A Rethink on the 18th National Congress of the CPC

The 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, which will commence next month, will draw wide attention from around the world. Undoubtedly, some people are waiting for some kind of major media event to occur, such as unexpected changes in the Party line or in the new group of leaders to be announced. However, those who hope that China will go the way of the Soviet Union and other socialist Eastern European states two decades ago have disregarded the great accomplishments that have been achieved by the People's Republic of China.

There is no doubt that the CPC's 18th National Congress will be written in history. On the one hand, immense achievements have been gained in economic and social development; on the other hand, the economic crises that have erupted in the West have proved the soundness of China's developmental strategies. The world has witnessed China's rising economic and political influence as well as its internal cohesion and stability, which, despite some obstructions, are shifting the balance of global power.

The 18th National Congress of the CPC will indeed sharpen the awareness that the end of communism in Eastern Europe in the 1990s is by no means the denouement of socialism, and reaffirms that Western-style democracy may not be the best model for countries in many parts of the world to follow. Many countries, developing countries in particular, have formed an increasing interest in the development of China. They have closely studied China's economic strategies, social and diplomatic policies and technological innovations.

Observing the law of social development prophesized by Marx and Engels, the CPC considers historical discourse on socialism to be perdurable. Guided by the working class and the CPC, China slipped the leach of imperialism, launched a new democratic revolution and finally headed down the path towards socialism. In spite of all obstacles, China has ushered in a new and creative road on the basis of its national conditions. Today, this road applies not only to China but also to other countries with similar conditions.

As it embarked on its new democratic revolution, the CPC found a path to socialism with Chinese characteristics and, in doing so, achieved fruitful accomplishments. Though China has its own unique features including a vast territory, long history and splendid culture, it is prudent for peace-lovers worldwide to learn from the CPC's experience and apply it to their own policymaking. In the past decades, the CPC has gained experience from its successes and learned lessons from its failures. It is now a necessity for us to learn from them. Concern should be paid to questions such as what is socialism, how to build up socialism and how to carry out a socialist democracy and legal construction.

Before the convening of the 18th National Congress of the CPC, a complete range of major policy questions has been addressed. These include economic strategies, financial policies, the socialist political system, socialist democracy and the legal system, education, social construction, democratic policies and so forth. Socialism in the 21st century has always been discussed in many places, either in the communist parties or in other socialist parties; however, all parties should do more to learn from the CPC's experience.

To cite one example, the CPC has advanced a theory of the primary stage of socialism, using socialism with Chinese characteristics as the basis. This primary stage of socialism should be distinguished from "the transition period to socialism" and "the foundation of socialism". Socialism with Chinese characteristics is a wise policy which can be applied to China as well as other countries with similar conditions.

History has shown that highly developed productivity in a capitalist economy might not be a prerequisite to the transition to socialism. Our misunderstanding of Socialism with Chinese characteristics is attributed to the upheaval which took place in the Soviet Union and other European socialist states from 1989 to 1991, which resulted in losses to the socialist movement. Due to these events, some came to a conclusion that socialism was doomed to fail. However, China's successful development has discredited this trend.

Today, much importance is attached to the way we solve problems and formulate policies ― this requires creative institutions which can adapt to present conditions and adopt a long-sighted view in accordance with Marxist ideology. In the 17th National Congress, the CPC pointed out that adhering to a system of socialism with Chinese characteristics is to remain committed to socialism. This statement has profound implications. The status quo of capitalism explicitly affirms that capitalism, with its inequitable means of production and capitalist oligarchy, cannot tackle issues of social development nor settle global economic problems.

I sincerely wish the 18th National Congress of the CPC much success. Undoubtedly, the Congress will benefit the Chinese people and the CPC, as well as communists and socialists in other countries, and indeed all those who yearn for peace and stability.

Rolf Berthold was appointed as the ambassador of German Democratic Republic to China from 1982 to 1990.