As the “key minority” whose actions are closely linked to the development of the Party and the country, leading cadres play a pivotal role in guiding and driving the entire Party and society. The report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China stated: “We must unswervingly implement the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation, take the ‘key minority’ as the lead, continuously deepen efforts to rectify the ‘Four Winds,’ with a particular focus on addressing formalism and bureaucratism, and resolutely put an end to privileged thinking and privileged practices.” This not only summarizes and refines the practical experience gained in implementing the spirit of the Central Committee’s Eight-Point Regulation but also represents a practical requirement that the entire Party must uphold over the long term. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the Party Central Committee—with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core—has taken style-building as a breakthrough point, regarding the management of the “key minority” as a key priority in Party governance and state administration. By setting an example from the top down, it has propelled the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party to greater depths, thereby providing a strong political guarantee for the development of the Party and the country.

The “key minority” refers to the group of leading cadres who play a pivotal role in the governance system of the Party and the state. At the second plenary session of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 18th Central Committee of the Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that advancing the rule of law requires us to “focus on the ‘key minority’—the leading cadres.” General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on focusing on the “key minority” precisely and clearly highlight the key position and special role of this group of leading cadres in the overall development of the Party and the state. They profoundly elucidate the necessity and significance of focusing on the “key minority,” providing ideological guidance and practical direction for upholding and strengthening the Party’s overall leadership and ensuring that our Party always remains the strong and decisive core leading the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Grasping the “key few” is an innovative achievement of the sinicization and modernization of Marxism.

General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important exposition on grasping the “key few” profoundly embodies and creatively develops Marxist historical materialism and dialectical materialism. It focuses on and emphasizes the pivotal role and exemplary influence of leading cadres—especially high-level cadres—in Party governance, Party building, and state governance. While upholding the people’s central position and the mass line, it underscores that, through institutionalized approaches such as enforcing strict discipline and rules, clarifying principal responsibilities, and strengthening supervision and accountability, we must place the focus of comprehensively enforcing strict Party governance and advancing the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity squarely on the “key few,” enabling them to become leaders of the political ecosystem, drivers of policy implementation, and benchmarks for style-building. This important exposition draws upon the governance wisdom from China’s fine traditional culture—such as “leading by example” and “governing the country starts with governing officials”—while endowing it with distinct contemporary characteristics. It effectively addresses the challenges of responsibility transmission and efficiency enhancement in the governance of a major country, demonstrating the Communist Party of China’s conscious application of the methodology of “the two combinations” in promoting theoretical innovation and practical exploration.

Deepen our understanding of the relationship between leading cadres and the broad masses of the people. The Marxist materialist view of history emphasizes that the people are the creators of history, while also recognizing the pivotal role played by outstanding individuals in driving historical development. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on grasping the “key few” build upon the essence of this theoretical insight, offering a profound analysis and innovative interpretation of the relationship between the cadre ranks and the general public. As part of the “key few,” leading cadres shoulder crucial responsibilities in the cause of socialist modernization—formulating policies, providing directional guidance, and coordinating organizational efforts. Every move they make serves as a guiding example, carrying great weight and exerting significant influence in the hearts of the broad masses. Only by firmly focusing on this “key few”—the leading cadres—can we achieve the effect of top-down emulation and widespread response, uniting and leading the vast majority of the people to pool their strength for comprehensively advancing Chinese-style modernization and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. How can leading cadres win the support and endorsement of the people? General Secretary Xi Jinping stresses that “leading bodies and cadres at all levels must establish a correct view of political achievements,” and “they must always bear in mind that the purpose of creating achievements is to seek benefits for the people, truly devoting their thoughts and energy to working hard for the Party and the people.” Only when leading cadres keep the masses constantly in their hearts and think more from the perspective of the masses can they carry out their work meticulously and effectively, thereby inspiring and rallying the masses with positive energy for getting things done. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on grasping the “key few” underscore the close connection between leading cadres and the people throughout the course of history, further deepening our understanding of the relationship between them and promoting the Sinicization and modernization of the Marxist view of the masses.

Clearly define the scope of the “key minority.” The “key minority” refers to a specific group that has emerged from China’s political system, governance structure, and practical needs, possessing clear orientation and real-world relevance. By its very nature, the term “key minority” refers to leading cadres. In his important remarks on grasping the “key minority,” General Secretary Xi Jinping has paid particular attention to the following key groups of cadres: First, senior cadres of the Party and the state. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, “We must give prominent attention to leading cadres, especially senior cadres.” He further stated, “Among senior cadres, members of the Central Committee, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead in assuming responsibility.” Second, the “chief executive” among leading cadres. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, “The chief executive is the key; we must shoulder our responsibilities, dare to take on the heaviest burdens, have the courage to tackle the toughest challenges, and be adept at handling the most sensitive issues.” The “chief executive” among leading cadres is the principal person in charge of a region, a department, or a unit—a key figure bearing primary responsibility. Third, among the “chief executives,” special emphasis is placed on county Party secretaries. General Secretary Xi Jinping noted, “A county is essentially a fully functional society.” “Although county Party secretaries may not hold high official ranks within the cadre hierarchy, they enjoy a special status.” “County Party committees are the ‘frontline command centers’ for our Party’s governance and national rejuvenation, and county Party secretaries serve as the ‘frontline commanders.’ They are an important backbone force for our Party’s governance and administration at the county level.” General Secretary Xi Jinping called upon county Party secretaries to take the lead in being upright and honest, conducting their work with integrity, and serving in office with honor—truly setting an example and leading by example.

Expand the ideological underpinnings of power operation and oversight. To strictly regulate the exercise of power, it is crucial above all to strengthen oversight over leading cadres—especially those in key leadership positions. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “Leading cadres at all levels, as those who specifically exercise the Party’s governing power as well as the state’s legislative, administrative, and judicial powers, largely determine the direction, path, and pace of comprehensively advancing the rule of law.” General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on focusing on the “critical few” build upon and develop the Marxist view of power, thereby providing a theoretical expansion of the mechanisms for the operation and oversight of power among leading cadres. These remarks underscore that leading cadres—the “critical few” who hold public power—are not only key actors in ensuring the proper exercise of power but also primary targets of power oversight. Since the 18th National Congress of the Party, whether it has been standardizing the duties and authorities of leading cadres at all levels of the Party and government, scientifically allocating powers and functions among Party and government departments and their internal institutions, or implementing the system of power lists and publicly disclosing power procedures in accordance with the law—all these efforts have revolved around such key aspects as authorization, exercise of power, and institutional checks and balances. They have rationally defined the attribution of power, clearly demarcated power boundaries, and meticulously drawn up power lists, specifying precisely which powers can and cannot be exercised. This has strengthened control over power procedures, narrowed the scope for discretionary decision-making, eliminated all forms of backroom dealings, and placed the exercise of power firmly under the supervision of Party organizations and the people, thus minimizing opportunities for rent-seeking through power. By establishing and perfecting systems such as power lists targeting the “critical few,” accountability mechanisms, and oversight and assessment frameworks, we have constructed a theoretical and behavioral framework characterized by clear delineation of powers, unified responsibilities, and robust oversight. This further enriches the Marxist thought on power operation and oversight, making it more closely aligned with the practical needs of power operation under the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and providing solid support for regulating power operation and preventing corruption.

The approach to advancing the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party is enriched and made more comprehensive. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on grasping the “key few” combine Marxist materialist dialectics with the practice of the Communist Party of China in governing the Party and administering the country. They view the cadre leadership as a pivotal force for implementing policies, promoting reform, and driving development. General Secretary Xi Jinping proposes that by strengthening the sense of responsibility, capacity building, and behavioral norms of the “key few,” we can inspire the “vast majority” to unite and form a powerful synergy for advancing social development. The comprehensive and strict governance of the Party rests fundamentally on comprehensiveness—that is, all organizations and all members of the Communist Party of China are subject to the same standards without any special treatment or exceptions. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Strengthening and regulating political life within the Party and enhancing intra-Party supervision are requirements addressed to the entire Party and also represent a shared task for the entire Party.” This underscores the importance of comprehensiveness. At the same time, however, efforts cannot be evenly distributed; instead, we must focus on key areas. In his “Explanation on the ‘Several Guidelines on Political Life within the Party under New Circumstances’ and the ‘Regulations on Intra-Party Supervision of the Communist Party of China,’” General Secretary Xi Jinping noted: “Both the draft guidelines and the draft regulations emphasize focusing on senior cadres. The main consideration here is that strengthening Party building requires giving priority to leading cadres, especially senior ones. And securing the right composition of the Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Standing Committee of the Politburo is crucial. If we get this group right, they can set an exemplary standard for the entire Party, making many issues much easier to resolve. Therefore, strengthening and regulating political life within the Party and enhancing intra-Party supervision must begin with this very group.” This highlights the importance of focusing on key areas. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s pertinent remarks apply the Marxist method of contradiction analysis to the field of comprehensive and strict Party governance, further enriching the approaches to advancing such governance.

By focusing on the “key few,” we can fully highlight the theoretical characteristics of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

In the great practice of governing and administering the country in the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has profoundly grasped the laws governing Party building and state governance, and creatively put forward the important proposition of focusing on the “key few.” This proposition runs through multiple fields—including Party building, state governance, and the construction of the rule of law—and fully highlights the multifaceted theoretical characteristics of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Timeliness. Leading cadres are the “key minority” in the development of the Party and the country’s cause, serving as a guiding beacon for the entire Party and society at large. As socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, new and higher demands have been placed on this “key minority.” Leading cadres are called upon to keep pace with the times and continuously enhance their capacities in scientific governance, democratic governance, and governance based on the rule of law—ensuring that they can meet the requirements of the new era and possess the ability to lead modernization. They must constantly break new ground in confronting problems and solving tough challenges. The report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC emphasized: “To fully build a modern socialist country, we must have a cadre team that is politically strong, adaptable to the requirements of the new era, and capable of leading modernization.” At the second plenary session of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that further deepening reform comprehensively places “new and higher demands on the mental state, ideological outlook, quality and capability, and style and image of the vast number of Party members and cadres,” calling for “the vigorous selection of cadres who are politically strong, dare to take responsibility, are bold in reform, achieve outstanding results, and maintain integrity and honesty.” These important pronouncements fully reflect the timeliness of focusing on the “key minority.” As part of this “key minority,” leading cadres must proactively adapt to the requirements of the new era, vigorously emancipate their minds, boldly pursue reform and innovation, and make concerted efforts to eliminate the influence of outdated thinking and narrow-minded notions. They should be grounded in reality yet not be confined by the status quo; they must overcome any tendency toward hesitation or timidity, embodying the spirit of “standing tall at the crest of the tide,” ensuring that they always keep pace with the times and courageously take the lead. They should embrace new ideas and new approaches, study new situations, explore fresh perspectives, and, through exemplary conduct, unite hearts and gather strength to get things done and start businesses. In this way, they can truly demonstrate new vigor and new achievements in the process of building a modernization with Chinese characteristics.

The people-centered approach. As the “key minority,” leading cadres both come from the people and bear the sacred mission of serving them. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “We must embody our deep concern for the masses and our heartfelt attachment to the people throughout every aspect of our duties and responsibilities, making concerted efforts to safeguard and improve people’s livelihoods, promptly addressing the legitimate demands of the masses, and ensuring that we truly deliver on our promises, get things done effectively, and tackle even the most challenging issues with determination.” By focusing on this crucial group of leading cadres and helping them establish a correct understanding of power, performance, and career, we can ensure that all Party policies always take the fundamental interests of the broadest masses of the people as their starting point and ultimate goal. At the same time, by focusing on this “key minority,” we require leading cadres to keep “the people first” firmly etched in their hearts—acting entirely for the people, closely relying on the people, and continuously benefiting them—thereby earning the recognition and support of the masses. By concentrating on this “key minority” and urging all Party members to always bear in mind the Party’s fundamental purpose and serve the people wholeheartedly, we fully demonstrate the people-centered nature of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Systematic approach. By focusing on the “critical few,” we can mobilize all Party members and the broader masses, thereby generating a synergistic force that ensures strict governance of the Party in an all-round way and promotes the modernization of the national governance system and governance capacity. This systematic thinking permeates various fields—including Party building, national governance, and the construction of the rule of law—forming an organically unified whole. For instance, to effectively govern the “critical few,” the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has integrated stringent management of cadres into every stage of cadre development, truly establishing a sound management ecosystem characterized by comprehensive oversight, rigorous standards, seamless coordination among different stages, complementary measures, and clearly defined responsibilities. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on focusing on the “critical few” adhere to a systemic perspective, addressing not only what needs to be done but also why; not only what to focus on but also how to do it. These remarks are imbued with profound political wisdom, valuable insights into underlying principles, and strategic approaches, reflecting a high degree of unity between the overall picture and specific details, between the immediate and long-term, between macro and micro perspectives, and between addressing root causes and tackling symptoms. They embody the systematic nature of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, both in theory and in practice.

Dialectical nature. General Secretary Xi Jinping’s important remarks on grasping the “key few” are imbued with rich dialectical thinking, fully embodying the organic integration of the Marxist materialist dialectic’s emphasis on key points and its recognition of dual aspects. Regarding the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party, General Secretary Xi Jinping stresses the need to unify the approach of focusing on the “key few” with the management of the “vast majority.” On the one hand, he sets universal requirements for all Party members; on the other hand, he imposes higher and stricter standards on the “key few,” especially senior officials, subjecting them to even more rigorous management and oversight. Similarly, in the construction of the rule of law, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasizes, on the one hand, the importance of focusing on leading cadres—the “key few”—and, on the other hand, points out the need to “guide all people to become loyal advocates, conscious observers, and firm defenders of the socialist rule of law.” This mode of thinking and practical requirement not only identifies and addresses the principal contradiction and the principal aspect of any contradiction, but also takes into account secondary contradictions and secondary aspects of contradictions, thus reflecting the scientific and dialectical nature of all aspects of work, including the comprehensive and strict governance of the Party and the construction of the rule of law.

Practicality. Focusing on the “key few” is an important experience and working method distilled from the great practice of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era. It both stems from practice and guides practice, exhibiting a distinct practical orientation. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “We must firmly implement the responsibility of leading cadres in governing the Party and administering it, uphold the principle of ‘leading by example—leaders take the lead,’ start from the Party Central Committee and set strict standards for senior officials, ensure that each level sets a good example for the level below, and each level leads and drives the level below to act accordingly. We must be selfless and fearless, clearly uphold our principles, dare to struggle and know how to struggle effectively, consistently enforce both principal and supervisory responsibilities, and consolidate and develop the positive momentum of the entire Party working together.” As the backbone of the Party and state cause, the effectiveness of the “key few” directly determines the success or failure of the Party and state endeavors. By firmly focusing on the “key few” and ensuring that principal responsibilities are fully implemented, we will grasp the critical point for advancing our work, achieving a synergistic effect that enables us to accomplish twice as much with half the effort. This approach will effectively promote the concrete implementation of all tasks, thereby transforming institutional advantages into effective governance outcomes.

To govern the Party effectively, we must first govern cadres well. To comprehensively enforce strict governance over the Party, the key lies in strictly governing officials. As the “critical few” occupying pivotal positions, critical fields, and crucial links, leading cadres serve as role models and the backbone for both cadres and the masses. By firmly grasping this “critical few,” we will seize the pivotal point of comprehensively enforcing strict Party governance—and the pivotal point of governing the country and administering state affairs. Embarking on a new journey, we need to focus precisely on strengthening political development, rigorously selecting and appointing personnel, optimizing assessment mechanisms, and improving the oversight system, thereby enabling the “critical few” to fully play their exemplary and leading roles and providing robust political and organizational guarantees for advancing Chinese-style modernization.