Consensus essential for successful social governance

What consensuses are needed in a Chinese society in the process of transformation? Can we reach them? What if we can't? These are the problems we have to face.

We have seen many more divergences than consensuses. No matter what targets for consensus are raised, there will be people who object to them.

It is easy to talk about consensuses, but it is not easy to achieve them even if our country makes great efforts to do so. In spite of this, we are obliged to make some suggestions regarding the objectives and directions of consensuses.

First, when thoughts and opinions become diverse in today's society, the guiding principle of the country must stand. Such principles are embedded through rich social practices and historical experiences. Take Marxism. After being developed and refined for over a hundred years, it has become integrated into the Mao Zedong thought and the theory of socialism with Chinese characteristics, which guide Chinese society in its development. If this principle gets lost, China will be thrown into ideological chaos, thus hindering the country in its efforts to move forward.

Second, China must build up its own evaluation system of social and economic development rather than compare itself to the Western system. Only by placing itself in a proper position such as referring to both developing countries and developed countries, can China truly reflect on itself.

Third, the idea that China should never descend into chaos is one that fits with the fundamental interests of most Chinese. It should become the basis of the political consensus of Chinese society.

Fourth, abiding by the law should be the primary bottom line of the social consensus. The pursuit of values such as democracy and freedom or any other interests can never be set against it.

However, as long as there is divergence in values, the political and ideological ideas of one side will be deemed wrong by the other side. Under such circumstances, going hand-in-hand becomes essential.

Going hand-in-hand means all of society needs to form a rule to deal with all divergences of interests and political thoughts based on law. When there is a lack of consensus on thoughts, whether different parties can go hand-in-hand determines the direction of China's social governance.

Chinese society should try its best to expand the scale of consensuses and remain clear about the limitations of the country as a political entity. The determination to "go hand-in-hand" must be the foundation for any consensus.

Liberalism can develop in the social aspects of Chinese life, but never in its national governance or political level. At least today, China cannot afford to have fragmented and opposing political ideas.

In this process, the ruling party plays a key role. Its responsibility is irreplaceable. These should be political commonsense.