**Interviewer:** The recent Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee approved the “Decision on Further Comprehensive Deepening Reform and Advancing Chinese-style Modernization.” Can you break down the key areas of focus highlighted in this decision?

**Zhu Yueyue:** Certainly. The decision underscores several vital areas: the establishment of a high-level socialist market economy, the promotion of whole-process people’s democracy, the development of a strong socialist culture, the enhancement of citizens’ quality of life, the advancement of ecological civilization for a beautiful China, the improvement of public safety, and the strengthening of the Party’s leadership and governance capacity. All these focus areas are intended to drive reform forward effectively.

**Interviewer:** This series of discussions aims to unpack the essence of the 20th Plenary Session. In this final episode, we’re concentrating on the enhancement of the Party’s leadership and governance. What are the primary challenges in these areas, especially considering the tough reform tasks ahead?

**Zhu Yueyue:** The Party’s leadership and governance encounter several hurdles: First, there are issues of inaction and poor implementation, coupled with a reluctance to take risks and a lack of proactive measures. Second, there seems to be a general underestimation of the complexity and challenges associated with reform. Finally, we are at a juncture where strategic opportunities and risks coexist, with unpredictable events—often referred to as “black swan” and “gray rhino” incidents—presenting new challenges that could emerge unexpectedly.

**Interviewer:** What strategies can be employed to enhance governance capabilities at the grassroots level?

**Zhu Yueyue:** Improving grassroots governance involves several approaches: Firstly, we should concentrate on routine operations and fulfill our responsibilities while also enhancing our emergency management skills. Secondly, we must strive for results that can withstand scrutiny from practice, public opinion, and history—reforms should be judged based on tangible outcomes and public satisfaction. Lastly, it’s important to prioritize the sentiments of the public by fostering a strong sense of responsibility and resilience, ensuring successful implementation of welfare projects that benefit people.

**Interviewer:** In terms of reforming personnel systems, what actions can grassroots organizations take to better motivate and engage their staff?

**Zhu Yueyue:** There are several crucial areas to concentrate on:
1. Selecting the right individuals is key. We need to establish clear criteria for personnel selection and deepen reforms in the personnel system to elevate those who demonstrate political integrity, accountability, innovation, and exemplary performance.
2. Encouraging initiative and setting clear accountability parameters is essential. Optimizing mechanisms for error correction will protect proactive and bold cadres while addressing any wrongful accusations against those who take responsibility.
3. It is vital to enhance our cadres’ capabilities regarding political insight and developmental skills, improving their ability to assess political situations, maintain stability, and manage potential risks effectively.

**Interviewer:** For a mega-city like Shanghai, what steps can be taken to bolster the political and organizational roles of its grassroots Party organizations?

**Zhu Yueyue:** First, we need to have a problem-solving approach that addresses the immediate concerns of the community. Second, Party work must be closely intertwined with key initiatives to ensure that Party-building efforts are not disconnected from daily operations. Third, we should consistently strengthen the Party’s political leadership, ideological direction, community organization, and social influence to ensure grassroots organizations serve as strong pillars of Party leadership. Ultimately, we want to ensure that wherever there are people, there is Party presence and organization.