China unveils master plan
Boosting economy, fighting graft and going green
CHINESE President Xi Jinping delivered a report to the opening of the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) yesterday. The following are highlights of it: A new era with new thought: Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. The CPC has given shape to the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, a long-term guide to action. It builds on and further enriches Marxism-Leninism. Great modern socialist country: The CPC has drawn up a two-stage development plan. In the first stage from 2020 to 2035, the CPC will build on the foundation of the moderately prosperous society with a further 15 years of hard work to ensure socialist modernisation is realised. In the second stage from 2035 to the middle of the 21st century, the CPC will develop China for a further 15 years into a prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious, beautiful country.
The principal contradiction facing Chinese society is between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people’s ever-growing needs for a better life. Their material and cultural needs have grown, as have their demands for democracy, rule of law, fairness and justice, security, and a better environment.
Economy: China’s economy has been transitioning from a phase of rapid growth to a stage of high-quality development.
In developing a modernised economy, China will support state capital in becoming stronger, doing better, and growing bigger, and turn Chinese enterprises into world-class, globally competitive firms.
China will leverage consumption in promoting economic growth and improve regulation underpinned by monetary policy and macro-prudential policy, and see that interest rates and exchange rates become more market-based.
Opening up: China will only become more open to the world. It will also significantly ease market access and protect the rights and interests of foreign investors.
Law: The CPC will set up a central leading group for advancing law-based governance in all areas, strengthen oversight to ensure compliance with the constitution and safeguard the authority of the constitution. Ecological progress: The CPC has incorporated Beautiful China into ts modernisation plan, characterised by harmonious co-existence between man and nature.
Regulatory agencies will manage stateowned natural resource assets and monitor natural ecosystems, and develop nature reserves.
Armed forces: By the year 2020, military mechanisation will be basically achieved, with IT application coming a long way and strategic capabilities seeing a big improvement. Modernisation should be basically completed by 2035. The people’s armed forces will be transformed into a world-class military by the mid-21st century.
Diplomacy: China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansion.
Party building: Having gained overwhelming momentum in its fight against corruption, the party is determined to secure victory over its greatest threat.