Cai Qi Urges Party Cadres to Align on Economy and Governance at Central Party School

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and President of the Central Party School, delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the school's autumn semester in Beijing. Addressing cadres gathered in Beijing and at branch academies nationwide via video conference, Cai urged officials to study Xi Jinping's thought on party building, maintain strict discipline, properly assess current economic trends to boost confidence and stabilize expectations, and ensure a strong start to the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan.

The opening addresses at the Central Party School serve as high-level barometers for Beijing's governance priorities and political demands on cadres. Cai Qi's remarks highlight how leadership seeks to align ideological compliance, administrative discipline, and economic management ahead of the next major multi-year economic planning cycle.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 2026 autumn semester at the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National Academy of Governance), Politburo Standing Committee member and school president Cai Qi called on party officials to strengthen their political discipline and administrative performance. According to state media reports, Cai stated that studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping’s thoughts on party building remains a critical political task for the entire party. He urged trainees to study the ideological framework systematically, translate their learning into stricter self-discipline, and actively implement decisions on full and rigorous party self-governance. Cai emphasized the need for cadres to adopt a 'correct outlook on performance,' stressing that achievements must be grounded in pragmatic work that serves the public interest rather than superficial metrics. He noted that officials must measure their conduct against the party constitution, regulations, and disciplinary codes. Turning to broader governance challenges, Cai urged cadres to accurately interpret domestic and international conditions, balance development with security, and maintain strategic focus amid accelerating global changes. He highlighted the importance of strengthening confidence and stabilizing expectations regarding the current macroeconomic situation to ensure a solid foundation for the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Cai also addressed operational standards for the training programs, reminding cadres that while attending the academy, their primary identity is that of a student. He instructed the school's administration to maintain rigorous academic oversight and cadre management. Trainees from the executive leadership academies in Pudong, Jinggangshan, and Yan'an attended the session via video link.