Social stability has long been an important principle in China. However, this concept must be interpreted correctly in order to permit progress, says an article in the Changjiang Times. Excerpts:

In a recent forum on social development, the report of a research group from Tsinghua University caught our attention. The report pointed out deficiencies in the present efforts of authorities to promote social stability, and proposed a system that would allow all members of society to express their concerns.

The report raises the question of how to define social stability. Some government officials have misinterpreted the concept to mean a society without disputes or incidents, and have therefore endeavored to prevent the people from speaking about their needs and interests.

In fact, social stability is not a static concept. Only when everyone could express his interests and concerns can the society be stable in a real sense.

Our nation has long emphasized social stability as a prerequisite for development. But only social stability in the true sense can stimulate social progress.