Top leaders carry out self-criticisms
Top Chinese leaders have been forced to undergo a self-criticism session, state media said yesterday, in a further sign of President Xi Jinping's efforts to enforce party loyalty amid signs of internal dissent over his handling of a trade war with the United States.
A tool highly favoured by Mao Zedong and taken to extremes during the Cultural Revolution, self-criticism sessions are back in favour under Xi's presidency as he seeks to consolidate power and tighten discipline in the upper party echelons.
Members of the Politburo "were asked to conduct criticism and self-criticism in light of work experience," at a meeting held on Tuesday and Wednesday, state news agency Xinhua reported.
They were also questioned on "how they have taken the lead to implement Xi's instructions and key Party regulations and policies," it added.
The centre of power in China lies with the 25-member Politburo, though its role has lessened since Xi got the top job in 2012 and started concentrating powers in his own hands.
Analysts however say the president's authority has been contested over the last few months due to an economic slowdown triggered by an ongoing trade war with the US.
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