Xi's speech sets pace for future development

China aims to a fully modern nation soon, President hopes

China's Xi Jingping has unveiled a comprehensive new action plan for the next five years and beyond at the opening session of the 19th Communist Party Congress in China. He also presented a new report at the party congress.

The speech delivered by Xi furthered his vision for China and outlined the role China would play as a global leader in the coming years. Keeping in mind the uncertain political climate of the international arena in recent times, Xi believes China  should stand out by projecting itself as a 'responsible' superpower.

Xi remains committed to his plan of progress, peace and ever-growing cooperation at the international level, and has said so many times this year while addressing gatherings at the World Economic Forum, the BRICS summit and the Belt and Road forum.



Political stability in China in recent years has enabled it to sustain its pragmatic and innovative approach to socialism, as economic growth and expanded equality are widely touted as positive indicators for the future of the country.

In contrast to the apparent calm in China, many western democracies have been battling populist movements and far-right political activism, which threatens to disrupt the global world order.

"The Chinese nation is a great nation that has been through hardships and adversity but remains indomitable," said Xi, as he listed the country's achievements.

“The Chinese people are a great people. They are industrious and brave and they never pause in pursuit of progress."

But he also warned that more had to be done in order to accomplish "national rejuvenation" and the “Chinese dream” - two concepts he has frequently used during his first term as buzzwords for outlining his vision.



The speech was titled "Secure a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and strive for the great success of socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era," and it helps to set the stage for "Two Centenary Goals," i.e. the two bold goals that will see China evolving into one of the most prosperous and advanced country in the world, according to Xi.

China plans to attain the status of a  "moderately well-off society" by the party's 100th anniversary. It also aims to be a "fully developed nation" by 2050.

Xi has set specific targets which the country will have to achieve if it is to realize this dream, like narrowing the wealth gap and improving environmental sustainability. Xi says he will lead China towards "socialist modernization" by 2035.



The second part of the vision, from 2035 to 2050, will be time the Chinese will be able to enjoy "common property", Xi says.

"By then, the Chinese nation will stand with a more high-spirited image in the family of nations."

No other party official before Xi has ever conceived or committed himself to such a grand programme in the history of the country.

China's political stability depends on efficiently running a government system that coalesces a large number of local institutions and bodies into one whole, and requires a strong, centralised structure for it to function properly. This structure makes dealings with partners outside China much easier.

This article originally appeared in China.org