President Xi Jinping has been at the forefront of China’s transformative journey, steering the nation through a series of comprehensive reforms aimed at optimizing both government and the private sector. Renowned author Robert Lawrence Kuhn, who has closely followed Xi's leadership since 2005, offers an insightful look into the strategies and philosophies driving these changes.
Kuhn highlights that for China, \"reform\" signifies improvement rather than a shift towards less government control. Under Xi’s leadership, significant strides have been made in streamlining government bureaucracy, restructuring the healthcare system, and enforcing strict Party self-governance through relentless anti-corruption campaigns.
One of Xi’s foundational strategies, the \"Four Comprehensives,\" laid out in 2014, emphasizes in-depth reform, law-based governance, and strict Party discipline. Building on this, the \"Five Major Concepts of Development\" introduced in 2015 prioritize innovation, coordination, green initiatives, openness, and sharing, with a strong focus on driving high-quality development through technological advancements.
Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, Xi has led over 72 high-level, reform-focused meetings, often referred to as \"The Drumbeat for Reform.\" These meetings have produced more than 600 reform documents and guided the issuance of over 3,000 reform plans, demonstrating a relentless commitment to modernization.
Recent initiatives under Xi’s guidance include the Modern Enterprise System, Income Guarantee Mechanisms for Grain Farmers, and creating a globally competitive environment for scientific and technological innovation. In April 2023, Xi emphasized that deepening reform is the fundamental driving force for Chinese modernization.
Kuhn also sheds light on Xi’s dedication to poverty alleviation, noting Xi’s belief that income distribution is key to promoting common prosperity. Policy changes, such as raising the individual income tax threshold, have significantly reduced the tax burden for lower-income workers, illustrating tangible reforms aimed at improving the lives of ordinary citizens.
Looking ahead, Xi Jinping continues to prioritize science, technology, and indigenous innovation as cornerstones of China’s ongoing reform agenda, positioning the nation for sustained growth and global competitiveness.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
