New leadership, new approaches

Seven articles present Xi's thinking and policy measures on improving the work of officials and combating corruption. The new central leadership, committed to a policy of zero-tolerance toward corruption, is firm in its determination to catch the "tigers" as well as the "flies" - high-ranking officials guilty of corruption as well as petty ones. Dozens of corrupt officials at ministerial level or above have already fallen from power, and other serious cases are under investigation. Clearly committed to combating corruption with "combined blows," Xi has also vowed to put "power in a cage", stressing the construction of a system to effectively restrict the exercise of power and subject it to public scrutiny.

Xi stresses that officials should have a sound understanding of political achievements and be realistic and farsighted, laying solid foundations for the future rather than seeking quick wins. As he said when he took over the baton of leadership, "I will govern by serving the people and fulfilling the responsibilities that have been placed on me."

Xi believes that being responsible means adhering to one's principles and having the courage to take resolute action to stick up for one's principles; to tackle difficulties head-on and never shy away from conflicts, to face all kinds of crises, to admit one's part in mistakes, and to resolutely fight against misconduct. "Faith and determination" feature frequently in Xi's speeches. By which he means firm political beliefs and strategic determination.

With China's economy facing substantial downward pressure, the new central leadership has maintained stable growth within a reasonable range, keeping employment above a bottom line and inflation below an upper ceiling. Now it will focus on structural adjustments and maintain a stable macro policy.

Many of the speeches in the book address Xi's ideas on diplomacy and international relations. He has stressed on a number of occasions that we live in a global village, and all the inhabitants of that village should be conscious of their common destiny. He thinks that zero-sum thinking is outdated, and the trend and necessity for the future is win-win cooperation.

The new central leadership has been creative in developing new diplomatic ideas, which have been welcomed by the international community.

Xi encapsulated this approach to diplomacy in four words: "friendship, sincerity, reciprocity and inclusiveness" - the path of China's peaceful development.

The book presents a wide range of novel ideas and strategies for development and many valuable clues to China's future.

The author is a research fellow with the Party Literature Research Office of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.