China on the cusp of new era
- By Sajjad Malik
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E-mail China.org.cn, October 26, 2017
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The spokesperson for the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) hosts a press conference on the interpretation of the Report to the 19th CPC National Congress in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 26, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Xin) |
The 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) made several significant decisions during its seven-day sessions. The inclusion of Xi Jinping Thought into the Party constitution and the reiteration to build a moderately prosperous society in all aspects by 2020 are highly significant due to their long and short-term implications.
To realize the dream of a moderately prosperous society is the first centenary goal designated for the hundred year anniversary of the founding of the CPC. It has been a daunting task. Millions of Chinese people were in poverty for decades before the CPC put the country on the path to progress through a series of reforms.
The achievement of this objective was difficult in the context of China. Though, globally, there are several countries that have already banished poverty and are providing a decent life style for the people. These first world nations were the first to achieve the marvel of progress.
China has followed the same path but in its own way. Through aggressive developmental policies, it has been able to transform the landscape of the country. Massive investment and dramatic increases in exports provide the capital needed to create jobs and help people grow out of material backwardness.
China's journey has been strenuous but successful. Reports show that it has lifted 700 million people out of poverty in the past 30 years and another 40 million are set to say goodbye to destitution over the coming three years. It is unparalleled in history due to sheer number of people involved.
Bringing people out of poverty creates fresh challenges for a country. Those tasting modernity, abundance and welfare crave for more and often get impatient when they face financial hardships to get what they aspire for. It breeds discontent and political unrest.
While China stands at the threshold of achieving a status of a moderately rich country, it needs to stick to the basics. That is why Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era becomes relevant. It is important because it would pave the way for achieving the second centenary goal of making China a truly modernized socialist society by 2049 - one hundred years after the CPC took power.
As China moves forward, there are several pitfalls both seen and unseen. Historical hurdles like the middle-income trap or the Thucydides trap are just a few among many. As Xi said in his speech that China has become rich and strong since 1949 through a sustained effort but it needs to do more to "regain its might and re-ascend to the top of the world."
Xi believes that China is a different society and its decision about how to develop should be respected by the world. Struggle and unity is the watchword as it embarks on an arduous task of building China into a great modern socialist country that in words of Xi is "prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful."
The progress of socialism in China also means that it has a lot of tenacity as a doctrine and philosophy. Those writing endless obituaries of communism since the fall of USSR would have to revisit their ideas. Socialism in China has shown tremendous resilience. The system is not based on empty rhetoric of revolution and change, but it has the agility and ability to adjust and transform in the light of new realties.
Chinese success may open avenues for less developed nations to adopt it as a model. If more countries follow the developmental path taken by China, then millions of people around the world will be able to taste the fruit of fast-track progress and escape from poverty.
China still needs to go a long way and its current progress is just half way down the road. The leadership should go on working for a brighter future through development and crackdown on sleaze. Internationally, China should exhibit leadership through more meaningful engagements and a readiness to share the cake of progress with the less fortunate in the world.
Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
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