The China Academy of Translation has analyzed prevailing terms concerning the reform and opening-up policy and translated them into a number of foreign languages. The research institute is affiliated with the China International Publishing Group, the country's leading international publisher. In each issue, Beijing Review presents a selection of these keywords to help readers more deeply understand this program.

Primary Stage of Socialism

This is not a general reference to the initial stage any country will go through when practicing socialism, but a term for the special stage that China has to undergo with backward productive forces and an underdeveloped commodity economy. The level of productive forces is the basic criterion for judging the primary stage of socialism.

The theory of the primary stage of socialism has two connotations: One, China already has a socialist society, which it must continue to develop and never abandon; two, China's socialist society is still in the primary stage and will remain so for a long time to come, and it is a stage that must be recognized and cannot be skipped.

The report to the 13th Communist Party of China (CPC) National Congress in 1987 predicted that it would take at least 100 years for China to progress from basically completing socialist transformation of private ownership of the means of production in the 1950s to basically realizing socialist modernization. This period was called "the primary stage of socialism."

Chinese socialism has reached a new height but the current productive forces are not yet fully developed to sustain modernization. The features of this period are still features of the primary stage of socialism, not of an advanced stage. Therefore, they cannot change the judgment of China's current stage of development.

The Five-Sphere Integrated Plan

The Five-Sphere Integrated Plan-–the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics encompassing economic, political, cultural, social and ecological development—was proposed in November 2012 at the 18th National Congress of the CPC. While economic development continues to be the central pillar, economic, political, cultural, social and ecological development are to be promoted on all fronts, modernization is to be fostered in all areas, and all elements are to be developed in a coordinated manner.

Proceeding from economic growth, they help develop a socialist market economy, democratic governance, advanced culture, ecological progress, and a harmonious society. Together, they help make the people more prosperous, and the country stronger and more beautiful. The enunciation of the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan illustrates how the CPC continues to extend its understanding of coordinated development and of the framework of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

A People-Centered Approach to Development

A people-centered approach is incorporated in all theories and practices of the Party and the state. In his report to the 19th CPC National Congress, Chinese President Xi Jinping highlighted the importance of a people-centered approach to promote human development and bring prosperity to all. Our people-centered philosophy is key to the Party's political thinking. It is what distinguishes a Marxist party from other parties. It is also a creative application of the principle of ensuring the people's principal status in our development theory.

It is reflected in all our economic and social development initiatives, attesting to the centrality of the wellbeing of the people on the Party's agenda. Implementing such a philosophy calls for respect for the people's role in running the country and sensitivity to their yearning for a better life. It is our responsibility to always serve, defend and uphold the best interests of the people, and pursue development efforts in their interests, for their benefit, and reliant on their contributions.

Our people-centered development philosophy reflects the Party's overarching goal of serving the public good, and the principles of historical materialism that emphasize the role of the people in turning the wheel of history. It is in line with our aspirations to bring prosperity to all and our value system that highlights the centrality of the people.