Amid preparations for a leadership overhaul later this year, China on Sunday unambiguously focused on President Xi Jinping’s standing as the “core” leader, to steer the country’s political and economic reforms, which are expected to yield 6.5 per cent growth in 2017.
In his annual work report, Chinese Prime Minister Li Keqiang signalled the consolidation of power under President Xi as a strategic undertaking, as the Communist giant initiates preparation for the 19th Party congress in autumn.
Excluding Mr. Xi and Mr. Li, the remaining five members of the Standing Committee of the Politburo, representing the top leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC), are expected to be changed.
For a richer society
In his presentation of the annual work report to the National People’s Congress — China’s legislature — Prime Minister Li stressed that following “the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core” was the first among the 17 tasks that China needed to accomplish. He highlighted that achievement of other goals such as economic development and stable growth had to be coupled with Mr. Xi’s vision, thinking and principles. He specifically referred to the emergence new leadership for the next five years at the 19th party congress, where the President’s vision of a well-off society would be realised.
Mr. Li disclosed that a GDP growth target of around 6.5 per cent or higher if possible in practice, had been set for this year. The figure, though lowest for more than 20 years, was “realistic and in keeping with economic principles,” he observed. “You have to take into account the large base figure of China’s economic aggregates. The moderate adjustment of the target signals a greater focus on the quality and returns of economic growth,” Xinhua quoted Zhang Zhao’an, vice-president of Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences, as saying.
Poverty getting lesser
Last year, China’s GDP reached 10.8 trillion U.S. dollars, following a 6.7-per cent growth, affirming its position as the world’s second largest economy after the United States. In the process, China created 13.14 million urban jobs and increased per capita disposable income by 6.3 per cent. Around 12.4 million people were lifted out of poverty.
The anti-poverty target for 2017 stood at over 10 million.
Mr. Li’s address focused on structural reforms, highlighting amplification of “supply-side” economics, concentrating on five areas, including slashing outdated industrial capacity such as steel, and reducing housing inventory — the heart of the “bubble” economy.
Turning green for blue skies
The work report also highlighted China’s intent to transition towards a “green” economy. Coal-fired plants, a principle cause of runaway air pollution, with a power generating capacity of 50 million kilowatts or more would be shuttered, and work on those utilities that are under construction would be stopped. “We will make our skies blue again,” Mr. Li observed.
The Prime Minister stressed that China will beef up its maritime and air defence capability, and strengthen border controls “to ensure that the sovereignty, security, and development interests of China are resolutely and effectively safeguarded.” On Saturday, Fu Ying, the spokesperson for the NPC disclosed that China’s military spending would rise by about 7 per cent this year — the lowest increase in seven years — signalling Beijing’s interest not to engage with the United States in a possible military spiral.
Fumes at ‘independence’ word
However, Mr. Li warned that the notion of “Hong Kong independence” will lead nowhere. He also rejected activities related to “Taiwan independence.”
“We will never tolerate any activity, in any form or name, which attempts to separate Taiwan from the motherland,” Mr. Li said, highlighting the one-China principle, anchoring China’s sovereignty over Taiwan.
