The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has successfully concluded its third plenary session in Beijing. The Decision of the Communist Party of China Central Committee on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform in Pursuit of China’s Modernization is the most important outcome of the session, which constitutes a new blueprint for China’s reform and opening-up, sending a strong message to the world about China’s firm commitment to reform and opening-up, as well as creating more opportunities for the world in the new era.
Reform and opening-up is an important tool for the causes of the Party and the Chinese people to catch up with the times. The third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee was also epoch-making, and ushered in a new journey of comprehensively deepening reform and promoting it according to a systematic and holistic plan in the new era, thus opening a new chapter of China’s reform and opening-up. At that session, the Central Committee established the Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform, with General Secretary Xi Jinping taking the lead and presiding over 72 meetings of the commission since then. More than 2,000 programs have been introduced to strengthen, expand and deepen reform. Reform measures in various sectors have taken China’s opening-up to a significantly higher level. From the establishment of 22 pilot free trade zones and the Hainan Free Trade Port, to the signing and entry into force of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, to the construction of a globally-oriented network of high-standard free trade zones, to the repeated shortening of the negative list for foreign investment, to the easing of market access restrictions in the telecommunications, health and other service sectors, to the promotion of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, to the establishment of international cooperation platforms for trade and economic exchanges such as the China International Import Expo, the China International Fair for Trade in Services and the China International Consumer Products Expo, these important measures to expand high-quality opening-up benefit the international community through China’s development and give the world reason to be optimistic about China’s growth prospects. China has remained the world’s largest trader of goods for seven consecutive years, and the world’s largest exporter and second largest importer for 15 consecutive years. It has been among the world’s top three sources of foreign investment for 11 consecutive years. 155 countries and regions around the world are beneficiaries of financing provided by China.
China’s modernization is being steadily promoted during the reform and opening-up, and it will certainly have a broad outlook in this process. The present and the near future are a critical period for our efforts to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through China’s modernization. To cope with complex environments both at home and abroad, adapt to the new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, and meet the new expectations of our people, it is vital that we continue to advance reform. It was stressed at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee that the overall objectives of further deepening reform in an all-round manner are to continue to improve and develop the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and modernize China’s system and capacity for governance. By 2035, China will have completed the building of a high-standard socialist market economy in all respects, further improved the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, comprehensively modernized our system and capacity for governance, and basically realized socialist modernization. All this will lay a solid foundation for transforming China into a great modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of this century. To steadily advance reform, we will focus on building a high-standard socialist market economy, promoting people’s democracy throughout the process, developing a strong socialist culture in China, improving people’s livelihoods, building a Beautiful China, advancing the Peaceful China Initiative, and enhancing the Party’s capacity for long-term leadership and governance. To realize these reform goals, the Resolution outlines reform plans in specific areas such as the economy, politics, culture, society, environmental conservation, national security, and national and military defense, involving more than 300 concrete measures. It was clear that the reform tasks set out in the Decision should be completed by the time the People’s Republic of China celebrates its 80th anniversary in 2029.
China’s modernization follows the path of peaceful development. The Decision solemnly affirms that China remains firm in pursuing an independent foreign policy of peace and is committed to fostering a human community with a shared future. We will remain committed to the common values
Macao plays a key role in China’s comprehensive deepening of reform. The Decision stresses supporting Hong Kong and Macao in building international hubs for high-calibre talents, improving relevant mechanisms to see the two SARs play a greater role in China’s opening up to the outside world, and encouraging cooperation between Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in the Greater Bay Area, promoting closer alignment of rules and mechanisms. The Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will fully support all sectors of Macao society in implementing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, further giving full play to Macao’s unique advantages brought by the “One Country, Two Systems” principle and its role as a platform for international cooperation. We will also give impetus to Macao’s efforts to develop new high-quality productive forces, promote moderate economic diversification in line with its 1+4 plan through technological innovation and industrial upgrading, and develop the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin. In the 25 years since its return to the motherland, Macao has enjoyed the greatest constitutional advantage of “One Country, Two Systems”, abundant development horizons, a highly internationalized business environment, a solid economic foundation, the advantage of multiculturalism and a traditional culture. I believe that with these advantages and by embracing the new opportunities created by deepening reform and opening up, Macao’s golden calling card as an international metropolis can and will be further polished!
*Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Macao Special Administrative Region
