Editor's note: Lu Xia is an associate professor at the School of Marxism Studies and a research fellow at the National Academy of Development & Strategies, Renmin University of China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

On a clear morning of July 1, 2021, with a favorably cool temperature and warm atmosphere, a grand gathering was held in Tian'anmen Square at the center of Beijing in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). When speaking at the gathering, Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, solemnly announced that China had formally realized the first centenary goal — to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects, or "Xiao Kang"in Chinese.

The announcement has bared a significant meaning to Chinese people and to the world audiences that China, under the leadership of the CPC, has brought about a historic resolution to the problem of absolute poverty, and is now marching in confident strides toward the second centenary goal of making China into a great modern socialist country in all respects.

Building a moderately prosperous society does not merely mean economic growth, but it also represents comprehensive progress in a five-sphere integrated plan. As mentioned in general secretary Xi's speech, China should develop the society into a moderately prosperous one with a stronger economy, greater democracy, more advanced science and education, a thriving culture, greater social harmony, and a better quality of life.

The original aspiration and the mission of the Party is to build a moderately prosperous society. General secretary Xi emphasized that the original aspiration and the mission of Chinese Communists were to seek happiness for each and every Chinese people and rejuvenation for the entire Chinese nation. In different historical periods, the CPC always put forward inspiring goals according to the will of the people and the needs of development, and united and led the people to strive for them.

Mr. Deng Xiaoping first used the term "Xiao Kang" to elaborate the modernization with Chinese characteristics in the initial stages of reform and opening-up. The goal was put forth by him to build a prosperous society in China. Since then, Chinese Communists have made a persistent effort to enrich and improve the goal.

The 13th National Congress of the Party proposed a three-step strategic plan for China's economic development. Doubling the 1990 GNP (Gross National Product) by the end of the 20th century and ensuring a moderately prosperous life for people was the second step. Later, the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects was set at the 16th National Congress of the Party. To adapt to the changing domestic and international situation, and to meet people's expectations for a high-quality life, the 18th National Congress of the Party provided a visible, tangible and perceptible stage goal for great rejuvenation. The bright prospect of building a moderately prosperous society was then in front of Chinese people.

It is a great historic achievement for the CPC to build a moderately prosperous society. In order to achieve this goal, since the 18th National Congress in 2012, the CPC has led the people of all ethnic groups in the country to work hard, pursuing development as its top priority in governance, keeping economic construction at the core, committing to a people-centered approach. During the process, the Party has demonstrated tremendous political courage and a powerful sense of mission as it has developed new ideas, new thinking, and new strategies, adopted a raft of major principles and policies, launched a host of major initiatives, and pushed ahead with many major tasks.

In fact, the Party has indeed solved many tough problems that were long on the agenda but never resolved and accomplished many things that were wanted but never got done. With all this being accomplished, the Party has prompted historic shifts in the cause of the Party and the country.

These historic changes have made a powerful and far-reaching effect on the development of this cause. The CPC has acted in response to the evolution of the principal contradiction in the Chinese society, and has promoted coordinated economic, political, cultural, social, and ecological advancement. It has also shown firm resolve in implementing the strategy for invigorating China through science and education, the strategy on developing a quality workforce, the innovation-driven development strategy, the rural vitalization strategy, the coordinated regional development strategy, the sustainable development strategy, and the military-civilian integration strategy.

In addition, it also has focused on priorities, addressed inadequacies, and shored up points of weakness. Last but not the least, it has taken tough steps to forestall and defuse major risks, carried out targeted poverty alleviation, and prevented and controlled pollution, so that the moderately prosperous society earns the people's approval and stands the test of time.

Building a moderately prosperous society is a crucial step on the way to make the Chinese Dream come true, which means a new journey towards prosperity, national rejuvenation, and wellbeing. The Party will also lead the Chinese people to build China into a modern socialist country that is prosperous, strong, democratic, culturally advanced, and harmonious by the centenary of the People's Republic of China (founded in 1949). This is not only the ideal of the Chinese people today, but also deeply reflects the glorious tradition of predecessors in the unremitting pursuit of progress.

Achieving a moderately prosperous society further demonstrates the bright prospect of the Chinese Dream. The Chinese Communists solemnly declare that they shall always breathe the same breath as the people, share the same future, and stay truly connected to the people. The aspirations of the people to live a better life shall always be the focus of the Party, as the vanguard of the people.

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