China’s over 7% growth in past five years lifts 55 million out of poverty

By Ashwin Hemmathagama in Beijing

Many people around the world wonder how China has achieved such remarkable progress in both the social and economic fields within the past five years. From 2012-2016, China averaged a 7.3% GDP growth rate, which is far above the 2.6% world average.

During this period, China has lifted 55 million people out of poverty, built the world’s largest high-speed railway network and also launched the world’s first constant satellite. Adding to the list, China’s Belt and Road initiative to build an interconnected road network has been warmly received globally. 

These major achievements were based on the decisions made at the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and carried out by party heads with President Xi Jinping at its helm. 

This year, 2,287 delegates from around the country representing 89 million CPC members gathered in Beijing for the 19th National Congress. These delegates are selected from 40 electoral units, including the 31 provinces of China, the municipalities and autonomous regions, centrally administered organs and the People’s Liberation Army. At this year’s National Congress, a diverse mix of farmers to officials was seen to be truly representative.

But the issue remains what to expect from this all-important meeting. Held every five years, the congress and the party delegates nationwide gather to discuss major issues for the party and the country and also select the new party leader. At the meeting, the general secretary for the CPC Central Committee, who is the head of the party, delivers a report reviewing the work of the party over the past five years and sets the tone for the work over next five years.

Another important agenda item is the election of about 200 new members and 160 non-voting alternative members to the CPC Central Committee. The congress will also see the election of the Central Commission for Disciplinary Inspection, which is the top anti-graft body, as well as revisions to the party constitution.

Immediately after the conclusion of the congress, the new CPC Central Committee will elect the core leadership comprised of 25 new members of the Political Bureau and seven members to the Political Bureau Standing Committee, which already includes President Xi Jinping. The General Secretary, who is the party leader, is also elected at the same meeting. Xi Jinping was elected party leader at the 18th National Congress held five years ago and went on to be President at the following year’s meeting at the party’s top legislature.

With the CPC’s ongoing efforts to deepen reform, China will be able to resolve challenges and overcome difficulties to usher in a new round of improvements and achievements. The CPC has vowed to usher in a more prosperous society in China by 2021, when the party turns 100. 

In addition, it vowed to turn China into a modern socialist nation, which is richer and more democratic, more civic and more harmonious by 2049, when the country celebrates its 100th anniversary.