Correctly Handle Certain Major Relationships in the Socialist Modernization Construction

Contained in the Selected Works of Jiang Zemin Vol. 1. Excerpt from Jiang Zemin's Speech at the Fifth Plenary Session of the 14th CPC Central Committee on September 28, 1995. In the course of carrying out socialist modernization, it is necessary to properly handle all kinds of relationships, especially major ones with broad implications. Doing so requires the implementation of this general ideology: under the guidance of Deng Xiaoping's theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics and the Party's basic line, we should clarify the principles we need to uphold in handling the new conflicts and problems of overall significance that arise in modernizing China under the conditions of the socialist market economy. The speech discussed twelve relations that must be handled well in socialist modernization construction: the relationship between reform, development and stability; the relationship between speed and results; the relationship of economic development to population, resources and the environment; the relationship between the primary, secondary and tertiary industries; the relationship between the Eastern region and the Central and Western regions; the relationship between market mechanisms and macro-control; the relationship between the public sector and other sectors of the economy; the relationship of income distribution between the state, enterprises and individuals; the relationship between opening wider to the outside world and maintaining our self-reliance; the relationship between central and local authorities; the relationship between national defense development and economic development; the relationship between material progress and cultural and ethical progress. The speech pointed out that the general idea to be carried out in dealing with these important relations correctly was, under the guidance of Deng Xiaoping's theory of building socialism with Chinese characteristics and the Party's basic line, we should clarify the principles we need to uphold in handling the new conflicts and problems of overall significance that arise in modernizing China under the conditions of the socialist market economy. Our goal is to review historical experience and on that basis diligently grasp objective laws, unify the whole Party's understanding, unite the people of all our ethnic groups, and mobilize all positive factors in order to accelerate socialist modernization. To achieve the goals and complete the strategic tasks set for the next 15 years, we must firmly seize opportunities, deepen reform, open wider, promote development, maintain stability, and correctly balance reform, development and stability.