Reposted: A Powerful Speech by the Municipal Party Secretary: If you don’t work hard, all you’ll ever hear are others’ good news!

On April 4, the 2019 Symposium for German‑Invested Enterprises was held in Changde City, Hunan Province. Zhou Derui, Secretary of the Changde Municipal Party Committee and Director of the Standing Committee of the Municipal People’s Congress, delivered an impromptu address that was deeply moving and powerfully resonant, combining eloquence with substance and brimming with memorable, quotable lines, earning widespread applause and heartfelt共鸣 from the audience. The full text follows.

Remarks at the 2019 German Business Symposium

(April 4, 2019)

Respected Director Tang Tianbiao, distinguished leaders, fellow villagers, esteemed business executives, and honored guests who have traveled from afar:

Good morning, everyone!

No matter how big the stage, if you don’t step up, you’ll always be just a spectator; no matter how favorable the platform, if you don’t take part, you’ll forever remain an outsider. Life has no four seasons—hard work is the peak season, while lack of effort leaves you in the off‑season. If you don’t strive, all you’ll ever hear are others’ good news.

I am deeply grateful to the organizers, to the more than six million people of Changde, and to all the leaders present here, for enabling me to be a participant, leader, driver, and practitioner in Changde’s economic and social development—rather than leaving me merely as a spectator, an onlooker, or an outsider.

I’ve been in Changde for six or seven years, and on this very podium I’ve already shared with you my work, my studies, and my reflections six or seven times. This deep sense of hometown affection, familial love, friendship, commitment to development, and heartfelt hope has made me profoundly realize: it’s truly wonderful to have all of you!

It is precisely because of you that Changde’s economic and social development will have a bright future and a promising vision, and that the happiness index of the people of Changde will continue to rise steadily.

On this occasion, on behalf of the Municipal Party Committee, the People’s Congress, the People’s Government, the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and the Military Subdistrict, and on behalf of the more than six million residents of Changde, I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all leaders, business executives, and friends who have long shown concern for, care about, and supported Changde’s economic and social development. We also extend a warm welcome to our distinguished guests from all sectors of society who have traveled far to attend the Changde Business Forum.

Over the past year, under the wise leadership of the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, we have held high the great banner of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, vigorously advanced high-quality development, and energetically implemented the strategy of building a strong city through opening-up and industrial development, achieving tangible results. As General Secretary Xi Jinping stated in his 2019 New Year address, “We are all running hard; we are all dream-chasers, moving forward with unwavering resolve and leading fulfilling lives.”

Over the past year, we achieved outstanding results in various assessments conducted by the Provincial Party Committee and the Provincial Government, earning top honors and leading the way in performance evaluations, Party‑building work reports, deepening reform, poverty alleviation, and ecological and environmental protection. The National Conference on Exchanging Experiences in New‑Type Urbanization was held in Changde, where we were recognized as the safest city nationwide, and we were also designated among the first batch of International Wetland Cities.

Over the past year, we have achieved new accomplishments and made fresh progress at a new starting point. This is most evident in economic development, with all major economic indicators ranking among the highest in the province; it is reflected in urban governance—indeed, People’s Daily has officially endorsed Changde as a city without railings or bollards. So where are those railings and bollards? They reside in our hearts, where reverence and respect take root. It is also manifested in the rising living standards of our people, in the robust growth of industrial projects—traditional industries are flourishing, with old trees sprouting new branches and buds, while emerging sectors are thriving and expanding vigorously—and in the growing sense of recognition, belonging, and pride that residents feel toward this city.

It is fair to say that we have lived up to this great era, to the trust placed in us by our organization, to the land of Yuan and Li, and to the more than six million people who call it home. We have delivered tangible results and taken the lead. Every initiative we undertake has been a success—completed with excellence. This is neither self‑praise nor arrogance; it is our goal, our confidence, our steadfast resolve, and the very source of our hope.

I’ve been in Changde for six or seven years now. Looking back over this period, I’ve come to deeply appreciate a few key lessons worth reflecting on:

First, the key lies in absolute loyalty.

Loyalty that is not absolute is, in fact, absolute disloyalty. Guided by loyalty to the Party and the people, to the nation and the ethnic community, we must stand firm before Heaven and earth, remain true to our conscience, and honor our duties. Only then can we avoid wavering in our resolve, refrain from “being in Cao’s camp with Han’s heart,” and devote ourselves wholeheartedly—body, mind, and energy—to our work. Only then can we truly put into practice the Party’s fundamental principle of serving the people wholeheartedly, lest we reduce such devotion to half-heartedness, indecision, or even callousness and betrayal. Only absolute loyalty enables us to stay true to our original aspiration and keep our mission firmly in mind.

Whether one remains true to their original aspiration or not hinges on the core. This is precisely why we must firmly uphold the “Four Consciousnesses” and resolutely safeguard the “Two Upholds.”

Whether one remains true to their original aspiration or not hinges on the Party’s heart. Listen to the Party and follow its lead; do whatever the Party asks, and refrain from doing anything it does not ask.

Whether one remains true to one’s original aspiration or not hinges on the people’s hearts. Whether the people are satisfied or dissatisfied, whether they approve or disapprove, whether they are happy or not, and whether they support or oppose—these constitute the ultimate yardstick for evaluating our work, as well as its starting point and ultimate goal.

Whether one stays true to their original aspiration or not hinges on the heart. One must not be two-faced; one must remain consistent, with one’s heart and words in harmony, and one’s inner self and outer conduct aligned.

Whether one stays true to their original aspiration or not hinges on perseverance. This is what it means to remain steadfast from beginning to end, never giving up until the goal is achieved. Only by demonstrating absolute loyalty can we be truly accountable to the Party, to the people, and to the land and waters of our region.

Second, the key lies in perseverance.

Before setting out to fish, the fisherman doesn’t know where the schools of fish are, yet he still ventures forth, for he harbors a dream and believes he will surely return with a bountiful catch. In our daily lives, as long as we persevere and stay true to our choices, good results will inevitably follow. It’s not that we persevere because there’s hope; it’s that we gain hope by persevering. It’s not that we strive because there’s an opportunity; it’s that we create opportunities through our efforts.

The Municipal Party Committee and the Municipal Government have put forward a strategy of building a strong, open city driven by industry—focusing on industries, projects, development, industrial parks, streamlining institutional mechanisms, and fostering a pragmatic and effective work style among cadres. We propose shifting from prioritizing outward appearance to valuing both appearance and inner character; from pursuing scale, specifications, and quantity to emphasizing quality management and efficiency; and from being a large inland city to becoming an open, industrially robust metropolis.

To be frank with everyone, Developing industries and advancing projects are not achievements that can be accomplished overnight; they cannot be achieved in a single stroke. They are the kind of endeavors that require the efforts of those who came before so that later generations may reap the benefits—foundational work that yields long-term dividends. We must, in accordance with the General Secretary’s instructions, accept that success need not be attributed to us, yet ensure that our contribution is indispensable to that success. To drive industries and projects, you need to approach them with both a relentless determination and a bit of sheer tenacity. Relentless determination. We will never give up until we achieve our goals, and we will never abandon our efforts halfway. foolishness It means being the fool for the people of Changde, and the fool for Changde’s future development—unconcerned with short-term gains or losses, indifferent to personal fame and fortune. If you don’t strive and fight, life is lived in vain; if you don’t endure hardship and fatigue, life lacks flavor. As the most popular saying goes online: the greatest success comes from the most stubborn persistence.

Third, the key lies in striving with vigor and taking proactive action.

Human beings need a measure of spirit and a touch of sentiment. In ancient times, the scholar-officials sought to establish a heart for heaven and earth, to secure a destiny for the people, to carry forward the lost learning of the sages, and to usher in lasting peace for all generations. This is what it means to cultivate virtue, achieve meritorious deeds, and leave behind enduring words. In the new era, Communists dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to serving the people, striving for the happiness of the Chinese people and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

To strive with vigor and achieve success, we must focus on concrete actions and deliver tangible results. Just now, Director Tian Biao told me that Comrade Xiaoping once said: “If you don’t act, there is not the slightest bit of Marxism; a single program is worth less than one concrete action. Only what is achieved through hard work can be truly remarkable—there is no glory to be gained by waiting.”

To strive with vigor and achieve success, one must think in the long term. We must think in terms of the big picture, not get bogged down in petty or short‑term calculations. I’ve heard of someone who takes a cold shower in freezing weather. When asked why he would do such a thing in such frigid conditions—whether he wasn’t afraid of catching a cold—he replied, “I’ve got two packets of cold medicine at home that are about to expire.” I suppose that was meant as a joke, but isn’t this all too true in real life? When we welcome fellow townsfolk back to their hometowns and work to build up our native places, we should focus on long‑term, large‑scale, and dynamic considerations—on the future development of Changde—rather than dwelling on small, narrow, or static calculations.

To strive with vigor and achieve success, we must implement policies creatively. Connecting with the higher-level directives while remaining grounded in reality—this is how we strike the right balance in our work. Consider this example: an octogenarian, left homeless and living on the streets, was asked why he hadn’t gone to a nursing home. Everyone knows that such facilities are for the “five‑guarantee” elderly. He replied, “I have a son—so why doesn’t your son take care of you?” Then he added, “If my son ends up in a nursing home, what does that mean? It means I have a son, but my son has no son.” This is a masterful satire of formalism and bureaucratic inertia, a sharp rebuke to those who rigidly and inflexibly enforce policies. We must uphold principles while maintaining strategic flexibility—reaching for the heights above while staying firmly rooted below.

To strive with vigor and achieve success, we must tackle the toughest challenges. We realize the value of life by overcoming difficulties, elevate our management capabilities through tackling challenges, and enhance the people’s sense of well-being by pressing forward in the face of adversity. Wind and rain are the norm; facing them without hesitation is a state of mind; pressing forward through wind and rain is the way we live. Through tackling tough challenges, we will elevate all aspects of Changde’s work to a new level of governance.

Fourth, the key is to hold the line.

Forgetting about danger is the greatest danger of all. Life’s misfortunes arise from the accumulation of wishful thinking. To be frank, with 18,200 square kilometers of territory and a population of over 6.2 million, when the forest is vast, you’re bound to find every kind of bird. It is impossible to eliminate all risks or potential hazards; under these circumstances, we must remain committed to making progress while maintaining stability, uphold a bottom-line mindset, and stay attuned to emerging issues.

In my view, the red lines, bottom lines, and safety thresholds today are inviolable. These encompass workplace safety, overall social stability, comprehensive governance, poverty alleviation, ecological and environmental protection, and the prevention and control of government debt risks—these constitute our safety net, our bottom line, and our red lines.

When it comes to issues related to the safety line or the baseline, several relationships must be properly managed:

To strike the right balance between the safety helmet and the official hat, one must first wear the safety helmet securely; only then can one properly and steadily don the official hat. You must strike the right balance between short-term needs and long-term principles: it’s better to offend for a while than to alienate someone for a lifetime. It is essential to manage the relationship between criticism and tears—better to heed the former than the latter. It is necessary to properly manage the relationship between dereliction of duty and unemployment, as well as between failure to fulfill responsibilities and accountability. It is necessary to properly address the situation where one can afford a coffin but cannot afford medical treatment. One must strike a balance between having a good conscience and having a poor memory.

Many of our leading cadres today may have good consciences when it comes to safety and red‑line issues, but their memories are poor. In my view, if one’s memory is bad, so too is one’s conscience. The red lines, bottom lines, and safety thresholds are inviolable—lines we must never cross. On this front, we must leave no room for error. There’s a “1” at the front and a “0” at the back; once that “1”—the bottom line or red line—is gone, no matter how many zeros follow, an infinite number of zeros still equals zero.

Adhering to bottom-line thinking and maintaining a problem-oriented mindset, I believe we must strive to achieve the “six haves”:

With a spark in your eyes, you must both keep your head down to get things done and lift it to gaze at the blue sky and the starry heavens—looking up to see the path ahead. With a string taut in our minds, we must keep the red line and the bottom line of safety firmly in mind at all times. Have a clear understanding in your heart; ensure that the people are always at the forefront of your mind. We bear responsibility on our shoulders; we must ensure that we have effective strategies and concrete actions at our disposal.

Only by persevering in this way and daring to confront challenges—rather than burying our heads in the sand—can we surely make steady progress.

Fifth, the key lies in forging synergy.

The ship’s power lies in its sails, while human strength resides in the heart. When hearts are united, even Mount Tai can be moved; the true strength of a team does not depend on sheer numbers, but on shared resolve. Yesterday, Director Tian Biao also told me that the reason he was willing to come to Changde was because he saw the city’s vibrant vitality and the unity of its leadership team.

The unity of the leadership team begins with cherishing the bond we share. In the span of a few decades, to come together is itself a kind of fate. As the saying goes, “A hundred years of cultivation brings the chance to share a boat; a thousand years of cultivation brings the chance to sleep side by side”—this underscores the profound significance of destiny.

The unity of the leadership team hinges on mutual respect and mutual understanding. In the first half of the night, you think of yourself; in the second half, you think of others. If you treat your friends like treasures, you become a treasure bowl; if you regard the people around you as mere weeds, you end up being a fool.

For the leadership team to remain united, they must also be willing to make sacrifices and endure hardship. Suffering losses and enduring hardships, like eating, can both help us grow. On the issue of unity, I’ve distilled my thoughts into ten characters—though you could also call it twenty: tactful, humble, willing to let go, open to debate, and united. These encompass positive, negative, and neutral qualities. Tactfulness means being flexible without being slippery; “round” here signifies adaptability and openness, symbolized by a coin—outer roundness, inner squareness—being accommodating yet not cunning. Humility without pretense is sincere and genuine, free from hypocrisy. Letting go without abandoning means that, before a consensus is reached, certain matters can be set aside for a time, to be tested by time, but never discarded altogether. Discussing without争 (quarreling) means that some issues can be addressed with reason and evidence, without giving rise to conflict. We foster unity without forming cliques; we emphasize solidarity but refrain from partisan factionalism and the cultivation of private interests. Unity is the prerequisite for the advancement of all our work and a linchpin of our political environment. We treat this principle as a lifeline.

To forge a united force, we must rely on external support—on the strength of our fellow townsfolk. A hero needs three helpers; a fence needs three stakes. In this regard, no matter how high you’ve climbed, how much wealth you possess, or where you may be—even at the farthest reaches of the earth—each of us carries, deep in our hearts, a tender yearning for home. Kinship is kinship—no matter how distant, we’re all from the same hometown; beauty is beauty—no matter where it comes from, it’s the water of our native land. When battle calls, fathers and sons fight side by side, and in war, brothers stand as one. This speaks to the power of fellow townsfolk and one’s cherished homeland.

The proletariat is not a heartless class. Lu Xun once said, “To be heartless does not necessarily make one a true hero; how can one who pities his children fail to be a man?” Who among us does not cherish feelings for their hometown? Speaking of Director Tian Biao, he has attended the German‑business symposium for six consecutive years. As a general of the People’s Republic, his standing is far from low; indeed, he has done much to honor those of us in positions of power. Yet he comes bearing deep affection for his hometown, a sense of responsibility toward it, and high hopes for its future.

For this very reason, I hope that all our leaders, fellow villagers, and friends will remember: “To amass wealth yet fail to return home is like wearing brocade in the dead of night.” I urge you to bring with you not only your heartfelt commitment and sense of responsibility, but also your aspirations, your projects, your vision, your influence, and your management expertise. And of course, don’t forget to bring your capital as well. We will provide you with a platform, offer you every courtesy, extend favorable policies, and furnish every possible condition—so that you may achieve great success in your hometown and become a lasting monument to its prosperity.

The people’s aspiration for a better life is our shared goal. A better life calls for a healthy ecosystem, a clean and pleasant environment, fairness and justice, and high‑quality development. Above all, it requires each of us to become our best selves. When we strive to be better, Changde will not remain unsightly; when we shine with hope, Changde will not be shrouded in darkness; and when we work hard, Changde will have no reason to fear stagnation.

Some say that life is inseparable from three feasts: one at birth, which you can’t even partake in; one at marriage, when you’re too busy to eat; and one at death, left for others to enjoy. What does this tell us? It reminds us to cherish our opportunities, our platforms, our bodies, our health, this precious moment, and this remarkable era.

Finally, I wish the DeShang Symposium every success. I also wish all our distinguished leaders and fellow townsfolk a wonderful stay in Changde, and hope that our hometown leaves you with a lasting, positive impression.

Thank you, everyone!