Editorial | New challenges await Xi Jinping as plenum points way ahead for China
- ‘Historical resolution’ shows discussion about past issues has either been resolved or set aside, allowing the country to tackle such problems as the wealth gap, corruption, pollution, fast ageing society and volatile international environment
The sixth and penultimate plenum of the Chinese Communist Party’s 19th Central Committee had a single item formally on the agenda. That proposal was about the “major achievements and historical experience of the party over the past century”.
The significance of the resolution cannot be overestimated, being only the third of its kind and heralding General Secretary and President Xi Jinping’s determination to attain his vision for “the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation” by 2049, when the People’s Republic celebrates its 100th anniversary.
A review of the party’s achievements was considered necessary so China may confidently develop.
The plenum was told that through experience, people had been put first, innovation advanced, independence assured, a global vision maintained, new ground broken, the nation and its ideas defended, a united front promoted, and a commitment to self-reform assured.
A solid foundation had been laid for advancing law-based governance in Hong Kong and Macau and securing success of the “one country, two systems” policy through the principle of governance by patriots. Foreign interference and separatism in Taiwan were opposed. China’s global influence and power had also markedly increased.
The party has always tried to maintain a unified and harmonious front, even though there are numerous factions with divergent views among its 95 million members.