt government”.  (经中央军委主席习近平批准，中央军委日前印发《军队实行党风廉政建设责任制的规定》。)

The “Regulations” thoroughly implement the spirit of the 18th National Congress of the CCP, and under the guidance of the Deng Xiaoping Theory, the important thoughts of the “Three Representatives” [Jiang Zemin] and of scientific development [Hu Jintao] resolutely implement Chairman Xi’s important series of instructions, closely centered around the party’s goal, in the new situation, of a strong military, in accordance with the Central Committee’s and the CMC’s relevant rules concerning
the Party’s regulations on building incorrupt government. [The “Regulations”] combine the troops’ reality, clearly stipulated the concrete responsibilities of all levels within the party committees, of the commissions for discipline inspection of the CCP, and of leading cadres, as well as measures for inspection, supervision, responsibility and investigation.

《规 定》深入贯彻落实党的十八大精神，以邓小平理论、“三个代表”重要思想、科学发展观为指导，坚决贯彻习主席一系列重要指示，紧紧围绕党在新形势下 的强军目标，依据党中央、中央军委关于党风廉政建设的有关规定，结合军队实际，明确规定了各级党委、纪委和领导干部在党风廉政建设中的具体责任，以及检查 监督和责任追究的制度措施。

The CMC requires all levels to thoroughly study the spirit of the 18th National Congress of the CCP, to conscientiously implement the Central Committee’s, the CMC’s and Chairman Xi’s important instructions on incorrupt government and anti-corruption work, conscientiously implement the Politburo’s eight rules of the CPC Central Committee on improving work style and maintaining close contact with the people, and the spirit of the CMC’s ten regulations  for strengthening the work style, centered around the goal of a strong military, to do good work by strictly implementing the Party’s regulations on building incorrupt government. Measures of different forms must be taken for propaganda and education to create a good atmosphere for the implementation of the “Regulations”. The responsibility of the party work style of incorrupt government must be carried out earnestly, and concerted efforts must truly take shape.

中 央军委要求，各级要深入学习贯彻党的十八大精神，认真贯彻党中央、中央军委和习主席关于加强党风廉政建设和反腐败工作的重要指示，认真落实中央政治 局关于改进工作作风、密切联系群众八项规定和中央军委加强自身作风建设十项规定精神，紧紧围绕强军目标，把严格执行党风廉政建设责任制作为一项重要政治任 务切实抓紧抓好。要采取多种形式搞好宣传教育，营造学习贯彻《规定》的良好氛围。要切实履行抓党风廉政建设的责任，真正形成齐抓共管的合力。

Still within the third paragraph, but in bold characters, i. e. emphasized, the People’s Daily article says that

Right from the sources, corruption must be fought, in accordance with the “Regulations”, concrete measures and methods must be improved, systems to control and supervise with complete power must be built, and the power be impounded in a systematic cage. The edcuational activities for the development of the party’s mass line [or ampaign on mass line education and practice] must be deepened, we must concentrate on solving the four working-style problems of formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance. Searching our way step by step, 抓铁有痕的劲头, clutching the building of the work style, we must achieve. We must adhere to the principle that where there’s where there is a [criminal? corruption?] case, there needs to be an investigation, where there’s corruption, there needs to be punishment, we must adhere to the principle of striking both at tigers and flies, and conscientiously rectify and deal with our [respective] units’ problems at party work style building, and corruption problems. By strict and impartial discipline, we guarantee the Party’s regulations on building the system of incorrupt government.

要 从源头上有效防治腐败，依据《规定》制定完善具体措施办法，健全权力运行制约和监督体系，把权力关进制度的笼子里。要深入开展党的群众路线教育实践活动， 集中解决形式主义、官僚主义、享乐主义和奢靡之风这“四风”问题，以踏石留印、抓铁有痕的劲头，把作风建设一抓到底、抓出成效。要坚持有案必查、有腐必 惩，坚持“老虎”“苍蝇”一起打，认真纠正并严肃处理本单位在党风廉政建设和反腐败工作中存在的问题，以严明的纪律保证党风廉政建设责任制的贯彻落实。

Not only the liberals quoted by the South China Morning Post on July 18 are pessimistic. Willy Wo-Lap Lam, once himself an SCMP editor, interprets Xi’s language as reminiscent of the Great Helmsman’s masterly blend of the vernacular and the metaphysical. And rather than establishing institutions such as universal-style checks and balances, […] Xi is resorting to Cultural Revolution-era ideological and propaganda campaigns to change of mindset of cadres, observes Lam.

This doesn’t necessarily amount to an allegation that Xi would be a Maoist himself. Rather, independent commissions against corruption might target the alleged wealth of China’s “first families”, not least Xi Jinping’s own family.

Institution-building could pose personal risks. But then, maybe the Xi’s aren’t that rich after all. Or maybe the new work style will truly take shape.

Until then, authority needs to be inherited.

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Related

Ban on new Government Buidlings, Herald Sun / AAP, July 23, 2013

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Updates/Related

Charges against Bo Xilai, BBC, July 25, 2013

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Obituary: Chen Xitong, 1930 – 2013

–

Chen Xitong

Former Beijing mayor Chen Xitong (陈希同) died on Sunday. HK China News Agency (HKCNA, a branch of mainland Chinese China News Service) broke the news on Tuesday, reportedly in a rather scant bulletin.

Chen was born in Sichuan Province, in 1930, and died aged 82, 83, or 84, depending on how you count the years. He was seen as a staunch supporter of the Tian’anmen massacre of June 4, 1989. In 1992, he became a member of the central committee’s politburo, and party secretary in Beijing. In turn, he ended his mayorship after some ten years in office.

His career ended in 1995, when he faced corruption charges. In 1998, he was sentenced to sixteen years in jail, but was released on medical parole in 2006.

According to sources beyond HKCNA – quoted by the Voice of America -, Chen Xitong’s relatives released a bulletin of their own, too. Chen Xitong’s son, Chen Xiaotong (陈小同),  thanked those who had helped the family during the illness of his father. Chen Xitong reportedly died from cancer.

Yao Jianfu (姚监复), a former researcher at the state council’s rural development research center, met Chen Xitong several times after Chen’s release in 2006. In June 2012, he had his accounts of their discussions, Conversations with Chen Xitong, published in Hong Kong.

Chen is said to have contested the notion that his role in the Tian’anmen massacre had been crucial. Deng Xiaoping had had his own sources to make his decision (i. e. didn’t depend on information from the Beijing mayor).

In June 2012, on the occasion of the publication of the Conversations, the Washington Post quoted Chen Xitong as having referred to the 1989 demonstrations as an American-backed conspiracy orchestrated by a “tiny handful of people”  at the time of the movement, 24 years ago. Chen, in his rather recent conversations with Yao Jianfu, is also quoted as comparing his political fate (concerning the corruption charges in 1995) to that of Bo Xilai.

Some allegations against Chen Xitong, regarding his role in 1989, are based on the alleged diary by then chief state councillor Li Peng. But some allegations appear likely, such as Chen having been in charge of the headquarters that oversaw the crackdown. Either way, he certainly played his role well enough to get promoted to the politburo.

–

Candellight Vigil in Hong Kong

Tens of thousands of Hong Kongers attended a candellight vigil in Victoria Park on Tuesday night. William Chan, a Youtube user, wrote:

Hong Kong made me proud today. A big crowd braved heavy rain to attend. This was the moment when we all put down our umbrellas to raise our candles. The chants at the end are “Vindicate June 4th!” and “Never give up!”

The erhu music performed is called 江河水 [River Water].

____________

Related

» Ma Ying-jeou’s June-4 remarks, Taiwan Today, June 5, 2013

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Xi Jinping on Youth Day: “Open the Skies for the Young”

Chinese chief of party and state Xi Jinping spoke to outstanding young people from all walks of life at the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation‘s (中国航天科技集团公司) China Academy of Space Technology (中国空间技术研究院) on Saturday. Among China’s English-language media, China Daily, sina.com, and the All-China Women’s Federation website cover the event.

Main Link: Xi Jinping holds a forum with outstanding youth representatives from all walks of life (习近平同各界优秀青年代表座谈)
Links within the following blockquotes were added during translation.

Xinhua (via CCTV), May 4, 2013:

On the occasion of Youth Day, CCP Central Committee Secretary General, State Chairman and Central Military Commission Chairman Xi Jinping came to the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation’s Academy of Space Technology on May 4 and took part in a community activity under the theme of “Realizing the Chinese Dream, the Young assume their tasks”, talked with representatives of outstanding young people from all walks of life and gave an important speech, and, on behalf of the Central Committee, extended greetings on the occasion of Youth Day.

新华网北京5月4日电 五四青年节到来之际，中共中央总书记、国家主席、中央军委主席习近平4日来到中国航天科技集团公司中国空间技术研究院，参加“实现中国梦、青春勇担当”主题团日活动，同各界优秀青年代表座谈并发表重要讲话，代表党中央向全国广大青年致以节日问候。

Xi emphasized that the young are most vigorous and idealistic, that the country rose with the rise of the young, and that the country was strong when the young were strong. The staunch ideals and convictions of the young, their abilities to pass the hardest tests, their courage to innovate and to create, their hard and persevering work, their strong and high-minded characters, their vivid dream of realizing the take-off of the China dream would write a splendid new chapter in the bookof the unremitting struggle in the people’s interest.

习近平强调，青年最富有朝气、最富有梦想，青年兴则国家兴，青年强则国家强。广大青年要坚定理想信念，练就过硬本领，勇于创新创造，矢志艰苦奋斗，锤炼高尚品格，在实现中国梦的生动实践中放飞青春梦想，在为人民利益的不懈奋斗中书写人生华章。

At 9:30 in the morning, Xi Jinping arrived at the China Academy of Space Technology’s exhibition hall and viewed the exhibition of space technology achievements. On seeing that the secretary general had arrived, some of the outstanding young representatives who were also viewing the exhibition gathered around him, and Xi Jinping smiled and shook hands with one of them after another.

上午9时30分许，习近平来到中国空间技术研究院展厅，参观空间技术成就展。看到总书记来了，正在参观的部分优秀青年代表围了过来，习近平微笑着和大家一一握手。

CCTV coverage, with about the same wording as the Xinhua article – click picture for video.

The Xinhua article continues to set the scene for another while, describing how Xi Jinping closely listens to explanatons or introductions in front of the exhibits and having discussions with young technical or academic leaders. The average age of the Chang’e team and the Shenzhou team was 33; that of the Beidou system team was 35;  that of the Dongfang-Hong-4 team [a 1967 project] had been 29; that of a satellite application team was 28, Xi Jinping hears with great pleasure, pointing out that the hope for technological innovation is placed on the young.

The article then lists participants from different places and companies or authorities, from a petrochemical welding pioneer (中国石油第一建设公司第三工程处313工程队电焊技师裴先锋) to a party branch secretary from Inner Mongolia (内蒙古自治区新巴尔虎右旗克尔伦苏木芒来嘎查党支部书记), and military officers.

About 806 out of the article’s 1878 words are reserved for an account of Xi Jinping’s actual speech, basically centering around the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is carefully crafted and meant to enthuse the youth delegates who are attending. But there is also some space for the interest of the individual:

Xi Jinping pointed out that all along, the party represented the young, won the young over, relied on the young, all along attached great importance to the young, showed care for the young, and trusted the young. Facing the future, leaders and cadres from all levels of the party and the government needed to make further efforts to pay attention to the aspirations of the young, to help the young develop, to support them starting businesses, to open the skies even wider for the galopping ideas of the young (青年驰骋思想) and a still wider platform for their innovative work, more opportunities for shaping their lives, and more favorable conditions.

习近平指出，我们党始终代表青年、赢得青年、依靠青年， 始终重视青年、关怀青年、信任青年。面向未来，各级党委、政府和领导干部要进一步关注青年愿望、帮助青年发展、支持青年创业，为青年驰骋思想打开更浩瀚的 天空，为青年实践创新搭建更广阔的舞台，为青年塑造人生提供更丰富的机会，为青年建功立业创造更有利的条件。

[…]

Prior to the forum, Xi Jinping had a cordial meeting with the participating outstanding youth representatives from all walks of life and had keepsake photos taken with them.

座谈会前，习近平亲切会见了参加座谈会的各界优秀青年代表并合影留念。

____________

Related

» In space, the possibilities are endless, Ronald Reagan Radio Address, July 21, 1984
» May-4 Youth Day, Wikipedia, acc. 20130505
____________

Xi Jinping’s First Time: Promoting a General, Resisting Western Hopes, and (maybe) Heeding Hu’s Advice

What led me to the following speculation – and translation – is a post on a Sincere Soldier‘s (至诚大兵) People’s Daily blog, on the promotion of Wei Fenghe (魏凤和), by Xi Jinping, the CCP’s Central Military Commission. It was published on November 24 (Saturday).

I’m not quite sure what makes Wei Fenghe‘s promotion so unusual (if there is anything that does), but People’s Daily appeared to see a need to explain Wei’s  promotion from middle general (中将军) to senior general (上将军), not least in the light of other former middle generals who had had to wait longer for their promotion than Wei. To provide such explanation seems to be the job of Sincere Soldier, the “blogger” on the People’s Daily platform.

Some comment from other media (before we are getting back to Sincere Soldier):

Promoting senior military officers is one of the two most effective ways for a civilian party leader to consolidate his control over the world’s biggest fighting force. The other is increasing military spending to improve soldiers’ welfare,

the South China Morning Post (SCMP) explained, also last Saturday.

“The coming of Xi’s era is far earlier than expected by most of the outside world,” Lin said. “The authorisation of Wei’s promotion signifies the kicking off of his time in charge of the military, although the process is going as expected”, the SCMP quoted Taiwan’s former deputy defense minister Lin Chong-pin, within the same article on Saturday.

Another issue that Sincere Soldier addresses can be found in New Tang Dynasty Television (NTDTV’s) comment on Lei Fenghe’s promotion:

According to the constitution, the chairman of the Central Military Commission is the head of the National Central Military Commission and also the head of the national military. Xi Jinping has been recently promoted as the Chairman of the CCP’s Central Military Commission. However, Hu Jintao is still Chairman of the national Central Military Commission. Commentator Xia Xiaoqiang: “Hu Jintao hopes that Xi Jinping improves authority in the military by promoting an army general. This will help maintain the stability of the CCP regime in a whole. […] The CCP doesn’t care about whether or not it abides by the Constitution. In front of the law, the Party has the final say.”

“Sincere Soldier”, the People’s Daily blogger, seems to see an issue there, although – obviously – in a different light. Read for yourselves.

Links within the following blockquotes added during translation – JR.

Main Link: Sincere Soldier’s blogpost

According to China Military Online, the Central Military Commission (CMC) held a solemn ceremony for the promotion to a senior general’s rank at the 8-1 building in Beijing today. CMC chairman Xi Jinping promoted CMC member and Second Artillery Corps member Wei Fenghe to the rank of a senior general.

中新网11月23日电据中国军网记者频道报道，中央军委今天在北京八一大楼隆重举行晋升上将军衔仪式。中央军委主席习近平向晋升上将军衔的中央军委委员、第二炮兵司令员魏凤和同志颁发命令状。

This is the first time that Xi Jinping signed a promotion to a senior general’s rank after becoming CMC chairman, which led to particular interest among observers. What does this first signature reveal about the construction of our military? Please read my straightforward analysis as a sincere serviceman.

这是习近平担任中央军委主席后首次签署命令晋升上将，格外引人注目。习近平担任中央军委主席后首次签署命令晋升上将，究竟凸显了我军建设的那些重要信息呢？请看至诚大兵我的五点分析式揭秘：

(1) It shows that the People’s Liberation Army resolutely obeys Chairman Xi’s command. That Xi Jinping signs the first promotion to the rank of a senior general is intended to demonstrate, to insiders and outsiders, the People’s Liberation Army resolve to obey CMC chairman Xi’s commands. To listen to the party’s commands is the core and the spirit of the People’s Liberation Army’s good tradition. After Xi Jinping took the CMC chairmanship, the People’s Liberation Army, above all, needed to uphold the party’s absolute leadership of the armed forces, the forces’ political political qualification, its absolute loyalty and reliability, to resist [by this ceremony] the West’s hopes for a “nationalization of the military forces“.

一、表明解放军坚决听从中央军委习近平主席的指挥。习近平担任中央军委主席后首次签署命令晋升上将，意在向军内外展示解放军坚决听从中央军委习主席指挥的决心。听党的指挥，是解放军优良传统的核心和精髓。习近平担任军委主席之后，解放军最首要的就是保持党对军队的绝对领导，政治合格，绝对忠诚可靠，用行动抵制西方希望的“军队国家化”。

Hu Jintao, not so Mursi – for copyright reasions, I’m not including a  photo here, but it can be found there.

(2) It shows once more the nobility and sterling integrity of Hu Jintao’s withdrawal. Hu Jintao considered the overall development and on his own initiative relinquished his service as CMC chairman. The way Hu Jintao, on the extended meeting of the CMC, introduced Xi Jinping as a man who was qualified to chair the CMC reflected the high degree to which the handover was made on a foundation of trust. However, Hu Jintao remains in charge of the People’s Republic of China’s Central Military Commission^*), and to step down from this service will require confirmation from next year’s National People’s Congress (NPC). The way in which the new CMC chairman Xi Jinping signed and announced the promotion by writ once again reflected Hu Jintao’s nobility and sterling integrity and his great trust in Xi Jinping, the profoundness of his mind, which avoided the possibility of a “crash” from the promotion.

二、表明胡锦涛全退高风亮节的新延续。胡锦涛从事业发展全局考虑，主动提出不再担任中央军委主席职务。胡锦涛在军委扩大会议上，向与会人员介绍习近平是合格的中央军委主席，体现了两位军委主席的移交是建立在高度信赖的基础之上。然而，胡锦涛仍然担负着中华人民共和国军委主席的职务，这个职务的卸却需要明年全国人大的确认。此时晋升上将军衔，由新任军委主席习近平签署和颁发命令状，再次体现了胡锦涛主席的高风亮节和对习近平的高度信赖，其博大胸怀避免了可能的晋升上将“撞车”。

(3) The solemnity of the occasion showed a great emphasis on the Second Artillery Corps’ importance. […]

三、特殊隆重表明对二炮部队重要性的高度重视。[今年7月30日的建军节前，中央军委才举行过晋升上将军衔仪式，一年内这样简短时间间隔内，再次举行晋升上将军衔仪式，这是我军1988年恢复军衔制以来的首次，这次晋升魏凤和上将军衔非常特殊与隆重。这个特殊性凸显了以习近平为主席的中央军委对解放军二炮部队重要性的高度重视，体现了二炮在未来的对敌斗争及至军事作战行动中均可替代的重要作用，也体现了中央军委对二炮广大官兵的期待与关怀。]

(4) It shows that Chairman Xi Jinping grasps the construction of the armed forces in accordance with the army regulations. […]

四、表明习近平主席按照军队条例条令抓部队建设。[按照解放军《军官军衔条例》的规定，中央军委副主席、中央军委委员、总参谋长、总政治部主任的职务编制军衔为(陆军)上将，正大军区职的职务编制为上将或中将。虽魏凤中将军衔仅只4年，然而习近平主席签署命令并现场颁发命令状，晋升魏凤和为上将，表明军队建设与国防建设的正规化，必须从制度建设着手，军委主席照样要按照《军官军衔条例》等军队条例条令的规定抓部队建设。]

Wei Fenghe’s promotion to senior general’s rank will be conducive to our military troops’ organizational command and to related activities. An army officer’s promotion to senior general’s rank is a very solemn and serious event. If we go by Ma Xiaotian and Liu Yuan as examples, they both held ranks as middle generals for nine years. [ Unsafe translation: Based on the records of service, there are above-board military-region middle generals with longer terms as middle generals than Wei Fenghe to be chosen. However, Chairman Xi Jinping signed the order and announced Wei Fenghe’s promotion in the same place also lets Wei exercise complementary tasks as CMC member and the command of the Second Artillery Corps.] Wei Fenghe’s promotion will be conducive to the Second Artillery Corps’ organizational command and to related activities. Wei Fenghe’s duties and positions, besides commanding the Second Artillery Corps, will – depending on the situation – require the command of the Corps, corresponding public activities and foreign activities, and Wei Fenghe’s promotion is conducive to the troops’ organizational command and to the related activities.

五、魏凤和晋升上将有利于我军部队组织指挥和相关活动。军官晋升上将军衔，是非常隆重与严肃的大事。以目前的马晓天、刘源上将为例，他俩都分别在中将位置上停留了9年时间。如果论资历，显然目前比魏凤和中将任职时间长的正大军区职人选还有。然而习近平主席签署命令并现场颁发命令状，晋升魏凤和为上将，还有让魏凤和军衔与其军委委员和二炮司令员职务相匹配的考虑。魏凤和晋升上将有利于二炮部队组织指挥和相关活动。魏凤和的职务与职位，除了指挥二炮部队外，必要时需要指挥二炮外的全军部队，而且还将担负相应的公务活动以及外事活动，魏凤和晋升上将有利于部队组织指挥和相关活动。

The “People’s Liberation Army” would be under the CCP’s command either way, but the Communist Party’s immediate command (shortcutting state supervision and command) doesn’t go without saying. The above People’s Daily blogpost, by suggesting that PLA nationalization would only fulfill “Western” hopes, blanketly counts Chinese proponents of such nationalization into a “Western” camp.

____________

Note

^*) Uaually, both the party’s and the state CMC’s are identical in membership.

____________

Press Review: “Adjustments at General Staff Headquarters”

Links within blockquote added during translation – JR.

China News Service (中新网) / Enorth (Tianjin)

According to the Defense Ministry website, the People’s Liberation Army’s General Headquarters have announced major adjustments:

General Staff Department: Fang Fenghui (Senior General) is appointed as People’s Liberation Army General Staff Headquarters commander. On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Staff Department section showed that the name for Chief of General Staff was changed to Fang Fenghui (Senior General).

据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，房峰辉(上将)出任中国人民解放军总参谋长。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，在总参谋部版块中，中国人民解放军总参谋长已更新为房峰辉(上将)。

According to the People’s Republic Defense Ministry website’s latest announcement, Wang Guanzhong (Middle General) is appointed as PLA deputy Chief of Staff. On October 25, On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Staff Department section showed that Wang Guanzhong (Midle General) has been appointed PLA Deputy Chief of General Staff.

据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，王冠中(中将)出任中国人民解放军副总参谋长。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，总参谋部版块显示，王冠中(中将)已出任中国人民解放军副总参谋长。

According to the People’s Republic Defense Ministry website’s latest announcement, Qi Jianguo (Middle General) is appointed PLA Deputy Chief of Staff. On October 25, On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Staff Department section showed that Qi Jianguo has been appointed PLA Deputy Chief of General Staff.

据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，戚建国(中将)出任中国人民解放军副总参谋长。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，总参谋部版块显示，戚建国(中将)已出任中国人民解放军副总参谋长。

According to the People’s Republic Defense Ministry website’s latest announcement, Zhang Yang (Senior General) has been appointed PLA General Political Department Director. On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Staff Department section showed that the name for PLA General Political Department Director has been changed to Zhang Yang (Senior General).

中国军网北京10月25日电据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，张阳(上将)出任中国人民解放军总政治部主任。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，在总政治部版块中，中国人民解放军总政治部主任已更新为张阳(上将)。

According to the People’s Republic Defense Ministry website’s latest announcement, PLA Deputy General Political Department Director Du Jincai (Senior General) concurrently serves as the PLA Disciplinary Secretary. On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Staff Department section showed that PLA General Political Department Deputy Director Du Jincai (Senior General) concurrently serves as PLA Disciplinary Secretary.

据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，中国人民解放军总政治部副主任杜金才(上将)兼任军纪委书记。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，总政治部版块显示，中国人民解放军总政治部副主任杜金才(上将)兼任军纪委书记。

According to the People’s Republic Defense Ministry website’s latest announcement, Yin Fanglong (Middle General) has been appointed PLA General Political Department Deputy Director. On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Staff Department section showed that Yin Fanglong (Middle General) has been appointed PLA General Political Department Deputy Director.

据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，殷方龙(中将)出任中国人民解放军总政治部副主任。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，总政治部版块显示，殷方龙(中将)已出任中国人民解放军总政治部副主任。

According to the People’s Republic Defense Ministry website’s latest announcement, Zhao Keshi (Senior General) has been appointed PLA General Logistics Department Director. On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Logistics Department section showed that the name for PLA General Logistics Department Director has been changed to Zhao Keshi (Senior General).

据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，赵克石(上将)出任中国人民解放军总后勤部部长。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，在总后勤部版块中，中国人民解放军总后勤部部长已更新为赵克石(上将)。

According to the People’s Republic Defense Ministry website’s latest announcement, Zhang Youxia (Senior General) hass been appointed PLA General Equipment Director. On October 25, an update of the defense ministry website’s database, within the General Equipment section, showed that the name of PLA General Equipment Director has been changed to Zhang Youxia (Senior General).

据中华人民共和国国防部网最新信息披露，张又侠(上将)出任中国人民解放军总装备部部长。
10月25日，国防部网军委总部领导数据库出现更新，在总装备部版块中，中国人民解放军总装备部部长已更新为张又侠(上将)。

____________

Related
» Long Anticipated, Taiwan News / AP, Oct 25, 2012
» Major Reshuffle, Want China Times, Oct 25, 2012
» Two Political Commissars Promoted, Global Times, Oct 24, 2012
» Photo Clues, The Age, Oct 23, 2012
» Candid and In-Depth, July 11, 2011
» U.S. Overstates China Threat, WSJ, May 19, 2011
» Jiang, Wikipedia, accessed Oct 25, 2012
» PLA General Staff Department, Wikipedia, accessed Oct 25, 2012

People’s Daily on October 1: Relentless Rejuvenation

–

1. People’s Monument ceremony

Picture 1 – see China News Service Online (中新网) / Enorth (Tianjin) here.

Photos on the Chinese original by Xinhua news agency.

Links within the following blockquote added during translation.

On the morning of October 1, party and state leaders Hu Jintao, Wu Bangguo, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Li Changchun, Xi Jinping, Li Keqiang, He Guoqiang, Zhou Yongkang and others went to Beijing Tiananmen Square and, with representatives from all walks of life in Beijing, laid down wreaths to the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

10月1日上午，党和国家领导人胡锦涛、吴邦国、温家宝、贾庆林、李长春、习近平、李克强、贺国强、周永康等来到北京天安门广场，同首都各界代表一起，向人民英雄纪念碑敬献花篮。

[…]

On the Monument’s northern side, the Central Committee, [members/representatives from] the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, the State Council, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the Central Military Commission, all democratic parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce and personalities without party membership, people’s organizations, members of the Beijing public from all walks of life, and the Young Pioneers of China, respectively laid down big wreaths, one after another. On each wreath’s red ribbon, red letters said that “the people’s heroes will live forever”.

在人民英雄纪念碑北侧，中共中央，全国人大常委会，国务院，全国政协，中央军委，各民主党派、全国工商联和无党派人士，各人民团体，首都各界群众，中国少年先锋队分别敬献的9个大型花篮一字排开。每一个花篮的红色缎带上都写着“人民英雄永垂不朽”的金色大字。

[…]

Beijing CCP Secretary Guo Jinlong presided over the ceremony.

敬献花篮仪式由北京市委书记郭金龙主持。

–

2. People’s Daily Editorial

Links within the following blockquotes added during translation.

Special report on Two Holidays: Mid-Autumn and National Day

Bravely Advancing on China’s Hopeful Road
奋进在充满希望的中国道路上

— Celebrating the 63rd Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China
——庆祝中华人民共和国成立63周年

2012 is different from other years. At a moment on our path where opportunities and challenges are intertwined, socialist China advances particularly firmly. Responding to the spreading and deepening international financial crisis, [China] accelerates the transformation of its economic development, protects the country’s sovereignty and social stability in a complicated and volatile international situation, steadily promotes reform in key areas, “Shenzhou 9” took off, “Jiaolong” submarine explored the sea, and other important and innovative tasks were smoothly completed… The great People’s Republic, by storming forward, overcame difficulties, and with brave self-confidence forged ahead to its worthy 63rd anniversary, with the people confidently greeting the Party’s 18th National Congress.

2012，是不同寻常的一年。在机遇、挑战交织而来的时代征程中，社会主义中国前行的步伐格外坚定。应对蔓延深化的国际金融危机加快转变经济发展方式，面对复杂多变的国际形势坚决维护国家主权和社会稳定，重点领域和关键环节一系列改革稳步推进，“神九”飞天、“蛟龙”探海等重大创新任务顺利完成……伟大的共和国以攻坚克难、奋勇前进的自信迎来第六十三个华诞，全国人民满怀信心迎接党的十八大胜利召开。

How could this year not be a minitiature of the People’s Republic’s path of development? Looking back at the ten years since the Party’s 16th National Congres, we have followed an extraordinary path, with the international situation being volatile, the task of stable reform at home was heavy. With Comrade Hu Jintao as the party general secretary and under the Central Committee’s strong leadership, all nationalities have grasped the important strategy of this era full of opportunities, and made good use of them, sustained the emancipation of mind, deepened reform and opening, promoted scientific development and social harmony, and managed a series of great things, happy events and difficult issues, and did their utmost to promote the cause of Chinese socialism to a new stage of development.

这荡气回肠、令人振奋的一年，何尝不是中国发展历程的缩影？回顾党的十六大以来的10年，我们走过了很不寻常的道路，国际形势风云变幻，国内改革发展稳定任务繁重。在以胡锦涛同志为总书记的党中央坚强领导下，全国各族人民紧紧抓住和用好我国发展的重要战略机遇期，坚持解放思想，深化改革开放，推动科学发展，促进社会和谐，办成办好办妥了一系列大事、喜事、难事，奋力把中国特色社会主义事业推进到一个新的发展阶段。

The following paragraphs are similarly breathless and in awe of achievements. In particular, an average annual growth of 10.7 percent (during the past ten years, apparently), urbanization (exceeding 50 percent of the population), and a 1.8-fold income growth in urban and rural areas – apparently the mixed average of the two, as there are (not mentioned in this article, obviously) disparities between urban and rural income development -, are listed.

For more than a century, countless Chinese people advanced wave upon wave, relentlessly pursuing the dream of national rejuvenation, moving from the eastern horizon and coming to us in big strides.

一百多年来无数中国人前赴后继、不懈追求的民族复兴梦想，正从东方的地平线大踏步向我们走来。

The paragraph following that basically tries to condense the decade of Hu/Wen leadership, from the people-oriented concept (以人为本) of scientific development to socialist social harmony (社会主义和谐社会), from the acceleration of economic-development transformation to an innovative country, from socialist core values to a strong socialist country, etc..

The final paragraph refers to the CCP’s (more or less scheduled) 18th National Congress, emphasizes the leading role of Hu Jintao, the guiding ideas of “Deng Xiaoping Theory” and Jiang Zemin’s “Three Represents”, and announces a beautiful tomorrow for the great motherland’s future.

An overweight woman lies at the feet of the editorial. That said, the editorial mentions modest prosperity as a goal for the nearer future.

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Related

» The CCP sighs with Emotion, July 17, 2011

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