Xi chairs meeting on ideological work, draft ethnic unity law

BEIJING -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee on Friday held a meeting to deliberate the Regulations on the Ideological and Political Work of the Communist Party of China, as well as to study a draft of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Advancing Ethnic Unity and Progress. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

The meeting emphasized that ideological and political work represents the Party's fine tradition, distinctive feature, and prominent political strength. The formulation of the regulations holds significant importance for upholding and reinforcing the Party's overall leadership in this field, and for enhancing the scientific, institutionalized, and standardized level of such work.

The need was emphasized at the meeting to give full play to the guiding role of ideological and political work. It called for making it a top priority to use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to build consensus and strengthen conviction, with education on ideals and beliefs at the core. Efforts should be made to strengthen study, publicity, and education in close connection with reality, so as to better unify thinking, build consensus, strengthen confidence, and boost morale. It is essential to improve ideological and political work under new circumstances, in line with changes in social groups, and to make the work more targeted and effective. It is imperative to uphold and strengthen the Party's overall leadership over ideological and political work. Party committees (leading Party members' groups) should strengthen organizational leadership and ensure effective implementation of relevant policies and decisions. All Party members, particularly leading officials, must enhance Party consciousness, set an example in doing ideological and political work, and strive to break new ground in advancing endeavors in this regard.

It was pointed out at the meeting that the enactment of the Law of the People's Republic of China on Advancing Ethnic Unity and Progress aims to translate the Party's major theoretical and practical achievements in handling ethnic affairs into national will through national legislation, improve institutions and mechanisms for forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, and further strengthen the cohesion and centripetal force of the Chinese nation.

The imperative was stressed at the meeting to continuously consolidate the common ideological and political foundation for all ethnic groups to strive in unity, unswervingly uphold the overall leadership of the Party, and remain committed to the correct approach with Chinese characteristics to handling ethnic affairs. It is essential to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, promote the building of this community, further facilitate all-round integration and extensive exchanges and interactions among all ethnic groups, and ensure that they can strive in unity and achieve common prosperity and development. It is imperative to do a good job in formulating, introducing and implementing laws and regulations to improve the capability of managing ethnic affairs in accordance with the law.

The requirements were set at the meeting for further strengthening work on workplace safety and natural disaster prevention. It was stressed that the people-centered development philosophy must be upheld, people's safety and lives must be considered a top priority and development must never be pursued at the cost of safety. Targeted measures should be taken to prevent and defuse safety risks, while full efforts should be made in emergency rescue and disaster relief, with timely and proper arrangements for disaster-affected residents. All regions and departments must resolutely substantiate the responsibility for workplace safety, and do a good job in safeguarding workplace safety and natural disaster prevention, so as to attach the same importance to high-quality development and high-level security.

Other matters were also deliberated at the meeting.