China leader Xi Jinping seeks unity and discipline among top cadres
Party chief tells Politburo members to carry out 'honest criticism' and also self-criticism
Communist Party chief Xi Jinping yesterday ordered members of the powerful Politburo to uphold the unity and authority of the party's central leadership amid a round of campaigns to clean up the party and consolidate Xi's hold on power.
"Comrades of the Politburo should take the lead to maintain the authority of the party Central Committee and be highly consistent with the committee in thinking, politics and action," Xinhua quoted Xi as saying.
Politburo members should be voluntarily bound by party discipline and thoroughly carry out party leadership decisions, he said, adding "to establish the good image of being highly united with the Politburo with concrete action, serious and major matters must be reported".
The warning was made during a four-day meeting that ended yesterday, during which the 25-member Politburo discussed how to fight bureaucracy and formalism - a campaign initiated by Xi in December.
During the meeting, Xi told the Politburo to carry out "friendly and honest criticisms" and self-criticism to unite comrades.
Politburo members should also make it a priority to "stand firm in politics and improve their political acuteness", he said, meaning being loyal and alert to party directives.