Prosperous society task key to realizing 'Chinese dream'

BEIJING - Fulfilling the task of building a moderately prosperous society is a crucial step toward the realization of the "Chinese dream" of rejuvenating the nation.

It is also one of the strategic objectives of Xi Jinping's blueprint for China's future, the "Four Comprehensives", which also includes deepened reform, the implementation of the rule of law, and further strengthening of discipline within the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Since he taking the helm of the CPC in November 2012, Xi has travelled to more than 20 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities to speak about ways that a moderately prosperous society can be achieved, including poverty alleviation and environmental protection.

As Xi's trip showed, which took him to the developed eastern areas and under developed central and western parts, the target is to improve the living standards of the whole nation.

In addition to increasing income, a prosperous society needs a healthy cultural environment, where people can live their lives to the full, and law enforcement, justice and fairness must be upheld.

Fundamentally, the task is about development, with a focus on the economy, society and equality, which is especially important as the nation has entered the new normal of slower economic growth.

The dream is great and the obstacles are tremendous, as China is home to 1.3 billion people, more than the combined population of the European Union, the United States and Japan. Not to mention about 80 million people who are still living below poverty line.

Achieving a moderately prosperous society will be no easy task.

Though it is of strategic importance, it cannot be achieved without efforts to push forward the other three aspects of the Four Comprehensives.

-- Deepening reform will propel the nation toward prosperity.

-- Implementing the rule of law will guarantee the modernization of governance while championing social justice.

-- Strengthening Party discipline will ensure the CPC leadership is firm and trusted.