Leading by example shows the way ahead

Editor's note: The landmark eight-point resolution on improving Party and government conduct, which was approved by the Communist Party of China Central Committee in 2012, has led to outstanding results. As the country enters the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period with the goal of advancing Chinese modernization, how can these achievements be transformed into long-term progress? Li Junru, former vice-president of the Party School of the CPC Central Committee, spoke to the People's Tribune on this issue. Below are excerpts from the interview. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

The most distinctive feature of the eight-point resolution on improving Party and government conduct is the principle of leading by example. The word "lead" is key because leaders must set an example that others follow. Backed by institutional safeguards, self-discipline and unity of purpose, this approach has delivered remarkable progress since the resolution was adopted.

The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee has taken the lead and strictly implemented the eight-point resolution. Every year, it conducts review meetings where criticism and self-criticism are practiced, setting a clear example for the entire Party. Despite facing complex situations, the Party has managed to implement rigorous self-governance in the organization. With strong enforcement and sustained efforts, many long-standing improper practices have been curbed and some deep-seated problems have been addressed. As a result of these remedial steps, the Party, government and social conduct have improved.

According to a 2024 survey by the National Bureau of Statistics, 94.9 percent of the respondents agreed that the implementation of the eight-point resolution had improved Party and government conduct, demonstrating how it has been supported by Party members as well as the public, while also improving Party-people relations.

The CPC is determined to advance rigorous self-governance in the Party. At the same time, turning the immediate results of correcting misconduct into a long-term mechanism requires time. It may take many years to develop an ecosystem of fine conduct.

By strengthening the Party spirit and building long-term mechanisms, fine conduct can be internalized as a habit of all Party members and civil servants. Five key measures can help implement the eight-point resolution.

First, the principle of leading by example needs to be followed at all levels. Leaders must take the lead, but grassroots levels need clear standards to follow. Without detailed implementation measures, leading by example will not be possible.

Second, alignment with the Party is essential. All those subject to the resolution must consciously align with the CPC Central Committee. Without such an alignment, leading by example risks becoming an empty slogan.

Third, institutional safeguards are critical. The Political Bureau's annual meeting, where Party work is assessed in detail, has become a model that is followed across Party organizations. Along with inspection and supervision by disciplinary bodies, this ensures that the Party conduct and discipline are coordinated.

Fourth, self-discipline is also necessary. Leaders and officials alike must practice self-restraint, managing themselves, their families and their staff with integrity. Only when external constraints combine with inner self-discipline can there be a strong resistance against misconduct.

Fifth, there should be unity of purpose. As a Marxist political party imbued with faith and discipline, the CPC is uniquely positioned to achieve unity of purpose. History has shown that only when the entire Party works with one heart and one mind can it overcome difficulties, manage risks and stay resilient, even in the face of daunting challenges on the path forward.