During his recent inspection trip to Guizhou province last week, Xi sat on a bench at a drum tower, chatting with folk song singers, batik artists, and college graduates in a mountainous village.

　　Netizens compared the scene to a series of similar encounters, noting that it reflected Xi's natural and comfortable way of connecting with the public, reinforcing his image as a man of the people — something that has remained unchanged since his teenage years working in the countryside and throughout his political career.

　　“I often remind myself that all fellow members within the Party have entrusted me to serve as general secretary, so I must hold myself to even stricter standards, leading by example in upholding the Party Constitution and adhering to Party discipline and rules,“ Xi said.

　　He is strict with his family members, too. Xi said anyone who claims to be his friend or relative to seek favors should be firmly rejected and reported without delay.

　　“Communists don't play by the rules of favoritism in which someone gains power, and people connected to them receive special privileges,“ he has repeatedly said.

　　“Don't assume that being a cadre's child makes one immune to consequences. Anyone who violates Party discipline or state laws must be held accountable, and they must be dealt with even more strictly to set an example for the people,“ Xi said.

　　He demanded that the implementation of the eight-point rules begin with the 20-plus-member Political Bureau. For years, it has been a standard practice for Political Bureau members to report on their adherence to these rules during the annual criticism and self-criticism session.

　　STARTING SMALL TO CRACK HARD NUTS