China Will Not Be Swayed in Its Development Path, Xi Tells CPC Congress

Oct. 19, 2022 (EIRNS)—General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered a report at the beginning of the 20th party congress of the CPC on Oct. 16, where he laid out an ambitious agenda for reaching the goal of transforming China into a modern socialist society in all respects by 2050. The report was also a clear message to the other nations of the world, in particular those in the West that have initially jumped on board the misbegotten campaign by the Biden Administration to restrict China’s development in high technology, that China would continue on its development path.

In his comments, President Xi was adamant that China will not be deterred by this clumsy and spiteful attempt to deprive China of its right to technological development. “China’s development must remain in its own hands,” Xi said, adding “we can’t be swayed or cowed by pressure.” “We will surmount obstacles on the road ahead.” China’s continued reliance on the domestic market as the primary driver of growth in its dual circulation policy, its emphasis on the pursuit of breakthroughs in science and technology, and its determination to remain open to the outside world, provides the means for China to overcome all obstacles to its development.

Xi made clear that there would be upgrading of the mechanisms to advance science in China. “We must regard science as our primary productive force, talent as our primary resource, and innovation as our primary driver of growth.” Technology is a result of human creativity and its subsequent application in the productive process. Technological advances remain “secrets” only for a time until another creative mind discovers their origin. The speed of China’s development of technology can be slowed down through such restrictive measures, but it cannot be stopped.

In addition, China intends to play a greater role in the international arena. In his comments, Xi observed that the Belt and Road Initiative has been welcome as a platform for development by many countries, pointing out that China thereby

“offers humanity a new choice for development. ... It strives to create new opportunities for the world with its own development and to contribute its share to building an open global economy that delivers greater benefits to all peoples. ... We will strengthen solidarity with other countries and take part in the reform of global governance. ... China put forward the Global Development Initiative and the Global Security Initiative, and it stands ready to work with the international community to put these two initiatives into action.”

Much of his report also focused on the key role of the Communist Party of China and the need to continue to reform the party and eliminate pockets of corruption so that the dedication to the people’s welfare is always foremost on the minds and commitment of party members.

Xi also devoted a good deal of time on the need to continue building the PLA into a military with world-class standards, including strengthening China’s “strategic deterrence.” “We will continue integrated development of the military through mechanization, informatization, and the application of smart technologies and work faster to modernize military theory, organizational forms, personnel, and weaponry and equipment.”

President Xi’s speech clearly underlined the intention of the Communist Party under his leadership to establish a more just and equitable world order. Xi emphasized: “China stands firmly against all forms of hegemonism and power politics, the Cold War mentality, interference in other countries’ internal affairs, and double standards. ... It is committed to promoting a new type of international relations, deepening and expanding global partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation, and broadening the convergence of interests with other countries.”