The Communist Party of China is set to convene the third plenary session of its 20th Central Committee from July 15 to July 18 in Beijing. This pivotal meeting aims to discuss the comprehensive deepening of reform and the advancement of Chinese modernization, marking a significant moment in the nation’s development journey.
Over the past four decades, reform has been the cornerstone of China’s rapid modernization. It has transformed the country’s vast population into a developmental advantage, integrated China into the global economy, and leveraged historical opportunities to propel the nation to its current status as the world’s second-largest economy.
Central to China’s reform agenda is the dismantling of outdated systems and institutions that hinder progress. By cutting these binding ropes, reform has liberated minds and unleashed unprecedented vitality across society. A prime example is the rural household contract responsibility system reform. This initiative not only resolved longstanding issues in agricultural productivity but also safeguarded China’s food security by significantly boosting output within a few years.
Moreover, the reform liberated rural labor, allowing many to join the industrial and service sectors. This shift spurred the development of small towns and township enterprises, with rural workers becoming a driving force in China’s emergence as a global manufacturing powerhouse. According to a survey by the National Bureau of Statistics, in 2023, 53.8 percent of migrant workers were engaged in the tertiary sector, while 45.5 percent were in the secondary sector, highlighting the continued integration of labor into diverse industries.
The upcoming plenary session is expected to build upon these successes, outlining systematic and forward-looking frameworks for further reform. By embracing comprehensive changes, China aims to unlock new potentials, drive sustainable development, and continue its remarkable journey toward modernization.
Reference(s):
Why comprehensively furthering reform vital for Chinese modernization
cgtn.com
