He made the comments in a speech in January, but some of the contents were only made public on Sunday in an article published in the Central Committee’s theoretical magazine Qiushi.
Xi was speaking at January’s plenary session of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI), the top anti-corruption body, where he said all party members must “deeply promote the party’s self-revolution” – referring mainly to the fight against corruption.
“If we don’t avoid criticism and don’t whitewash mistakes, and if we promptly identify and solve our own problems, we can effectively combat the preying and erosion of all interest groups, powerful groups and privileged classes,” Xi said.
Xi added that all party members must be able to sense potential dangers, saying: “As the situation and tasks change, as the external environment changes and as the party itself changes, it is inevitable that various conflicts and problems will arise within the party.
“We must have the courage to turn the knife inwards and promptly eliminate all negative influences to ensure that the party remains full of vitality and vigour.”
State media has previously reported that Xi told anti-corruption officials at the meeting that China’s fight against corruption is “severe and complex” and that “no mercy” should be shown in eradicating the problem.
