The Chinese Communist authorities launched a campaign in February this year to rectify the performance evaluation system, using Party leader Xi Jinping’s so-called performance evaluation as guidance. State media recently reiterated Xi’s call for officials to refrain from engaging in “performance projects.” However, Xi himself has been criticized by the public for pushing ambitious performance projects that often end in failure, while local officials have been promoted for engaging in “political stance projects.”
Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of avoiding the pursuit of quick success and immediate benefits, as well as preventing falsification and blind pursuit of achievements in the performance evaluation process. He urged officials to not ignore past issues and avoid engaging in mere image-building and performance-focused projects.
Critics have pointed out Xi’s tendency towards grandiosity and excessive focus on performance projects, with many such projects ending unsuccessfully, such as the controversial Xiong’an New Area.
On March 23, Xi visited the Xiong’an New Area in Hebei with three other members of the Communist Party’s Politburo Standing Committee. He defended the decision to build the Xiong’an New Area, stating that the central government’s decision was completely correct.
Political commentator Tang Jingyuan, speaking to Epoch Times, noted that the Xiong’an New Area exemplifies a typical Communist Party performance project deeply intertwined with Xi Jinping’s power consolidation. Any criticisms of the Xiong’an New Area are often seen as attacks on Xi himself, leading to his strong defense of the project and his position. This reflects the various doubts and attacks Xi has faced within the party.
Contrary to the official propaganda, reports indicate that the current state of the Xiong’an New Area is lackluster, with significant skepticism from the public.
Previously, the Central Organization Department of the CCP issued a document on February 23, calling for the party to comprehensively implement Xi Jinping’s important discourse on establishing and practicing the correct performance evaluation concept. The goal is to prevent and correct deviations in performance evaluation among leadership at or above the county level, with a deadline set for the end of July for substantial progress.
Commentator “New Heights” recently questioned the sincerity of the anti-corruption campaign in light of notable construction projects like the super administrative center in Zhengding, Hebei, and the lavish expansion of Xi Zhongxun’s mausoleum in Fuping, Shaanxi. Both projects were launched after the introduction of the eight regulations, with political motives centering around paying tribute to the leadership. The commentary pointed out the irony of selective investigations and lack of actions against these major projects.
Reports in mainland China show Xi Jinping’s emotional connection to Zhengding as his “second hometown.” After serving as the deputy party secretary and party secretary of the county from 1982 to 1985, Xi’s recent government’s substantial constructions in Zhengding’s New Administration Center have been seen as grand achievements.
“New Heights” argued that major projects like the Zhengding Administrative Center and Xi Zhongxun’s mausoleum in Fuping are not just image projects for ordinary counties but are directly linked to the highest leader’s political statements. As the authorities crack down on performance evaluations, Xi Jinping himself has become the center of awkward scrutiny.
Xi Zhongxun’s mausoleum, initially covering around 8 mu, underwent extensive expansion in the years following Xi Jinping’s rise to power, encompassing approximately 40,000 mu with significant structures reflecting his authority.
According to Hong Kong media reports, officials who were involved in rebuilding Xi’s ancestral home in Fuqing were later promoted, and the large-scale expansion project of Xi Zhongxun’s mausoleum was spearheaded by a senior official whose career flourished after overseeing the project.
The projects in Zhengding and Fuping, despite their hefty costs, have faced criticisms for their impact on the public and resources. These are not mere local development projects but represent significant political statements linked to the top leadership. As the authorities target performance evaluations, Xi Jinping finds himself at the center of scrutiny.
Xi emphasized the need for leadership at all levels to earnestly practice the correct performance evaluation concept, aiming to break the vicious cycle where officials chase numbers for promotions and numbers determine their worth.
An article by the Asian Society Policy Research Institute’s China Analysis Center published in Foreign Policy suggested that Xi’s apparent obsession with GDP growth may be causing concerns, as it is challenging to steer China’s massive administrative machinery in alignment with his preferences. The emphasis on strict political compliance, innovation, and security pulls officials in different directions, leading to confusion and inertia among the bureaucracy.