Plan to ensure both development and security: China Daily editorial

The communique of the fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China underscored that security is the prerequisite for development, and development is the guarantee for security.

It stresses that "ensuring both development and security" is an important principle that must be followed throughout the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, and "strengthening the national security shield" should be one of the main objectives of the plan, which is still being finalized.

Practice has fully demonstrated that a coordinated development and security approach provides an important guarantee for China's rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

Over the next five years, it is anticipated that the uncertainties and unforeseen factors facing China's development will continue to increase, making the task of ensuring both development and security more arduous. Hence, the CPC Central Committee has proposed modernizing China's national security system and capacity and advancing the Peaceful China Initiative to a higher level.

To that end, the country must remain steadfast in pursuing a holistic approach to national security and follow a socialist path of social governance with Chinese characteristics to ensure that society is both full of vitality and in good order. In the process, it should also establish a sound national security system, build up national security capacity in key sectors, enhance public safety governance and improve the social governance system.

By being proactive and pragmatic, China can overcome difficulties and confront challenges, effectively preventing and resolving various risks while enhancing economic and social resilience.

Experience shows that China's social harmony and stability and long-term national peace and stability are the fruits harvested by its institutions and capabilities in national governance.

The "2025 Global Security Report" issued by Gallup shows China to be one of the safest countries in the world, with both the sense of security among Chinese people and China's ranking in the "law and order index" far surpassing all Western major powers. Statistics show that China is one of the countries with the lowest homicide rates, lowest crime rates, and fewest gun and explosive incidents in the world.

In the future, the country should continue to advance the Peaceful China Initiative, comprehensively analyze the internal and external situation to identify potential risks and challenges so as to enhance its ability to maintain security.

It must unswervingly promote high-quality development and high-level security interaction through efficient social governance and reinforce its ecological security shields.

As long as the country ensures both development and security throughout all aspects and processes of its economic and social development, it will continue to break new ground and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

That means China's economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense capabilities, composite national strength and international influence will all be markedly stronger by the year 2035.

By remaining vigilant and enhancing its awareness of potential dangers, the country can overcome crises, tackle difficulties, respond to changes and create new prospects for economic growth, social stability and national security.