A New Journey for China
This article, on the key takeaways from the CPC 20th National Congress, is the first part of a two-part series
The Communist Party of China (CPC) convened its 20th National Congress from Oct 16 to Oct 22, 2022. Out of 96 million members of the world's largest political party, 2,296 CPC representatives gathered in Beijing for this solemn and historic occasion. The Congress, held at a critical moment in the process of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, presents major and far-reaching significance for both China and the world at large.
The congress elects new leadership with Mr Xi Jinping continuing to serve as the General Secretary of CPC Central Committee. It is further established that Comrade Xi Jinping stands as the core of the Party and its Central Committee. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, incorporated in the CPC constitution, is set as guidance for the Party to follow.
In his working report to the congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping comprehensively summarised China's achievements made under the leadership of CPC in the past decade, in particular during the five years since the last national congress of the CPC. Most notably, CPC embraced its founding centenary, socialism with Chinese characteristics entered a new era, China eradicated absolute poverty and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, thus completing the First Centenary Goal.
The success of CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics is fundamentally attributed to Marxism, especially when it is adapted to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. Based on insights into governance by communist parties, development of socialism, and evolution of human society, CPC has made continuous exploration and theoretical innovation to trail the way of its own. The Congress urges the entire Party to always put the people first, to maintain self-confidence and stand on China's own feet, to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, to adopt a problem-oriented approach, to apply systems thinking, and to maintain a global vision.
Gearing up for a new journey, the congress burdens the Party with the central task to lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a concerted effort to realise the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and to advance the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernisation. It contains elements common to the modernisation processes of all countries, but is more characterised by features unique to the Chinese context. To specify, it will be a peaceful process of modernisation in harmony with nature, with both material and cultural-ethical advancement for many and for all.
To achieve the aforementioned task, the congress vows to promote high quality development in the context of a new development pattern that focuses on China's domestic economy on the one hand, and features positive interplay between internal and international economic flows on the other hand. The roles of education, sci-tech, and talent are underscored. Innovation is deemed to be at the heart of China's modernisation drive. By strengthening whole-process people's democracy, the rule of law and cultural confidence-building, the people's wellbeing will be further improved. In line with the Beautiful China Initiative, the country will work toward carbon goals actively and prudently. The "one country, two systems" will be upheld, and CPC will unswervingly advance the cause of national reunification. Like always, China will dedicate itself to promoting the human community with a shared future. China never seeks hegemony or engages in expansionism.
As true Marxists, Chinese communists always keep clear-headed to the historical cycles of rise and fall, and have been consistently seeking ways to break through it. Besides "people's scrutiny" offered by Mao Zedong in 1947, CPC finds "self-reform" as the second solution to discipline the governing power. Applauding the resolute fight against corruption, the Congress reminds all Party members that full and rigorous self-governance is an unceasing endeavor and that self-reform is a journey to which there is no end. Only by doing so would it be ensured that the Party will never change its nature, its conviction, or its character.
The agenda fixed by the congress, in particular the expounded Chinese path to modernisation, brings opportunities for global growth, promotes world peace, and provides an alternative for civilisation advancement. The propositions are warmly echoed around the globe, especially in Bangladesh. In her congratulatory message to General Secretary Xi Jinping, the Hon'ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, also the Hon'ble President of Bangladesh Awami League, commends China's plan to build a modern socialist country through a new development philosophy and paradigm, appreciates China's continued support of the socioeconomic development aspirations of developing countries, and welcomes China's endeavors to build a human community with a shared future.
China and Bangladesh are strategic partners of cooperation and staunch supporters of multilateralism and an open world economy. The two countries have kept expanding common understanding and cooperation on a wide range of scopes. I am convinced that the 20th National Congress of CPC and its resolutions will inject fresh impetus into China-Bangladesh relations and bring new opportunities to Bangladesh's development. China is ready to work with Bangladesh to expand common interests and to pursue cooperation of higher quality at a higher level, thereby making our joint contribution to the advancement of the entire humanity.
HE Li Jiming is the ambassador of China to Bangladesh.