Editor’s note: In this column we introduce phrases frequently used in the Chinese media and by the Chinese government, thereby providing a succinct overview of China’s political thinking, its policies, and ongoing reforms and transitions.  

“三严三实”

“三严三实”是习近平对各级领导干部改进作风提出的要求，即严以修身、严以用权、严以律己，谋事要实、创业要实、做人要实。

严以修身，就是要加强党性修养，坚定理想信念，提升道德境界，追求高尚情操，自觉远离低级趣味，自觉抵制歪风邪气。严以用权，就是要坚持用权为民，按规则、按制度行使权力，把权力关进制度的笼子里，任何时候都不搞特权、不以权谋私。严以律己，就是要心存敬畏、勤于自省、遵守党纪国法。

谋事要实，就是要从实际出发谋划事业和工作，使点子、政策、方案符合实际情况、符合客观规律、符合科学精神，不好高骛远，不脱离实际。创业要实，就是要脚踏实地、真抓实干，敢于担当责任，勇于直面矛盾，善于解决问题，努力创造经得起实践、人民、历史检验的实绩。做人要实，就是要做老实人、说老实话、干老实事。

The Three Guidelines for Ethical Behavior and the Three Basic Rules of Conduct

The initiative to implement the three guidelines for ethical behavior and the three basic rules of conduct (the 3+3 Initiative) was proposed by Xi Jinping. It calls upon officials at all levels to be strict with themselves in self-cultivation, in the exercise of power, and in self-discipline, and to act in good faith when performing official duties, taking initiatives, and interacting with others.

Through self-cultivation, officials are expected to enhance their awareness of the ethical standards of the Party, stand firm in support of its ideals and principles, cultivate integrity, pursue lofty goals, distance themselves from vulgar interests, and resist unhealthy practices and evil influences.

Prudence in the exercise of power emphasizes the importance of using power in the interests of the people, and in accordance with rules and regulations. Officials are expected to keep the exercise of power within the confines of institutional checks, and neither seek privileges nor abuse power for personal gain at any time.

Self-discipline promotes respect for the rule of law, diligence in self-examination, and strict adherence to Party discipline and state laws.

Good faith in performing official duties entails due diligence in decision-making to ensure that all ideas, policies, and plans are context-appropriate, in line with actual conditions, and on a well-conceived and rational basis. We should avoid being overly ambitious and divorced from reality.

Good faith in taking initiatives requires down-to-earth wisdom, results orientation, and accountability for our actions. We should be willing to face up to problems, be adept at solving them, and strive to achieve real results that can stand the test of time.

Good faith in interacting with others calls for honesty in our daily life and work. We should always talk the talk, and walk the walk.

推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化

这是中共十八届三中全会提出的全面深化改革的总目标之一。“国家治理体系和治理能力现代化”是一种全新的政治理念，表明中国共产党对社会政治发展规律有了新的认识，是马克思主义国家理论的重要创新，也是中国共产党从革命党转向执政党的重要理论标志。

国家治理体系就是在党领导下管理国家的制度体系，包括经济、政治、文化、社会、生态文明和党的建设等各领域体制机制、法律法规安排，是一整套紧密相连、相互协调的国家制度。

国家治理能力就是运用国家制度管理社会各方面事务的能力，包括改革发展稳定、内政外交国防、治党治国治军等各个方面。

推进国家治理体系和治理能力现代化，方向就是中国特色社会主义道路。要大力培育和弘扬社会主义核心价值体系和核心价值观，加快构建充分反映中国特色、民族特性、时代特征的价值体系。

Modernizing the National Governance System and Capabilities

One of the policy goals of the expanded in-depth reform program set by the 18th CPC Central Committee at its Third Plenary Session in November 2013 is to modernize the national governance system and capabilities. This is a new political concept that reflects the CPC’s new understanding of the sociopolitical dynamics, and represents an important and innovative addition to the Marxist theory of the state. As a theoretical framework, it also marks an important transition of the CPC from a revolutionary party to a party in power.

As China’s institutional infrastructure under the leadership of the CPC, the national governance system comprises a full array of interlocking and mutually supplementary mechanisms that address economic, political, cultural, social, ecological, and Party-building issues, as well as legal and normative frameworks.

The national governance capabilities refer to the ability to use the national system to manage state affairs, including domestic and foreign affairs, and issues associated with reform, development, stability, and national defense, and to pursue efforts to build an exemplary Party, a prosperous country, and a strong military.

The modernization of the national governance system and capabilities should follow the socialist path with Chinese characteristics. Efforts should be made to foster and promote the core values of Chinese socialism, and accelerate the building of a value system that fully captures what China is, what the Chinese nation stands for, and what our mission today calls for.