Zang Anmin: Reform Must Adhere to a People-Centered Approach

President Xi Jinping pointed out in his 2025 New Year Address: "On the new journey of Chinese-path modernization, everyone is a protagonist, every contribution is precious, and every beam of light shines brightly." The people are the creators of history; the masses are the true heroes. The question of for whom and by whom we act is the touchstone for testing the nature of a political party and a regime. Our Party has no special interests of its own; at all times, the Party places the interests of the masses first and foremost. This is the prominent hallmark distinguishing our Party, as a Marxist party, from other political parties. The Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee listed "upholding a people-centered approach" as one of the major principles for further comprehensively deepening reform, demonstrating the fundamental position and value orientation of these efforts. To study and implement the series of new ideas, viewpoints, and judgments of General Secretary Xi Jinping on comprehensively deepening reform, we must firmly grasp that reform must persist in being people-centered. It must take the promotion of social fairness and justice and the improvement of the people's wellbeing as its starting point and end goal. Through the measures, strength, and efficacy of reform, we must truly allow the masses to continuously enhance their sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security.

The orientation of reform conforms to the expectations of the people

During the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the 20th CPC Central Committee with Chinese and foreign journalists, General Secretary Xi Jinping solemnly declared: "We shall think what the people think, act on what the people aspire to, and continuously turn the people’s yearning for a better life into reality." An in-depth study of the Resolution reveals that various matters—large and small, intimate and specific—concerning the daily lives of the masses, such as "improving the system for student internships and practical training" and "supporting various development models such as employer-sponsored childcare, community-embedded childcare, and home-based childcare points," have been written into the Central Committee document and integrated into the top-level design of national development. The people-centered developmental philosophy shines even more brilliantly in the process of further comprehensively deepening reform. To further comprehensively deepen reform, we must well comprehend the intent of reform, accurately grasp its direction, conform to the expectations of the people, listen to their voices, and respond to their concerns—truly ensuring that wherever the people have a call, reform provides an answer.

Conforming to the expectations of the people requires upholding "the character of the people" as the essential attribute of Marxism. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The people's yearning for a better life is our goal. Grasping reform and promoting development are, in the final analysis, for the purpose of letting the people live better lives." Since the 18th National Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has continuously promoted reforms in key areas involving the most immediate and practical interests of the masses, such as employment, education, healthcare, childcare, elderly care, and housing. For instance, the reform of the household registration system (hukou) ^[1] broke down long-standing urban-rural barriers, allowing 140 million members of the migrating agricultural population to settle in towns and cities; the individual income tax reform focused on benefiting people's livelihoods, significantly reducing the tax burden for 250 million people; the reform of the medical and health system promoted the state-organized centralized procurement and use of drugs and high-value medical consumables, preliminarily curbing the excessive growth of medical costs. Since the New Era, more than 2,000 reform plans launched across various sectors have touched upon every link of daily life—including clothing, food, housing, and transportation—with the "Person" (人) written large throughout, fully demonstrating the logical starting point and value destination of reform.

Conforming to the expectations of the people requires continuously satisfying the masses' yearning for a better life. Since the 18th National Congress, the comprehensive deepening of reform has achieved major practical, institutional, and theoretical results. China's GDP grew from 54 trillion yuan in 2012 to 129 trillion yuan in 2023, firmly ranking second in the world; in 2023, the per capita GDP approached the threshold for high-income countries. We won the battle against poverty ^[2], historically resolving the problem of absolute poverty; we built the world’s largest systems for education, social security, and medical health, pushing forward solid steps toward common prosperity for all and continuously improving the quality of people's lives. However, the gaps in development between urban and rural areas and in income distribution remain large; many difficult problems still exist in sectors of public welfare ^[3], such as ensuring that the young have childcare, the students have education, the workers have earnings, the sick have healthcare, the elderly have care, the residents have housing, and the weak have support. From the question of "whether it exists" to "how good it is," reform must seize upon and advance whatever the people care about and hope for, using reform to break the constraints of "unbalanced and inadequate development." ^[4]

Conforming to the expectations of the people requires implementing the major task of Chinese-path modernization: ensuring and improving people's livelihoods in the course of development. The Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee focuses on improving the quality of people's lives, making a series of important deployments on improving the income distribution system, the employment-first policy, the social security system, the medical and health system, and the support and service system for population development. To further comprehensively deepen reform, we must take the promotion of social fairness and justice and the improvement of the people's wellbeing as the starting point and end goal. We must introduce more reform measures that the people urgently need and desire, and take more practical steps that benefit, warm, and accord with the will of the people. We must fully manifest the "gold content" ^[5] of reform, so that the masses can feel it, reach it, and obtain tangible benefits.

Reform measures fully absorb the public will

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "Every breakthrough and deepening in the understanding and practice of reform and opening up, the emergence and development of every new thing in reform and opening up, and the creation and accumulation of experience in every field and link of reform and opening up, all come from the wisdom and practice of hundreds of millions of people." Only by fully respecting the people’s principal status and their pioneering spirit can further comprehensively deepening reform fully stimulate the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of the masses.

Reform is the people's own undertaking and must fully absorb the public will. Our Party has always persisted in the mass line—coming from the masses and going to the masses—embodying Marxist epistemology and the mass perspective specifically within scientific methods of thought and work. For example, regarding the study and absorption of netizens' opinions and suggestions for the work related to the 20th National Congress, General Secretary Xi Jinping issued important instructions, emphasizing that this is "an effective way for the whole Party and society to offer suggestions for national development and ethnic rejuvenation, and a vivid manifestation of whole-process people's democracy." At the end of November 2023, the Party Central Committee issued a notice to solicit opinions within a certain range of the Party regarding the topics for the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, while also soliciting opinions and suggestions from some non-Party personages through specific channels. Shortly thereafter, carrying the research and reflections on the conditions of the Party, the country, and the world—and condensing the wisdom from all quarters—111 sets of opinions and suggestions converged from all directions. These are all vivid practices of extensively listening to the masses' opinions and suggestions. It is precisely because of our persistence in "seeking strategy behind open doors" and pooling the wisdom of the masses that reform has gained the support of the people and stimulated their infinite power.

Fully absorbing the public will requires every Party member and official, especially leading officials, to uphold the clear position of thinking what the people think and acting on what they aspire to. The masses are the most sensitive to and feel most deeply the changes in practice. The closer one is to the grassroots, and the more intimate with the masses, the better one can understand their urgent needs, find the nexus of problems, and propose countermeasures that are more targeted and methods that better fit reality. From traveling deep into the freezing Taihang Mountains to see genuine poverty amidst wind and snow; to entering the homes of disaster-affected people in Baoding, Hebei, checking thermometers and feeling radiators to sense the people's warmth or cold; to walking along field paths in Changde, Hunan, calculating input-output accounts one by one with large-scale grain growers, agricultural technicians, and grassroots officials... since the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has always kept the thoughts, aspirations, safety, and health of the people in his heart, integrating them into the top-level design of national development. Party members and officials, especially leading officials, must vigorously promote investigation and research ^[6], follow the Party's mass line in the New Era, and fully absorb social expectations, the wisdom of the masses, expert opinions, and grassroots experience into reform measures. We should set reform topics around solving prominent contradictions and optimize the generation mechanism for key reform plans. We must give full play to the important role of platforms and carriers for expressing democracy and public will, consciously seeking advice from the grassroots and the masses. We should utilize new technologies and means such as big data, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence to continuously expand the channels and methods for absorbing the public will and pooling public wisdom, truly transforming the people's wisdom, exploration, and creation into a powerful driving force for further comprehensively deepening reform.

Fully absorbing the public will requires strengthening institutional guarantees. "Minor wisdom governs matters; great wisdom governs institutions" (xiăo zhì zhì shì, dà zhì zhì zhì) ^[7]. Institutions manage the fundamental and the long-term. The Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposes to "improve the working mechanisms for absorbing public will and pooling public wisdom." This is an important part of strengthening the institutional construction of the people as masters of the country, and a full manifestation and vivid verification of the people's position, interests, and power. We must make good use of the system of People's Congresses as an important institutional carrier of whole-process people's democracy. We should improve the system for deputies of the People's Congresses to contact the masses, and actively reflect the will and voices of the people through platforms such as grassroots legislative contact points, "homes of deputies," and "liaison stations." We should be adept at refining policy propositions from the practical creations and developmental requirements of the masses, allowing more voices from the grassroots to reach the decision-making levels of all ranks, and transforming more public opinions into major decisions of the Party and the government. We must move toward face-to-face exchanges with the grassroots masses, transforming the "golden ideas" of the masses into the "golden fruits" of reform and development.

The process of reform organizes the people's participation

Without the support and participation of the people, no reform can achieve success. In summarizing the historic and great achievements of comprehensively deepening reform in the New Era, General Secretary Xi Jinping profoundly pointed out: "This is a profound transformation in which the people have extensively participated." The extensive participation of the people profoundly illustrates that the people are the creators of history and the fundamental force determining the future and destiny of the Party and the state.

Everyone is both a beneficiary of reform and a participant in it. The most profound changes lie in the people; the most fundamental interests belong to the people; the most powerful driving force originates from the people. From the "Two Bombs, One Satellite" spirit ^[8] and the Jiao Yulu spirit ^[9], to the poverty alleviation spirit and the spirit of entrepreneurship; from the devoted dedication of assistance officials promoting coordinated regional development through East-West cooperation, to the artisans of a Great Power striving for excellence and letting "Made in China" shine globally; from the Shanghai Tower establishing an "Honor Wall" for over 4,000 builders, to the landmark buildings in Dongguan, Guangdong, lighting up to pay tribute to ordinary and kind laborers; from the courageous departure toward danger with the cry "I am a Party member, let me go first," to the youthful vow of "Let the Party rest assured, the strong country has me," and the deep confession of "Pure love, only for China"... the "Person" is the strongest source of confidence for further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese-path modernization. Hundreds of millions of people, with a sense of mission and responsibility as "the masters of the country, the masters of society, and the masters of their own destiny," move forward in the face of difficulties and strive with determination, writing moving chapters of courageously undertaking and advancing reform.

To further comprehensively deepen reform, we must fully stimulate the enthusiasm, initiative, and creativity of the masses. "Using the strength of the multitude, there is nothing that cannot be conquered." General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: "Reform is the people's own undertaking; it requires the common participation of all the people, working together as one to overcome difficulties." The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee proposed more than 300 important reform measures covering multiple fields such as economy, politics, culture, society, and ecological civilization, every one of which concerns the vital interests of the masses. This requires us to strengthen publicity and interpretation aimed at the grassroots and the masses, guiding the whole of society to correctly understand the strategic considerations of the Party Central Committee, as well as the practical significance and target orientation of various reform measures. This will forge consensus and solidify the ideological and mass foundation for the whole Party and society to advance reform—promoting hundreds of millions of people to throw themselves into reform with enthusiasm, support reform with one heart, and promote reform with concerted effort, thereby stimulating the "total resultant force" ^[10] of further comprehensively deepening reform.

The fruits of reform are shared by the people

General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: "The fundamental purpose of our Party in promoting the comprehensive deepening of reform is to promote social fairness and justice, and to let the fruits of reform and development benefit all the people more and more fairly." That the fruits of reform are shared by the people manifests the people-centered development philosophy and the value concept of "the people above all."

Sharing the fruits of reform with the people is an inevitable requirement for maintaining the direction of reform. There is no end to the process of continuously satisfying the people's yearning for a better life. Making the people's lives happy is the "top priority of the state" (guó zhī dà zhě) ^[11], and it is also the goal of the cause of reform and opening up. Focusing on realizing a better life for the people, promoting social fairness and justice, and advancing common prosperity, the Resolution of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee plans and promotes reform based on the overall, fundamental, and long-term interests of the people. It actively responds to the new requirements and expectations of the masses and makes strategic deployments to resolve the prominent problems about which the masses have expressed strong concern. It is precisely because our Party has achieved reform for the people, reform relying on the people, and reform shared by the people that the cause of reform and opening up possesses a solid foundation, strong momentum, and bright prospects—winning the heartfelt support of the masses by continuously benefiting hundreds of millions.

Sharing the fruits of reform with the people is the fundamental standard for evaluating the effectiveness of reform. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized:

“Whether reform and development are successful is ultimately judged by whether the people collectively enjoy the fruits of reform and development.” The people’s sense of gain reflects the true value of reform. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the comprehensive deepening of reform has addressed the issues that the masses feel most strongly about. These range from major reforms in healthcare and education to convenient services like the national processing of residence identity cards and “cross-province” marriage registration. Issues affecting the immediate interests of the masses—employment, education, medical care, social security, housing, elderly care, food safety, the ecological environment, and public order—have been continually resolved. In further comprehensively deepening reform, we must persist in both doing our utmost and acting within our means, ensuring every reform task is solid and effective. We must not only bake a bigger “cake” but also distribute it more effectively, ensuring that the fruits of reform and development benefit all people more extensively and fairly, thereby making steady progress toward common prosperity for the entire population.

Becoming Firm Activists and Practical Doers in Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform through Real Achievements and Results

The Decision of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee specifically emphasized “grasping reform implementation with the spirit of the nail” ^[12], requiring that “the whole Party must implement the decision-making arrangements of the CPC Central Committee for further comprehensively deepening reform with a truth-seeking and pragmatic spirit, acting with courage and competence.” The blueprint for further comprehensively deepening reform has been drawn, and the clarion call has been sounded; the most urgent task is to grasp the implementation of reform. Party members and cadres must serve as firm activists and practical doers, ensuring every reform measure is grounded and effective, thereby realizing the people's yearning for a better life.

With a constant sense of responsibility, strive to open new horizons for reform and development. General Secretary Xi Jinping stated at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 18th Central Commission for Discipline Inspection: “When I worked in local government, I had to be on duty during festivals and holidays, fearing that something might happen”; in 2022, while inspecting Hainan, he said: “A revolutionary elder once said these words: ‘always have a lingering concern’ ^[13]. I felt a deep resonance upon hearing this.” “Always having a lingering concern” reflects unwavering Party spirit, adherence to our original aspiration and founding mission, and the responsibility to perform one's duties and protect one's jurisdiction; it is the concrete manifestation of a pragmatic work style. Writing the “continuation” of the practice of further comprehensively deepening reform and a “new chapter” of the era—transforming the “panoramic map” into a “real-world scene”—requires Party members and cadres to consciously keep the responsibility for reform in their hearts and on their shoulders. They should frequently ask themselves: Have I fulfilled my responsibilities? Has what needs to be done been done well and with excellence? We must truly face conflicts and problems without avoidance, eradicate deep-seated maladies ^[14] without hesitation, and confront risks and challenges without retreating.

Focus on solving the problems of arbitrary action, inaction, fear of action, and lack of competence. To solve the problem of “arbitrary action,” the key is to strengthen education on the correct outlook on performance (政绩观), improve performance evaluations, and push leading cadres to work hard on “practicality” (实)—investigating the actual situation, proposing practical moves, and seeking practical results. We must advance steadily and surely, resolutely preventing and overcoming formalism. We must work hard on “long-termism” (长)—planning for the long term and the future—with the spiritual state that “success does not have to be attributed to me” ^[15] and the historical responsibility that “I must contribute to the ultimate success.” We must exert continuous effort and achieve success through skillful action. We must work hard on “courage” (勇)—daring to touch deep-seated contradictions and break through the barriers of entrenched interests, with the courage to be pioneers and to engage in struggle, and the determination not to avoid difficulties or shirk righteous responsibilities, creating achievements that can stand the test of practice, the people, and history. To solve the problem of “inaction,” the key is to implement and improve the Regulations on the Promotion and Demotion of Leading Cadres, promoting a favorable situation where the capable are promoted, the excellent are rewarded, the mediocre are demoted, and the inferior are eliminated. To solve the problem of “fear of action,” the key is to implement and improve the specific measures of the “Three Distinctions” ^[16], correctly viewing the mistakes and errors made by cadres in the performance of their duties, highly unifying strict management and supervision with the encouragement of taking responsibility, and taking a clear-cut stand in backing those who take responsibility and supporting those who get things done. To solve the problem of “lack of competence,” the key is to persist in using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to solidify the soul. We must improve mechanisms for regular training, especially basic training, and earnestly implement specific systems such as reading classes for leadership teams, the “First Agenda” ^[17], specialized Party lectures, and thematic seminars. This will drive Party members and cadres, especially leading cadres, to grasp the worldview and methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, upholding and applying the positions, viewpoints, and methods contained therein. This ensures that learning outcomes are truly transformed into practical actions for further deepening reform and advancing Chinese-path modernization based on one's post. We must vigorously forge a high-quality cadre force capable of shouldering the heavy task of national rejuvenation, clearly establish the correct orientation for selecting and appointing personnel, deepen the inspection of political qualities, and vigorously select cadres who are politically sound, daring in responsibility, keen on reform, outstanding in practical achievements, and clean and honest. We should push cadres to maintain qualities predicated on political ability, based on professional ability, mediated by strategic and professional thinking, and supported by leadership ability and professional spirit. We must also strengthen the ideological tempering, political experience, practical exercise, and professional training of cadres, improving the training and exchange mechanism of “theory plus logic plus philosophy plus cases,” comprehensively enhancing cadres’ abilities for modernization.

Improve the work mechanism for pressing home responsibilities and vigorously grasping implementation at every level. During his inspection in Fujian in October 2024, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized: “The key to measuring whether a cadre’s performance is good is to look at their reputation among the common people. Leading cadres at all levels should learn from Comrade Gu Wenchang ^[18], firmly establish a correct outlook on performance, bring benefits to the local people during their tenure, work hard with practical results, and persist over the long term to build a monument in the hearts of the masses. Learning from Comrade Gu Wenchang is not only about looking up with reverence ^[19] but also about following his example—emulating his character and his approach to governance.” The key to further comprehensively deepening reform lies in action and practical work. The vast number of Party members and cadres, especially leading cadres, must closely integrate their duties, breaking down reform tasks into detailed, small, and concrete steps, clarifying responsibilities and tracking effectiveness, and using responsibility to promote action and evaluate results. When one takes responsibility and is accountable, even the greatest difficulties will be overcome through found solutions. We must focus on and solve problems. Problems are the cry of the times, the manifestation of contradictions in things, and the logical starting point of reform. We must strengthen problem awareness and persist in a problem-oriented approach, focusing on solving bottleneck problems restricting high-quality development, hot-spot problems affecting social fairness and justice, difficult problems in people's livelihoods, prominent problems in Party building, and risk problems in various fields. We must continuously discover problems, improve measures, and correct deviations in the practice of reform, turning the “problem list” into a “results list,” and writing a reform answer sheet that does not fail the people through the actual effectiveness of reform.