China’s Politburo puts politics and discipline on agenda with economy
- China’s Communist Party leaders set the tone for national parliamentary sessions in March and stress need for wider focus
The first meeting of the year for China’s Politburo spoke volumes about the priorities of Communist Party leaders. First, it this week set the tone and direction for the coming national parliamentary sessions in March.
It also signalled that while stabilising the troubled economy is important, it will not be the only focus of this year’s agenda, instead sharing top billing with party politics.
For those hoping China would focus mainly on measures to jump-start the world’s second-largest economy and rescue mainland and Hong Kong markets from the doldrums, the signal was clear if somewhat muted.
After discussing reports from the National People’s Congress, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the State Council and top judicial authorities, the Politburo signalled that political control and party discipline remain front and centre.
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While supporting stable economic growth and stabilising markets now at multi-year lows remain important, China is focused on the longer term, and its busy agenda will include personnel issues and politics.
Major and swift bailout plans appear unlikely. The Politburo stressed strengthening party discipline, improving governance and consolidating its political base, especially at the local level, and preparing for unexpected emergencies.
In addition to its domestic troubles, China will be buffeted this year by global challenges including the US presidential elections, fallout from wars in Ukraine and Gaza, and rising populist and protectionist sentiment around the world.
Navigating treacherous shoals abroad will be easier if the Communist Party stays healthy and the rank and file can maintain discipline and stay on course at home, where China has a buffer of support with its huge size, strategic depth and resilience.
What the Politburo did not say also spoke volumes. It made no mention of the third plenum, at which the party typically lays out key policy directions and traditionally would have taken place last autumn, but still has yet to materialise.
Given the approaching Lunar New Year, it is unlikely the plenum will convene before the parliamentary sessions, further boosting the importance of those March meetings.
While unusual, the delay is not unprecedented, and with party chief President Xi Jinping already having consolidated power at the party congress in 2022, he may take the opportunity to first put his house in order.
China’s defence minister has been named, but not yet promoted to the Central Military Commission, where real power resides, a move that would be made official at the parliamentary sessions. China also may name a new foreign minister.
Despite nary a mention of the elusive third plenary session, a delay until after the March meetings should come as little surprise.
