Zheng Bijian: You could not understand China unless understand CPC

    CIIDS Chairman Zheng Bijian delivered a keynote speech "Catching up with the Times" and the Communist Party of China" at the 2nd "Understanding China" Conference on the morning of November 2. The title is derived from Deng Xiaoping's famous quote: "We must catch up with the times, and that is what reform aims at." Zheng Bijian stated that a thorough understanding of the CPC was necessary to understand China's strategy for the coming five years. The essential nature of socialism with Chinese characteristics is the CPC's leadership.

    According to Zheng, since its founding in 1921, the CPC has experienced two fundamental tests and given two fundamental fight-backs in nearly a century. The first was turning the war into the big opportunity for "the Chinese people to stand up." The second began in the late 1970s, with the big challenge of "peace and development" in the era translated into a great chance for China's great development. The macro proposition running through the two tests is "catching up with the times," which is the only way to "save" and "develop" China.

    Zheng stated that the 13th Five-year Plan adopted at the Fifth Plenary Session of 18th CPC Central Committee put forward a philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development, reflecting the CPC’s pursuit of value to uphold the people’s principal position and "catch up with the times." Also, it shows that the CPC is not an egotist merely seeking a quick fix.

    He also stated that since the convening of 18th CPC National Congress, the country had ushered in a new phase of governance, with the Party discipline strengthened and the exercise of power subject to institutional confinement, so that the CPC was in a better position to "catch up with the times". It is noteworthy that in the fight against corruption the CPC is bold to scrape the poison off the bone while adhering to the correct direction with strategic perseverance. The century-long trials and efforts prove CPC’s uniqueness in the history of political parties.

    Zheng reiterated that several general principles would not and could not be changed, namely the fundamental purpose of serving the people, the ideology of emancipating the mind and seeking truth from facts, and the basic route of building socialism with Chinese characteristics. Meanwhile, a series of concepts, guidelines and governance systems will "catch up with the times" through necessary "changes" on an ongoing basis. Ultimately, the true meaning of "catching up with the times" lies on sticking to China’s own path towards the forefront of the era via constant reform, innovation and development, realizing the Chinese dream: rejuvenating the Chinese nation.

    Zheng concluded that the successful experience in the past 30 years of reform and opening up should be treasured, and the difficulty in the decisive stage of completing the building a moderately prosperous society should not be underestimated despite of its promising prospect. The CPC together with all the Chinese people will be even more diligent, sober and humble. We expect the international community to understand and respect Chinese people's struggle and target, taking such a perspective to "understand China".