CPC General Secretary Hu Jintao delivered his opening address speech at the 17th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Monday morning. On the evening of the same day, Zhang Rongchen, professor of the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC, gave an interview to a China.org.cn reporter. He praised the wide-ranging and inspiring speech and recapped it by reviewing ten major highlights.
1. Sticking to Socialism with Chinese Characteristics and CPC leadership
Hu reiterated that we should uphold Socialism with Chinese Characteristics as our guiding banner, rather than copy other doctrines. The underlying reason can be well explained by recalling Deng Xiaoping's comment: Socialism can make the majority rich, while Capitalism can only make the minority rich.
The speech also stressed that the Communist Party should always take the helm of leadership.
2. Insisting on the reform and opening-up policy to circumvent modern Chinese problems
Hu advocated in his "June 25th" address further engagement in on-going reforms and opening-up steadfastly. In Chairman Hu's Monday speech, he stressed again the need for persistence regarding the reform and opening-up policy, which has reversed China's fate. As a raft of problems has cropped up during China's reform, we should seek new formulas as cures instead of simply drawing on past experiences. Briefly, modern Chinese problems should be addressed through a strategy of reform and opening-up.
3. Spelling out the essence of Scientific Outlook of Development
The Scientific Outlook of Development is the theme of the congress. It signifies development that puts human beings first. The premise is based on well-rounded, coordinated development. To grasp the meaning of the speech, we should get to know what the essence of the idea is and why it was proposed.
4. Transforming economic development mode
Hu stressed that economic development should be carried on soundly and quickly. One thing to notice is that the Party attached more importance to the soundness of the economic development, rather than its velocity. This marks a transition in the economic development mode.
5. Holding democracy as a lifeline of socialism
Socialist democratic politics stressed in the speech marks another highlight. Hu said that democracy is a lifeline of socialism, pinpointed by Marx and Engles. Deng Xiaoping also emphasized democracy and regarded it as a cornerstone of socialism.
We should have a better understanding of democracy as the lifeline of socialism.
6. Promoting cultural development
Hu pushed for the development and prosperity of socialist culture in his speech. This reflects an acute urge felt by the ruling party to develop an illuminating and model culture that brings forth cultural prosperity.
7. Nailing down the requirements for building a prosperous society in an all-round way
The requirement is to achieve coordinated development in economics, politics, culture and society, merging the four together to propel Chinese society forward.
8. Livelihood problem rests high on the government's agenda
Much of the bulk of the speech was dedicated to the people's livelihoods, and thus earned nationwide laurels. Problems of most concern: social security, medical care, education equality and housing, have been put high on the government's agenda.
9. Emphasizing "harmonious world"
Referring to the topics of military building, national defense and world peace, "building a harmonious world" was stressed in the speech.
10. Viewing party building as a sublime undertaking
The speech stressed repeatedly the importance of party building, mainly revolving around the party's theory, ruling capability, organization and need to combat corruption.
Zhang Rongchen's profile
Professor Zhang works at the Party School of the Central Committee of the CPC. He is a native of Hebei Province. His master's degree is from Nankai University; currently his research focuses on Marx and Engels' political party theory, and party building theory.
(China.org.cn by He Shan, October 16, 2007)
