Setting a development objective and realizing it step-by-step have been the successful governance experience of the CPC. In 1987, the 13th CPC National Congress put forward a three-stage development plan to build a modern socialist nation. The first-stage goal put forward at that congress was to double the GDP of 1980 and solve the people's food and clothing problems. This goal was achieved. In 1997, the 15th CPC National Congress announced that with years of effort, China had reached the goal of being a well-off society. So the CPC put forward a new three-stage development plan for establishing a modern socialist nation by the middle of the 21st century. 

Today, from three-stage to two-stage, the CPC has adjusted the roadmap for realizing national development goals based on the remarkable progress and changing conditions over the past 30 years. China has entered a new era in which the principal contradiction facing its society has evolved to be that between unbalanced and inadequate development and the people's ever-growing needs for a better life. To resolve the contradiction, China needs a new strategic development plan. 

Furthermore, the two-stage plan provides the nation with a clearer roadmap and timeline. It shows that China's modernization efforts are not limited only to the industrial or economic realm. In fact, the plan covers all aspects and reflects the nation's stronger confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics. 

(This is an edited excerpt of an article published in Oriental Outlook on November 2)