A clear understanding of governance performance is fundamental to the Communist Party of China's commitment to serving the public good and exercising power for the people.

At a time when development faces both new opportunities and growing uncertainties, it is essential that officials have a correct perception of governance performance for sustainable progress.

At its core, governance performance requires officials to stay grounded in reality and focus on long-term outcomes rather than short-term visibility. One compelling example is the late Gu Wenchang who served as Party chief of Dongshan county in Fujian province in the 1950s. During his 14 years working in Dongshan, Gu led persistent efforts to plant trees and control sand erosion.

His efforts transformed the local environment and created lasting benefits for future generations.

Gu's approach of doing meaningful work without seeking immediate recognition stands in sharp contrast to cases where large sums have been spent on vanity projects, such as large statues or lavish exhibition centers, many of which were later abandoned or dismantled.

Such projects may boost short-term visibility, but they often leave behind financial burdens and public criticism.

A sound understanding of governance performance is critical for achieving high-quality development and Chinese modernization. It requires coordinated growth that lays emphasis on efficiency and quality of development. The criteria used to evaluate governance performance can have a real impact on development results.

The Green Rural Revival Program launched in Zhejiang province in 2003 provides a useful example.

Starting with improvements to rural living environments, the program gradually expanded to integrate ecological protection, local industry development and income growth. Over two decades, it has transformed many rural areas, demonstrating how sustained, incremental efforts can produce comprehensive and lasting change.

By contrast, there are also lessons from regions that focused too sharply on rapid GDP growth.

This often led to the growth of highly polluting and energy-intensive industries. The environmental consequences were significant, including algal blooms and widespread soil contamination from heavy metals.

Addressing these problems required substantial time and resources, often far exceeding the economic gains. These experiences highlight the risks of evaluating performance too narrowly and the need for a more balanced approach.

Equally important is the question of who benefits from governance performance. A meaningful framework places people at the center, focusing on practical improvements in their daily lives.

The late Liao Junbo is often remembered for following this approach.

During his tenure as the Party chief of Zhenghe county in Fujian province, Liao worked closely with local communities, helped expand employment opportunities and improved access to education and healthcare. The county's fiscal revenue more than doubled during this period.

More importantly, many long-standing local concerns were addressed. Liao's work earned him strong public support because it translated directly into tangible benefits.

In sharp contrast, some poverty alleviation programs reported inflated figures or relied on superficial measures, giving the impression of success without delivering any meaningful change.

Such practices not only fail to solve underlying problems but also risk undermining public confidence over time.

A correct understanding of governance performance is also essential for managing risks and maintaining social stability. Shenzhen's example shows how this can be done effectively.

As the city developed rapidly, it also placed emphasis on risk management in areas such as finance and public safety, helping to ensure that economic growth did not come at the expense of stability.

On the other hand, some local governments, driven by short-term performance pressures, invested heavily in building new urban districts without sufficient demand. In certain cases, this led to rising hidden debt and fiscal strain, with public spending on essential services coming under pressure.

These examples illustrate how short-term decision-making can create long-term challenges.

A correct understanding of governance performance has a key impact on the quality of officials. It shapes how officials prioritize their work and how they balance immediate demands with long-term responsibilities.

The late Jiao Yulu, who served in Lankao county of Henan province in the 1960s, is often remembered for his hands-on approach to addressing environmental challenges such as sandstorms, salinity and flooding.

He only served 475 days, but his work left a lasting impression by focusing on real problems and practical solutions.

But when personal advancement becomes the primary motivation, it can lead to poor decision-making and, in some cases, even misconduct.

In the end, a correct understanding of governance performance is not about abstract ideas but about concrete choices, what to prioritize, how to measure success and whose interests to serve.

It is of great significance for cultivating qualified officials to advance development and rejuvenation.

The author is the director of the China Anti-Corruption Judicial Research Center and honorary dean of the Discipline Inspection Institute at Xiangtan University.

The views don't necessarily reflect those of China Daily.

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