China’s Xi says strict party governance has positive impact, does not stifle growth

Chinese President Xi Jinping has mounted a direct defence of the campaign for strong Communist Party governance and internal discipline, describing them as a “fundamental guarantee” for China’s rise and warning against any easing of scrutiny, according to state media.

Xi took the floor as the party’s 20th Central Committee closed its fifth plenum on Thursday, to directly address the scepticism over the sweeping campaign, state news agency Xinhua reported on Sunday.

According to “side notes” released by Xinhua on a document formally approved at the end of the four-day plenary session, Xi emphasised the need to “further raise awareness of the importance and urgency of relentlessly advancing the party’s full and rigorous self-governance”.