CPC politburo's action key to fighting improper work styles

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has launched a year-long campaign to fight formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance. The world is watching how the campaign will proceed.

A recently concluded meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee provided a clear answer.

Members of the political bureau summarized the implementation of eight work style-improving measures proposed six months ago and proposed a future plan for improving work styles during a meeting held from June 22 to 25.

The meeting signaled that the political bureau will take the lead in improving work styles.

Members of the political bureau wrote their own speeches for the meeting after conducting research and talking with a variety of people in accordance with the eight measures.

The eight measures include simplifying meetings and speeches, standardizing leaders' overseas visits, improving news coverage of leaders' work and exercising thrift.

Self-criticism is a tradition in the CPC. The political bureau took the lead in engaging in criticism and self-criticism during the meeting.

Political bureau members should "implement the 'dos' before asking others to do so and refrain from doing something themselves if they don't want others to do it," said a statement issued after the conference.

The CPC is facing a complicated situation and dealing with a variety of challenges. Starting as a humble group of 50 idealistic Chinese, it has become an 80-million-strong political party ruling over the world's most populous country.

How should one steer the world's biggest political party and consolidate its ruling status? And how can one lead 1.3 billion people to realize the "Chinese Dream"? These questions are testing the wisdom and leadership of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

That's why Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, has proposed five requirements for strengthening the political bureau's construction.

The priority for the political bureau is to adhere to the correct political orientation, Xi said, asking political bureau members to deepen their understanding of both the domestic and international situation as well.

They have also been required to implement the rule of democratic centralism. When the political bureau discusses an issue, all of its members should fully express their views. Decisions should be made with the principle of the minority submitting to the majority. Once decisions are made, they must be strictly implemented.

Xi also urged political bureau members to have open minds, disregard any selfish considerations and dedicate themselves to the interests of the CPC and the people.

In addition to showing resolution in fighting formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, the political bureau also provided a clear map of how it will improve the CPC's work styles in the future.

To improve work styles, the political bureau must provide feasible solutions. The politburo meeting resulted in the arrival of such solutions.

Governments at all levels will be required to standardize the ways in which officials are entitled to offices, housing, cars, secretaries and vacation time, for instance.

This measure, among others, will ensure that no officials enjoy excessive benefits. Reducing such extravagance is key to improving the CPC's work styles.