- China is on course to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects this year, known as "Xiaokang" in Chinese.
- The concept of "Xiaokang" took root 2,500 years ago, which represents ancient Chinese people's longing for a peaceful and happy life.
- This ancient concept has evolved into a critical stage in China's modernization.
What is Xiaokang? Why is "in all respects" highlighted? This animation will tell you...
BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- 2020 is a historic year for China. The country is on course to reach its first centenary goal of completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects, known as "Xiaokang" in Chinese, to celebrate the centenary of the Communist Party of China in 2021.
The ongoing "Two Sessions," annual meetings of China's national legislature and the top political advisory body, will be instrumental in securing this significant target.
The concept of Xiaokang took root about 2,500 years ago.
It represented ancient Chinese people's longing for a peaceful and happy life.
This ancient concept has evolved into a critical stage in China's modernization.
So, what is Xiaokang?
And why is "in all respects" highlighted?
The Communist Party of China (CPC) revived the pursuit of a "Xiaokang society" about 40 years ago.
In 2012, the CPC extended the concept to incorporate the goal of "completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects."
This goal outlines five advances, or "respects".
The economy should maintain sustained and sound development, with GDP and per capita income doubling from 2010. This would mean that the country is innovative; industrialization is "basically" achieved; IT application would be significantly developed; notable progress made in modernizing agriculture, and opening-up further advanced...
The institution of democracy would be improved and enriched, and the rule of law fully implemented as an essential strategy...
Cultural soft power should be significantly enhanced...
The elimination of absolute poverty, the educational level of the entire population significantly elevated, income gaps narrowed, and everyone covered by social security...
The skies bluer, mountains greener, water cleaner, and the environment more beautiful...
"In all respects" also means the fruits of development must be shared by all.
Crucial change in China happened in less than a decade.
In 2012, nearly 100 million people lived under the national poverty line.
In 2020, absolute poverty will be a thing of the past.
Only when "no one is left behind," can Xiaokang society "in all respects" be realized.
Building a moderately prosperous society in all respects is neither a "game of numbers" nor a "game of speed," instead it is an authentic goal.
The CPC will turn 100 years old as China finishes building a moderately prosperous society in all respects.
There is still a long way to go before China becomes a developed country.
China would still need to work hard for about 15 years to basically realize socialist modernization.
By the time the PRC marks its centenary at the middle of this century, China would become a "modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and beautiful."
Starting in 1840 with the Opium War, the ensuing havoc wrecked by Western powers saw China battle many internal and external difficulties.
After 180 years of conflict and struggle, China is on course to usher in a bright future of national rejuvenation.
There is more than one route to modernization.
On the way to a moderately prosperous society in all respects, China is marching on a broad path. ■
