The West certainly looks like a mess as 2025 begins to wind down.

In the United States, the longest government shutdown in history, which lasted 43 days, posed challenges for millions of Americans who were either not paid or were seeing government services slashed. Furthermore, top elected officials left the people behind as they argued day after day about the need for the other side to capitulate.

In the United Kingdom, doubts about the stability of the Labour government have aided nationalists eager to take power in the next election.

And all the while, China continues to move along; the metaphor of a powerful but calm body of water is appropriate.

Of course, China has issues it must address. However, bouncing from idea to idea in a reckless attempt at pretending to be in control of a situation is not what the country does.

Instead, there is a sober and serious approach, acknowledging that a long-term vision is essential.

Such an approach was on display yet again during the recent fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.

The meeting, which took place in late October, set the stage for the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) next year. The plenary released a communique that outlined key goals for the next five years.

Let's consider a few of them, starting with the "need to maintain political integrity".

President Xi Jinping has often noted that any government that loses credibility soon loses its authority to govern. As a result, it is essential that the CPC demonstrates fidelity to the people and to the Party's principles.

The communique also emphasized the "central task "of continued pursuit of economic development, with "high-quality development as our main focus", in order to meet the people's ever-growing needs for a better life.

While reducing the amazing progress that China has made over the past four decades to just one example is perhaps simplistic, consider how quickly the nation has moved from being the place where inexpensive goods were exported to one where cutting-edge technologies are created.

Between 2026 and 2030, China is determined to continue building the most sophisticated items necessary to solidify the country's growth and to aid the development of less developed countries.

In addition, the communique noted the commitment to "substantial improvements in scientific and technological self-reliance and strength". Chips often dominate the headlines when the conflict between China and certain nations is raised. Consistent with that, certain nations have repeatedly shown a willingness to promote free trade principles while excluding from China's grasp the chips and other items vital to technological expansion. The communique affirms that the necessary investment will be made to allow China to become even more self-reliant in these areas.

"Strengthening the national security shield" is also called for. The West's rhetoric about being peace-loving is thrown into question whenever its record in engaging in military conflict is outlined. China has been resolute in guaranteeing that its people will be safe from invasion; the next five years will retain that same steadfast belief.

Why are these and other efforts deemed vital? Quoting from the communique: "The period covered by the 15th Five-Year Plan will be critical … as we work to reinforce the foundations and push ahead on all fronts toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035." Viewed another way, steps will continue to be taken that will lead to a healthier, stronger and safer Chinese nation 10 years down the road. When compared with the scattershot approach to planning that exists in too many countries — the quarterly stock report too often influences decisions about the leadership and strategic plans of corporations — China's laser-focused 2035 goal sticks out.

Sure, projecting five years out is risky. Aggressive actions by certain nations could require adjusting the principles that form the foundation of any plan. But that misses the point: China is demonstrating stability to domestic and global audiences at a time when it is critically needed.

If the US and other nations continue to look inward and reduce their commitment to essential international efforts such as climate change, China is prepared to respond in ways that will increase its global stature. The world — especially those places that are most vulnerable to climate crises, food insecurity and the rapid spread of disease — needs that steady hand.

Sadly, the US, which should provide such a hand, is nowhere to be found. China has filled the void, and the commitment to ensuring the health and well-being of the Chinese people allows the government to also serve populations near and far.

The author is an associate professor in the Communication and Organizational Leadership Department at Robert Morris University in Pennsylvania, the United States.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily or Robert Morris University.