Xi Jinping's call for party unity is crucial to implementing reform

President Xi Jinping's speech at the National Day reception in Beijing set the scene for a significant milestone in his leadership of the Communist Party. This will be the fourth plenary session of the central committee of the 18th party congress, to be held against the background of intense debate over an unprecedented campaign against corruption that has reached into high places.

On the eve of the 65th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xi chaired a meeting of the central committee's political bureau, which scheduled the plenary session for October 20-23. This indicates consensus on issues to be addressed if the party is to rise to challenges in China's future development. Earlier reports revealed that for the first time this key meeting would adopt the rule of law as a central theme for strengthening the party's governance and unity. Debate is bound to include the anti-corruption campaign and how to finalise the case of former domestic security chief Zhou Yongkang , the first present or former Politburo Standing Committee member to be brought down because of economic crimes.

The focus on the rule of law and corruption, following debate on deepening reforms at the third plenary session, is set to complete the circle of consolidation of Xi's power just two years into his leadership. In that respect, Tuesday night's reception was notable for the rare public appearances together of almost all current and retired state leaders, including predecessors Jiang Zemin and Hu Jintao, former premiers Wen Jiabao, Zhu Rongji and Li Peng, and nearly every surviving former member of the Politburo Standing Committee. This was meant to signal support and unity among party elders amid the anti-graft drive.

Xi's call for solidarity in party ranks came when the impact of the campaign is causing concern in leadership circles. Vowing to boost the party's ability to rule, he offered no respite from the campaign, calling for all flaws and weaknesses to be overcome to maintain party unity, creativity and fighting strength. Such unity is fundamental if the party is to meet the challenges posed by the goal of economic reform, including an expanded role for the private sector in the allocation of resources. In that regard, it was good to hear Xi promising priority to reform and innovation while reiterating the principle of peaceful development in a complex international environment.