Editorial | Now comes the hard work after China’s plenum puts growth, security ahead of quick fixes
- An array of long-term objectives from deepening reform of economy to meeting geopolitical challenges aim to rebalance China in years to come
China’s Communist Party ended its critical third plenum setting out an array of broad objectives, signalling a determination to carry on with the difficult rebalancing of the economy instead of opting for quick fixes despite sluggish domestic growth.
Given the daunting and complex pressures the country faces at home and abroad, the plenum has struck a prudent balance between growth and security.
A carefully worded communique at the close of the four-day meeting sets out long-term objectives with calls to deepen reform of the economy, and measures regarding rural land, taxation, environmental protection, national security, fighting corruption and cultural development.
It also sets a rare deadline for reforms to be completed by the 80th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic in five years’ time, a sign that party leaders must deliver and will be held to account.
This is a clear departure from the past, when reforms could be placed on the back burner if they were too difficult.
