Xi stresses improvement of CPC leadership, warns against corruption

BEIJING -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) must keep improving itself to ensure its leadership in the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, said at a rally on Friday marking the Party's 95th founding anniversary.

Xi said the key to doing things well in China lies in the CPC, which currently has more than 88 million members and 4.4 million Party organizations.

"If we can not manage the Party well and govern the Party strictly, leaving prominent problems within the Party unsettled, our Party will sooner or later lose its qualifications to govern and will unavoidably be consigned to history," warned Xi in his speech at the event in Beijing.

He demanded Party members to become more aware of the need to uphold political integrity, keep in mind the bigger picture, follow the CPC as the core of the Chinese leadership, and act consistently with CPC Central Committee policy.

Citing an ancient Chinese saying which goes "If we can not behave ourselves, how can we ask others to be honest?" Xi demanded an upright Party work style and urged members to carry forward the fine tradition of the Party.

Xi also vowed to continue the fight against corruption, calling it "the biggest threat to the ruling party."

After more than three years of hitting "tigers" and swatting "flies," parlance for high-ranking officials and lowly bureaucrats, Xi said the anti-corruption drive is gaining ground.

"We will maintain our zero-tolerance attitude toward corruption and look into every case involving corruption, leaving no place to hide for corrupt officials within the Party," Xi said.

Xi also addressed the issue of official selection and promotion, pledging that "we will promote officials possessing both ability and integrity."

He urged cadres and officials to hold the Party and the people in their hearts, become more professional in their fields and regard selfless contribution to the Party and the people as their top pursuit.