By Li Hongmei People's Daily Online
The ongoing sessions of National People's Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) tend to deliver a distinct message to the outside world that the Chinese leadership will continue to adhere to the conception of 'taking people as the foremost,' and people's livelihood will be given the top consideration in the government's economic plans to ride out the global downtrend.
CPPCC Chairman Jia Qinglin cited an old Chinese saying to express the idea to the same effect in his opening speech, 'to lead the people, you'll have to benefit them first, and to govern the people, you'll have to comfort them first.' Confronted with the sweeping financial crisis, the government will have to send a signal of confidence and warmth to the people through its 'people-oriented' decisions and policies so as to encourage them to brave the severe economic winter. This is a profound inspiration drawn from the Chinese history.
In history, the rise and fall of dynasties was all decided by where the popular will inclines and what conforms to the common aspirations of the people, instead of natural disasters or outside force. In the bygone 2008, the Chinese government scored outlandish achievements in combating the ever worst disasters, all as a result of relying on unprecedented cohesion of the entire Chinese nation.
Currently, China is enter a year of 'unprecedented difficulties and challenges,' as Premier Wen Jiabao said in his government work report to the NPC. The globe-sized financial storms has already taken a heavy toll on China's emerging economy-- its ever-galloping growth slows down, employment pressure mounts and social uncertainties goes up. Meanwhile, to survive the crisis and revive the economy, and also as a pivotal part in leading the world economy out of the deepening downward spiral, China has to avoid getting sidetracked in carrying out its guiding policy of reforms and opening up to the outside world.
In his report, Premier Wen again called on the nation to enhance 'conviction for victory,' as he outlined a more comprehensive stimulus package, including huge government investment, tax reform, industrial restructuring, scientific innovation, social welfare and promoting employment. In addition to a 4-trillion yuan (US$585.5 billion) that was announced in November and mainly used for infrastructure construction and livelihood projects, other key economic and social targets embraced creating more than 9 million jobs in the city, controlling urban registered unemployment rate under 4.6 percent and keeping the rise of Consumer Price Index at about 4 percent.
Great concerns about people's livelihood are also highlighted in proposals submitted by NPC representatives and CPPCC members, and nearly a third of their proposals zeroed in on the issues directly related to means of ordinary people's livelihood. It is evident that the basic theme running through the annual sessions is set focused on maintaining and improving people's livelihood while warding off the global downturn.
The grand meeting this year is intended to drive home one point that China is seeking and promoting a balanced and harmonious development which will give a boost to both the economy and the people's livelihood.
The article represents the author's view only. It does not represent opinions of People's Daily or People's Daily Online. <b></b>
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