Communist Party of China’s Central Committee officials hold a press conference on July 19, 2024 in Beijing after the Third Plenum meeting of the party, which wrapped up on July 18. — AFP
THE Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), held in Beijing from July 15 to 18, marked a significant moment in China’s political and economic landscape.
The communique issued at the conclusion of this session reaffirms the CPC’s commitment to the ideological framework of President Xi Jinping and underscores a comprehensive strategy for China’s modernisation through deepened reforms.
This strategy includes ambitious goals for economic development, governance and national security, reflecting China’s commitment to becoming a leading global power.
Central to the session’s outcomes is the reaffirmation of “Xi Jinping Thoughts on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era”.
This ideological cornerstone is presented as the guiding light for China’s path forward, emphasising Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents and the Scientific Outlook on Development.
The synthesis of these doctrines into a cohesive framework illustrates an attempt to root modern policies in historical continuity, providing stability amid significant policy shifts.
This ideological commitment aims to consolidate power within the CPC and reinforce Xi’s position at the helm, ensuring alignment with the party’s long-term vision.
Promoting modernisation
The communique outlines a robust agenda for deepening reforms further to advance Chinese modernisation.
Key areas include building a high-standard socialist market economy, promoting high-quality economic development, advancing whole-process people’s democracy and modernising China’s governance and national security systems.
These goals are ambitious and aim to position China as a leading global power by mid-century.
The emphasis on “promoting high-quality development” and “deepening supply-side structural reform” acknowledges the need for economic recalibration.
Shifting toward a more consumption-driven, innovation-based economy is necessary but challenging, requiring profound changes in industrial policy, financial regulation and labour markets.
The terms “whole-process people’s democracy” and “socialist rule of law” reflect China’s efforts to enhance governance efficiency and legitimacy, contributing to the country’s overall stability and progress. A significant portion of the communique is devoted to national security, highlighting its pivotal role in Chinese modernisation.
The holistic approach to national security encompasses traditional military concerns and economic, environmental and ideological dimensions. This comprehensive security strategy safeguards China’s development trajectory against internal and external challenges.
On the international stage, China’s commitment to an independent foreign policy of peace and to promoting initiatives like the Global Development Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is noteworthy.
These efforts are framed as contributions to global governance and stability, reflecting China’s strategic vision for fostering international cooperation and mutual development.
To understand the implications of the Third Plenary Session’s outcomes, it is instructive to consider international relations theories, particularly realism.
From a realist perspective, China’s comprehensive reform agenda and national security emphasis are seen as strategic moves to enhance state power and ensure national survival in an evolving international system.
Realists argue that China’s focus on economic modernisation, military strengthening and international initiatives like the BRI is driven by a desire to increase its influence and secure its position as a leading global actor.
The session’s reaffirmation of internal consolidation and external assertiveness aligns with realist notions of power politics and strategic interests.
Ambitious plans
China’s ambitious modernisation plans will significantly affect South-East Asia and the broader Global South.
The BRI, a cornerstone of China’s international strategy, has already established deep economic ties with many countries in these regions. The influx of Chinese investment has the potential to spur substantial infrastructure development and economic growth.
Given its geographic proximity and economic interdependence with China, South-East Asia stands at a critical juncture.
The region must balance leveraging Chinese investments for development and maintaining its strategic interests and autonomy. For Indonesia and its South-East Asian neighbours, a strategic approach is essential.
Engaging with China should be part of a broader strategy that diversifies economic partnerships to avoid overreliance on any single country.
Strengthening ties with other major economies like the United States, Japan and the European Union can counterbalance Chinese influence.
Additionally, Asean’s role as a regional bloc is crucial. By presenting a united front, Asean can negotiate more favourable terms with China and mitigate potential risks associated with Chinese investments.
Regional initiatives should focus on sustainable development and inclusive growth, ensuring that economic benefits are widely distributed. Transparent governance and strong legal frameworks are essential to manage foreign investments effectively.
South-East Asian countries should ensure that investment agreements with China are clear and enforceable, with mechanisms to address any disputes that arise.
This includes maintaining stringent environmental standards for Chinese-funded projects to ensure they support local ecosystems and contribute to long-term environmental sustainability.
Developing local expertise and technological capabilities is also vital. Investing in education and workforce development can ensure that South-East Asian countries benefit from and contribute to high-tech sectors and innovation-driven growth.
By enhancing their capabilities, these countries can engage with China more equally and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.
Global leader
The Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the CPC has outlined an ambitious road map for China’s future, aiming to cement its position as a global leader through comprehensive reforms and strategic international engagements.
China’s modernisation efforts, underpinned by significant economic and security strategies, promise to reshape its landscape and exert considerable influence on South-East Asia and the broader Global South.
For South-East Asian countries, particularly Indonesia, the challenge lies in harnessing the benefits of Chinese investments while maintaining economic sovereignty and fostering sustainable development.
The BRI presents substantial opportunities for infrastructure growth, and it is crucial to manage these projects effectively to ensure mutual benefits.
Looking ahead, China’s trajectory appears promising, with potential for continued economic growth and increased global influence. The successful implementation of its ambitious reforms will depend on the CPC’s ability to adapt to domestic and international challenges.
For South-East Asian countries, the key will be to engage with China constructively, ensuring that partnerships are balanced and mutually beneficial.
The region can effectively navigate the complexities of China’s rise by diversifying economic ties, strengthening regional cooperation through Asean and investing in local capabilities.
This strategic engagement will enable the region to leverage China’s growth while safeguarding its development goals and maintaining regional stability.
As China progresses toward modernisation, its relationship with South-East Asia will be crucial in shaping both regions’ cooperative and prosperous future. — The Jakarta Post/ANNVirdika Rizky Utama is a researcher at PARA Syndicate and holds a master of political science from Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
