Q: The CPC vowed to strengthen its governance capacity
in 2004. Does this mean the CPC's capacity to rule is declining? To
enhance capacity, what areas will it focus on?
A: There is no direct causality between the CPC's pledge to
improve governance capacity and the capacity decline in this
regard. Since it came to power more than 50 years ago, the CPC has
led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in overcoming various
challenges and in turning a disintegrated and backward country into
a generally well-off society that is vigorously steaming ahead.
This fully testifies to the CPC's strong governance capacity, as
widely recognized in China. The extraordinary achievements since
the introduction of the reform and opening-up policy in the late
1970s also bear witness to the CPC's competence in governing the
country.
However, it should be noted that China is now in the primary
stage of socialism and will remain in that stage for a long time to
come. The principal contradiction in current Chinese society
continues to be the one between the ever-growing needs of the
people and backward social productivity. Given this, development
has become a pressing task. Faced with a new situation and a new
task, the CPC is falling short of the requirements of the socialist
market economy and democratic politics in terms of leadership and
governance style, leadership regime and work mechanisms, as well as
the competence of its leading officials. Some problems call for
immediate resolution.
Seeking long-term power is the common goal of all political
parties, and the CPC is no exception. The emphasis on governance
capacity not only reflects the CPC's scientific survey of its own
experiences, but also embodies its serious reexamination of the
lessons of some political parties that have been driven out of
power. As the party in power that heads China's reform and
opening-up program and modernization drive, the CPC is obligated to
propel the country through its governance and to lead the Chinese
people in rejuvenating the Chinese nation. In an effort to fulfill
this historic task, the CPC, while being consciously aware of its
role as the ruling party, must bolster its governance capacity to
win the recognition of the Chinese people.
With a view to enhancing capacity, the CPC shoulders at present
-- and will continue to shoulder in the years ahead -- the task of
constantly improving its ability to master the laws of the market
economy, develop a socialist democracy, shape advanced socialist
culture and build a harmonious society in line with the
requirements of promoting a coordinated development of socialist
material, political and spiritual civilizations. The overall
objective of this endeavor is to build the CPC into a long-term
ruling party that works for the public good and exercises state
power for the people in a scientific, democratic and lawful manner
so that it can lead the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in
bringing about the prosperity of the country, rejuvenation of the
nation, harmony of the society and well-being of the people.
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