運動式改革(yundongshi gaige): Campaign-style reform

China issued a guideline document on Sept 13 for further reform of State-owned enterprises. The guideline says there is no timetable for introducing mixed ownership in SOEs, which is not only in line with systematic reform and market rules, but also avoids the so-called "campaign-style reform" that was seen in some areas.

During similar reforms in the past, some local governments competed with each other to speedily implement reform measures, ignoring ground realities in the process.

To demonstrate officials' political performances, some areas launched reform projects in a rush even when the local conditions were not suitable.

In some cases, local authorities have even come up with detailed timetables and assessment indices without assessing actual local conditions.

Under such circumstances, reform can hardly progress; instead, it could lead to loss of State assets. Reform is not a political show for the benefit of some individuals.

To avoid the negative influence of "campaign-style reform" in State-owned enterprises, we should stick to the practice of trying out pilot projects before launching all-round reforms, make reform plans and procedures that suit local conditions, and actively but prudently promote the projects.

Reform is a huge social endeavor that has to be systematic, and it requires plenty of preparation before being launched. We cannot accomplish reform at one go.

(China Daily 09/17/2015 page8)