China's reform process does not copy Western models

Editor's note: Ouyang Yaofu, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is an associate research fellow with the Institute of Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

China's reform and opening-up is one of the most remarkable milestones in its 75 years of history since the founding of the People's Republic in 1949.

From 1979 to 2023, China's economy grew at an average annual rate of 8.9 percent, far exceeding the global average of 3 percent over the same period, contributing an average of 24.8 percent to world economic growth, the highest of all countries.

These achievements stem from China's unwavering commitment to a reform path that is guided by a clear direction, a people-oriented position, and strong principles.

China's reform and opening-up have adhered to the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics. Although China has drawn on some Western experiences in the phase of introducing market mechanisms, it has never deviated from its socialist path.

Instead, China has creatively developed a socialist market economy that fully utilizes market forces while preserving the merits of the socialist system.

Recognizing that there is no "one-size-fits-all" model for a market economy and that each country has its unique development path, China has based every step of its reform on its own national conditions, historical context, and practical needs, following a process of exploration and adaptation rather than blindly copying Western development models.

For example, the household responsibility system in rural areas was not a replication of Western agricultural practices but a system that granted farmers more autonomy and, as a result, leashed productivity and improved efficiency. Similarly, the establishment of special economic zones in cities selectively introduced market mechanisms rather than full-scale marketization.

Furthermore, China adopted a "pilot before scale-up" approach to reform, in which new policies were tested in specific regions or sectors before successful experiences were generalized nationwide. This method not only reduced risks but also enabled the rapid dissemination of successful practices, thus driving sustained economic growth.

In addition, unlike Western models, China's reform and opening-up is not solely driven by the pursuit of economic growth but has consistently prioritized the overall welfare of the people. The goal has always been to ensure that the benefits of reform and development are shared more equitably among all and to continuously improve the well-being of the people. The reforms are for the people and by the people, and the benefits are evaluated and shared by the people.

Since the launch of reform and opening-up, the living standards of the Chinese people have seen dramatic improvements. Absolute poverty in rural areas has been eradicated, which is a historical feat. Per capita disposable income of China's urban residents has surged from 343 yuan ($49) in 1978 to 51,821 yuan ($7,385) in 2023, according to official data.

During this period, China has built the world's largest social security system. By 2023, over 1 billion people were enrolled in basic pension insurance, and more than 1.3 billion were covered by basic medical insurance, both with coverage rates exceeding 95 percent.

These achievements have significantly improved the quality of people's lives, narrowed the urban-rural gap, and promoted social equity, particularly in rural areas where improvements in pensions and healthcare have contributed to greater social fairness.

Moreover, the CPC's centralized and unified leadership is the core factor that guarantees the smooth progress of reform. Only with the CPC's strong leadership can China successfully navigate the risks and challenges in the reform process and keep reform on the right track.

China's experience shows that its reform and opening-up are guided by a clear direction, a people-oriented position, and strong principles. This is the key to its historic achievements and remains the fundamental principle for further deepening reform in the future.

Reform is not about altering the socialist system but about perfecting and developing socialism with Chinese characteristics. The ultimate aim of reform and opening-up is to make the country stronger, society fairer, and people's lives better. By prioritizing its people's interests, respecting their will, and unlocking their creativity, China is ensuring an inexhaustible driving force for reform and opening-up.

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