On current projections, for China to develop and reach a level of general economic prosperity providing the material foundation for socialism and communism, a period of about 30 years of continued rapid economic growth is needed. At the center of China's success lies its continued determination not to follow the path advocated by the United States, the mainstay of world capitalism, and its modern "neo-liberal" ideology, which claims that free markets self-regulate and automatically bring prosperity and development.

Absurdly, the U.S. portrays China as a threat to peace in East Asia whilst they remain in a military alliance with Japan against China. Xi explained that the Communist Party is guided by an ideology rooted in Marxism that is designed to generate an efficient and participatory economy and society based on seeking balanced and harmonious relations between the diverse regions of China that are presently at different phases of development.

Chinese socialism, according to Xi Jinping, must continue to use capitalist incentives and methods to stimulate production while remaining firmly focused on the egalitarian objectives of communism throughout the long period of contradictory development required to develop the material foundation and prosperity that is a necessary precondition.

As a consequence firm measures against corruption and the misuse of power will continue to be required to steer the ship through choppy waters and maintain the support of the masses.

A scientific approach to socialism is needed to elaborate medium and long-term plans in circumstances that are sometimes complicated by adverse global economic conditions and conflicts, and also in times of sharp and sudden changes in internal environment. Xi proclaimed that this path would create a world of justice, of power for the people, and a future where our children's only experience of war comes from films, history books and computer games.

Heiko Khoo is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://china.org.cn/opinion/heikokhoo.htm

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