Q: As the preeminent political leadership in China, what methods does the Communist Party of China (CPC) employ to govern the country?

A：Firstly, it sets the direction for China's development, such as exploring and proposing the Chinese development path, leading the people along this path to national rejuvenation. Secondly, it overseas governmental institutions and authorities like the National People's Congress, where CPC organizations are established to ensure that the exercise of power reflects the Party's leadership. Thirdly, it is responsible for formulating major decisions and leading their implementation, such as formulating and executing national economic and social development plans. Additionally, there are numerous other aspects and methods through which the CPC governs the country.

Q: Within the political lexicon of China, the term "Central Committee" frequently appears. What is the typical context in which this term is utilized?

A: In general, the term "Central Committee" refers to the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). It represents the highest governing body within the party, comprising a group of political leaders. Members of the Central Committee are elected through an over-subscribed election at the Party's National Congress, which is convened every five years. The 19th Central Committee, elected in 2017, is composed of 204 full members and 172 alternate members, the majority of whom possess university or postgraduate degrees.

Q: Is the governance of China by the CPC effectively executed by the Central Committee of the Party?

A: Generally speaking, that is the case. The CPC Central Committee holds plenary sessions annually. Each plenary session discusses a specific issue, such as reform and opening- up, economic and social development, intraparty political life, cultural development, and the enhancement of the state system, among others. Typically, these sessions result in the adoption of decisions, resolutions, or proposals that form the overarching policies and guidelines for governing the country and managing state affairs.

For instance, the Central Committee convenes a plenary session every five years to discuss and finalize proposals for a five-year plan on national economic and social development. The formulation of each five-year plan reflects one aspect of how the CPC leads the nation's development.

Some Westerners accurately point out that the CPC is a unique political entity with its inclination towards long-term planning, considering matters a century ahead. They argue that, in Western countries, once a party assumes power, its primary focus is typically on ensuring success in the next election. This distinction underscores the fundamental difference between long-term and short-term approaches to governance.

From 1953 to the present, the CPC has formulated 14 "five-year plans," roughly spanning three stages, which reflect the continuous improvement in its ability to govern.

The first stage encompassed the formulation of five "five-year plans" within a planned economy. These plans predominantly utilized a command approach, with tasks disaggregated and passed downward to regional authorities and enterprises. The execution of these "five-year plans" fundamentally established an independent and relatively comprehensive industrial system and a national economic system.

The second stage included the development of four "five-year plans" as the transition occurred from a planned economy to a socialist market economy. Initially, the focus of the plans was predominantly on economic development. However, beginning with the fifth "five-year plan," social development was also integrated. The execution of these plans progressively shifted from administrative directives and direct government resource allocation to a model of macroeconomic management that aligns with the principles of market economics. The implementation of these four "five-year plans" established the foundational framework for the socialist market economy.

The third stage, following the advent of the 21st century, encompassed the formulation of five "five-year plans." In this period, the CPC further deepened its understanding of the principles governing state administration and the advancement of socialism. The execution of these plans successfully met the objective of establishing a moderately prosperous society in all respects.

Q: On what foundation does the CPC formulate proposals for these "five-year plans"?

A: China conducts a population census every 10 years and an annual economic and social survey, with the aim of providing a foundation for policy adjustments. When formulating a new "five-year plan," more in-depth and comprehensive surveys and studies are also undertaken.

The formulating of The Proposals for the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) for National Economic and Social Development (The Proposals) in 2020 was a complex process. President Xi Jinping presided over the drafting committee responsible for The Proposals. Prior to the official drafting phase, over 60 institutions and organizations, including the nation's premier think tanks, generated more than 200 research reports focused on 38 distinct topics pertinent to economic and social development. Additionally, various regions and departments contributed 109 pieces of advice and suggestions concerning the new five-year plan. Following thorough analysis of these submissions, the drafting committee delineated the foundational structure and pivotal elements of The Proposals and subsequently submitted them for extensive review by the Central Committee Political Bureau and its Standing Committee.

At the same time, the central leadership conducted numerous visits to grassroots communities to solicit advice and suggestions from the populace. For instance, President Xi Jinping visited Changsha in Hunan province and engaged in dialogue for more than two hours with a diverse group of local stakeholders, including village party secretaries, rural teachers, poverty alleviation officials, migrant laborers, large-scale grain farmers, truck drivers, couriers, restaurant proprietors, legal experts, and more. This initiative to seek public input also extended to an online platform, where over a million comments were collected. From this extensive feedback, the drafting group of The Proposals meticulously compiled over 1,000 specific suggestions.

After the initial draft of The Proposals was prepared, President Xi also presided over seven roundtables with representatives from other political parties, prominent individuals without party affiliations, entrepreneurs, economists, scientists, and professionals from the fields of education, culture, health, and sports, as well as grassroots representatives. These participants provided valuable input and feedback. Following a meticulous review and further refinement, the draft was presented to the 5th Plenary Session of the 19th Central Committee of the CPC for examination and revision, ultimately resulting in its approval.

At this juncture, the work had not reached its final completion.

It remained necessary for the National Development and Reform Commission, an institution under the State Council, to develop more detailed and executable plan outlines based on The Proposals presented by the CPC Central Committee.

The ultimate step involved converting the plan outlines into the will of the state, by presenting it for review by the nation's highest legislative body, the National People's Congress (NPC). Within this assembly, delegates introduced proposed amendments and subsequently cast their votes to ratify the document, thereby conferring upon it the status of an official and legally binding instrument.

Once it has been established as a legal document, the subsequent task at hand is execution, with the various departments of the State Council and governments at all administrative levels charged with the responsibility of putting it into practice.

Q: What concerns me more is the effect of the plans devised by China. Are they genuinely viable for implementation?

A: Here is a story for you that should help you to understand.

In December 2020, China's Chang'e-5 probe reached a significant milestone by successfully returning with lunar soil samples. Interestingly, an article dating back 16 years (in 2004) had already mapped out the comprehensive lunar exploration strategy. This strategy was delineated with a phased approach described as "orbiting, landing, and returning," which corresponded precisely with the subsequent progression of the missions. The initial phase was dedicated to enabling the spacecraft to orbit the moon. The subsequent phase involved a soft landing on the lunar surface for field exploration. The final phase culminated in the retrieval of lunar soil samples.

If you had come across this news 16 years prior, you might have dismissed it as a mere dream or a plan fraught with uncertainties. Yet, the Chinese people were resolute, and they executed the plan with meticulous care and seamless coordination.

Q: Formulating a "five-year plan" is not an annual occurrence, and the Central Committee Plenary Session is typically convened just once a year. Who, then, is charged with managing the day-to-day affairs of governing the country?

A: The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and its Standing Committee—elected by the CPC Central Committee—exercise the Central Committee's authority during the plenary session's recess. Members of these bodies oversee day-to-day governance and bear specific responsibilities. In fact, most of these members occupy pivotal leadership roles within the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the CPC Central Military Commission, and also within the party committees of various provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities directly governed by the central government. The Political Bureau and its Standing Committee regularly convene to address and manage administrative matters.

From the perspective of macro decision-making and overall coordination, a mechanism of "leading groups" or "specialized committees" is in place at the central level. This mechanism represents a significant approach and method by which the CPC governs and administers the state.

Since 1958, the CPC Central Committee has established leading groups in key areas such as economics and finance, political and legal affairs, foreign affairs, science and technology, and culture and education. Initially, these groups were focused on "consultation" and "ad hoc decision-making." Over time, their functions evolved to encompass deliberative decision-making and the coordination of implementation. A notable example is the establishment of the "Central Special Committee" at the end of 1962 to oversee the significant task of developing nuclear weapons, missiles, and satellites, collectively known as the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" project. This committee included leaders from the Political Bureau, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, and was granted consolidated command, financial, and personnel authority. Zhou Enlai, who served as vice chairman of the CPC Central Committee and premier of the State Council, personally assumed the role of director of the project. Under his leadership, the committee provided centralized and unified direction for the development of atomic bombs, missiles, and satellites.

Following the reform and opening-up, this leadership system has persisted. Currently, various specialized committees and leading groups are tasked with managing day-to-day governance affairs. They include the Commission for Further Reform, the Commission for National Security, the Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs, the Commission for Foreign Affairs, the Commission for Law-based Governance, and the Leading Group on Hong Kong and Macau Affairs, all of which operate under the CPC Central Committee. Moreover, ad hoc leading groups may be established to respond to significant emergencies.

Q: What roles do grassroots organizations and individual members of the CPC play in the governance of the country?

A: The ruling power of the CPC is not an abstract concept, nor is it visible solely under special circumstances. The Party has established a tight-knit organizational system across the nation. This includes over 3,200 regional Party committees at various levels, 145,000 Party organizations within governmental structures at all levels, and more than 4.68 million grassroots Party organizations. This extensive network offers a strength unmatched by any other political party in the world.

The CPC is characterized as an "action-oriented party," distinguishing itself from entities that may be perceived as mere "parties of slogans." Its governance philosophies and policies are ultimately dependent on grassroots officials and Party members, who are tasked with mobilizing the populace for the implementation of these directives.

In the rural regions of Jiangsu province, a man named Wu Renbao, from Huaxi Village, passed away several years ago. He served as the village Party branch secretary for 48 years, which made him the longest-serving individual within the Party at the most grassroots level.

Even from the most grassroots position, he achieved remarkable success. As the leader, Wu Renbao guided the farmers of Huaxi Village in establishing numerous enterprises and effectively implemented policies aimed at common prosperity for all. Consequently, Huaxi Village has seen every household living in villas, owning cars, possessing an average savings balance of over 1 million RMB yuan, and enjoying access to superior welfare and social security benefits.

What was the foundational motivation behind Wu Renbao's actions? He once stated, "I once led a poor life for a long time, and my utmost desire is to empower the impoverished to lead a fulfilling life. This aspiration is my core driving force. What is socialism? The happiness of the people represents the ultimate aim of socialism. No other societal system surpasses socialism in its capacity to facilitate the prosperity of its people."

Shen Hao, a deputy county-level official at the Financial Department of Anhui Province, was dispatched to Xiaogang Village in Anhui in 2004 to spearhead poverty alleviation efforts. During his tenure, he fulfilled the roles of the first secretary of the village Party branch and the head of the village committee. Upon completing his three-year term in 2007, the villagers, unwilling to see him leave, drafted a letter of retention. Affixed with their fingerprints, the letter appealed to higher authorities to extend Shen Hao's stay for an additional three-year term, during which he would continue to lead the community. Tragically, in November 2009, Shen Hao succumbed to overwork in the temporary residence he occupied within the village.

Why was Shen Hao so well-received? Because he led the farmers of Xiaogang Village in efforts to build roads, construct residential buildings, develop and expand the grape industry, centralize land for the establishment of a cooperative, and more, bringing about significant changes in the lives of the villagers.

Q: Some people are concerned that things are going well now, but what if they are not handled as well at some point in the future?

A: This is precisely why the Party maintains such vigilance. The term "sense of vigilance" refers to an acute awareness of various challenges, a focus on identifying areas susceptible to errors, and a persistent state of alertness to prevent mistakes that could arise from inadequate responses. When confronted with risks and challenges, and particularly during the decision-making process, the CPC also champions the concept of worst-scenario thinking. This approach involves preparing for the most adverse scenario and striving for the most favorable outcome.

Of course, no one can guarantee that errors do not occur, but it is imperative that major disruptive mistakes are absolutely avoided.

While assuming the leadership role, the CPC indeed bears a pressure comparable to walking on thin ice. Since history and the people have chosen the CPC to act as the "brain of the nation" and have accepted its leadership, there is absolutely no justification for the Party to commit major mistakes in the governance of the country.

Consequently, the CPC consistently reflects on its governance experiences and is committed to the continuous improvement of its governing ability. Ideologically, the CPC upholds the principle of "seeking truth from facts." This principle quite literally entails starting from actual conditions, delving into the internal connections and developmental laws of various matters, and capturing their essence. When it comes to governing the country, applying this principle involves acknowledging China's historical position in its developmental trajectory, addressing the demands of the era and the populace, making informed decisions based on realistic assessments, and diligently pursuing these initiatives across generations.

This represents the fundamental approach to the CPC's governance of the country.

The interviewee is Chen Jin, Former committee member of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the Central Committee of CPC.

Liu Xian /Editor    Zhang Rong /Translator

Yang Xinhua /Chief Editor    Ren Qiang /Coordinator

Liu Li /Reviewer

Zhang Weiwei /Copyeditor    Tan Yujie /Image Editor

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