Lianhe Zaobao:

One of the topics of the fourth plenary session of the 19th CPC Central Committee is the modernization of governance capacity. I wonder what kind of discussions were held on this topic, what weaknesses were identified, and what improvements were required? Thank you!

Xu Lin:

We'll ask Mr. Jiang Jinquan to answer this question. 

Jiang Jinquan:

Thank you. You have raised a very important question. Socialism with Chinese characteristics has entered a new era, and the world is undergoing the greatest changes in a century. Our development is at a new historic juncture. Our economic growth is showing new characteristics at a new phase. New, profound changes are occurring in the Party, the country and the world. All these require us to advance the modernization of national governance system and capacity, and raise individual official's governance capacity and art of administration. 

Regarding this, the plenary session stressed that "officials at all levels should strengthen their capability in learning, political leadership, reform and innovation, scientific development, law-based governance, mass work, commitment to implementation, and response to risks, and should carry forward the fighting spirit, and improve fighting skills." This is in exact response to the new era, new tasks and new requirements that have emerged.

As for "weaknesses, Chinese officials, especially those in leading positions, are quite competent in general. This is because we have established a good selection mechanism. Officials have had years of working experience and are appointed to their positions after rounds of selection. Some foreign media outlets have already noticed the merits of this selection mechanism, as it ensures all selected officials are outstanding. Thus, Chinese officials, especially those in leading positions at all levels, are competent in general, and their capacity meets the requirements of advancing the modernization of national governance system and capacity. Of course, they have some weaknesses. As science and technology rapidly develops, and the world is changing extremely fast, some officials lack the abilities to learn and adapt. Therefore, General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that we need to cultivate high-quality, professionally competent officials, and officials at all levels should increase their general and professional knowledge, and strive to become leading administrators meeting the requirements of socialism with Chinese characteristics for the new era. We should follow General Secretary Xi Jinping's instruction to overcome our weaknesses, and continuing to learn and improve. 

The Decision is about systems and thus does not have many details on specific measures. Regarding your question, there are two requirements: First, officials are urged to learn by undergoing more training. Officials are required to keep acquiring new knowledge, study new matters and learn how to solve new problems. Second, officials need to strengthen their working practices. Enhanced practice brings wisdom and competence; thus, we need to ensure officials are trained to weather the storm and hone their skills. That is the best way to raise their capabilities. Thank you!