Understanding what to do, what not to do, what can be done, and what cannot be done is an essential lesson for party members and officials.

President Xi Jinping has emphasized the importance of “restricting the reckless actions of some individuals while allowing the majority of party members and officials to take responsibility and innovate.” Recognizing the dialectical relationship between these two concepts is key to integrating integrity with accountability, as well as diligence with ethics in governance.

Restricting actions is primarily about maintaining a baseline of conduct. Party discipline and national laws serve as non-negotiable boundaries—essentially a “tightening spell” as well as a “protective charm.” Party members and officials must be accustomed to working and living within a supervised and constrained environment. Only by rigorously adhering to party rules and regulations can they achieve meaningful and sustainable progress.

Furthermore, restricting actions is necessary to adhere to organizational norms. Just as agricultural production must align with natural cycles, ecological governance requires an awareness of local advantages, and industry development must be informed by market insights. The exercise of power in one’s duties must respect scientific principles and prioritize practical realities. By avoiding arbitrary decision-making and impulsive projects, officials can produce tangible results.

Allowing actions means having the courage to act decisively. From the independent development of the “Two Bombs, One Satellite” to embarking on explorations into deep space, from launching comprehensive offensives against poverty to advancing rural revitalization, our nation’s grand journey is marked by bold strides. Advancing deep reforms and achieving high-level technological self-reliance demands that party members and officials take initiative and engage proactively.

To unleash potential, it is crucial to embrace revolutionary thinking. As reforms and developments accelerate, old methods become obsolete, and rigid adherence often leads to ineffective outcomes. Party members and officials must shift their perspectives and adjust their approaches, combining a thorough understanding of principles with an accurate assessment of circumstances to drive high standards through innovative implementation.

The ability to both restrict and allow action hinges on a proper understanding of performance goals. By placing the interests of the people first and embracing national needs as our mission, defining the boundaries between action and inaction becomes straightforward.

President Xi has consistently urged establishing a correct view of performance: “Avoid the impulse for rapid results that disregard established processes and timelines. It’s critical to suppress this urgency and focus on solid, incremental efforts in modernizing our governance.”

Restricting actions and allowing actions are not contradictory; they unite in earnest, results-oriented work. If individuals lack integrity and self-discipline, they will lack the courage to act decisively. By effectively restricting actions, individuals can genuinely operate with freedom, remaining principled and steadfast, ensuring they are willing to act, able to act, and successful in their endeavors without fail.

Restricting actions does not mean immobilization; rigorous oversight is not an excuse for inaction. Instituting clear frameworks for power to operate within not only creates a conducive environment for proactive contributions but also guards against negligence. Failure to act or take responsibility not only hinders progress but can also lead to detrimental outcomes.

Taking action inevitably involves risk of error. It is vital to support those willing to take responsibility, ensuring that a culture of accountability flourishes. As comprehensive reforms advance deeper, the conflicts and challenges related to vested interests become increasingly complex. By maintaining a balance of strict oversight and generous support, alongside promoting clear distinctions in responsibilities, party members and officials can engrain adherence to rules in their hearts, shoulder their responsibilities, and embrace action with confidence in their pursuits.