Plenum displays CPC's resolve to strengthen law-based governance: China Daily editorial

Like each of its kind in the past, the Fourth Plenary Session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee came crowned with a series of fresh intra-Party consensuses on the identified priorities for the Party and the country.

This time, these consensuses centered on modernizing the regime and capacities for national governance, a primary concern of Xi Jinping as general secretary of the CPC Central Committee. And what was set out in the communiqué released at the conclusion of the plenum on Thursday was not only logical follow-ups to the previous three plenary sessions of the current CPC Central Committee, but also operational guidelines as well as specific moves to put into practice improved governance in a new era of "big changes not seen in 100 years". Further proof that the CPC is preparing to carry on its original mission by ensuring it has a broader, stronger, more effective presence in "all affairs".

In its past three plenums, the 19th CPC Central Committee respectively elected its top leaders, proposed amendments to the country's Constitution, and decided to deepen reforms of Party and State organs. The Party's decisions are clearly meant to make sure it will not find itself fettered in pursuit of its clear series of goals: to build a moderately well-off society in an all-around way, to establish a modernized socialist country that is rich, strong, democratic, civilized and harmonious, and to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

If the CPC's 19th National Congress adopted the governance philosophy expressed in Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese characteristics for a New Era, the fourth plenum has produced well-thought-out steps to put flesh on the bones of that thought with scientific and democratic governance under the rule of law.

The plenum also provided fresh proof that the CPC will not allow outside influences to distract it from its mission. The communiqué being testament to the Party's conviction that its constantly reforming and innovating leadership is the key to the country's future and self-confidence.

Such an approach to governance may not find much sympathy outside the country by those who believe they have an axe to grind with China — as shown by the recent remarks of some US politicians. Yet the fourth plenum showed that the CPC is prepared to demonstrate the faith it has in its own convictions and that it remains undaunted in its pursuit of reform and opening-up to achieve high quality development.