Li Yuanchao, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and the Head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, hosted a conference for Party Secretaries and Presidents of universities and colleges in China on August 8, Xinhua reported. “(We) must use our revolutionary and innovative spirits to strengthen the establishment of party organizations and party member teams in universities and colleges, and transform the Party’s political and organizational strength into the college’s scientific development strength. (We) must adhere to the Presidential Responsibility System under the Leadership of the Party Committees; smooth the work system and operational mechanism of the party organizations at the school and department level.  (We) should strengthen the establishment of root-level party organizations, especially the branches that draw professors for their membership, and actively recruit young professors and college students that are deserving into the Party,” Li announced.

Source: Xinhua, August 9, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2009-08/09/content_11852569.htm

Qiushi Journal, a publication of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China organs, published an article “Properly Handling Several Relationships with Overseas Chinese,” by Li Haifeng, director of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council. This article discusses the relationship between China’s external propaganda machine for overseas Chinese (the CCP’s media that publishes Communist Party propaganda targeting overseas Chinese) and the overseas Chinese media. Li states the common objective of these two groups is to lead the overseas Chinese to follow the right direction (set by the CCP) (The CCP has been heavily invested in and has thus taken control of many overseas Chinese media – Ed.). The two should join forces to strengthen their broadcasting power and boost their media coverage. “China’s’ external propaganda media for overseas Chinese and overseas Chinese media can work together through sharing information, providing content, exchanging experiences, organizing (joint) interviews, and having (joint) forums, so as to make the propaganda more focused, more lively, more attractive, more communicable and more persuasive.” While cooperating, both sides will improve their mutual understanding of each other.

Source: Qiushi Journal, August 1, 2009
http://www.qsjournal.com.cn/zxdk/2009/200915/200907/t20090728_8102.htm

China Economy Net reported on August 6 that, among 14,000 law firms, 3,895 firms have established independent Party branches, while 2,692 firms have joint Party branches. The Party sent guidance officers to all of the 2,741 law firms without Party members. Thus the entire legal profession is completely covered by the Communist Party.

The same news network reported that the Minister of Justice, Wu Aiying, commented on “sensitive legal cases” and “Mass disturbances.” Wu said that, in the first half of this year, there were more than 270,000 legal support cases nationwide. Wu emphasized strengthening Party development among lawyers and covering the entire legal profession.

Source: China Economy Net, August 6, 2009.
http://www.ce.cn/xwzx/gnsz/gdxw/200908/06/t20090806_19725121.shtml
http://www.ce.cn/xwzx/gnsz/gdxw/200908/06/t20090806_19727699.shtml

The grandly-styled musical piece “Red Flag Trilogy” is being played on all major television and radio stations, at universities, science research institute as well as in some municipal communities, Xinhua reported. “Red Flag Trilogy” is a collaborative effort by Beijing University, the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, and the August First (Chinese Military) Film Studio. The trilogy consists of three pieces: praising the party, praising the military and praising the national flag.

According to Xinhua, Zhao Weiming, professor of the Institute of Journalism, stated, “The intent of the ‘Red Flag Trilogy’ is to express people’s love of the Party, of the People’s Liberation Army and of the country.” “It will be used to exemplify unity, patriotism and a way to express people’s feelings.” The production has been made into a music video which will be included in the upcoming celebration of the 60th anniversary of the PRC.

Source: Xinhua, August 6, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/politics/2009-08/06/content_11837721.htm

The Central Political and Legal Committee issued directives requesting that local officials handle petitions on law and litigation-related issues locally without elevating them to Beijing.

Zhou Bensun, secretary of the Central Political and Legal Committee, recently spoke at the "National Conference and Training for Petitions about Law and Litigation-related Issues." He stressed the need to build a strong and reliable foundation locally so that cases can be solved without going to Beijing and "create a harmonious and stable social environment to welcome the upcoming 60 year anniversary celebration." Zhou asked all political and legal agencies to seriously study and understand the directives issued by the central administration. Exercise and carry out the “opinions of the Central Political and Legal Committee and further improve handling of petitions about law and litigation-related issues.”

Source: Xinhua, August 7, 2009
http://news.xinhuanet.com/legal/2009-08/07/content_11840345.htm