[GMW] Tao Wenzhao: In a New Era, We Must Get a New Look and Make New Accomplishments

When members of the 19th Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau made their first appearance to the public this day of last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping said that the socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era. In this new context, we must get a new look. And more importantly, make new accomplishments.

Since the 19th National Congress, the CPC Central Committee led by Xi Jinping has made great progress in state governance both in theory and in practice, through which three “consistent policies” are particularly prominent.

First is to consistently uphold and develop the socialism with Chinese characteristics. The socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era is the great achievement our Party and People made after years of innumerable trials and hardships, closely linked with our history of 40-year reform and opening up, 70-year development of New China and nearly 100-year evolution of the CPC. It is the path our Country, Party and People wish to uphold consistently now and in the future.

Advancing reform and development are two important factors in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. According to the overall objectives of comprehensively deepening reform, we have taken various measures to make sure the reforms are done systematically, completely and with smooth coordination. The reforms must be implemented orderly and continually. In regard to development, our economy development model has moved from the stage of pursuing high-speed growth to high-quality growth. Over the past year, guided by the principle of steady growth, we conducted supply-side structural reform, promoted technology innovation, and further opened up, driving forward the modernization of economic system.

Second is to consistently promote the Party building. The Party’s leadership is essential to the construction of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the great advantage of our social system. The major political and theoretical achievements of the 19th National Congress are added to the Amendment of Constitution of the People’s Republic of China, providing solid legal foundation for better playing the Party’s leading role. The Central Committee of CPC also lead the structural reform of the Party and national institutions, further improving the governance strategy with more centralized and coordinated systems.

While leading our Country and People in the pursuit of China Dream, the Party must strengthen self-discipline and strict with its members so as to withstand all the trials and win people’s heart. After the 19th National Congress, the CPC revised its disciplinary regulations and released trial regulations on party affairs information disclosure, aiming to guide the Party building with strict rules. The Party also made great efforts to lift the capabilities and thoughts of its members and crack down corruptions.

Third is to consistently prepare for new challenges and risks. It is a new era of both opportunities and challenges. We must be prepared for danger even in times of peace and stability. In the context of changing international landscape, we must have the ability to prevent risks at the same time to successfully response to and resolve the challenges.

Since the 19th National Congress, the Central Committee of CPC has made great achievements both at home and abroad. In China, the Three Critical Battles including 1) preventing and resolving the major risks, 2) conducting targeted poverty reduction, and 3) controlling pollution are making steady progress. Internationally, China hold highly the banner of building a community of shared future for all humankind, safeguarding the world peace and international order amid chaos and a heighted trade war.

Looking back at the past year, we have done splendid work since the opening of the 19th National Congress. Looking ahead, we are welcoming the 70th anniversary of New China in 2019, the historic year of building moderately prosperous society in 2020, and the centennial anniversary of the CPC in 2021. Shouldered with all the responsibilities, the Party and People together must add oil and steer the boat steadily, sailing toward the rejuvenation of Chinese nation against the storms and disturbances.