Core Viewpoint - The 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China emphasizes the importance of deepening fiscal and tax system reforms, specifically through the implementation of zero-based budgeting reform [1][2] Group 1: Zero-Based Budgeting Concept - Zero-based budgeting starts from "zero" and does not consider previous budget arrangements, focusing on actual needs and prioritizing expenditures based on urgency and financial capacity [1] - This approach aims to break the dependency on previous budget baselines, allowing for a comprehensive reassessment of all budget items and prioritizing essential expenditures [1][2] Group 2: Rationale for Reform - Implementing zero-based budgeting reform is crucial for modernizing budget management and enhancing government governance capabilities [2] - The reform supports timely adjustments to revenue and expenditure structures, improving the effectiveness of fiscal policies in response to changing economic conditions [2][3] Group 3: Current Fiscal Context - In 2024, China's general public budget revenue is projected at 21,970.212 billion yuan, achieving 98.1% of the initial budget, with a year-on-year growth of 1.3% [3] - The fiscal environment is characterized by tight balance, necessitating the prioritization of limited resources for major strategic tasks and key livelihood projects through performance evaluation and prioritization [3] Group 4: Implementation Strategies - Enhancing budget coordination capabilities is essential, requiring a comprehensive approach that integrates various budget systems and revenue activities [4] - Strengthening top-level design and establishing cross-departmental collaboration mechanisms are critical to overcoming fragmentation and improving policy execution efficiency [4] - Developing a scientific and standardized budget performance management system is fundamental for achieving the goals of zero-based budgeting reform [4][5] - Continuous investment in professional talent and technical support is necessary to ensure the successful implementation of the reform [5]