Press conference on guiding principles of 6th plenary session of 19th CPC Central Committee

Speakers:
     Wang Xiaohui, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Publicity Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC)
     Jiang Jinquan, director of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee

Han Wenxiu, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs of the CPC Central Committee
     Qu Qingshan, president of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee
Chairperson:
Xu Lin, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of the State Council Information Office
Date:Nov. 12, 2021
Xu Lin:
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The 19th CPC Central Committee convened its sixth plenary session in Beijing from Nov. 8 to 11. This was an important meeting as the Party celebrates its centenary this year and stands at a critical juncture where the timeframes of its two centenary goals converge. At the session, the Central Committee completed all agenda items, and considered and adopted the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century.
Today, we have invited leading officials from relevant departments, who will introduce the guiding principles of the session, explain the resolution and answer your questions. Present at today's press conference are: Mr. Wang Xiaohui, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Jiang Jinquan, director of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee; Mr. Han Wenxiu, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs of the CPC Central Committee; and Mr. Qu Qingshan, president of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee.
Next, let's give the floor to Mr. Wang Xiaohui.
Wang Xiaohui:
Friends from the media, it is my pleasure to brief you on the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee.
The 19th CPC Central Committee convened its sixth plenary session in Beijing from Nov. 8 to 11. The Political Bureau of the Central Committee presided over the meeting, and General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping delivered an important address. At the session, the Central Committee heard and discussed the report on the work of the Political Bureau, presented by General Secretary Xi Jinping on behalf of the Political Bureau, and considered and adopted the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century and the Resolution on the Convocation of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered explanatory remarks on the draft Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century. All agenda items of the session were completed.
At the session, the Central Committee fully affirmed the work that its Political Bureau has carried out since the fifth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. It was unanimously agreed that faced with a severe situation and complicated tasks, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has implemented the national rejuvenation strategy within a wider context of the once-in-a-century changes taking place in the world, followed the underlying trends of the times, and adopted proactive strategies, has achieved encouraging outcomes in a string of overarching undertakings, and resolutely overcome all risks and challenges along the way, thus making significant progress in the cause of the Party and the country, and fostering unprecedented solidarity among the Party, the armed forces and the Chinese people. Practice has proven that establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and defining the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era reflect the common will of the Party, the armed forces, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, and are of decisive significance for advancing the cause of the Party and the country in the new era and for driving forward the historic process of national rejuvenation. Participants at the plenary session all agreed that with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core of the CPC Central Committee and the whole Party to steer its course, and with the concerted efforts of the Party, the armed forces and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, no obstacle or hardship can stop the Chinese people from marching forward, and no risk or challenge can hold back the historic process of national rejuvenation.
The most important outcome of the session is its adoption of the Resolution of the CPC Central Committee on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century. As the Party celebrates its centenary, the 19th CPC Central Committee convened its sixth plenary session to review the Party's major achievements and historical experience over the past 100 years. This is a solemn, historic and strategic decision which demonstrates the Party's great political awareness of valuing and fully applying the law of history, as well as its confidence and sense of responsibility in staying true to its founding mission and building on past achievements. In the century-long history of our Party, the seventh plenary session of the sixth CPC Central Committee in 1945 formulated the Resolution on Certain Issues in the History of the CPC, and the sixth plenary session of the 11th CPC Central Committee in 1981 formulated the Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of the CPC Since the Founding of the People's Republic of China. The two resolutions were issued under different historical circumstances to solve different problems. However, both were adopted at critical historical junctures, and have played an important role in advancing the cause of the Party and the people. It has been 76 years since the formulation of the first historical resolution, and 40 years since the adoption of the second. Over the past 40 years, substantial advances have been made in the cause of the Party and the country as well as the Party's theories and practices. At a new historical starting point, to review the past and look into the future, and to have a comprehensive and systematic summary of the Party's 100-year journey, especially of the past more than 40 years since the launch of reform and opening-up, is an objective necessity and has subjective conditions.
The resolution adopted at the plenary session has seven parts, highlighted in two features. First, unlike the two previous historical resolutions, which mainly reviewed historical lessons of the Party and made distinctions between right and wrong, this resolution is primarily a summary of the major achievements and historical experience of the Party over the past century. From the CPC's founding to the early period of China's reform and opening-up, the previous two resolutions settled the significant issues concerning the accomplishments and missteps in the history of the Party. Their fundamental expositions and conclusions are still relevant today. Since reform and opening-up, despite questions about the work of the Party, the country and the Party have developed smoothly on the right track and enjoyed remarkable achievements. By focusing on the major accomplishments and the historical experience of the Party over the past century, this resolution conforms to reality. It is conducive to promoting the wisdom, unity, confidence, and fighting spirit of the whole Party. Second, the two former resolutions have systematically reviewed the Party's history in the New Democratic Revolution and the socialist revolution and reconstruction. A systematic summary was also made in the 20th, 30th, and 40th anniversaries of the third plenary session of the 11th CPC Central Committee. This resolution summarizes the original ideas, innovative practices, breakthroughs, and landmark achievements since the 18th CPC National Congress by highlighting the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics. The new resolution will be conducive to guiding the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to strengthen their confidence further, focus on what we are doing, and embark on a new journey and a new era of success with a more vigorous attitude.
At the plenary session, the CPC also decided to convene its 20th National Congress in Beijing in the second half of 2022. The congress will be held at a critical time when the Party has embarked on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects and to realize the second centenary goal. Therefore, it will be a crucial meeting and an event of great political significance for both the Party and the country. Thus, the plenary session calls upon Party organizations at all levels and all Party members to rally more closely around the Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. We must surmount difficulties and forge ahead to make new and greater contributions toward building a modern socialist country in all respects. Thus, we will secure great success for socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation, and ensure that excellent results are achieved by the time the 20th CPC National Congress is convened.
In summary, the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee is a crucial meeting of historical significance at a significant historical juncture. The resolution adopted at the plenary session detailed the struggle, sacrifice, and creations made by the CPC as it stays committed to its mission of seeking happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation, and answers the question of "why we were successful in the past and how we can continue to succeed in the future." Therefore, we believe this plenary session will have a significant and far-reaching impact on promoting the unity of thought, will, and action of the whole Party, uniting and leading the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to learn from history and create the future, and better adhere to and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.
This is the end of my introduction. Thank you!

Xu Lin:Thank you, Mr. Wang. The floor is now open to questions. Please identify the news organization you represent before raising your questions. Since there are many foreign reporters present, simultaneous interpretation services will be available throughout the press conference. If reporters ask questions in English, the question part will be rendered into Chinese by consecutive interpretation. Please go ahead.

CCTV:According to the communique of this plenary session, establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and defining the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era are of decisive significance. It is needed to advance the cause of the Party and the country in the new era and drive forward the historic process of national rejuvenation. How do you understand this "decisive significance?" Thank you.

Jiang Jinquan:I'm glad to answer this question. Establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and defining the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era are of decisive significance for advancing the cause of the Party and the country in the new era and for driving forward the historic process of national rejuvenation. This has a sufficient practical basis. The historic achievements and shifts in the cause of the Party and the country since the 18th CPC National Congress are fundamentally attributed to the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and defining the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era reflect the common will of the Party, the armed forces, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups. Moreover, it also has a theoretical basis: strong leadership and science-based theoretical guidance are fundamental to the future of the Party and the country and the success of the undertakings of the Party and the people.
For a country and a political party, the leadership core is of vital importance. Comrade Deng Xiaoping once keenly observed that "Any leading group should have a core; a leadership with no core is unreliable." For the CPC, a big party with its membership exceeding 95 million, and for China, a huge country with 56 ethnic groups and 1.4 billion people, it would be unimaginable had there been no core in the Party Central Committee and the whole Party. There would be a lack of cohesion and nothing could be accomplished. Only when there is a core in the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, can the whole Party have strength. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping, with profound care for the people, extraordinary political wisdom and a strong sense of responsibility, has led the whole Party and Chinese people in demonstrating great historical initiative, starting a new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, scoring historical achievements and transformations, and ultimately building a moderately prosperous society in all aspects across the vast land of China. Xi, who enjoys popular confidence, is worthy of the title of the core of the Party, leader of the people, and commander-in-chief of the armed forces. Establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole is the call of the times, the choice of history and the aspirations of the people. By firmly supporting and upholding the core position of General Secretary Xi Jinping, the whole Party will have an anchor, the entire Chinese population will have a backbone, and the giant vessel of national rejuvenation will have a helmsman. No matter what choppy waters we might encounter, we will be able to stay calm and composed.
Only when a political party follows sound theories can it hold the power of truth; only when a cause is guided by sound theories can it be promising. Over the past century, our Party has been able to accomplish arduous tasks that other political forces are not able to and has scored one victory after another in taking on various political forces as well as difficulties and challenges. The fundamental reasons can be found in our adaptation of the basic principles of Marxism to China's specific reality and its fine traditional culture, and continuously advancing theoretical innovation and effectively guiding new practices with new theories. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has demonstrated remarkable insights into the times and stayed on top of the trends of the times. With extraordinary theoretical courage, he has put forward a series of original strategic thoughts and innovative ideas and established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This is the Marxism of contemporary China and of the 21st century. It embodies the best of the Chinese culture and ethos in our times and provides a sound guide to action for promoting the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. By establishing the guiding position of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, our Party is able to, within the context of an increasingly complex interplay between national rejuvenation and once-in-a-century changes in the world, move in the right direction, brave winds and waves, and stay on course; grasp development patterns, leverage a sound worldview and methodologies to plan developments, address risks and challenges, and lead the people of all ethnic groups to continuously open up bright prospects for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Thank you.
Xinhua News Agency:
The communique said that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era represents a new breakthrough in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. How should we understand this new breakthrough? Thank you.
Wang Xiaohui:The CPC is a political party that attaches great importance to theoretical guidance. The summary and exposition of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a significant highlight of the resolution as well as a major contribution. You may have noticed the communique pointed out that Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is the Marxism of contemporary China and of the 21st century. It embodies the best of the Chinese culture and ethos in our times and represents a new breakthrough in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. I believe these sentences have clarified the theoretical connotation and great significance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and stressed its important position in the history of the development of Marxism, as well as the historical development of Chinese culture. I think we can understand it from three aspects.
First, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era gives us sensible answers to the major questions of the new era. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping has meticulously assessed and reflected deeply on a number of major theoretical and practical questions regarding the cause of the Party and the country in the new era. He thoroughly reviewed and fully applied the historical experience gained since the founding of the Party one century ago, proceeded from new realities, and gave answers to the major questions of our times: What kind of socialism with Chinese characteristics we should uphold and develop in this new era, what kind of great modern socialist country we should build, and what kind of Marxist party exercising long-term governance we should develop, as well as how we should go about achieving these tasks. He thus established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. This has put forward many new guiding ideas on Marxist philosophy, political economy, and scientific socialism, realized a new leap in understanding the laws of building socialism with Chinese characteristics, provided a new blueprint for Chinese-style modernization, and broke new ground for strengthening Party governance and building.
Second, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era puts forward a series of original ideas, thoughts and strategies for governing the country. The resolution establishes "10 clarifications" to further elaborate on the core tenets of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, which are based on the "eight clarifications" in the report delivered during the 19th CPC National Congress. The resolution also summarizes the achievements made by the Party and the nation in the new era in 13 aspects, highlighting the original concepts and ideas. For example, in terms of upholding socialism with Chinese characteristics, the resolution makes it clear that the leadership of the CPC is the defining feature of socialism with Chinese characteristics and the greatest strength of the system; makes a scientific judgment on changes in the principal contradiction facing Chinese society in the new era; stresses upholding and improving the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and modernizing China's system and capacity for governance. On building a modern socialist country in all respects, the resolution puts forward a two-stage strategic vision for making China a great modern socialist country in all respects. It emphasizes that China's modernization involves a huge population base, common prosperity for all, coordinated material and cultural progress, a harmony between man and nature, and a path of peaceful development. On exercising full and rigorous governance over the Party, the resolution states that China's success hinges on the Party, which must exercise effective self-supervision and practice strict self-discipline in every respect. It also stresses that the Party should take enhancing its political building as the overarching principle, ensure that political responsibility for self-governance is fulfilled, step up efforts to combat corruption, and lead the great social revolution through significant self-reform. These strategic thoughts and innovative concepts, with an entirely new perspective, deepen our understanding of governance by a communist party, the development of socialism, and the evolution of human society. They represent the latest achievements in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context.
Third, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era embodies the best of the Chinese culture and ethos in our times. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is deeply rooted in the fertile soil of Chinese culture, drawing on the rich philosophical ideas, values, and morality in fine traditional Chinese culture, which is both extensive and profound. It is a prime example of the creative transformation and development of fine traditional Chinese culture. Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a reflection of the dreams and pursuits of the Chinese nation since ancient times, especially national rejuvenation, which has been the greatest ambition of the Chinese people since modern times began. It is an embodiment of the Chinese people's great spirit of creativity, struggle, solidarity and aspiration. It has a strong power that cuts through history and a cultural appeal, with its ability to inspire. It has effectively activated the vitality of fine traditional Chinese culture, adding renewed energy and vitality to Marxism across the vast land of China.
Therefore, in general, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era is a significant theoretical achievement that combines the basic principles of Marxism with China's current reality and its cultural legacy, as well as an important theoretical outcome of the historic achievements and changes realized since the 18th CPC National Congress. It represents a new historic leap and creative breakthrough in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context. Thank you.
Nippon News Network: The Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on the Major Achievements and Historical Experience of the Party over the Past Century was reviewed and adopted at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee. What is the significance of the resolution and what influence will it exert? Thank you.
Qu Qingshan:Thank you, I will take this question. The resolution was reviewed and adopted at an important historical moment when our Party marks its 100th founding anniversary, as well as at a critical historical juncture when our Party has united and led the Chinese people in successfully achieving the first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and as we march toward the second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects. The resolution, which pools the wisdom of the whole Party, comprehensively and systematically summarizes the major achievements and historical experience of our Party in its 100-year history, with a special focus on historic achievements and transformations in the cause of the Party and the country at large following the 18th CPC National Congress. This fully demonstrates our Party's superb political wisdom and sense of responsibility, and a high degree of historical consciousness and historical confidence.
Our Party is a Marxist governing party that sets great store by and excels at summarizing historical experience. At every important historical moment and major historical juncture, our Party reviews the history, summarizes experience, and draws wisdom and strength from history for future progress. As Mr. Wang mentioned just now, during its century-long history, the Party in 1945 formulated the Resolution on Certain Issues in the History of the CPC, and in 1981 formulated the Resolution on Certain Questions in the History of the CPC Since the Founding of the People's Republic of China — two resolutions that played important roles in advancing and guiding the endeavors of the Party. The resolution adopted at this plenum is the third historical resolution of the Party, and I believe that just like the previous two, it will have important and far-reaching significance in promoting the whole Party to achieve unity in thinking, will and action, in uniting and leading the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to learn from history to create a bright future and work hard while marching forward courageously, and in upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
If I was to give the resolution an overall assessment and positioning, I would put it in three sentences: First, it is a programmatic document of Marxism. Second, it is a political proclamation of the Chinese communists' continued commitment to their original aspiration and mission and upholding and developing of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Third, it is a guide for learning from history to create a bright future and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. More specifically, I think the resolution is of great significance and has profound and far-reaching social impact, which I will explain in three points.
First, the resolution makes an in-depth summary of the Party's great journey in uniting and leading the Chinese people from one victory to another over the past century, educates and guides the entire Party to have a profound understanding of the tough challenges we overcame for the "red political power," for the PRC and for socialism with Chinese characteristics, and enhances our courage and strength to march forward. On the new journey, we face both rare development opportunities and many severe and complex risks and challenges, which require us to use the Party's major achievements and historical experience to boost morale, chart the course, pool strength and strengthen conviction, uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics with an indomitable spirit and hard work, and strive to secure a new victory in fully building a modern socialist country.
Second, the resolution makes an in-depth summary of the trajectory of the Party's 100 years of growth from its infancy to a large and strong party, educates and guides the entire Party to have a profound understanding of the importance of enhancing the Party's political building, and enhances the awareness of and commitment to upholding the Party's solidarity and unity. On the new journey, in order to realize the second centenary goal, we must continue and carry forward the historical experience of upholding the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership, particularly the new experiences since the 18th CPC National Congress; strengthen our consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; stay confident in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and uphold the Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we will rally the entire Party to create a "piece of unbreakable iron" and march forward in unison.
Third, the resolution makes an in-depth summary of the Party's great practice over the past 100 years in improving itself and advancing self-reform. It educates and guides the entire Party to have a profound understanding of the importance and necessity of exercising full and strict governance over the Party, and ensures that our Party always remains the strong leadership core of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. On the new journey, the exam is far from being finished, and the Party still has a long way to go. We must draw historical experience from the Party's efforts of strengthening self-development, maintaining its advanced nature and purity, and improving its leadership and governance, keep increasing the Party's capacity to respond to various risks and challenges, maintain its vigor and vitality, and unite and lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in making continued efforts to realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. That is all from me. Thank you.
Guangming Daily:We can see that while reviewing the achievements and experience of the new era, the communique dedicated one part specifically to the development of culture, emphasizing that since the 18th CPC National Congress, there has been a sweeping and fundamental shift in the ideological domain, a notable boost in confidence in our culture among all Party members and the Chinese people. Could you please elaborate on that?
Wang Xiaohui:As we know, culture is the soul of a country and a nation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed much importance on the development of culture. It has juxtaposed confidence in culture with confidence in the path, theory, and system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, characterizing them as "confidence in four aspects." With a view to developing a great socialist culture in China, it has focused on upholding the banner, rallying the people, fostering the new generation, developing Chinese culture, and shaping China's national image. As a result, great historical achievements have been made in cultural development. In reviewing the achievements of cultural development in the new era, I would say that they mainly include the following aspects:
First, Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era has been deeply rooted in people's minds. We always stick to the guiding position of Marxism as the fundamental system in both the ideological and cultural domain. We have launched the learning and education campaign about Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We have edited and published authoritative and reference books such as "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," "The Outline for Learning Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," and "Questions and Answers: Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era." We have constructed and made good use of the centers for advancing cultural and ethical work in the new era, county-level media convergence centers, as well as the Xuexi Qiangguo platform, to arm the whole Party and educate the people with scientific theories so that our officials and the public will have a deeper understanding of the thought, and be more proactive in their practice.
Second, the mainstream ideology continues to consolidate and public opinion continues to converge. Upholding the principles of solidarity, stability, encouragement, and positive publicity, we have organized a series of celebrative and commemorative activities amid the major historical junctures such as the centenary of the founding of the CPC, the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and the 40th anniversary of the country's reform and opening-up. Focusing on major decisions and plans such as securing a decisive victory in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, winning a battle against poverty, and fighting COVID-19, we have elaborately arranged a series of major themed publicity activities, fostering in the whole Party and society a solid atmosphere for loving the Party, the nation, and socialism.
Third, the core socialist values have been carried forward. We have insisted that the core socialist values guide cultural construction, and extensively popularized socialism with Chinese characteristics and the Chinese Dream. We continue to deepen the cultural civilization campaign for the public, foster a new generation and promote a unique atmosphere in the new era. Particular importance has been attached to the leading role played by role models. We have awarded medals and honorary titles to heroes and role models and selected and commended a large number of ethical role models, role models of the times, and "the most beautiful minds." The whole society has formed a prevailing custom to emulate the virtuous, value ethics and pursue kindness, and strive to be pioneers.
Fourth, people's cultural needs have been better satisfied. We continue to follow the people-centered working principle, and the creation and production of art works have flourished. A series of excellent artworks have been released, such as "My People, My Country" and "The Battle at Lake Changjin," and the TV shows "Awakening Age" and "Minning Town." We have actively promoted the integrated development of the urban and rural public cultural service systems, and further implemented cultural projects that benefit the people. We have advanced the creative transformation and innovative development of fine traditional Chinese culture and constructed national cultural parks based around themes including the Great Wall, the Great Canal, the Long March, and the Yellow River, providing our people with richer and higher-quality cultural content.
Fifth, China's reliable, lovable and respectable image is more impressive. We have intensified international cultural exchange and multi-level civilization dialogues, and held activities such as the Conference on Dialogue of Asian Civilizations, Chinese Culture Year, Chinese Tourism Year, Experience China, Happy Chinese New Year, and Mutual Translation of Classic Books. We have been actively building a multi-party and all-dimensional layout for international communication, in a bid to promote cultural exchange, mutual learning, and people-to-people connectivity. We have taken the initiative to tell China's stories well and make our voice well heard. Hence, China's international discourse power and influence have been significantly improved.
This plenary session has fully affirmed the achievements made in our cultural and ideology work. It pointed out that since the Party's 18th National Congress we have seen a sweeping and fundamental shift in the ideological domain, a notable boost in confidence in our culture among all Party members and all Chinese people, and a major increase in cohesiveness throughout society. All of this has provided solid ideological guarantees and powerful inspiration for opening up new horizons for the cause of the Party and the country in the new era. Thank you.
Phoenix TV:
China has proposed developing whole-process people's democracy. The West has always relied on counterbalance among parties and referendums to test their democracy. How will China ensure democracy in its whole-process people's democracy? Besides, China has officially put common prosperity on the agenda. Now China's economic growth rate is slowing. Will it pose a challenge for the country to achieve common prosperity? How can China achieve common prosperity with the pressure of economic growth? Thank you.
Xu Lin:Your questions concern two aspects. Therefore, let us invite Mr. Jiang and Mr. Han to answer them respectively.
Jiang Jinquan:Developing whole-process people's democracy is a major proposition that General Secretary Xi Jinping put forward based on the development of democracy in China. It's also included in the communique of the sixth plenary session. Your question is a very good one, and I would like to share my views with you.
Democracy is a shared value of all human beings and a critical philosophy that the CPC and the Chinese people have unswervingly upheld. The Party has held the banner of people's democracy since its founding. By reviewing the gains and losses of political development at home and abroad, the Party keenly realized that China's political civilization and political system must be deeply rooted in China's society. It will not work for China to copy the political systems of other countries, which may even ruin the country's future.
Democracy is not an exclusive patent of Western countries and should not be defined and dictated by Western countries. Democracy is, at its core, all about the people running the country. The electoral democracy that some Western countries are proud of is an election ruled by capital and a game of capitalist groups. It is the "democracy" of the rich. It is not a real democracy.
At the same time, the democratic mode across the globe cannot be the same. Even among different Western countries, the democratic systems and forms are not entirely identical. The practice of measuring the diverse political systems with a single yardstick and judging the colorful political civilization of humanity from a simplistic perspective is undemocratic. As for which country's democracy is good or bad, people living in that country have a natural feeling and say. This shouldn't be judged by a handful of people from other countries. Some Western countries see their democracy being hollowed out, and their people become more and more dissatisfied with it. Meanwhile, they wantonly impose their so-called democratic mode on other countries, which is not fit for local conditions, bringing severe disasters and sufferings to the people of related countries. This is becoming more and more clear to people all over the world.
Friends from the media may have noticed some recent statistics. The latest opinion poll released by American Broadcasting Company (ABC) on Oct. 31 showed that 57% of respondents globally and 72% of respondents in the U.S. do not believe that the U.S. democracy is a good example. Another opinion poll in the U.S. showed that over 81% of Americans are worried about their democracy. In stark contrast to that, two opinion polls by American institutions showed that Chinese citizens' satisfaction with the Party and the government of China reached 95% and 98%, respectively. Any clear-eyed people will find it easy to conclude which is better. Next month, the U.S. is to host a so-called summit for democracy, with an attempt to revitalize Western democracy. To convene such a summit when Western countries face loads of problems in democracy is such an ironic thing. The intention is clearly to undermine other countries and divide the world into two groups or multiple groups. The results will be nothing but worse. To this, the CPC and the Chinese people have always had a clear head. We are eager to learn what lessons we can from the achievements of other cultures and welcome helpful suggestions and constructive criticism. However, we will not accept sanctimonious preaching from those who feel they have the right to lecture us.
Democracy is not an adornment used for decorative purposes. However, it is used to solve problems faced by the people. In judging a country, whether democratic or not, the key is to see whether the people indeed run the country. It is important to see whether the people have the right to vote, and more importantly, whether they have the right to broader participation. Compared with what oral promises are made to the people in the electoral process, it is more important to see how many of these promises are delivered afterward. It is essential to see the systems and laws institute what kinds of political procedures and rules, and more importantly, whether these systems and laws are genuinely executed. It is necessary to see whether the rules and procedures governing the exercise of power are democratic, and more importantly, whether the power is genuinely under oversight and checks by the people. If the people of a country are only called upon to vote and are forgotten once they cast a vote, or if the people only hear high-sounding promises during the election campaign and yet have no say whatsoever afterward, or if the people are wooed to get their votes and ignored once the voting is over, then such a democracy is not a true democracy.
Developing socialist democracy is a long commitment of the CPC. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has remained committed to the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics, worked to ensure that the Party's leadership, the people's position as masters of the country and law-based governance form an indivisible whole, and firmly opposed the delusion of some political thoughts in Western countries—so-called "constitutionalism," the power rotation among multiple political parties, and "the separation of powers," thus embarking on a democratic path of developing whole-process people's democracy. China's whole-process people's democracy is a complete institutional chain, including electoral democracy, consultative democracy, social democracy, primary-level democracy, citizen democracy, and all other elements of democratic politics. It covers democratic elections, democratic consultation, democratic decision-making, democratic management, democratic supervision, and all other fields of the democratic process. It is not only based on a complete institutional procedure but also full participation and practice. It is a democracy in terms of process and outcome. It achieves the integration of procedural and substantive democracy, and direct and indirect democracy. It is people's democracy and at the same time represents the will of the state. It is the democracy that involves all links, covers all aspects, and the entire population. It is the most broad-based, genuine, and effective socialist democracy. With diverse, smooth, and orderly democratic channels, it effectively guarantees that all the Chinese people can engage in the management of state, economic, cultural, and social affairs through various ways and in various forms following the law. As a result, the Chinese people have strong confidence in their political system. And the fundamental reason is that China's whole-process people's democracy is highly democratic in terms of both quantity and quality, and is sincerely welcomed by the Chinese people. This is the true democracy of the people. Thanks.
Han Wenxiu:General Secretary Xi Jinping has pointed out that common prosperity should be promoted through high-quality development, which has clarified how to achieve common prosperity and the objectives. To advance common prosperity, addressing the issue of development is the top priority, and distribution is also essential. However, we cannot achieve common prosperity only by distribution. Although China's per capita GDP has exceeded $10,000, it has not reached the level of high-income countries. Therefore, even the equal distribution of the total national income cannot help us realize common prosperity. There is no shortcut or magic trick to achieve common prosperity. It must be delivered through the hard work of more than 1.4 billion Chinese people.
First, promoting common prosperity requires high-quality development. China remains the largest developing country globally, and we still need to solve problems on our way forward through development. In the new era, we must implement the new development philosophy thoroughly and accurately to realize high-quality development. We should make growth more balanced, coordinated, and inclusive, constantly narrow the development gap between urban and rural areas and between regions, and lay a solid foundation for common prosperity at the source. Furthermore, we should uphold people-centered development thinking and ensure equal opportunities, rules, rights and interests for our people to create social wealth and jointly share the development fruits. Thus, we can say that promoting high-quality development is also a process of dealing with the main problem of unbalanced and inadequate development, raising the proportion of the middle-income group and improving the distribution structure, advancing well-rounded development of the people, and forwarding common prosperity.
Last year, in the face of COVID-19, China took the lead in restoring economic growth and got rid of extreme poverty as scheduled. It also completed the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects. All these demonstrate China's strong economic resilience. Economic fluctuation is a short-term phenomenon, while common prosperity is a long-term objective. The Chinese economy has sound fundamentals, the potential of enormous domestic demand, and massive growth space. Therefore, it is fully capable of sustaining long-term sound development and providing a more solid material foundation for furthering common prosperity effectively.
Second, promoting common prosperity demands an income distribution system that reflects efficiency and advances equity. Primary distribution plays a fundamental role in forming the final distribution pattern. We should adhere to the distribution system in which distribution according to work is dominant and a variety of modes of distribution coexist, and encourage and guide members of society to become well-off through working honestly, innovation, and entrepreneurship. We should focus on both efficiency and equity for primary distribution, standardize the distribution order, and reasonably control the initial distribution gap. Redistribution should further adjust the distribution gap and better perform its function of adjusting income by improving the tax system, increasing the proportion of direct tax, and strengthening tax collection and administration. At the same time, we need to refine the social security system and the transfer payment system, and enhance support and assistance to low-income people and areas in need. We should better help those most in need, increase the low-income group's earnings, and make the olive-shaped distribution structure smaller at both ends and more significant in the middle. Redistribution should balance efficiency and equity instead of gaining in one area and losing in another. In short, we need to develop a basic institutional arrangement for coordinating primary, secondary, and tertiary distribution so that distribution adjustment can help make the cake bigger and share it fairly.
Third, promoting common prosperity calls on all enterprises to "run their affairs well." Entrepreneurs can contribute to common prosperity through a variety of channels and means. But it is essential to do business following the law and good faith, pay taxes under relevant laws and regulations, fulfill social responsibilities, treat employees and customers well, protect the legitimate rights and interests of workers and consumers, run their businesses well, and create wealth for the society. These are what all enterprises are meant to do and the "right path" to contribute to common prosperity. At the same time, China encourages and supports enterprises and entrepreneurs who are willing and able to actively participate in public welfare and charity programs. Objectively, this can play a role in the tertiary distribution. As China's enterprises continue to grow, more people become well-off, and the national incentive policies improve, the country's charity cause will see significant development. However, a charitable donation is voluntary. We will never undercut the rich to aid the poor, weaken the rich such that they become poor, or force people to donate, because these practices are not in line with the essence of common prosperity, nor can they help achieve common prosperity. Thank you.
Channel NewsAsia (CNA):A recent study into China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has found that several projects in developing countries have met with implementation problems. Some of the reasons said for this include debt and environmental hazards. And now we have also seen that the U.S. and Europe announced their own infrastructure initiatives. I would like to ask, with this regard, how has that changed the BRI in China's overall development plan? Thank you.
Han Wenxiu:Thanks for your question. It has been eight years since President Xi Jinping proposed the significant BRI. Through practice, we have fully verified that the BRI is a hugely popular international public product and platform for international cooperation. As of 2020, trade between China and countries along the Belt and Road exceeded $9.2 trillion, and China's direct investment in these countries has amounted to nearly $140 billion. Progress made in major projects, such as the China-Laos Railway and Jakarta-Bandung Railway, showcases China's strong capacity and efficacy of its engineering feats. The Belt and Road cooperation has greatly contributed to the anti-pandemic fight as well as global economic recovery. China has provided more than 1.7 billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines to more than 110 countries and international organizations, most of which are Belt and Road countries. Since 2020, the China-Europe freight train services have surged against various challenges, running about 1,000 trips on a monthly basis. A total of 25,000 such trips have been launched, delivering more than 2.3 million TEUs of goods and more than 13 million items of anti-epidemic supplies. It is fair to say that the route along the Belt and Road has truly become a Silk Road for healthcare, providing strong support for the stability of the global supply chain and people's basic livelihood, and bringing tangible benefits to countries along the Belt and Road and local people.
In the face of interwoven impacts, brought about by profound changes in the world and the pandemic, both unseen in a century, we resolutely promote the high-quality development of the Belt and Road cooperation. We need to uphold the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution and shared benefits, as well as remain committed to the vision of open, green and clean cooperation, and focus on high-standard, public-oriented, and sustainable cooperation projects, so as to continuously adapt the BRI to the new situation and make progress.
First, we have paid more attention to the green development of the Belt and Road cooperation. We have been proactively cooperating in fields such as green infrastructure, green energy and green finance. For instance, the Mombasa-Nairobi Standard Gauge Railway and China-Laos Railway projects feature animal channels to effectively protect local ecosystems and the environment. Not long ago, President Xi Jinping announced at the general debate of the UN General Assembly that China will not build new coal-fired power projects abroad. This is a vital decision to address climate change and a testament to China's sense of responsibility. We will continue to develop a green Silk Road, encourage businesses to fulfill their social responsibility, learn from environmental, social, and governance concepts, and build more eco-friendly projects with a high standard, in a bid to pursue the green development of the Belt and Road cooperation.
Second, we have paid more attention to the sustainable development of the Belt and Road cooperation. Together with the international community, China has been helping low-income countries alleviate their debt burdens. China is the biggest contributor to the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative. China has published the Debt Sustainability Framework for participating countries of the Belt and Road Initiative, and we will follow the principle of debt sustainability, optimize the policy system for risk prevention and control, and improve the quality and efficiency of investments.
Third, we have paid more attention to the inclusive development of the Belt and Road cooperation. We prioritize people's wellbeing and work to build more livelihood projects, which can bring tangible benefits in a quick and far-reaching way, to enhance people's sense of fulfillment in countries along the Belt and Road.
Fourth, we have paid more attention to the innovative development of the Belt and Road cooperation. China supports countries along the Belt and Road in developing their digital economy, bridges the digital divide, and strengthens innovative cooperation, in a bid to share the benefits brought about by the new sci-tech and industrial revolution.
The Belt and Road cooperation is a chorus made up of all its participating countries, instead of a solo performance by China. Currently, the world, and especially developing countries, is facing a huge gap in infrastructure investment. We welcome all countries to participate in the Belt and Road cooperation and keep an open mind about cooperative initiatives that are conducive to enhancing connectivity and realizing common development. We believe that the Belt and Road cooperation fits the realities of its partners, has unique advantages and is quite popular. The Belt and Road cooperation is bound to develop on a steady and sustained course and it will yield more win-win achievements. Thank you.
People's Daily:Today, the Party is decidedly leading the Chinese people toward national rejuvenation along the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. My question is: How does the resolution grasp the historical experience of the Party over the past century? Thank you.
Qu Qingshan:I will answer this question. Over the past century, the Party has united the Chinese people and led them in great endeavors as we wrote the most magnificent chapter in the millennia-long history of the Chinese nation, accumulating valuable historical experience along the way. In the resolution deliberated over and adopted at the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, those historical experiences are summarized as 10 points: upholding the Party's leadership, putting the people first, advancing theoretical innovation, staying independent, following the Chinese path, maintaining a global vision, breaking new ground, standing up for ourselves, promoting the united front, and remaining committed to self-reform. The 10 points flow seamlessly from one to the other and form a systematic and complete picture, bringing to light fundamental guarantees for the successes of the Party and people's endeavors, the source of strength that sustains the long development of the Party, the fundamental reason why the Party has seized the historical initiative, and the fundamental way for the Party to preserve its advanced nature and integrity and be a forerunner of the times. Therefore, invaluable experience has been gleaned from the Party's history. It has come neither from thin air nor from books or other countries. It is gained through painstaking efforts and great sacrifices over the past century by the Party and the people it united and led. The experience has come from both success and failure, both blood and sweat, and embodies wisdom, courage and perseverance. It is the product of historical development, practices and struggles, and reflects historical laws. The experience is a precious spiritual asset of the Party and provides sound guidance for the Party in leading China's future development.
Regarding how to understand the Party's historical experience over the past century, I would like to share my views in two aspects.
First, the review of the historical experience in the resolution is aimed at grasping historical trends and revealing historical laws. Over the past century, the Party led the Chinese people in fighting with unyielding determination, achieving great success in the New Democratic Revolution; in working diligently for a stronger China with a spirit of self-reliance, achieving great success in the socialist revolution and construction; in freeing their minds and forging ahead, achieving great success in reform, opening-up, and socialist modernization; and in bolstering self-confidence and self-reliance and in innovating on the basis of what has worked in the past, thereby bringing about great success for socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era. Over the past century, the Chinese people, united and led by the Party, have created an impressive miracle in the history of the Chinese nation, socialism worldwide, and human society. With the outlook that history is a continual process of closely-connected phases, the resolution made a profound review of the great journey and great path the Party has traveled and blazed by uniting and leading the people; of the distinctive features, goals fulfilled and major historical accomplishments of the different periods of the Party's history; of the great contribution the Party has made in achieving national independence and the liberation of the people, in making the country prosperous and strong and bringing happiness to the people, and in promoting the development of human civilization; of the historical inevitability of the leadership of the Party and the soundness of socialism with Chinese characteristics as the only correct road for China; and of the landmark significance of the new era in the historical process toward national rejuvenation. What is the hallmark of the new era? What is its position? What is its significance? I think the resolution provides sound answers. It fully demonstrates why the Party succeeded in the past and how it can continue to succeed in the future. It is the "golden key," providing the most sound and accurate answer to the question. We must cherish, uphold in the long term and enrich and develop the 10 points of historical experience in the practices of the new era.
Second, the resolution summarizes the Party's historical experience in order to achieve greater unity among the thinking of all Party members and forge a better future. The world today is undergoing changes unseen in a century, and China is at a critical stage in realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. In order to unite and lead the Chinese people to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics in a new era, and set out on a new journey towards a modern socialist country in all respects, the Party must reflect on history, get clearer understanding of the historic juncture at which China's development stands, grasp historical trends with precision, and guide every Party member to bear in mind the issues of fundamental importance – what the Party is and what its mission is. From the height of unifying historical regularity and historical initiative, the resolution profoundly summarizes the dialectical relationship between China's overall strategy of national rejuvenation and the larger context of once-in-a-century global changes and the laws governing them; summarizes the underlying logic of history, as China is implementing a new development philosophy and fostering a new development paradigm after entering a new development stage; raises new requirements for ensuring coordinated implementation of the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy under new circumstances; and summarizes the historical inevitability of national rejuvenation, thus calling on the whole Party to seize this historical opportunity, forge ahead, and pursue a better future on this new journey. Thank you.
Hong Kong Bauhinia Magazine:In the past few decades, China has created a miracle with its rapid economic development, and has become the world's second largest economy. The "secret recipe" for China's economic miracle has been studied and discussed at home and abroad. What do you think about this "secret recipe?" What implications does it have for the future? Thank you.
Han Wenxiu:Thank you for your questions. The resolution adopted by the sixth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee comprehensively and systematically summarizes the major achievements and historical experience of the Party's 100-year history. It is a treasure trove of ideas and wisdom on China's successes in revolution, construction and reform. It also includes the "secret recipe" for China's economic miracle. In my opinion, the following aspects are particularly important.
First, the Party has adhered to the thinking that development is of overriding importance. After the third plenary session of the 11th CPC Central Committee, China has focused on economic development, and development was made the Party's top priority in governance, which helped lay a solid material foundation for fulfilling the Party's original goals. As socialism with Chinese characteristics enters a new era, new elements have been added to the concept of development. We mustn't continue with inefficient and blind development. Instead, we must adhere to a concept of people-centered development, stay true to the principle that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, fully implement new development philosophy, accelerate the fostering of new development paradigm, and promote high-quality development. These are the fundamentals in the new era.
Second, the Party has persistently deepened its reforms. One of the Party's major innovations was establishing a socialist market economic system that integrated socialism with the market economy. These reforms have broken the shackles of the rigid planned economy, brought vitality to China's economy, and greatly unleashed and developed productivity.
Third, the Party has been pursuing a policy of opening-up. China has transformed from a largely closed country to one that is open to the world. The change enables us to make full use of domestic and international markets and resources, and deeply participate in economic globalization. China promotes reform and development through opening-up. It makes ever greater contributions to the development and prosperity of the world. China will adhere to the basic state policy of opening-up, and balance the relations between development and security, and between opening-up and security, thus promoting high-quality development with a high level of opening-up.
Fourth, we have continued to take innovation as the primary driver of development. For years, adhering to an essential judgment that "science and technology is a primary source of productivity," we have implemented the strategy for invigorating China. This has been done through science and education and the process of innovation-driven development. We have strengthened the protection of property and intellectual property rights and boosted national strategic scientific and technological strength. We have also enhanced the role of enterprises as the principal entities in technological innovation to accelerate the pace of building up our country's strength in science and technology.
Fifth, we have adhered to the "two commitments" in order to continue and improve China's basic socialist economic system. We have remained fully committed to consolidating and developing the public sector of the economy, and fully committed to encouraging, supporting and guiding the development of the non-public sector. Also, we have established and improved a modern corporate structure with Chinese characteristics; supported the state-owned sector of the economy in becoming stronger, doing better and growing bigger; promoted entrepreneurship; fostered a cordial and clean relationship between government and business; promoted the healthy growth of the non-public sector of the economy, and encouraged those working in this sector to achieve success; and promoted fair competition to enable enterprises and market entities of all types of ownership to stimulate one another and develop together.
Sixth, we have created better synergy between an efficient market and a well-functioning government. We have balanced the government-market relationship to enable the market to play the decisive role in resource allocation and give better play to the part of the government. We have made a great effort in transforming government functions, avoiding inaction, ultra vires, or arbitrary practices while improving public services and strengthening market regulation. Business monopolies have been fought effectively, and capital expansion has been regulated. A business environment based on market principles, governed by law, and up to international standards has been fostered.
Seventh, we have stayed committed to the principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, which is not only a critical governance principle of our Party but also an effective method for carrying out economic work. To achieve this, we need to make active progress to keep performance stable instead of rushing for quick results. Lessons must be learned from the Great Leap Forward campaign and the People's Commune Movement in the 1950s. As the country moves towards achieving carbon peak and neutrality targets and ensuring common prosperity, we must continue to follow the general principles of pursuing stability and making new progress step by step.
Eighth, we have upheld Party leadership. Upholding the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership provides fundamental political assurance for the miracle of the economic development of China. This is the key to our success. We must strengthen the Party's leadership over economic work, uphold the principle of seeking truth from facts, and conduct all actions based on actual conditions and economic laws. We must give full play to the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of all sectors of society and uphold system-based thinking to strengthen the overall planning and coordination. We must grasp the principal contradiction facing Chinese society, and give full play to the strategic guidance of national development plans, to take advantage of one of the strengths of the nation's socialist system – the ability to pool resources on significant endeavors.
The above serves as both a review of historical experience and guidance to our future work. Under the strong leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, we will face up to our new mission in the new era. By upholding the valuable experience, making effective use of it, and carrying it forward, we will ensure the smooth sailing of the giant ship of China's economy and create new miracles of development. Thank you.
Xu Lin:Thanks to all the speakers and journalists. Today's press conference concludes here. Thank you.
Translated and edited by Zhang Liying, Wang Qian, Guo Yiming, Wang Yiming, Yuan Fang, Zhang Junmian, He Shan, Zhang Jiaqi, Wang Wei, Liu Jianing, Cui Can, Xu Xiaoxuan, Liu Sitong, Yang Xi, Zhu Bochen, Ma Yujia, Li Huiru, Chen Xia, Li Xiao, David Ball, Jay Birbeck, and Tom Arnstein. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.