Q: In the 1980s, China put forward the three-step development strategy of the country's modernization drive. What is the aim of each step? After the strategy is realized, how will China have changed?

A: China put forward the three-step development strategy according to its national conditions and after careful analysis of all kinds of factors at home and abroad.

Step One: In the 10 years from 1981 to 1990, per capita gross domestic product (GDP) should be doubled from US$250 in 1980 to US$500, providing basic food and clothing for its people.

Step Two: Per capita GDP should be doubled again from 1991 to 2000 to reach US$1,000, an indication that China would have entered a fairly well-off society. Though per capita GDP would still remain at a low level, the country's comprehensive national strength would be greatly enhanced with total GNP exceeding one trillion US dollars.
 
Step Three: By the middle of the 21st Century, per capita GNP will reach US$4,000 and China's level of development is expected to be on par with the mid-ranking developed countries. At that time, China will have basically realized modernization.

In 1987, China achieved the first aim three years in advance. In 1995, it realized the second aim five years in advance. Then, China put forward a new three-step development strategy for the 2001- 2050 period.
 
According to the new three-step development strategy, there are three development phases:

Step One: Continuing to maintain the rapid, healthy and sustained growth of the national economy. Per capita GDP will be doubled on the basis of 2000, and the life of the Chinese people becomes more comfortable. In particular, all rural areas in the country will enter a well-off society.
 
Step Two: By 2020, the rural population lives a prosperous life with the development of industrialization and urbanization, while the urban population gets even richer.

Step Three: From 2020 to 2050, per capita GDP will largely reach US$4,000. China will then become a richer, more democratic and modernized socialist country.
The three-step development strategy is our ambition. Although the goal is not very high, it is fairly difficult to realize.