Beijing, Nov 2 (IANS): China's political system is like "a remote" where the right buttons are not always pressed but which is "generally successful", a state-run Chinese daily said Friday, days ahead of the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
An article in the Op-Ed section of the Global Times said that Chinese people care about who will hold top posts after the Congress.
"After all, what concerns them the most is whether key reform and opening-up policies will be carried out effectively in the long run. Due to diversified opinions and an ever-changing economic environment, courage and wisdom are needed to carry out the right reforms," it said.
"China's political system is like a remote. It does not always press the right buttons but is generally successful," the daily added.
It said that after 30 years of practice, the notion of reform is much wider than originally anticipated.
"China's reforms are supported by its past achievements. Those who object to reform are in the minority."
The article explained that "mainstream views in China often group reform, development and stability together. Gradually, the three concepts have become compatible with each other. When people talk about reform, they also include development and stability. When they refer to stability, they always accept that it must be realized through reform and development".
"But in practice, one will always take priority over another and the three may clash. Our national policy seeks comprehensive development. Reform could come faster, but development must keep pace with reform for stability to be sustained.
"A highly centralized system has existed for over 2,000 years in China. The reforms made since 1978 are trying to make a breakthrough, which offers room for economic and social development," it said.
Sounding a note of caution, the daily said that unlike 30 years ago, "a policy can hardly be popular among all Chinese people now and it's difficult to say if each policy will always bring more benefits than setbacks".
"Even so, Chinese society still supports reforms overall. The public supports a country that is moving forward, solving problems, and innovating. Individuals move to developed areas in the search for a better lifestyle. The desire for change at all levels of society has become an important driving force for China's reform," it added.