China’s blueprint for success

THE 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China is to set a blueprint for the country to march towards modernisation under the banner of “socialism with Chinese characteristics”.

As the world’s largest developing country, socialist China’s rise in a field dominated by capitalist states has brought fresh ideas in addressing challenges facing humanity in at least 10 respects.

People-centered: China has lifted 700 million people out of poverty in the past 30 years. In the coming three years, another 40 million will be added to the list, meaning 20 people are lifted out of poverty every minute.

Meeting people’s needs, ranging from those in education, employment, social security, medical services, housing, environment to intellectual and culture life, is the priority of the government.

A strong ruling party: The 96-year-old CPC has evolved from 50 members to 89 million.

Pooling resources: Unlike in Western democracies, the Chinese government is highly efficient in pooling resources to deal with major problems.

Effective democracy: The essence of democracy is to answer to the people.

Ability to reform: Reform is the engine of China’s economic miracle.

Creative market economy: China has adopted a basic economic system with public ownership playing a dominant role and diverse forms of ownership developing side by side.

Maintaining stability: Social stability, along with development, is an absolute principle.

Win-win and sharing: Today, many localities in China are turning into “cities of migrants”.

Following its own path: The bitter experience of the past has taught China about the dangers of blindly copying the Western model.

Cultural roots: It is impossible for a nation to thrive if it abandons its culture.