Today's People's Daily published a commentary calling on the whole country to have a clear understanding of its domestic situation and tasks that must be dealt with in the new year.

The commentary titled "Get a Clear Understanding of the Current Situation and Clearly Define The Tasks That Lay Ahead", says that as the world will still encounter numerous difficulties in the new millennium, it is important that China has a clear understanding of its domestic situation and define clearly the tasks that must be dealt with in 2000.

Political multipolarization and economic globalization will continue to develop. Driven by worldwide economic restructuring and fast development of modern science and technology, the international politics and economy are undergoing profound changes.

Despite these changes, peace and development will continue to be of paramount concern in the new century, the commentary says.

"We must have a greater sense of urgency to make China economically stronger and improve national defense and enhance national cohesion," it says.

While social stability and national unity are strong in China, the country also faces numerous deep-rooted problems and a number of challenges arising from economic reform and adverse influences of global economic fluctuation.

The editorial states that China should concentrate on developing productivity and deal with all kinds of conflicts tactfully to best resolve problems.

All members of the Communist Party of China (CPC) must understand the true spirit of the CPC Central Committee in their daily work activities. This will guarantee that the guidelines and main tasks for economic work in the new year will be accomplished, the editorial says.