A theory to lead the nation

The theory of Scientific Outlook on Development has been written into the Constitution of the Communist Party of China as a guideline for action along with Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory and the important thought of the Three Represents. Scientific Outlook on Development was included in the CPC Constitution at the 18th Party Congress, and its thorough application is extremely important for the development of the Party and for the nation to understand its historical status and significance as a guideline, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

Scientific Outlook on Development is the distinctive theme of contemporary China and the consensus the Chinese people have reached over the past decade's development process. During the past 10 years, the Party and the nation have made historic achievements to take forward the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

The CPC has resolutely promoted theoretical innovation on the basis of practice, which has led to the formation and application of Scientific Outlook on Development.

Centering on adhering to and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics, Scientific Outlook on Development proposes a series of closely related and coherent new thoughts, opinions and conclusions, and provides new scientific answers to what kind of development should be achieved under the new circumstances and how to achieve it.

The Scientific Outlook on Development theory was developed by integrating Marxism with the reality of contemporary China and the underlying features of our times, and it fully embodies the Marxist worldview on and methodology of development.

The Scientific Outlook on Development theory represents a new level of understanding of the laws of socialism with Chinese characteristics and reaches a new stage in the development of Marxism in contemporary China.

To take forward the victory of socialism with Chinese characteristics, realize the ambitious objective of building an all-round well-off society and the comprehensive promotion of the Party's scientific construction, we must thoroughly apply the theory of Scientific Outlook on Development.

Only by fully understanding the spirit, essence and practical requirements of Scientific Outlook on Development and applying it with greater determination, and through more effective measures and improved systems can the theory become a strong driving force for social and economic development.

The 18th Party Congress report also lists "Four Musts" to be put into practice. First, the whole Party must more purposefully make promoting economic and social development its top priority in order to lay a solid foundation for upholding and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Second, the whole Party must more purposefully make the people-first principle its core requirement, and continue to take measures to enable the people to share the fruits of development and to promote well-rounded development of individuals.

Third, the whole Party must more purposefully make pursuing comprehensive, balanced and sustainable development its basic requirement, and continue to expand the path of development that leads to increased production, prosperity and a better ecosystem.

Fourth, the whole Party must more purposefully make holistic approach its fundamental way of moving forward and keep the people motivated to do their best, find their proper place in society and live in harmony.

If all the "Four Musts" can be realized through the course of modernization and applied to every aspect of Party building, the Party and the nation will certainly develop to a higher level, a wider range and better quality.

Thoroughly applying Scientific Outlook on Development is a long-term and arduous task, which will bring challenges and conflicts. We must be fully prepared and firm to promote and make efforts to build an all-round well-off society under the guidance of Scientific Outlook on Development, further improve institutional systems favorable to scientific development and strengthen the capability for scientific development in order to open the doors to a brighter future for the development of socialism with Chinese characteristics through the creative practices of the Party and the people.