Tracks laid for express train of development

That the Communist Party of China has officially proposed putting an end to the decades-old "one-child" family planning policy is certainly something sensational. Which was why it was instantly picked up late on Thursday by all major news outlets; way ahead of the rest of the CPC's blueprint for the country's 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-20).

Yet, the eye-catching decision to allow all couples to have two children, which is meant to correct the impending imbalance in the country's demographic structure, is only one of many measures the fifth Plenary Session of the CPC's 18th Central Committee has outlined for more balanced development over the next five years.

Indeed, the development philosophy of the conference communique - "innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared by all" - is focused on addressing imbalances.