Wu Guangqiang

    ON July 1, China was in a jubilant mood for the 90th anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC). The Chinese people are justifiably proud of having the CPC at the helm because of its epoch-making achievements.

    Even the hardcore anti-China politicians have to hush up before the hard facts: Over 60 years ago China was an impoverished nation, internationally bullied by foreign powers, and internally torn by endless political struggles, but now it is the second-largest economy in the world and enjoys independence, sovereignty, stability and respect as a powerful nation. It is the leadership of the CPC that saved China from falling apart and brought it back from the edge of the world’s stage to its center.

    Nevertheless, the CPC has no time to get carried away. It is confronted with many tough, and some herculean, challenges. Much of the world is watching with suspicion to see if the economic miracle created in a “non-democratic” system — an anomaly in Western eyes — can continue.

    The advantage of the CPC’s top leadership is their level-headedness. As the media has put it, a constant awareness of potential perils has become the CPC’s “daily mindset.”

    One of the best legacies of Deng Xiaoping, China’s chief architect of reform and opening up, is his reminder of constant sobriety over success and alertness over challenges ahead.

    Hu Jintao, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, while delivering a keynote speech at the grand gathering marking the 90th anniversary of the CPC in Beijing on July 1, vowed to intensify the Party’s efforts to combat corruption, which he said was crucial in gaining popular support and ensuring the Party’s survival. Rampant corruption has been the biggest public concern.

    Premier Wen Jiabao has repeatedly expressed similar admonition on many occasions. During his recent visit to the U.K., he warned that the combination of inflation and corruption could threaten stability.

    Both leaders keep reiterating the importance of further reform and opening up. “They are what we must pursue in upholding and building socialism with Chinese characteristics and achieving the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation,” Hu said.

    Wang Yang, Guangdong’s Party chief, has also given a timely warning against complacency and a tendency to rest on the laurels.

    He made a brilliant speech at a celebration in Guangzhou marking the grand event. He said: “Never let public opinion be overwhelmed by flowers and applause ‘of celebration;’” “never let problems be covered by impressive figures;” and “never let awareness of risks be numbed by great achievements.”

    Well said! China is now at another crucial juncture. Three decades of rapid development is putting tremendous strain on its natural resources and environment, and bringing about a variety of imbalances and contradictions in economic and social lives. Economic growth has hit a bottleneck and fundamental restructuring is required for further development. Discontent and anger are mounting over unfairness and injustice. It’s not alarmist to say that unless current public concerns are carefully and properly addressed, the fruit of the past 30 years may rot and the fast-running economic train may derail.

    Looking back on the CPC’s past success, its widely acknowledged strengths are its pragmatism, its courage to correct its own mistakes, and above all, its full-hearted devotion to serving the fundamental interests of the people.

    Some recent developments make me believe that the CPC will keep going with the times and lead China to a brighter future after overcoming its current collection of woes.

    The Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress has decided to lift the monthly personal income tax threshold to 3,500 yuan (US$542) from the current 2,000 yuan, a considerable increase from the previously proposed 3,000 yuan, in response to public outcry. The change in the nick of time shows the CPC means business when it pledges to work for the well-being of the people.

    To quell widespread grievance against the exorbitant toll charges, tolls on Beijing’s Capital Airport Expressway were reduced from July 1. It’s believed other parts of the country will follow soon.

    The government is working hard to build 10 million units of affordable housing for low- and middle-income families across the country.

    As long as the CPC builds on its successful experience and practices that adhere to the interests of the people, it will remain viable and energetic.

    (The author is an English tutor and a freelance writer. He can be reached at jw368@163.com.)