国内英语新闻:People's Daily stresses step-by-step political reform

BEIJING, Oct. 27 (Xinhua) -- A signed article published in Wednesday's People's Daily said China's political reform must be conducted in a step-by-step manner under a socialist system and the leadership of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

The article, written by Zheng Qingyuan, said China's political reform should be conducted in accordance with the development of the country's economic, historical and cultural background.

The article was carried by the CPC Central Committee's official newspaper after the Party concluded a key policy-setting meeting that stressed the need for political reform.

"Great impetus will be given to economic restructuring, while vigorous yet steady efforts should be made to promote political restructuring," the communique, issued by the fifth plenary session of the 17th CPC Central Committee, said.

The article starts with noting that the kind of political system a country chooses "depends on the will of the overwhelming majority of the country's people and its particular national condition, as well as its historical and cultural background."

It cited late leader Deng Xiaoping's remarks about the three key indicators to assess a country's political system: whether its political situation is stable; whether the system can enhance unity among its citizens and improve their lives; and whether the country's productivity can be sustainably developed.

The article said that since 1979, the CPC has announced a comprehensive reform policy which included consistent political reform over the past three decades, and added that China had achieved some experience in political reform now.

It also stressed that China's political reform should not blindly adopt western-style practices such as having multiple parties which hold office in rotation and separating administrative, legislative and judicial powers.