The CCP’s “New Image Project” Party-Establishment Scandal
In early April 2024, netizens photographed Xiongan New Area as if it have been a ghost city, with nearly no individuals in sight. The Chinese Communist Party has been engaged in picture tasks from the central to native governments for a few years. Especially after celebration chief Xi Jinping got here to energy, numerous localities have engaged in labor-intensive and monetary tasks within the title of celebration constructing. However, because the CCP faces monetary difficulties, these tasks are actually being focused for cleanup. Experts consider that this displays the absurdity of the Chinese Communist Party’s rule, with Xi Jinping solely permitting his personal picture venture to flourish.
Caixin, a Chinese media outlet, reported that officers from many locations in mainland China have expressed their stance on the so-called “new picture venture.” This venture refers to non-essential and non-urgent tasks which can be nonetheless being carried out in some locations regardless of monetary constraints, with hidden kinds and crafty names. Nanzhao County in Henan Province and Dehong Prefecture in Yunnan are only a few examples of locations proposing back-examinations of wasteful and unfinished tasks.
The marketing campaign to rectify these tasks was launched by the Theme Education Leading Group of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China earlier this 12 months. Wang Juntao, chairman of the National Committee of the China Democratic Party, criticized the authorities for permitting these tasks to proceed, suggesting that they’re extra about private acquire for corrupt officers somewhat than precise celebration constructing.
Chen Shimin, affiliate professor at National Taiwan University, identified that the necessity to rectify these tasks stems from the CCP’s one-party dictatorship and lack of supervision and checks and balances. Since Xi Jinping emphasised celebration constructing initiatives, native officers have engaged in numerous picture tasks, resulting in corruption and wasteful spending.
Xi’s picture venture in Xiongan New Area has additionally come underneath renewed scrutiny. Despite touted because the “Millennium Plan,” the development of Xiongan New Area has been criticized for losing cash and sources. The space, formally established in 2017, has seen sluggish progress in relocating Beijing establishments, with experiences of academics unwilling to maneuver to the brand new space.
With experiences of empty streets and a scarcity of exercise in Xiongan, specialists like Wang Juntao and Chen Shimin consider that the venture is a mirrored image of Xi Jinping’s want to boost his picture, even at the price of practicality and governance. The Xiongan New Area has change into a logo of the CCP’s penchant for extravagant picture tasks, with little regard for the precise wants of the individuals.