When China was in severe destitution with its economy on the verge of collapse in the late 1970s, the country resolutely made the strategic choice to make economic development the central task and adopted the policy of reform and opening up, bringing about historic leaps for the Chinese nation in terms of economy, science and technology, national defense, and comprehensive national strength.
Today, as the world's second largest economy, China is forging ahead to fulfill the goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020, said the article.
It went on and noted that there are problems that need to be addressed, such as the extensive but inefficient economic development model, the need for the transition to a stage of high-quality development, and development gaps between urban and rural areas and between eastern and western regions.
"The building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects entails tough measures to forestall and defuse major risks, carry out targeted poverty alleviation, and prevent and control pollution, and calls for deepened reform in all areas," it said.
"Still, some people out there are loath to see a lion awaken or a dragon take off, feeling uncomfortable with a population of more than 1.3 billion living a better life," the article said.
They seek unilateralism, protectionism, and trade bullying, which are challenges that must be faced up to, read the article.