Editor's note: The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China concluded with a blueprint that mapped out China's future development in the next five years and beyond. CGTN is publishing "How China Works – Charting the Future," a special series delving deep into a key report adopted at the congress to see how the country can fulfill the goals and tasks on the new journey of the new era.

As a systematic framework, the new development philosophy addresses a series of theoretical and practical questions regarding our development goals, drivers, methods and pathways, and defines the key political parameters, including our stance, values, and model and path of development. The whole Party must apply the new development philosophy in full, to the letter and in all fields.

First, we need to understand the fundamental aim of the new development philosophy. As an ancient Chinese statesman observed, "In a country, the people are the most important." The people represent the most solid foundation and the greatest source of strength for our Party in governing the country. Working for the well-being of the people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is the immutable aim of our Party in leading the modernization drive. It is the ultimate goal of all our work, and also the root and essence of the new development philosophy. We will gain a sound understanding of development and modernization only if we follow a people-centered approach and adhere to the principle that development is for the people and by the people, and that its benefits are shared by the people.

Second, we need to stay problem-oriented in implementing the new development philosophy. Today, China stands at a new starting point in development, which requires us to employ a problem-oriented approach so that we can apply the new development philosophy with greater precision. We need to effectively address imbalances and inefficiencies in order to improve the quality of our development.

Third, we need to be mindful of potential risks. "Prior planning prevents pitfalls and proper preparation preempts perils." As the principal challenge in our society has changed and the global balance of power is shifting, China will have to contend with more internal and external risks. We must be more aware of potential dangers, have plans in place to counter worst-case scenarios, and prepare for more complex and graver challenges.

(Source: Extract from Xi Jinping's speech at a seminar for provincial and ministerial level officials on studying and implementing the guiding principles of the Fifth Plenary Session of the 19th CPC Central Committee, January 11, 2021.)

This episode is presented by Ning Yan.