Common Prosperity for All: An Essential Characteristic of Chinese Modernization

Common prosperity for all: an essential requirement of socialism

Karl Marx developed the theories of historical materialism and of surplus value, which transformed socialism from a utopian vision to scientific thinking. The scientific socialism stipulates the basic principles for building socialism and realizing communism. The essence of socialism is to liberate and develop productive forces, eliminate exploitation and polarization, and ultimately realize common prosperity.

Common prosperity for all: an objective that embodies the original aspirations and mission of the CPC

Since the founding of the Communist Party of China in 1921, its mission has been to pursue happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation. Regarding the objectives of development, Mao Zedong stated in the 1950s that China needed to become much more developed, much more prosperous, and much stronger, adding, “This prosperity is common prosperity, and this strength is common strength. Everyone has a share.” Deng Xiaoping emphasized that common prosperity is the “principle,” “essence,” and “purpose” of socialism. At the 19th CPC National Congress in 2017, Xi Jinping solemnly declared that China will have made solid progress toward realizing common prosperity for all by 2035 and basically achieved it by the middle of this century.

Common prosperity for all: the shared aspiration and ardent desire of the Chinese people

Since ancient times, the Chinese people have aspired to “moderate affluence” and dreamed of “great harmony.” Since the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the launch of reform and opening up, and especially the beginning of the new era, the CPC has placed equal emphasis on efficiency and fairness when formulating policies and guidelines; made positive progress and achieved new results in common prosperity; built the largest education, social security, and healthcare systems in the world; taken historic strides in making education universally available; and brought about an all-around improvement in people's lives. As a result, people now have stronger feelings of fulfillment, well-being, and security.