China

第一观察 | 推进党的自我革命，总书记强调抓到位

Xinhua | Local Language | News | Dec. 3, 2025 | UndeterminedPolitical Policy Resistance

On December 1, 2025, Qiushi magazine published a key article by General Secretary Xi Jinping titled "Advancing the Party's Self-Revolution Must Achieve the 'Five Further Measures in Place,'" based on his June 30 speech at the 21st collective study session of the 20th Central Political Bureau. Xi emphasized that the Party's self-revolution requires clear thinking and, critically, effective implementation. He reiterated the importance of following through on Party directives without pause, reflecting the Party's determined stance on its disciplined self-governance.

Xi outlined the "five further measures in place" essential for advancing the Party's self-revolution: deepening understanding, strengthening Party spirit among members and cadres, standardizing power operations, enhancing supervision and discipline enforcement, and fulfilling responsibilities in Party governance. These measures combine theoretical and practical guidance critical for the Party's ongoing reform efforts amid complex domestic and global challenges.

Addressing misconceptions, Xi refuted arguments that self-revolution causes trouble, impedes economic development, or is irrelevant to some members. He declared unhealthy tendencies and corruption as major enemies of the Party and society and proposed corrective outcomes including purifying political life and rectifying foundational issues, delivering a strong warning against complacency.

Xi stressed the need to cultivate strong Party spirit practically by encouraging members to engage fully in reform, development, and struggle, thereby aligning moral integrity with concrete actions. Highlighting concerns over youthful corruption, he urged younger cadres to prioritize Party spirit training to safeguard the Party's future.

Concerning power governance, Xi highlighted the challenge of supervising power and combating privilege and corruption. He insisted power must be strictly institutionalized to prevent abuse and called on Party members to maintain respect for the people, organizations, laws, and disciplines, using power fairly and transparently. Long-term strictness and an unyielding approach to corruption must prevail to keep the Party politically clean.

Finally, Xi underscored that governing the Party is a duty, and failure to do so is dereliction or incompetence. Leading cadres must exhibit political loyalty, set examples for lower levels, and work collectively to maintain a strict governance atmosphere and the Party’s integrity. The Party’s self-revolution remains a fundamental and ongoing priority under Xi's leadership.

Xinhua | English | News | Dec. 3, 2025 | UndeterminedTech Development/Adoption

China has delivered its first sea-based rocket recovery platform, named "Linghangzhe" or Pathfinder, which uses a net system to recover rockets. The platform has been certified by the China Classification Society, marking it as the first in the country to receive necessary class and statutory certifications for sea-based rocket recovery.

The platform features a recovery deck measuring over 40 by 60 meters and is specifically designed to recover the first stage of i-Space's reusable liquid oxygen-methane rocket SQX-3. This delivery follows the launch of i-Space's landing vessel "Xingjiguihang" or Stellar Return earlier in August.

In the same month, China’s Long March-10 new-generation manned launch vehicle completed its first static fire test. The Long March-10 series includes two configurations, with the Long March-10A being a reusable, two-stage rocket. The development of reusable rockets is progressing rapidly, with other companies like LandSpace conducting ground ignition tests for their first-stage propulsion systems and multiple firms completing vertical takeoff and landing tests.

China News | English | News | Dec. 3, 2025 | Accidents

Following a fatal railway accident in Kunming, Yunnan province, that killed 11 people and injured two, China's National Railway Administration has initiated a nationwide safety overhaul. The accident involved a test train colliding with maintenance workers who had entered an active track. In response, the administration has ordered railway operators and builders to tighten safety measures, strengthen oversight, and eliminate safety loopholes, especially before the upcoming Chinese New Year travel rush.

The administration held a meeting chaired by Party chief and minister Song Xiude to enforce directives from central leadership. All affiliated institutions, including China State Railway Group, were called to learn from the incident by conducting a comprehensive assessment of railway safety. The focus will be on risk control from the early stages of construction, enhanced personnel management, intensified safety education, and stricter supervision of outsourced construction activities.

A full analysis of safety vulnerabilities will address newly opened lines, newly commissioned equipment, and labor safety during winter conditions. Efforts to reinforce fire prevention and preparedness for extreme winter weather, such as snow, ice, and freezing rain, will also be increased. The meeting emphasized prioritizing life and safety, proactive risk management, and the political responsibility of ensuring railway safety and stability, urging unified thinking and heightened awareness across the railway system. Wang Chongxian from the State Council's production safety committee attended the meeting and provided guidance.