China’s Party Tightens the Rules – Xi’s New Playbook
On August 27, 2018, Beijing announced a fresh set of guidelines that put the Communist Party on a stricter regimen. Think of it as a “speed limit” for party members, with a big red flag flagging political gossip and a stern warning to those who cling to religious faith.
Why the Shake‑Up?
When Xi Jinping took the reins six years ago, his reputation for cracking down on corruption turned the party inside out. Like a high‑stakes poker hand, Xi has doubled down on loyalty, discipline, and honesty. The new rules, rolled out by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection on Sunday (effective from August 18), move many informal orders into official paperwork.
The Pitfalls – Expulsion & Beyond
- Criminal Acts: Party members who cross the line can face prosecution.
- Expulsion: Misdeeds that don’t meet criminal thresholds still earn a “kick‑out” from the party.
- Xi at the Core: His name is now literally etched into the rulebook—bottom‑line, the party’s heartbeat.
New Taboo Topics
- No Rants About Central Policies: Members can’t speak against party decisions or spread “political rumours.”
- Politically Correct Behavior: “Use power responsibly, stay honest, and avoid any personal benefit at the cost of the party.”
Religion – A Forbidden Thread
The Communist Party is officially atheist, and while the Constitution guarantees freedom of worship, the new rules say the party expects its members to adopt the same neutral stance.
- Re‑education: Party members with religious convictions must undergo “thought education.”
- Stay or Go: If the faith sticks, they’re encouraged to exit the party.
- Religious Incitement: Attending events that use religion to stir trouble? Expulsion is on the table.
History Gets a Harder Look
The new clause goes beyond just marching through the Party’s or the military’s past. It now protects the entire national narrative. China’s prestige rides on its storied achievements—especially the triumph over Japan during WWII—so any distortion of that history triggers a punitive response.
Bottom Line
For every member, the decree spells out clear boundaries: stay loyal, stay dry, and, if you’re religious, be ready to switch or walk away from the party. Chinese leadership is tightening its noose, and the Party’s survival hinges on strict adherence.
