Pursuing growth with correct understanding on governance performance

As China enters a critical stage in mapping out the draft of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–30), the call for members of the Communist Party of China and government officials to develop and practice a correct understanding of governance performance has taken on renewed urgency. The orientation of officials’ performance values has a direct influence on the quality, sustainability and inclusiveness of development.

A compilation of excerpts from discourses by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on establishing and practicing a correct understanding of what it means to perform well has been published by the Central Party Literature Press.

The discourses contained in the book are of practical significance for guiding CPC organizations and members to make solid achievements that stand up in practice as the country navigates complex development tasks in the new era.

The decision by the CPC Central Committee to launch a Party-wide education campaign on establishing and practicing a correct understanding of governance performance reflects a strategic consideration. In the opening year of the new five-year plan period, such education is essential to consolidating the Party’s governing foundation and advancing full and rigorous self-governance. It also builds on the achievements of previous intra-Party education campaigns, reinforcing discipline, integrity and accountability across the political system.

A correct understanding of governance performance begins with a people-centered philosophy. The CPC was founded for the people and has flourished by relying on the people. From lifting the nation out of poverty to building the world’s largest social security and education systems, the Party has consistently regarded improving people’s livelihoods as the most important measure of achievement.

Today, adhering to this principle is more vital than ever. Only by putting the people first can modernization efforts draw on the most reliable and enduring source of strength of the nation.

Equally important is upholding truth-seeking and scientific decision-making. Performance divorced from reality — driven by short-term metrics, vanity projects or data embellishment — undermines public trust and distorts resource allocation. The Party members and civil servants must act in accordance with objective laws of development, prioritize long-term benefits, and pursue solid, tangible results. Achievements that withstand the tests of practice, history and public evaluation are the only true accomplishments.

The ongoing education campaign aims to help officials at different levels better align their thinking, decision-making and actions with the Party’s innovative theories. A problem-oriented approach — identifying gaps in Party spirit, correcting deviations, and improving institutional mechanisms — will help ensure that the correct performance outlook is embedded in governance structures and daily practice.

Public participation and supervision are also indispensable. Opening the process to receive public feedback, accepting oversight and measuring results through people’s sense of gain, happiness and security will make governance more responsive and credible. Delivering more concrete benefits that are visible and accessible to the public will help further strengthen the bond between the Party and the people.

By fostering a correct understanding of governance performance — grounded in serving the people, scientific decision-making and diligent work — officials can fulfill their duties better to ensure the 15th Five-Year Plan begins on a solid footing.