Q: The CPC vowed to strengthen its governance capacity in 2004. Does this mean the CPC's capacity to rule is declining? To enhance capacity, what areas will it focus on?

A: There is no direct causality between the CPC's pledge to improve governance capacity and the capacity decline in this regard. Since it came to power more than 50 years ago, the CPC has led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in overcoming various challenges and in turning a disintegrated and backward country into a generally well-off society that is vigorously steaming ahead. This fully testifies to the CPC's strong governance capacity, as widely recognized in China. The extraordinary achievements since the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy in the late 1970s also bear witness to the CPC's competence in governing the country.

However, it should be noted that China is now in the primary stage of socialism and will remain in that stage for a long time to come. The principal contradiction in current Chinese society continues to be the one between the ever-growing needs of the people and backward social productivity. Given this, development has become a pressing task. Faced with a new situation and a new task, the CPC is falling short of the requirements of the socialist market economy and democratic politics in terms of leadership and governance style, leadership regime and work mechanisms, as well as the competence of its leading officials. Some problems call for immediate resolution.

Seeking long-term power is the common goal of all political parties, and the CPC is no exception. The emphasis on governance capacity not only reflects the CPC's scientific survey of its own experiences, but also embodies its serious reexamination of the lessons of some political parties that have been driven out of power. As the party in power that heads China's reform and opening-up program and modernization drive, the CPC is obligated to propel the country through its governance and to lead the Chinese people in rejuvenating the Chinese nation. In an effort to fulfill this historic task, the CPC, while being consciously aware of its role as the ruling party, must bolster its governance capacity to win the recognition of the Chinese people.

With a view to enhancing capacity, the CPC shoulders at present -- and will continue to shoulder in the years ahead -- the task of constantly improving its ability to master the laws of the market economy, develop a socialist democracy, shape advanced socialist culture and build a harmonious society in line with the requirements of promoting a coordinated development of socialist material, political and spiritual civilizations. The overall objective of this endeavor is to build the CPC into a long-term ruling party that works for the public good and exercises state power for the people in a scientific, democratic and lawful manner so that it can lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in bringing about the prosperity of the country, rejuvenation of the nation, harmony of the society and well-being of the people.