Xi Jinping recognises ‘foot soldiers’ as Communist Party looks to grass-roots power base

New medal awarded to cadres working in areas ranging from defending Beijing’s claims in the South China Sea to environmental conservation

Recipients represent almost all policy priorities and the list shows president sees danger of the party losing touch with the people, according to analyst

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Children present flowers to the medal recipients and salute them during the ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Tuesday. Photo: Xinhua

Published: 11:16pm, 29 Jun 2021Updated: 12:31am, 30 Jun 2021

More than two dozen Communist Party “foot soldiers” were awarded a July 1 Medal on Tuesday – the first time they were handed out – sending a message that it must stay close to the grass roots and away from corruption to remain in power, analysts said.

They were presented by President Xi Jinping in a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing that was broadcast live on state television ahead of the party’s centenary on Thursday.

Xi, who is also the party chief, called on the rank and file to learn from the 29 role models – three of whom were awarded the medal posthumously.

“Their deeds can be learned and done [by all] and their spirit can be followed and adopted [by all],” Xi said.

“Their actions proved that as long as [our] ideals and beliefs are firm, the will to struggle is solid, with perseverance and resilience, every party member can contribute to the party and the people’s great cause of national rejuvenation by doing outstanding work in ordinary days, standing out at crucial moments, and being willing to sacrifice at critical junctures.”

President Xi Jinping urged the party’s rank and file to learn from the award recipients. Photo: CCTV via Reuters