Genc Mlloja
Achieving the goal of the First Centenary of the Program of the Communist Party of China (CPC) to build a moderately prosperous society in all directions and realize the dream of 1.4 billion Chinese people for the great rejuvenation and transformation of their country in one of the world’s greatest powers has opened the way for a new era to take China to the highest heights of development, leaving behind backwardness and poverty as a bitter past with an eye towards a brighter future in the journey along the Second Centenary.
This legitimately optimistic and at the same time realistic and faithful spirit permeated the entire programmatic report presented by the General Secretary of the CPC’s Central Committee, Xi Jinping, on behalf of the 19th Central Committee at the start of the work of its highest forum- the 20th Congress- on October 16 in the presence of 2340 delegates, representing more than 96 million members of the CPC from all over the country.
Congresses of the CPC have historically been among the most culminating events for this large Asian country because the future course has been determined in all aspects of life on the basis of previous achievements, and major attention has been paid to development, political and social stability, economy, foreign policy, defense and unification of the country, protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity with all its forces. Therefore, for the Chinese citizens, every congress has been the center of their attention with eyes, ears and hearts in the four corners of the country because their future is closely connected with the CPC and its leadership, which have not disappointed them. Under their guidance, China has climbed to the highest peaks of development in every direction – on land, sea and outer space – working hard and overcoming great difficulties and challenges of growth, as well as surmounting multifaceted obstacles created internationally in a turbulent world.
In the international arena, also, the entire public opinion, governmental, political, military and social circles, but especially the economic ones, have long focused their attention on Beijing and thousands of articles, analysis and studies have preceded the 20th Congress of CPC because this event marks the start of a new era in the Second Centenary in Chinese society and takes on extraordinary importance for the future course of economic and social development against the backdrop of the deepening all-round political and economic crisis around the world not only because of the health crisis of the covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine, but also of other conflicts in different regions of the world. The energy crisis has put many countries at a crossroad!
Therefore, naturally, the results of the 20th Congress, and especially the report presented by General Secretary Xi Jinping, who was reelected for a third mandate, have been awaited with great interest not only for the future of China, the second largest economic power in the world, but also for their impact on all aspects of the future of humanity, which is going through an unprecedented grave turmoil unseen since the Second World War.
The past decade has been a very vital time because China has experienced many historical events, often complicated, and the dynamics of this period is concentrated in Xi’s words in the report as follows: “We embraced the centenary of the Communist Party of China, we ushered in a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and we eradicated absolute poverty and finished building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, thus completing the First Centenary Goal.” According to him, these were historic feats – feats accomplished by the CPC and the Chinese people striving in unity, feats that will be forever recorded in the Chinese nation’s history and feats that will profoundly influence the world.
But, on the other hand, this Congress takes on special epoch-making value because Xi announced to the world the central task of the CPC to lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in a concerted effort to realize 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 in all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.
Being concrete in the time aspect of the step-by-step realization of all the objectives set forth, Xi made the next major historical announcement that the CPC aims to basically realize socialist modernization from 2020 through 2035 and build China into a great modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful from 2035 through the middle of this century.
The facts speak for themselves about the realization of the promises made so far. For the first time, China has become an example regarding the response to the sudden attack of COVID-19. According to Xi, China has protected people’s health and safety to the greatest extent possible, and has made remarkable achievements in both epidemic response and economic and social development. China’s achievements in science and technology, on the other hand, have made life and work for people within as well as outside the country more convenient while promoting innovation across the world.
In terms of the fight against poverty all 98,990,000 poor people in rural areas, all 832 poor counties and 128,000 villages came out of poverty by the end of 2020. More important, by eradicating extreme poverty, China has met the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development’s target 10 years ahead of schedule and contributed to more than 70 percent of global poverty reduction. This is China’s historical achievement considered a miracle in the battle to alleviate the poverty of humanity at the world level, which has been appreciated by the highest authorities of the UN and its relevant organizations. In this regard, the American scholar, Robert Lawrence Kuhn would point out: “China has made many achievements. But none is more tangible than the eradication of poverty, which is a real miracle.”
In the meantime, China has seen a historic rise in its economic strength in the past decade. China’s GDP has grown to 114 trillion yuan (about $16 trillion) from 54 trillion yuan in the past decade and come to account for 18.5 percent of the world economy, up 7.2 percentage points, said Xi in his report submitted to the Congress.
It is important to highlight that the middle class of the Chinese population numbers more than 400 million people, an achievement which is considered one of the basic elements of the development of a modern country.
Defying the effects of a multifaceted global crisis, the world’s second most powerful economy has become a major trading partner for more than 140 countries and regions, ranking at the top of the world in terms of the total volume of merchandise trade. In a report released last month, the National Bureau of Statistics said China contributed an average of 38.6 percent to global economic growth from 2013 to 2021, more than the G7 countries combined. Meanwhile, China will continue to prioritize agricultural and rural development, strengthening the foundations of food security in all aspects. Such a measure is vital given the increasing overall crisis worldwide which is evident in lack of food as well as in a skyrocketing price rise of basic food articles.
China will also promote openness with high standards and specifically it will steadily expand institutional openness regarding rules, regulations, management and standards, will accelerate the transformation into a trading country of quality products and services and will promote development with high quality of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
As a collaborative mega project, the BRI has been welcomed by the international community as a public good and the largest cooperation platform of its kind in the present times, the results of which are being seen by the peoples of different countries around the world.
With 82 lines, China-Europe freight trains now reach 200 cities in 24 European countries, forming a transportation network that covers the entire continent. During the first eight months of 2022, the number of China-Europe freight train trips rose 5 percent year-on-year to 10,575, with a total of 1.02 million TEUs of freight transported, an increase of 6 percent year-on-year, according to data published by China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.
From 2013 to 2021, the total volume of merchandise trade between China and countries along the BRI routes reached nearly $11 trillion, while two-way investment exceeded a total of $230 billion, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
Other major achievements highlighted by Xi range from deepening comprehensive reform to advancing the vital battle against pollution. Regarding this global war, Xi stressed that China will prioritize ecological protection, conserve resources and use them effectively, and aim for green and low-carbon development. China will actively engage in global governance in response to climate change.
It should be emphasized that the achievements so far synthesized in the fulfillment of the Objective of the First Centenary and the goals for the future outlined in the Objective of the Second Centenary have in the background a period of development in which strategic opportunities, risks and challenges are simultaneous and uncertainties and unforeseen factors are increasing. However, Xi reiterated in the report China’s commitment to promoting common development and a human community with a shared future. According to him, only when all countries pursue the cause of the common good, live in harmony and engage in cooperation for mutual benefit, will there be lasting prosperity and assured security.
On the other hand, China will never seek hegemony or engage in expansionism, Xi Jinping said, adding that the country adheres to the right course of economic globalization and opposes all forms of unilateralism.
In addition, China stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and double standards.
China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace. It has always decided its position and policy on issues based on their own merits, and it has strived to uphold the basic norms governing international relations and safeguard international fairness and justice, Xi said.
Describing corruption as a cancer for the Party’s vitality and ability, he called for winning the tough and protracted battle against it. Xi underlined that Marxism is the main guiding ideology on which the CPC and China are founded and thrive.
A vital aspect for China in this turbulent world full of dangerous tensions is undoubtedly the strengthening and modernization of its military defense capabilities. Xi said achieving the goals for the centenary of the People’s Liberation Army in 2027 and more quickly elevating people’s armed forces to world-class standards are strategic tasks for building a modern socialist country in all respects. “We will intensify troop training and enhance combat preparedness across the board, he said, noting that efforts will also be made to strengthen all-around military governance, consolidate and enhance integrated national strategies and strategic capabilities.”
The policy of One Country, Two Systems is a great innovation of socialism with Chinese characteristics, Xi said. It has proven to be the best institutional arrangement for ensuring sustained prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao after their return to the motherland. This policy must be adhered to over the long term, Xi stressed. “We will remain committed to law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macao, and ensure that the central government exercises overall jurisdiction over the two regions. We will see that Hong Kong and Macao are administered by patriots.”
He also pledged support to Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating themselves into China’s overall development and playing a greater role in realizing national rejuvenation.
Touching upon the Taiwan issue, Xi said that the CPC will implement its overall policy for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era and unswervingly advance the cause of national reunification. “Resolving the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese, a matter that must be resolved by the Chinese,” said Xi.
“We will continue to strive for peaceful reunification with the greatest sincerity and the utmost effort, but we will never promise to renounce the use of force, and we reserve the option of taking all measures necessary. This is directed solely at interference by outside forces and the few separatists seeking ‘Taiwan independence’ and their separatist activities; it is by no means targeted at our Taiwan compatriots,” he said.
“The wheels of history are rolling on towards China’s reunification and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Complete reunification of our country must be realized,” Xi said.
Xi emphasized that China adheres to true multilateralism and promotes the democratization of international relations with the aim of making global governance more equal and fairer. China is determined to protect the international system with the United Nations at the center, the international order based on international law and the basic norms of international relations based on the goals and principles of the UN Charter.
The 20th Congress of the CPC concluded its work on October 22, and precisely after the fall of the curtain of this culminating event, a new era has begun in the history of the Chinese people for transforming China to a great modern socialist country in all aspects and promote the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation in all fronts through the Chinese road of modernization. This will be another great achievement for the Chinese nation, but also for the entire humanity as a hopeful contribution to the strengthening of world peace and the development and progress of all countries and peoples of the globe. /Argumentum.al with CRI
