Working for the good of the public is the greatest joy in the world.

The line is taken from the speech of Xi Jinping addressing the spring festival gathering in 2022, which is included in the recently published book of the Chinese President. As stated in the opening sentence, this write up is aimed at reviewing “The Governance of China Volume IV”– the latest and the much awaited book of the world leader. This book is a historic guidelines to the new era for win-win cooperation and global rejuvenation by keeping aside the particular countries’ grudges.

The book with compilation of 109 article of communist leader Xi and 45 photographs provides insights into his political and ideological thoughts, China’s governance and development strategies and the communist leader’s worldview. The book covers various aspects of China’s political, economic, social and cultural development, as well as its foreign policy.

The Governance of China demonstrates the new Marxist theories adapted to the context of contemporary China and the Communist Party of China’s latest contributions to building a global community of shared future and a better world. This volume records how the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core has given overall consideration to the domestic and international situation in response to a pandemic and a scale of changes unseen in a century and an unprecedented level of risks and challenges.

In the case of China, Xi points to five basic principles upheld by the CPC: People’s democracy is the lifeblood of socialism; the people run the country; Chinese socialism conforms to national conditions; by means of elections and voting, all sectors of society arrive at a consensus; and leveraging the strengths of socialist democracy safeguards the Party and the country’s prosperity and long-term stability.

Xi strongly suggests for unity and strengthen people’s power for the development of nation through this book. “No matter how the world changes, no matter what daunting challenges lie ahead, we will always carry forward the party’s great founding spirit, while bearing in mind the wisdom of our forebears that one prospers in hardship and adversity, the perishes in ease and comfort,” he mentions in the book.

Similarly he emphasizes the social securities for the people, mostly to the vulnerable and needy ones. As a communist leader, Xi’s views in this regard are highly imperative for our concerns too since Nepal has the government under the leadership of Maoist Chairman Prachanda.

At times, the books records motivational and directional views to the party cadres and leaders regarding their services to the social cause. This is what how the communist party can serve the interests of the people at their best. Xi has written the party committees and governments at all levels should gain a deeper understanding of how important social security is and how it works.

Xi strongly recommended to strengthen the government at the primary level for the sustainable development of the nation. He has written:-: We need to strengthen the government at the primary level in ethnic minority areas, so that the party’s theories and policies concerning groups are correctly understood and fully implemented at the grassroots (Page 284).

It can also be clearly seen in the presented book that President Xi’s well-thought-out plans and goals were indicative of China’s current development of information and technology. It can also be seen from reading the book that President Xi has clearly articulated his view that the country cannot progress without the development of information technology. Also in the book, President Xi has clearly mentioned that the nation should pay attention to the development of the digital economy as the present world is a digital world. “We should also improve the digital literacy and skills of the general public and the nation as a whole, to lay a solid foundation for the development of our digital economy.”

This book is not only a readable book, but it is equally important and meaningful to understand what is China’s opinion and belief towards other countries. In his speeches and writings, Xi has mentioned not only the development and growth but also the expansion of peace throughout the world. “We should press ahead with our modernization to drive forward our national rejuvenation and contribute more to humanity (page 142,” Xi writes.

Furthermore, the book gives a vivid description on BRI at a time when the western countries are vehemently criticizing the global developmental project. “Greater connectivity, openness and inclusiveness are essential if we are to overcome global crisis of this kind and achieve long term development. China is committed to peaceful development and mutually beneficial cooperation (Page 569).”

In this book, not only the development and prosperity of China, but also the topic of party building is presented with great emphasis. Through the book, Xi has clearly mentioned that party building is not an ordinary but a very planned and efficient process. He has also argued that it is necessary to put all the efforts to build the party. This book is very relevant to learn about party building in Nepal, especially the left wing and Maoist parties, which have failed and are being seriously criticized. Xi mentions, “Efforts should be made to establish a complete and sound set of systems and institutions, including those for the setup, operation, management and supervision of party organizations (Page 587).”

The book also captures Xi’s views on anti-corruption drive stating that complete uproot of corruption was needed to make a robust and prosperous nation. In the topic of “The battle against corruption is first and foremost a political issue, he states, “Political corruption is the most serious form of corruption. We must eliminate all hidden political threats from within the party (Page 589).”

Due to such historic ideas and internationally agreed views, The Governance of China has received international attention and publicity, arousing sensations among scholars, policymakers, and the media worldwide. Xi’s fourth volume is the most confident statement yet for the mission and prospects of the Chinese nation. It is an inspiration for the common effort to secure our shared future on Earth. It has succeeded in striking a balance between development and security, and between carrying out effective epidemic prevention and control and maintaining economic and social development. This volume is an authoritative work that fully and systematically helps communist party members, and the general public to better understand and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

Lastly, this book is useful about the meaning of China in politics, development and prosperity, policies and steps taken by China under Xi’s leadership, poverty alleviation and information technology, and the measures to be adopted for party building and ending corruption and the administration of people’s power. In the same way, the book is a must-read for those who want to understand the policies China.

Poudel is the Secretary-General of Press Centre Nepal and Vice-Chairman of CPN (Maoist Centre) Valley Special Province Committee.