China Voice: Reform leads way to prosperity

The deepening of reform is a key step on the road to prosperity and social progress.

It is also one of the "Four Comprehensives" -- the strategic objectives outlined in President Xi Jinping's blueprint for China's future.

The other three aspects are the building of a moderately prosperous society, the implementation of the rule of law, and the further strengthening of discipline within the Communist Party of China (CPC).

Since reform and opening up policies first began over 30 years ago, economic development has remained China's top priority and its productive forces have developed at an unprecedented rate.

Shortly after Xi took to the helm of the CPC in November 2012, he visited south China's Guangdong Province, which was to become the testing ground for his new reform policies.

China aims to continue toward becoming a prosperous, democratic, culturally advanced, harmonious and modern socialist country by the centenary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in 2049.

Last year was the first year of the CPC's deepened reform push, which was laid out during a meeting in November 2013.

The leading group for overall reform, led by Xi, identified that 80 tasks for 2014 had been "basically finished".

The central government completed 108 reform tasks with 370 measures introduced, including streamlining hundreds of administrative items.

A new round of rural and urban development was also launched in 2014, along with the reform of income distribution measures and the household registration system.

At a meeting in January 2015, Xi emphasized efforts to improve the quality and implementation of reform measures, and approved an implementation plan for reform to the judicial and social systems.

The State Council has publicized plans concerning raising the salaries of civil servants and staff in public-funded institutions.

The adjustment coincides with efforts to unify the pension system for private sector employees, civil servants and employees of government-sponsored institutions.

Bearing in mind that reform cannot be accomplished in one fell swoop, the CPC should be sure to outline long-term plans and be prepared for difficulties along the way, as it is to truly promote social fairness and improve people's lives.

Being at the core of the Four Comprehensives, deepening reform will pave the way for the other three aspects, and all elements will ensure China goes steadily on its path of development. Endi