Cutting through the jargon at China’s parliamentary sessions
A guide to the slogans that are likely to pepper the speeches of political leaders during the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
People in mainland China are no stranger to political jargon. Since the Communist Party was formed on the mainland it has coined countless catchphrases and slogans. The party’s leaders have a penchant for summarising policies, strategies and theories in a few words, often with a number attached.
Some of the catchphrases are so densely worded or vague that most members of the public have little or no idea what they mean. So, to coincide with this year’s National People’s Congress and the meeting of the nation’s political advisory body the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference in Beijing, here is a guide to some of the jargon that may crop up in the coming days.
Eight Regulations
Only weeks after he was elected Communist Party leader in 2012, Xi Jinping issued the “eight regulations”. The aim was to curb the excesses and wasteful and extravagant spending by some government officials. The rules included stopping officials arriving at meetings in motorcades and traffic being halted so cadres journeys would not be interrupted. Lavish banquets and receptions were banned. Unnecessary trips and junkets were also clamped down on and officials were told to stop using flowery and empty words during speeches. Luxury restaurants and hotels have recorded drops in revenue since the regulations were introduced.
Six Bans