The "Chinese dream" belongs to the nation and its people. Chinese President Xi Jinping recently spelt out this vision by stating "all Chinese people deserve equal opportunities to enjoy a prosperous life" which is encouraging. Only when all Chinese people lead prosperous lives can the country truly stride toward greater prosperity.

Ideals are defined by different perspectives. They can include the pursuit of personal values and objectives, such as realizing professional dreams, as well as dedication to society by putting national and public interests above all else. The latter can be regarded as the highest realm of ideals, no matter the country.

Since China's reform and opening-up, legitimate individual ideals have been given unprecedented respect. Collective ideals and interests have no longer towered above individual ones. Society has gradually realized that collective and individual ideals can be achieved in step with each other, marking huge progress for China.

At the same time, rapid prevalence of materialism and individualism has left a great impact on society. This has resulted in some believing individual interests are above all else, with widespread suspicion they inevitably conflict with collective and national interests.

Such people misunderstand the esteem the West holds for individual interests. The West protects individual interests, yet at the same time restrains them through promotion of public interests. Advocates who champion individual interests as being beyond all else in essence contradict the principles of human civilization.

The "Chinese dream" not only encourages prosperous livelihoods, but also promotes a favorable balance between individuals and their country. China and its people are therefore connected in the pursuit of this "dream."

The notion of leading a "prosperous life" conjures up rich imagery, encompassing materialistic living standards close to the world's median level and psychological satisfaction fueled by not wanting for anything.

But will such a "prosperous life" be shared by all Chinese people? This largely depends on social fairness. The Chinese government and society are determined to achieve such fairness. Reforms of China's legal and market system, along with various others in different sectors, have been pushed forward. China is speeding up its process of achieving fairness.

Nonetheless, individual efforts play a decisive role in achieving prosperity. The fairer opportunities people are afforded, the more meaningful their efforts will be for the country. Individual efforts should not be downplayed and people should not link living a "prosperous life" with official promotion of fortune.

The "Chinese dream" is neither an empty slogan nor concept. It inspires China and its people to reach prosperity and strive for a better future. A country that actively makes progress will surely provide individuals with greater opportunities.