China’s Communist Party introduces another loyalty test, but now cadres are asked to show some initiative too
- Regulations governing who gets promotion will also require candidates to be given a clean bill of health by the anti-corruption watchdog
- Rules show customary hallmarks of Xi Jinping’s efforts to stamp his imprint on party, but one observer warns they could harm morale
Beijing has issued a new set of rules for the promotion of cadres that places renewed stress on the political integrity and loyalty of candidates.
But while such loyalty tests have become commonplace, the new regulations also state that cadres must be given the all-clear by the anti-corruption watchdog before they are promoted and those who show initiative in making and acting on decisions will be favoured.
Some analysts said that these revisions indicated a willingness to introduce fresh blood into the senior ranks, but one suggested that the renewed emphasis on loyalty may indicate a lack of trust in the rank and file that would only serve to damage morale.
State news agency Xinhua reported that the new rules which came into force on March 3, replacing a set of guidelines from 2014.
Its report continued that the revisions indicated that those who had shown initiative and resolve in standing firm on the Communist Party’s values and positions would be favoured.