Top Chinese Leaders Are Now Being Forced To Undergo Self-Criticism Sessions

Taken to extremes during the Cultural Revolution, self-criticism sessions are back in favour under Xi Jinping's presidency (AFP Photo/WANG Zhao)

AFP: Top Chinese officials forced to carry out self-criticisms

Top Chinese leaders have been forced to undergo a self-criticism session, state media said Thursday, 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.

The were also questioned on "how they have taken the lead to implement Xi's instructions and key Party regulations and policies," it added.

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WNU Editor: I have always seen Chinese President Xi as someone who does not feel confident with his position as President of China. He is also someone who certainly does not take well to being criticized. President Xi is also an admirer of Mao, and Mao loved forcing people into these self criticisms. What is my prediction. China's top officials will go along with this policy of self criticisms, but they are not going to like it.