Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), General Secretary Xi Jinping has advanced a series of new ideas on the governance of a large political party, offering original insights into addressing the “unique challenges of a major party”. These ideas have become an integral part of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Among them, the Eight-Point Decision on Improving Party and Government Conduct stands out as a powerful instrument and a clear answer to the fundamental question of what the CPC is and what it is for.
In December 2012, the Political Bureau of the 18th CPC Central Committee adopted the Eight-Point Decision, setting out rules to improve conduct in eight specific areas. The Decision set clear requirements in eight areas: doing better research and analysis and truly understanding actual conditions when doing grassroot-level studies; streamlining meetings and improving the way meetings are conducted; making documents and briefing papers more concise and improving writing styles; standardizing procedures for working visits abroad; improving security guard work and continuing to observe the principle of doing what improves relations with the people; improving new report; having strict rules on the publication of article; and promoting frugality and the strict observance of rules on incorruptibility in government. The aim is to combat the “four undesirable work style”, namely formalism, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance, and to launch a new journey in improving the Party’s conduct. Whether and how the Eight-Point Decision would be effectively implemented soon become an important lens through which observers assessed the CPC’s capacity for self-governance and self-reform.
Implementing the spirit of the Eight-Point Decision embodies the CPC’s commitment to self-reform—a hallmark of the Party’s self-governance in the new era. The reason the Eight-Point Decision has been able to address deep-seated problems that had persisted for years—earning the phrase “the Eight-Point Decision Changed China”—lies in the Party’s unwavering people-centered approach, the exemplary role of the central leadership, and the whole Party’s firm execution of the Decision, which has continuously strengthened public trust and support.
First, leading by example: building a solid foundation for good conduct. General Secretary Xi Jinping often stresses that officials at all levels must set an example and “take the lead”. The Eight-Point Decision serves as a political benchmark for all Party members, focusing on the “critical few”—the leadership—to drive broader improvements in conduct across the Party.
The Party’s top leadership has taken the lead. Under the guidance of General Secretary Xi, the Political Bureau has strictly enforced the Decision, formulating detailed implementing measures and overseeing their execution at all levels. Leading officials—from members of the Political Bureau to heads of central departments and local Party secretaries—have fully implemented the Decision in areas such as public receptions, overseas visits, official events, meeting size, news press, and use of official vehicles. Their self-discipline has produced a “leading geese effect”, setting a “red line” that cannot be crossed in Party conduct and governance.
Second, paying attention to details: correcting misconduct in small matters. Problems in work style often stem from habits and details. The implementation of the Eight-Point Decision focuses on tackling the most pressing issues and turning institutional requirements into everyday practices. The Party has addressed problems such as extravagant dining, misuse of public funds, exchange of gifts, luxury office renovations, and abuse of privilege. Even small matters, such as business trip arrangements or meeting hospitality, are strictly regulated, ensuring that minor corrections lead to major improvements.
Shortly after the Decision was introduced, during a field visit to Fuping County, Hebei Province in December 2012, General Secretary Xi had a simple meal of “four dishes and one soup” in a modest local hotel. This vividly illustrated the new norm of simplifying receptions and reducing formalities, improving Party conduct starting from the smallest details.
(Dinner menu for Xi Jinping during his research trip to Fuping County, Hebei Province, December 2012)
Tailored and targeted measures have also been implemented across different regions and sectors, supported by specific checklists and rectification plans. Continuous supervision and refinement at the micro level have reinforced the institutional effectiveness of the Eight-Point Decision, leaving no room for corruption or misconduct to take root.
Third, strengthening conduct: winning the people’s trust through integrity and discipline. Work style is not a peripheral issue, it reflects the Party’s long-term governing capacity. Strengthening conduct aims to make the Party’s image more grounded and closer to the people. By the end of 2024, 1.076 million cases of violations of the Eight-Point Decision had been investigated nationwide, involving 1.523 million officials, among whom 995,000 received Party or administrative disciplinary sanctions. Over time, noticeable improvements have emerged: frugality has become a norm, waste has been curbed, and “three public expenses”(official overseas visits, official vehicles, and official receptions) fell by 68.4 percent in 2023 compared to 2012.
The Eight-Point Decision has targeted issues that the public finds most objectionable—formalism, bureaucracy, and privilege—allowing people to witness tangible changes: government services have become more efficient and responsive. Mechanisms such as “respond to complaints upon receipt” have been established in many localities, ensuring that people’s concerns are promptly addressed and the Party’s people-centered commitment is upheld.
“Leading by example”, “focusing on details”, and “strengthening conduct” are mutually reinforcing dimensions of the Eight-Point Decision. Together, they form the framework of the CPC’s self-improvement in Party building in the new era. Only by maintaining leadership by example, refining institutions through attention to detail, and winning people’s trust through integrity can the CPC continue deepening its conduct reform, remain the strong core of leadership trusted by the people, and stay true to its founding aspiration—to serve the people wholeheartedly—and resolve the unique challenges of a major ruling party.
Author is Chinese Ambassador to Nepal
