The upcoming third plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), scheduled for mid-July, marks a significant milestone in China’s journey toward modernization. Historically, these plenary sessions have been instrumental in shaping the nation’s development strategies, providing comprehensive and forward-looking blueprints for progress.
Over the past four decades, reform has been the linchpin of China’s modernization efforts. Serving as the cornerstone of development, reform has transformed the country’s vast population into a developmental advantage and integrated China into the global economy. The transformative power of reform lies in its ability to dismantle outdated systems and unlock the energy and vitality of Chinese society.
A prime example is the rural household contract responsibility system reform. By addressing longstanding issues in labor productivity, this reform not only significantly boosted agricultural output but also safeguarded China’s food security. More importantly, it liberated rural labor, allowing millions to transition into the industrial and service sectors. This shift spurred the development of small towns and township enterprises, fueling China’s rise as the world’s manufacturing powerhouse.
According to a survey by China’s National Bureau of Statistics, the proportion of migrant workers employed in non-agricultural industries continued to rise in 2023. Over half (53.8 percent) of migrant workers were engaged in the tertiary sector, while 45.5 percent were in the secondary sector. This trend underscores the ongoing evolution of China’s workforce and the critical role of reform in driving economic diversification and growth.
The forthcoming plenary session is expected to build upon these successes by further comprehensively deepening reform. As China stands at a pivotal moment in advancing its modernization agenda, the policies and strategies outlined during this session will be closely watched by global readers, investors, and scholars alike.
Comprehensively furthering reform is vital for China’s continued development. By addressing new challenges and leveraging new opportunities, China aims to unlock fresh impetus for growth, enhance the well-being of its people, and contribute positively to the global economy.
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Why comprehensively furthering reform vital for Chinese modernization
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