Editor's note: The following article is taken from the Chinese-language "Commentaries on International Affairs."

The 19th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) concluded its fourth plenary session in Beijing on Thursday, and released a communique containing a roadmap for the country to improve the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and advance the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance.

The document reviewed the achievements China has made over the past 70 years, stressing the importance of upholding and improving the fundamental and important institutions that underpin the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It summed up China's institutional and governance strengths, including the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC, the application of law-based governance in all fields, and the adherence to the spirit of independence, self-reliance, and opening up to the world.

In outlining the 13 major tasks that are to be accomplished in the years to come, the communique said that institutions in all fields will be significantly improved when the CPC marks its centenary in 2021. The document went on to say that the modernization of China's system and its capacity for governance will basically be achieved by 2035; it will be realized in full as the People's Republic of China celebrates its centenary in 2049. This clear and coordinated plan to promote the construction of the national governance system is in line with the country's overall development goals.

Topping the agenda is the goal of upholding and improving the system of institutions for CPC leadership in order to improve its capacity to practice scientific, democratic, and law-based governance. The CPC, which is the world's largest ruling party, has been evolving to meet the challenges of the times. The document said that a law-based administration with well-defined functions and duties will continue to be constructed, reflecting the CPC's courage for self-reform that is the key to its vitality.

The document also stressed the importance of achieving shared prosperity by making development people-centered and improving people's livelihoods and well-being. More will be done to promote employment, refine the social security system, and establish a long-term mechanism to support people in reaching and maintaining the average standard of living in Chinese society. Other tasks include upholding and improving the institutions of "One Country, Two Systems," making progress towards the country's reunification, upholding and improving mechanisms to protect the environment, and continuing to work towards the goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity.

History has proved that a political system that works for one country may not suit another. The most reliable and effective system should be based on a country's actual conditions and level of development. That's a lesson China has learned over the past 70 years, and one that other countries may wish to learn from.

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