China Dream needs a fair society as foundation

The government should ensure all people have an equal chance to realize their personal dreams. If a competitive group of people does not have a chance to realize its dreams through its own talents and efforts, society will suffer, says an article of People's Daily. Excerpts:

The China Dream is every Chinese citizen's dream. A nation with common objectives is a powerful and hopeful nation.

But that is not to say everybody can realize his or her dream. Society should guarantee every citizen has an equal chance to succeed and equal access to public services and resources. Procedural justice is more important than the justice of results.

In China, one's birthplace plays a key role in whether one can realize his or her dreams. Those born in a city have more chances and resources than their rural counterparts in realizing their dreams because those from cities get better social welfare, better education in primary and middle schools, a better chance to be admitted into key universities, and a wealthier family to help them.

The government should try to grant poor families and those born in rural places equal social welfare and an equal chance to compete for a better education. Reforming the hukou system, or household registration system, and dealing with officials' corruption are the two most urgent tasks to create a fair social environment. Otherwise, it will be difficult for people to share a common dream.