政治规矩 (zhengzhi guiju): Political rules

At the fifth meeting of the 18th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China on Jan 13, Party leader Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of straightening out political discipline and political rules. At a meeting on Jan 16, Xi further emphasized that it is a fundamental political rule to stick to the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee.

"Political rules" is a key phrase to understand China's contemporary political thought. A party that has more than 86 million members will be chaotic without rules.

The Party has four major political rules. First, the entire Party should abide by the Party's Constitution. Second, Party discipline comprises the rules for the Party's political orientation, political stance, political views and political actions. Third, all Party members must abide by national laws. Fourth, the good tradition and working practice established by the Party over the years should be adhered to.

Nowadays many of the Party's rules have been neglected or undermined, which has damaged the Party's image and evoked widespread discontent. Party members should reflect on their behavior and stick to the Party's principles.