The Central Discipline Inspection Commission (CDIC) and National Supervision Commission (NSC) published a commentary (August 20) in their official magazine titled “Strengthening Supervision of the ‘Top-Ranked Leader (一把手) and Leadership Groups.” The title is taken from a phrase issued on a recent inspection and research tour by National Supervision Commission Director Yang Xiaodu. Defining the “top-ranked leader” as the person with primary responsibility for implementing central government policy at their office, the commentary stressed that supervision of these high-ranking individuals is the “crux” of supervisory work because these individuals determine whether or not the “party Central Committee’s major policies and the important written instructions and comments of General Secretary Xi Jinping” are implemented precisely. The commentary also stressed that these individuals influence whether the “atmosphere is correct, discipline is strict, and morale is high” in their office. The remainder of the commentary focused on the specifics and reasons for implementing this policy, which included “applying pressure at all levels,” “strengthening the power [of party Central Committee actions]” and turning this into a system to “provide powerful safeguards for comprehensively deepening the strict governance of the party.”

(Comment: The commentary clearly signals that the top echelons of the security apparatus will be scrutinised.)