Xi Jinping: The leader of a great revival
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E-mail China Daily, March 15, 2017
Code of success
Making a great country requires strong and competent leadership devoted to the fundamental interests of the people.
"China's most important successes rest on strategic planning and decision-making by the central leadership," said Zhang Weiwei, director of Fudan University's Institute of China Studies.
Unlike Western democracies, which seem increasingly obsessed with showmanship and short-term elections, China's leadership has a long-term target and is more inclined to plan for the next generation and beyond. Once the Chinese leadership makes a blueprint, it sees it through.
Poverty relief is one such example. It has been included in the work plans of the Chinese leadership for generations.
Fundamental to a well-off society, poverty alleviation efforts have helped 55 million Chinese people enjoy better lives between 2013 and 2016. The government has pledged to eradicate poverty by 2020.
Poverty alleviation is not the only matter at hand, and speed and efficiency are of the essence. When working in Fuzhou, capital of Fujian province, Xi reminded officials of their duty to "take immediate action"－the working style he wants to see across the country.
China's system of governance remains resilient and robust because of how it selects and mobilizes officials. A cadre is promoted only after he or she has served at various grassroots posts and acquired enough experience.
How many jobs has an official created? Where are the tangible results regarding economic and social development? Is the environment cleaner or more polluted? These key factors are considered for any promotion. Those found to be ineffective are demoted and, in some cases, penalized.
The 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20) has made local officials accountable for the environmental damage they cause, even if it is discovered after they have left office.
China stresses the unity of Party leadership, people being the masters of the country and the rule of law. The approach has shown its advantage over the so-called Western model, according to Zhang at Fudan University.
Making history
The two sessions, among China's most important political events, are poised to support the next round of reform. Thousands of lawmakers and political advisers have raised suggestions on development. Crucially, the sessions have gathered a national consensus to unite more closely around the CPC Central Committee, with Xi as the core.
"Xi's core status came through his leadership in advancing the Party's great cause," said Dai Yanjun, a professor with the Party School of the CPC Central Committee.
The largest modernization movement in human history has a political party with 88 million members united around a core leader. This common dream not only benefits China, but also the whole world.
The real test, however, lies ahead. Xi and his colleagues are facing a number of challenges. Few developing countries, for example, have avoided the so-called middle-income trap.
Daunting as the difficulties may be, in Xi's opinion, "History is created by the brave."
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