Better well-being stems from targeted actions: China Daily editorial

People-centered governance is the defining attribute of both China's governing principle and its governing approach. In order to better ensure that the people enjoy the fruits of development, a balance must be struck not only between different regions and sectors, but also between quantity and quality, growth and fairness, and development and stability.

The achievements China has made in advancing people's well-being since 2021 are encapsulated in a report released by the National Bureau of Statistics on Sunday.

The report on social and livelihood development since the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25) clearly shows how the improved well-being of the people is not only "the greatest political achievement" of the Communist Party of China and the government, but also of "the utmost importance" for Chinese modernization, as President Xi Jinping said.

For instance, the per capita disposable income reached 41,314 yuan ($5,747) in 2024, up 5.3 percent year-on-year in nominal terms, with rural incomes growing faster than urban ones, which has helped to narrow the gap between regions. Public services such as education and healthcare have become more balanced and accessible, with gross preschool enrollment reaching 92 percent, 6.8 percentage points higher than 2020, and the average life expectancy rising to 79 years, 1.07 years higher than 2020, and five years higher than the global average.

That China has steadily improved people's well-being during this period, despite the challenges and headwinds it has encountered, testifies to the effective leadership of the CPC.

The pragmatism, pertinence and responsiveness of policymakers — coupled with the efficient implementation of their policies — are evident in areas such as employment, healthcare, housing, education, public cultural services and social security.

Advances in technology, the growth of the green economy and the pursuit of sustainable development have all been aligned with the promotion of urbanization and the continuation of reform and opening-up in sectors directly or indirectly related to people's livelihoods.

The comprehensive policy framework and systematic approach explain why broad-spectrum improvements have been achieved simultaneously across relevant sectors.

For example, the number of practicing doctors per 1,000 people rose from 2.9 in 2020 to 3.4 in 2024, while cultural participation expanded dramatically, with 1.07 billion people now regularly using online video platforms. Such progress reflects the synergy between social development and economic modernization.

The progress China has made in improving people's well-being since 2021 not only lays a solid foundation for further advancement in the years ahead but also provides valuable experience and reference for the design and implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), which the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau discussed at a meeting on Monday.

As the NBS report rightly notes, the next five years might present more challenges, from further balancing regional disparities to addressing the evolving needs of an aging society. Nevertheless, the meeting reiterated the importance of adhering to the people-centered principle in the blueprint for addressing major issues related to national economic and social development over the coming five years.

Social and livelihood development are the bedrock and barometer for the country's progress. As the NBS report highlights, the steady rise in incomes, expanded access to education and healthcare, improved protection for vulnerable groups, and enhanced cultural and living standards all point to a society that is becoming more inclusive, sustainable and equitable.

With the momentum already generated, China is now better-positioned than it was five years ago to seek high-quality development step by step — in which stability, fairness and prosperity are not abstract goals but increasingly the lived reality of the people.

History shows that as long as the country upholds the leadership of the Party and adheres to the people-centered development philosophy, relevant work will continue to break new ground and create fresh opportunities.

Looking ahead, the country should be confident that the Party and the government will continue to strive to ensure that the advancement of the country's modernization translates into a greater sense of fulfillment, happiness and security for the people.