In a recent discussion, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized the importance of reform and development as a means to enhance the lives of the people. He stated in his explanation of the “Decision of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Advancing Chinese Modernization” that it is essential to adhere to a people-centered approach, strategizing and advancing reform based on the overall, fundamental, and long-term interests of the people. This perspective clearly reflects the core values and objectives of comprehensive reform, providing significant theoretical support and methodological guidance for achieving the people’s interests through these reforms.
The question of who the reforms serve serves as a litmus test for any political party or regime. Our reforms are centered around the people, relying on and benefiting them. Xi emphasized that “reform is meaningful only when it serves the people” and that any major reform initiative must address critical issues from the people’s standpoint and prioritize their interests when formulating strategies and measures. This commitment to prioritizing people’s interests is dictated by our party’s nature, mission, and the socialist nature of our country; it is the driving force behind reform and development.
First, the inner rationale for prioritizing people’s interests is a fundamental necessity in practicing the party’s foundational mission. Xi noted, “All of the Party’s work is about considering the interests of the people,” urging that the starting point and goal of advancing reform should be to realize, protect, and develop the fundamental interests of the broadest masses. Only in this way can the fruits of development benefit all people more equitably. The distinction of a Marxist party lies in its commitment to serve the common interests of the people. The history of the Communist Party of China is a testament to its dedication to serving the people wholeheartedly. By maintaining that the interests of the people come first, our party ensures that comprehensive reform navigates through complex situations without losing its direction, ultimately fulfilling our promise of serving the people.
Secondly, aligning with the core tenets of socialism, Chinese modernization is not about serving a privileged few but is focused on the interests of the majority. This modernization aims for comprehensive development that upholds the principle of people’s interests being paramount, facilitating the holistic growth of individuals and ensuring that the benefits of development are shared by all. The pursuit of reform is to continuously enhance and develop our socialist system, breathing new life into it, thus reinforcing that reforms must better serve the people’s interests and enhance their well-being.
Moreover, adhering to a people-focused approach serves as the source of momentum for smooth reform processes. Xi asserted that “reform gains its motivation from the people.” The success of our reform process lies in its tangible benefits for the public and the support it receives from them. Since the 18th National Congress, the central leadership, with Xi at the helm, has consistently prioritized the people’s interests in reform initiatives, tackling the most pressing issues that concern them. From addressing the challenges in healthcare affordability to reforming the judicial system to ensure fairness and justice, practical steps driven by a dedication to the people have been demonstrated repeatedly.
Going forward, we must ensure that the principle of prioritizing people’s interests permeates every aspect and phase of deepening reforms. Governing has its norms, and putting the people’s welfare at the center is paramount. The comprehensive reform effort in this new era represents a significant transformation of existing benefit relationships and institutional frameworks, all aimed at realizing and developing the fundamental interests of the people. Therefore, maintaining these interests as the cornerstone of our reforms will serve as both the starting point and the ultimate aim.
Listening to the voices of the people and understanding their diverse interests will be crucial as society evolves. With varying expectations and demands, we must ensure that their needs become the “first signal” guiding our reform efforts. Engaging with the populace—visiting communities, gathering feedback—will enable us to transform these requests into actionable tasks within our reform agenda.
Addressing the real interest issues faced by the people is another significant avenue. Problems highlight the voice of our times and reflect the greatest political consideration, which has always been a hallmark of our party. By deploying a problem-oriented approach, we can make significant strides in sectors that directly affect people’s lives, such as employment, healthcare, and education.
Furthermore, appropriately balancing various interests in the reform process is imperative. As we delve deeper into reform, these relationships will inevitably be complex. Thus, it is essential to understand the people’s actual conditions and aspirations while aiming for their satisfaction with the reform outcomes. By recognizing and addressing the intertwining interests among the masses, we can enhance the effectiveness and relevance of our reforms.
Ultimately, we aim for the benefits of reform and development to be more equitably distributed among all citizens. Xi highlighted that the fundamental purpose of reform is to foster a more prosperous nation, establish greater fairness and justice, and enhance the quality of life. Without delivering substantial benefits or creating a fairer society, reform loses its significance.
In this new journey, we must unite around the leadership of Xi, maintaining a people-centered reform approach deeply inscribed in our ethos. By working toward social fairness and justice while enhancing the well-being of the populace, we can progressively transform the people’s aspirations for a better life into a reality, together crafting a new chapter in the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist nation.
