China Reform Monitor: No. 1191

October 22:

The Communist Party issued new disciplinary rules for its members. Under the new rules, members will be punished or expelled for criticizing or opposing party policies ("groundless comments"), forming cliques, using their power for profit seeking, or engaging in misbehavior including gluttony, golf, or illicit sex. An official Global Timeseditorial explained the impetus for the new policies: "Lessons from the former Soviet Union and Yugoslavia have given us grave warnings: Chaotic discipline leads to a chaotic party, which in turn leads to a chaotic country. The new disciplinary codes are key moves to strengthen the party. This is a guarantee of the party's unity." Zhang Lifan told the Ming Pao: "It is difficult to define 'groundless comments'. This may mean a limit on freedom of speech. However, this rule applies not only to liberals within the party. The 'list of prohibited behavior' also includes 'opposing the party's decision to reform and open up', which targets the leftists." Zhuang Deshui at Peking Universitytold the Global Times: "The new rules restructure the CPC disciplinary system, which will become the basis for future Party construction. The regulation sends a strong signal that the Party will tighten management of its organizations and members."

China is funding two major military projects at Tanzania’s Ngerengere Air Force base, the Daily News reports. In a meeting that included the country’s Defense Minister and other top military leaders, Tanzanian President Jakaya Kikwete thanked Ambassador Lu Youguing for China’s assistance and for being a "very close friend." "It is our responsibility to know who are our close and true friends and appreciate their assistance at all times," Kikwete said.

October 23:

"The Ministry of Public Security had hoped that it would be able to set up a new household registration [hukuo] system by 2020, but it now looks very unlikely that the reform will be completed by then," said Lu Jiehua, professor of sociology at Peking University. China is vetting a new hukuo policy that would give its 250 million urban migrant workers access to nine basic welfare services including education. The South China Morning Post reports a draft released for consultation proposed that migrants would become eligible for benefits after residing in a city for at least six months, making social insurance payments, maintaining a stable job and a residence. It sets basic principles for urban areas, but to deter mass migration large cities with better schools, hospitals and benefits, such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, will continue to have strict residency requirements

October 26:

Premier Li Keqiang attempted to "resign" in early 2015, but the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau Standing Committee "did not accept" his request, Ming Paoreports, citing a source close to the China’s leadership. Li wanted to "readjust his work portfolio within the Political Bureau Standing Committee" based on "health reasons" but his request was "rejected," without "any discussion."Li is the "weakest" premier in the past two decades, and cannot pursue his plans to "reform state-owned enterprises and implement economic stimulus measures."

October 28:

This year’s Confucius Peace Prize has been awarded to Zimbabwe’s strongman Robert Mugabe – who has refused to accept it. The prize was established in 2010 after dissident Liu Xiaobo received the Nobel Peace Prize. Past recipients include Russian President Vladimir Putin and Cuban leader Fidel Castro. An editorial in the official Global Times said: "The 'Confucius Peace Prize' has not been successful so far. This year's 'Mugabe row' has heightened such a feeling. It is bad news for the prize to continue attracting controversy. If it wants to continue, it must gain more public support. "The official Beijing News concurred: "The 'Confucius Peace Prize' has earned fame, but it has done nothing good for China's international image." Referring to Mugabe’s snubbing, the Apple Daily said: "For the award's enthusiasm to meet such indifference, is even more hilarious than giving the award to him."