Long way to go for China’s reform, says state-run daily

Beijing, Nov 14 (IANS) There is still a long way to go for China’s reform, a state-run daily said Wednesday, when the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China concluded here with support to the reform process.

An article in the Global Times observed that many discussions have been raised and centred around reform both before and during the current 18th Party congress.

“Reform was the most eye-catching section of Hu Jintao’s report to the congress. Based on over three decades’ experiences, reform has undoubtedly become the basic means for our society to further advance,” it said.

It described reform as equivalent to a “breakthrough”, and also includes improvements in politics, economy and society.

“China’s reform is a process in which society changes, transforms and develops profoundly and steadily. It doesn’t mark a mere turning point,” it said.

“However, in reality, the term `breakthrough’ is apparently more popular in public opinion than the idea of `improvement’ which seems to be often considered as being too conservative. Discussions on making breakthroughs have become fashionable, despite creating little agreement,” said the daily.

The Communist Party of China (CPC) has hailed reforms and opening up of the economy as the path to a stronger China and the salient feature of a new period in the country.

The article stressed that China made the breakthrough by choosing a road of socialism with Chinese characteristics during the leadership of Deng Xiaoping.

“For a long time to come, it will be unnecessary for China to make another strategic breakthrough of the same significance. China’s current mode of development brings us outstanding achievements,” it said.

It sought more attention to improvement, “which could consolidate the outcomes of the breakthrough of the past while making preparations for new changes”.

“The quicker and better we improve, the better we can consolidate the outcomes of past breakthroughs and the easier we can move toward new ones,” the daily explained.

The article went on to say that an achievement of China’s reform in the political field has been the surging of civil society.

“Nowadays, social forces have obviously influenced China’s politics and the driving force the grass roots have on reform at the very the top is almost unexpected. Future political reform apparently needs to attach more importance to the relationship between government and society. However, the civil society has gradually formed and did not suddenly come about as the result of any breakthrough,” it said.

“…the breakthroughs should focus on solving specific problems instead of dictating a change to our mode of development. China has been moving toward a socialist democracy, there is no need to find a new breakthrough from the Western system.

“There is still a long way to go for China’s reform. Passion alone cannot bring national rejuvenation.”

IANS 2012-11-14 11:16:29