When reading Xi Jinping: The Governance of China Volume III, one needs to bear in mind two important factors: One is China's national rejuvenation, and the other is the world experiencing a level of change unseen in a century.

Starting a new chapter in building socialism with Chinese characteristics for a new era is the first of the 19 topics covered, the key being how to understand the new era. Remaining true to the original aspiration and keeping the mission firmly in mind is the message expounded throughout the volume. It is also the finale of the new book.

The third volume, together with the previous two, expounds Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The essentials of the thought are:

Historical positioning. This theory puts the "new era" into a historical perspective and answers the question of how to make China stronger after it has become a major country.

Theory of national rejuvenation. The mission of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in the new era is to realize national rejuvenation. The idea is to rejuvenate the nation and see that the people are happy—lofty goals that are considered the CPC's original aspiration.

A people-centered approach. In the new era, the principal challenge in Chinese society is the gap between unbalanced and inadequate development and people's ever-growing need for a better life. Previously, it was described as the gap between the ever-growing material and cultural needs of the people and backward social production. The change reaffirms the importance of the people-centered philosophy.

As the ruling party, the CPC must rely on the people and do everything for the people. It must regard as its goal the people's aspiration to live a better life. The national rejuvenation theory and the people-centered theory are the two cornerstones of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Development philosophy. The new philosophy emphasizes innovative, coordinated, green and open development that is for everyone. Putting the development philosophy into practice bears on China's overall interests and requires extensive reforms.

Two plans. They refer to the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy. The former refers to promoting coordinated progress in the economic, political, cultural, social and eco-environmental fields. The latter means to make comprehensive moves to complete building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, further reform, advance the rule of law and strengthen Party self-governance. According to this theory, China must advance the two plans in a coordinated manner by focusing on tackling unbalanced and inadequate development.

Strategic arrangements. The third volume elaborates the "critical battles" against potential risks, poverty and pollution, indicating that Xi places great emphasis on the three issues. These are the strategic arrangements made for the new era.

Holistic approach to national security. Maintaining national security is to provide a safe environment for national rejuvenation. The Party has put in place a general national security framework. People's security, political security and the supremacy of national interests are considered the three essential elements of an indivisible whole. National security can be guaranteed only when the military is strong.

A community with a shared future. After a scientific study of the development trend in today's world, Xi concludes that the world is experiencing profound changes unseen in a century.

None of the three critical economic issues—lack of robust driving forces for global growth, inadequate global economic governance and uneven global development—has been effectively addressed. So Xi conceives of a community with a shared future for all to address these three critical issues and other global challenges to create a sound international environment.

The essential idea is that China will take an active part in global governance and offer Chinese wisdom and Chinese solutions to the problems faced by societies.

National governance. Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, especially after reform and opening up began in 1978, the CPC has led the people in creating a miracle of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability rarely seen in the world. The remarkable advantages of China's national governance system are the institutional support for this miracle.

China needs to continue to bring into full play its institutional advantages, strengthen weak areas and correct shortcomings. By making its governance more efficient, it will be more capable of addressing risks and challenges at home and abroad, and realizing national rejuvenation.

Theory of a strong party. It takes a good blacksmith to forge good tools. So Xi emphasizes that as the world's largest political party, the CPC must behave in a way commensurate with its status.

Party members must truly believe in the ideals of communism and socialism with Chinese characteristics, be politically upright, highly competent and strictly disciplined.

Since the Party exercises overall leadership over all endeavors across the country, priority should be given to reinforcing its political foundations. This means following the correct political direction, upholding the Party's political leadership, fostering a healthy political environment, guarding against political risks, maintaining the political integrity, and improving political ability.

The author is a professor with the Party School of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (National Academy of Governance)

(Print Edition Title: Outlining Priorities) 

Copyedited by Sudeshna Sarkar

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