China to become a ‘great socialist’ nation
BEIJING: In his 1927 book Decisive Moments in History, Austrian writer Stefan Zweig wrote that though a critical moment rarely occurred, when it did it would be decisive for the course of history for decades or centuries.
In years to come, it might be that people recall the current Communist Party of China (CPC) national congress as one such moment for the country, perhaps even for the world.
Past CPC national congresses taught us that the twice-a-decade meeting is not just important as a leadership reshuffle, but is equally essential for setting the way forward for China’s future.
In a report delivered to the congress on behalf of the outgoing CPC Central Committee, President Xi Jinping said China would become a “great modern socialist country” by the middle of the 21st century.
China will have become a global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence, with a modern economy, advanced culture and worldclass armed forces. Common prosperity for everyone is basically achieved. The Chinese people enjoy happier, safer and healthier lives, Xi said.
On the eve of the congress, French newspaper Le Monde printed, in large Chinese characters, “China, a rising great power” on the front page with an eight-page special report on China’s emergence.
Le Monde is not alone seeing such a trajectory. US-based financial firm Morgan Stanley published a report in February, predicting China’s per capita income to grow from $8 000 (R108 477) now to $12 500 by 2027.
In his speech, Xi said that socialist modernisation will have been basically realised by 2035. If this goal is reached, the CPC would turn socialist China into one of the world’s richest and most powerful countries on Earth – the first time a Marxist party has achieved such a feat.