Hu's vision for development highlights the modern path

As the report points out, development remains the key to "the resolution of all problems" facing China. Which explains why, as always, economic reform, transformation of the development model, expansion of domestic demand and the real economy occupy a high place on the CPC's policy agenda.

But, consistent with the people-first principle the current leadership put forward, the report lays considerable in-between-the-lines emphasis on fairness. The proposal of a system to guarantee fairness that incorporates equality in rights, opportunities and rules is a positive response to growing public discontent with inequity.

The idea to widen the channels for citizens to express dissatisfaction is a laudable approach to stability concerns. The promises to "place guaranteeing and improving people's livelihoods in more prominent positions" and to "do everything possible to increase people's incomes" are surely conducive to cultivating a sense of well-being.

A more conspicuous embodiment of the Scientific Outlook on Development in the report, however, lies in the emphasis on "ecological civilization", or the approach to development that respects, conforms to and preserves nature.

The real highlights for people overseas, however, may be the report's elaboration of military and diplomatic policies. The report does propose a strategic task to build a strong military commensurate with China's security needs and growing national interests. But they are nothing to worry about because, as Hu reiterated, the PLA will remain defensive in nature and the country will stick to its peaceful path of development.

The report's proposal for countries to treat each other equally and with mutual confidence, to be tolerant to and learn from each other, and to cooperate and strive for win-win outcomes is a Chinese prescription for a world victimized by hegemony, power politics and interventionism.

At home, the report presents a more refined formula of peace to the other side of the Taiwan Straits. The proposal to explore reasonable arrangements for cross-Straits political relations, negotiate mutual military trust mechanisms and reach a peace agreement could create tremendous benefits for both sides. The proposal represents a substantial ideological breakthrough.

The consistent thread of reason running through the report is an inspiring sign of the CPC's maturity in governance. Its cool-headed judgments about itself and national and international conditions, and its commitment to better leadership give us confidence in the future of the country.

(China Daily 11/09/2012 page9)