Full text of Xi's signed article in Serbian media

BELGRADE, May 7 (Xinhua) -- A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled "May the Light of Our Ironclad Friendship Shine on the Path of China-Serbia Cooperation" was published Tuesday in Serbian media Politika.

The following is an English version of the full text of the article:

May the Light of Our Ironclad Friendship Shine on the Path of China-Serbia Cooperation

Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China

When summer comes, all beings flourish. This is what makes summer the season of hope. I will pay a state visit to the Republic of Serbia at the invitation of President Aleksandar Vučić. This will be my second visit to your country, a land of beauty and legends, as President of the People's Republic of China. The sweet scenes that prevailed during my last visit eight years ago remain very much alive in my mind. The close cooperation between our two countries over the past eight years has delivered fruitful outcomes. I look forward to meeting with President Aleksandar Vučić and other Serbian leaders and friends to renew our friendship, explore ways of cooperation, and make the ironclad friendship between China and Serbia more dynamic.

There has always been an affinity between Chinese and Serbian peoples despite the long distance between us. During the bitter Anti-Fascist War and our respective nation-building in the last century, the Chinese and Serbian peoples forged a strong friendship that extends through time and space. Amid the ongoing transformations unseen in a century in the world, our mutual support remains as strong as ever, our cooperation is closer, and our exchanges and mutual learning more substantive. Whatever changes in the international landscape, China and Serbia remain true friends and good partners. Our ironclad friendship is ever-growing, setting a model for state-to-state and people-to-people interactions.

Our two countries have always respected and trusted each other. President Vučić and I have developed a good working relationship through our meetings, phone calls, and exchanges of letters. Our two countries have also maintained frequent exchanges at all levels and in all areas. We fully appreciate and respect the development paths that our respective nation has chosen. We uphold fairness and justice, firmly support each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us. We have kept close and smooth coordination and collaboration at the bilateral and multilateral levels. We have built an ever stronger comprehensive strategic partnership that is delivering tangible outcomes.

Our two countries have stayed committed to mutual benefit. Serbia is China's first free trade partner in Central and Eastern Europe. Last year, China was Serbia's largest source of foreign investment and its second largest trading partner. Our thriving cooperation in trade and economic relations, industrial chain, and infrastructure development lends a great boost to our respective process of modernization. In 2016, I visited the Smederevo steel plant of HBIS Serbia, which has become one of the three biggest export companies in Serbia. Serbian honey, red wine, beef, lamb and other agricultural products are very popular among Chinese consumers.

Our two countries have always helped each other. Following the COVID-19 outbreak, I spoke with President Vučić twice on the phone and we agreed on a collaborative response to the pandemic. China provided assistance, prioritized the provision of multiple shipments of protective medical supplies, and sent medical experts to Serbia. On its part, Serbia provided full support to China in implementing its "Spring Sprout" program to vaccinate Chinese citizens living and working in Serbia. Nongovernmental organizations in Serbia voluntarily donated masks and other supplies to the Chinese people. Our mutual support in challenging times testifies to our invaluable brotherly friendship.

Our two countries have always been learning from each other. We are both committed to delivering a better life for our peoples and making our countries strong and prosperous. We have implemented many programs to share experience in governance, and have enhanced exchanges between our political parties. Our peoples have warm feelings toward each other, as evidenced by the robust cultural, sports, tourism and people-to-people exchanges. Nikola Jokić, the Serbian basketball superstar, personally cheered on players of Chinese rural basketball games. China and Serbia have agreed on a mutual visa-free arrangement for ordinary passport holders, which facilitates people-to-people exchanges and bilateral cooperation.

A Chinese axiom goes, "Friends are those who are like-minded." And Serbians would say, "Friends are the greatest asset in life." The long-lasting friendship and win-win cooperation between China and Serbia makes it clear to us that a stronger bilateral relationship conforms with the trend of history and serves the best interests of our two peoples. It also helps promote our common progress. On the new journey of the new era, the China-Serbia comprehensive strategic partnership has more potential for further growth. During my upcoming visit, I will work with my Serbian friends to bring out the best in our ironclad friendship and take real efforts to deliver more benefits to our two peoples, advance world peace and development, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

We should always be good friends and treat each other with sincerity. We will deepen and expand our comprehensive strategic partnership. We will continue to show each other understanding, trust, support and assistance. We will remain steadfast in supporting each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us. China respects and supports the development path that the Serbian people have chosen of their own will. We support Serbia's efforts to uphold its sovereignty and territorial integrity, and oppose any attempt by any forces to interfere in Serbia's internal affairs.

We should always be good partners for win-win cooperation. China is striving for its modernization in all respects through high-quality development, and moving faster to develop new quality productive forces. Serbia has achieved remarkable economic and social development in recent years. Our two countries should further unleash the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation. We should deliver on the midterm action plan for Belt and Road cooperation, and build more flagship projects. We should expand cooperation in technological innovation, advanced manufacturing, green energy, digital economy, artificial intelligence and other emerging areas. We should share development opportunities and create a better future together.

We should always play an exemplary role in promoting fairness and justice. As ironclad friends and defenders for world peace, China and Serbia hold similar positions on many major international and regional issues. Facing a fluid and turbulent world, we should step up coordination and cooperation in the United Nations and other international organizations, and advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. We should practice true multilateralism, and endeavor to maintain world peace and stability and safeguard international fairness and justice.

We should always strengthen the heart-to-heart connection between our two peoples. Our ironclad friendship has withstood the test of blood and fire, and shines even brighter in the new era. We should promote multi-dimensional people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and diversify subnational cooperation. We should make good use of the combined effect of "mutual visa exemption plus direct flights" as well as our respective cultural centers to promote cooperation in education, sports, culture and tourism. We should create more opportunities for our youth so that the China-Serbia friendship will be carried forward from generation to generation.

Twenty-five years ago today, NATO flagrantly bombed the Chinese embassy in Yugoslavia, killing three Chinese journalists-Ms. Shao Yunhuan, Mr. Xu Xinghu and his wife Zhu Ying. This we should never forget. The Chinese people cherish peace, but we will never allow such tragic history to repeat itself. The China-Serbia friendship, forged with the blood of our compatriots, will stay in the shared memory of the Chinese and Serbian peoples, and will inspire us to march forward with big strides.

While looking back at the journey our two countries have traveled together, we also look forward to the promising future we aspire to embrace. We have now come to a new historic milestone. We on the Chinese side are ready to work hand in hand with our Serbian friends to make our shared aspiration and common progress a reality. Together we will write a new chapter in the development and rejuvenation of our nations. Together we will build a China-Serbia community with a shared future in the new era. Flowers in spring will turn into fruits in autumn. The tree of China-Serbia friendship will grow tall and sturdy and bear more fruits for our two peoples. This is what we expect and what we hope to witness together. ■

Full text of Xi's speech at the closing ceremony of the Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the closing ceremony of the Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council together with French President Emmanuel Macron and delivers a speech titled "Building on Past Achievements to Jointly Usher in a New Era in China-France Cooperation" in Paris, France, May 6, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

PARIS, May 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday delivered a speech here at the closing ceremony of the Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Building on Past Achievements to Jointly Usher in a New Era

In China-France Cooperation

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Closing Ceremony of The Sixth Meeting of the China-France Business Council

Paris, May 6, 2024

Your Excellency President Emmanuel Macron,

Representatives of the Chinese and French Business Communities,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to attend the China-France Business Council meeting with President Macron again in a little over a year and to meet friends, old and new, of the business communities of the two countries. It has been five years since I last visited Paris. I wish to start by extending my warm greetings to you all. I wish the Council's sixth meeting a full success.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France diplomatic relations. Sixty years complete one cycle in the traditional Chinese calendar, bridging the past and the future.

For 60 years, China and France have remained devoted friends of each other. We both have always committed to the principles of independence, mutual understanding, strategic vision, and win-win cooperation which underpinned the establishment of our diplomatic relations. Together, we have traversed an extraordinary journey, and forged a close and lasting comprehensive strategic partnership. The China-France relationship has always been a pacesetter for the relations between China and Western countries. It shows how countries with different cultures, systems and development levels can help each other succeed and make progress together. China-France friendship is in the best interest of the Chinese and French peoples as well as the interest of the whole world.

For 60 years, China and France have remained win-win partners of each other. Bilateral trade and investment have grown tremendously from negligible levels. Our trade has expanded by nearly 800 times since the establishment of diplomatic relations, reaching 78.9 billion U.S. dollars. Cumulative two-way investment has exceeded 26 billion U.S. dollars. More than 2,000 French companies have woven themselves into the fabric of the Chinese market. China is the largest trading partner of France outside the EU, and France is a major EU trading partner of China. Flagship projects such as the Daya Bay Nuclear Power Plant and Airbus A320 Family assembly facilities in Tianjin stand as vivid examples of our mutually beneficial cooperation. Our two countries are also engaged in enthusiastic discussions on expanding cooperation in emerging fields such as green and low-carbon development, digital economy and cross-border e-commerce. Thanks to 60 years of growth, our economies are now closely intertwined and highly symbiotic.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Both China and France are parts of the Eurasian continent, located at its east and west ends respectively. China is a typical Eastern civilization, and France showcases the Western. Our two countries do not have geopolitical conflicts, and we do not have clashes of fundamental interests. What we do have in common is we both think independently, both are fascinated by our splendid cultures, and we are engaged in result-oriented cooperation based on many shared interests. Our experiences in the past and at present both show that there is no reason for failures in bringing out the best in China-France relations. We have now reached a new crossroads in the development of mankind and face global changes unseen in a century. Against this backdrop, China is ready to enhance all-round exchanges and cooperation with France, bring the China-France relationship to a new stage and make it even more productive.

-- Looking to the future, we will work with France to enrich the economic and trade dimensions of the China-France comprehensive strategic partnership. As one of the earliest participants in China's reform and opening up, France has contributed to China's modernization drive and benefited from it. Deeper friendship calls for frequent exchanges and closer cooperation. We always view France as a priority and trustworthy partner of cooperation. We are committed to expanding our business relations in both width and depth by opening up new areas, creating new models and fostering new growth areas. China will continue to make full use of the "French farm to Chinese dining table" whole-chain rapid coordination mechanism, and bring more cheese, ham, wine and other quality agricultural products from France to the dining tables of Chinese families. China has decided to extend visa exemption entry for citizens from 12 countries including France on short-term visits to China until the end of 2025, a step that will further boost people-to-people exchanges.

-- Looking to the future, we will work with France to deepen China-Europe mutually beneficial cooperation. China and Europe are two major forces in building a multipolar world, two big markets that promote globalization, and two great civilizations that advocate cultural diversity. China-Europe relations are crucial for peace, stability and prosperity of the world. The two sides should always define China-Europe relations as a comprehensive strategic partnership, continue to enhance political mutual trust, remove various distractions, and jointly oppose attempts to turn business relations into political, ideological or security issues. We hope that Europe will work together with us to increase understanding through dialogue, resolve differences through cooperation, and defuse risks with enhanced mutual trust. We should turn China and Europe into each other's key partners for business cooperation, priority partners for cooperation in science and technology, and trustworthy partners for cooperation in industrial and supply chains. China will, on its own initiative, further open up the service sector including telecommunication and medical services, and open its market wider to create more opportunities for companies of France, Europe and beyond.

-- Looking to the future, we are ready to join hands with France to tackle global challenges. The world today is facing growing peace deficit, development deficit, security deficit and governance deficit. Both China and France are independent major countries and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. This means our two countries need to shoulder our responsibilities and missions to enhance stability in China-France relations to address uncertainties of the world. We need to step up coordination in the U.N. and provide more leadership and support for global governance so as to build an equal and orderly multipolar world. China and France need to practice true multilateralism, further promote all-round WTO reform, uphold the authority and performance of the multilateral trading regime with the WTO at its core, keep the global economy open, and promote a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. China and France need to urge the international community to pool strengths, stand by the goals and principles of the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, actively address climate change, advance the global process of biological diversity protection, and jointly protect the Earth, our common home.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Reform and opening up, a truly remarkable endeavor, is the defining feature of China today. China is pursuing high-standard opening up to advance in-depth reform and high-quality development. We are upgrading traditional industries, fostering emerging industries, laying the groundwork for future industries, and moving faster to promote new quality productive forces. We are considering and taking major steps to further deepen reform across the board, steadily expand institutional opening up, further expand market access, and shorten the negative list for foreign investment. All this will create an even bigger market and present more opportunities for win-win cooperation for France and other countries. We welcome French entrepreneurs present today to play an active part in the Chinese modernization process and benefit from China's development opportunities.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

In more than two months, the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will open by the beautiful Seine River. The Olympic Games is a symbol of solidarity, friendship and mutual learning between civilizations. Let us stay committed to the goal set by our two countries when our diplomatic ties were forged, boost our traditional friendship, and practice the Olympic motto of "Faster, Higher, Stronger-Together." Let us join hands to open up a new era of China-France cooperation and write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Thank you. ■

Full text of Xi's signed article in French media

PARIS, May 5 (Xinhua) -- A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled "Carrying Forward the Spirit that Guided the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations, Working Together for Global Peace and Development" was published Sunday in French media Le Figaro.

The following is an English version of the full text of the article:

Carrying Forward the Spirit that Guided the Establishment of China-France Diplomatic Relations, Working Together for Global Peace and Development

Xi Jinping, president of the People's Republic of China

I am delighted to pay my third state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.

France holds a special fascination for us Chinese. This country has produced a galaxy of philosophers, writers, and artists with global appeal who have inspired all humanity. Over 150 years ago, French nationals helped China found its Fujian Navy Yard and the Fujian Naval Academy. France was also the first country to welcome government-sponsored students from China. A century ago, a number of young Chinese traveled to France for further education. Some of these young patriots went on to make remarkable contribution to the founding and development of New China. France was also the first major Western country to enter into formal diplomatic ties with New China.

The year 2024 is of special significance. I will visit France bringing with me three messages from China.

— China will work with France to carry forward the spirit that guided the establishment of their diplomatic ties, build on past achievements and open new vistas for China-France relations.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of China-France relations. Six decades ago, General Charles de Gaulle, with a strategic vision based on the trend of the time, resolved to establish diplomatic relations with New China. It wasn't easy to make this independent decision at the height of the Cold War, but it has proven to be right and foresighted. With the establishment of China-France relations, a bridge of communication between the East and West was built, and the international relations were able to evolve in the direction of dialogue and cooperation.

In these six decades, China-France relations have stayed abreast of the times. Our two countries took the lead in establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership and launching institutional strategic dialogue in China's relations with Western countries. We spearheaded cooperation in aviation and nuclear energy and on third-party markets. We were among the first to mutually open cultural centers and start cultural year activities, providing guidance for mutual learning between civilizations. China-France cooperation contributed to the conclusion of the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, boosting strongly the implementation of the global climate agenda.

History is our best teacher. We live in a world that is far from being tranquil and is once again facing a multitude of risks. China is ready to work with France in the spirit that guided the establishment of our diplomatic ties to forge a stronger comprehensive strategic partnership between our two countries and make new contributions to stronger cooperation of the global community.

— China will open even wider to the world and deepen cooperation with France and other countries.

This year marks the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China. Through 75 years of perseverant hard work, the Chinese people have turned China from an impoverished country into the second largest economy in the world. Several hundred million people in rural areas were lifted out of poverty, a miracle in the history of humanity. The Chinese economy registered 5.2 percent growth in 2023, and is expected to grow by around 5 percent in 2024 with greater progress toward high-quality development. China will remain a source of global growth and create opportunities for all countries.

One thing that has made China's development possible is our firm commitment to opening up. We welcome more quality French farm products and cosmetics to the Chinese market to meet the ever-growing needs of the Chinese people for a better life. We welcome investment by companies from France and other countries to China. To this end, we have fully opened up China's manufacturing sector, and will move faster to expand market access to telecom, medical and other services. We also have a 15-day visa-exemption policy for visitors from many countries including France, and we have taken further measures to facilitate travel and payment by foreigners in China.

While opening up itself, China also encourages Chinese companies to go global. France is advancing re-industrialization based on green innovation, whereas China is accelerating the development of new quality productive forces. Our two countries can deepen cooperation on innovation and jointly promote green development. Some Chinese companies have set up battery plants in France. The Chinese government supports more Chinese companies in investing in France. And we hope that France will ensure that they operate in a fair and equitable business environment.

— China will strengthen communication and coordination with France to uphold world peace and stability.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Seven decades ago, Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai put forth in full the five principles for the first time -- "mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence." Through 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have been widely accepted and recognized by countries across the world. They have become an important norm governing contemporary international relations.

China has faithfully practiced the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Over the past 70-plus years since its founding, New China never provoked a war or occupied an inch of foreign land. China is the only country around the world that includes in its Constitution the commitment to the path of peaceful development, and China is the only country among the major nuclear-weapon states that is committed to no-first-use of nuclear weapons.

I have proposed in recent years the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative. As part of China's efforts to help improve global governance and resolve tough question regarding human development, the three initiatives have won the support of more than 100 countries and international organizations.

China understands the repercussions of the Ukraine crisis on the people of Europe. China did not start the Ukraine crisis, nor is it a party to or a participant in it. Nonetheless, China has been playing a constructive role in striving for peaceful settlement of the crisis. I have made many appeals, among others, observing the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, respecting sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries, and addressing the legitimate security concerns of all sides. I have stressed that nuclear weapons must not be used, and a nuclear war must not be fought. China has delivered to Ukraine many shipments of humanitarian aids, and sent its special representative many times to mediate among the countries concerned. The longer the Ukraine crisis drags on, the greater harm it will do to Europe and the world. China hopes that peace and stability will return to Europe at an early date. We stand ready to work with France and the whole international community to find a reasonable way out of the crisis.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict pulls on our heartstrings as well. The fundamental solution lies in the establishment of an independent State of Palestine. History has repeatedly shown that the recurrent Palestine-Israel problem is rooted essentially in the failure of actual enforcement of relevant UN resolutions, in the continued erosion of the foundation for the two-State solution, and the deviation of the Middle East peace process. China and France have many in common on the Palestine-Israel issue. It is thus critical that we strengthen cooperation and help restore peace in the Middle East.

Confucius observed that "a man of true moral integrity is one who is both friendly but independent, and who does not compromise his principles, and who is independent without any bias or taking sides. How unflinchingly firm he is in his strength!" French writer Romain Rolland said that "it is so much easier to allow oneself to be guided than it is to think for oneself. This abdication is the kernel of the mischief." Both China and France value independence as two major countries. Our interactions in the long course of history have released tremendous energy swaying the trajectory of the world. Now we are standing at another historical starting point. Let us join hands together on this new journey toward greater progress in China-France relations to the benefit of our two countries and the world! ■

20th CPC Central Committee to hold its third plenary session in July

BEIJING, May 1 (Xinhua) -- The third plenary session of the 20th Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee will be held in Beijing in July, according to a decision made at a CPC Central Committee Political Bureau meeting on April 30. According to the main agenda of the session, the Political Bureau will report its work to the Central Committee, and issues concerning further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization will be studied. The Political Bureau meeting also analyzed the current economic situation and economic work, and deliberated a document on policies and measures for continuously advancing the high-quality integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

Reform and opening up is an effective instrument for the Party and the people to make great strides in keeping up with the times in pursuing their cause, according to the meeting. The current and future periods are critical for building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. China's reform must continue in the face of complex international and domestic situations, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial changes, and the new anticipation of the people, according to the meeting. Deepening reform is a natural requirement for upholding and improving the socialist system with Chinese characteristics and modernizing China's governance system and capacity, according to the meeting. It is also a natural requirement for implementing the new development philosophy and better adapting to the evolution of the principal contradiction facing Chinese society, and for adhering to the people-centered approach to ensure that all the people share the benefits of modernization more fully and fairly. It is a natural requirement for coping with major risks and challenges and achieving steady progress in pursuing the Party and the country's cause, for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and winning the strategic initiative in the increasingly fierce international competition. It is also a natural requirement for solving the problems unique to a large Party as ours and building a stronger Marxist party, the meeting noted. The whole Party must put reform in a more prominent position and deepen reform in all respects with a focus on promoting Chinese modernization, according to the meeting.

It was stressed at the meeting that further deepening reform in all respects requires efforts to uphold Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi's new ideas, viewpoints and inferences in this regard. Efforts are also needed to faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, and emancipate the mind, liberate and develop social productive forces, as well as unleash and enhance social vitality, the meeting noted. Efforts were noted at the meeting to take into consideration both the domestic and international situations, coordinate the promotion of the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the advancement of the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy. Further comprehensive reform should be led by reform of the economic system, with advancing social equality and justice and improving people's wellbeing as both the starting point and the ultimate goal of China's socialist cause. More attention should be paid to system integration, addressing priorities and achieving concrete outcomes, so as to promote better alignment between production relations and productive forces, superstructure and economic foundation, as well as China's governance system and social development. This will help provide powerful driving force and institutional guarantees for Chinese modernization, according to the meeting.

It was stressed at the meeting that, since the beginning of this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, all regions and all departments have intensified efforts to promote economic development, consolidating and enhancing the positive trend of economic recovery. Economic operation has seen a rise in positive indicators, with momentum further enhanced. As a result, public expectations have improved and high-quality development has been advanced in a steady manner. Economic development has demonstrated signs of rapid growth, optimized structure and improved quality and efficiency, achieving a good start.

It was underscored at the meeting that the ongoing positive trend of economic recovery is confronted with multiple challenges, including insufficient demand, high operation pressure facing enterprises, various hidden risks in key sectors, unsmooth domestic economic flow, as well as an external environment that is more complicated, grimmer and more uncertain. At the same time, it should be noted that the Chinese economy has a stable foundation, abundant advantages, strong resilience and great potential. A good start and sound recovery are the basic features and trends of the current economic performance. There should be more confidence in economic work.

It was stressed at the meeting that efforts should be made to earnestly implement the spirit of the Central Economic Work Conference and the annual "two sessions," adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerate the building of a new development paradigm, strive to promote high-quality development, press ahead when situation is favorable, avoid doing too much work at the beginning and slackening efforts later on, and effectively consolidate and enhance the good trend of economic recovery.

It was noted at the meeting that it is necessary to make efforts as timely as possible to effectively implement the macro policies that have been determined, and implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy. It is necessary to issue and put to good use ultra-long-term special treasury bonds as soon as possible, expedite the issuance and use of special-purpose bonds, maintain the necessary intensity of fiscal expenditure, and secure the expenditure for ensuring people's basic livelihoods, salaries of civil servants and government employees and the running of governments at the primary level. It is necessary to flexibly use policy tools such as interest rates and the required reserve ratio to increase support for the real economy and lower the overall financing cost. It is essential to do a good job in assessing the consistency of macro-policy orientation and strengthen the management of expectations. It is important to actively expand domestic demand and implement the action plan for large-scale equipment renewals and trade-ins of consumer goods. It is also imperative to create more consumption scenarios to better meet people's needs for diversified and high-quality consumption. It is essential to further advance people-centered new urbanization, and continue to tap the potential of consumption and investment. New mechanisms for cooperation between the government and private capital should be well implemented, and the vitality of private investment should be fully stimulated.

The imperative was stressed at the meeting to develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions. The layout of China's strength in strategic science and technology should be improved, emerging industries cultivated and strengthened, the development of industries for the future arranged in advance, and the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries empowered by advanced technologies. It is essential to actively develop venture capital investment and strengthen patient capital.

It was noted at the meeting that reform must be deepened and opening up expanded unswervingly, a unified national market must be built, and the systems underpinning the market economy must be improved. It is imperative to expand trade in intermediate goods, trade in services, digital trade and exports of cross-border e-commerce, support private enterprises to expand overseas markets, and intensify efforts to attract and make use of foreign investment.

It was stressed at the meeting that efforts are required to continuously prevent and defuse risks in key areas. It is essential to continue implementing city-specific policies, see that local governments, real estate enterprises and financial institutions shoulder their share of responsibilities, ensure the delivery of housing projects and safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of homebuyers. Combining the new changes of the relationship between supply and demand in the real estate market and people's new aspiration for high-quality housing, it is imperative to conduct research on policies and measures to reduce housing inventory and improve the quality of new housing in a coordinated manner. New mode for the development of the real estate sector should be fostered to boost the sector's high-quality development. It is imperative to thoroughly implement the solutions to dealing with debt risks of local governments, so as to secure not only actual debt reduction but also stable development of those provinces, cities and counties with high debt risks. It is a must to make sustained efforts to reform small and medium-sized financial institutions to mitigate risks. Multiple measures should be taken to promote the sound development of the capital market.

Steady efforts were stressed at the meeting to promote green and low-carbon development. It is necessary to conscientiously carry out the action plan to improve air quality continuously, strengthen the clean and efficient use of coal as well as the consumption and use of renewable energy sources, implement the "10 major initiatives to reach peak carbon emissions" fully and steadily, and speed up the building of a waste material recycling system.

Concrete efforts were noted at the meeting to ensure and improve people's wellbeing, prioritize employment-first policies, increase income for middle and low-income groups, and build a tightly-woven network of social security. It is imperative to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, and advance rural revitalization across the board. Efforts should be made to ensure workplace safety and promote infrastructure renewal and upgrade in this regard. Officials at all levels must strictly abide by political disciplines, resolutely implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, and constantly break new ground for high-quality development.

It is noted at the meeting that the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core. It is imperative to thoroughly understand the strategic intention of the CPC Central Committee in making this decision to make greater breakthroughs in promoting the integrated development of the Delta and better leverage its role as a pioneer, leader and driver of regional development.

It was stressed at the meeting that efforts must be constantly focused on integration and high quality to advance the fulfillment of key tasks in the integrated development of the Delta.

Steps should be quickened in making breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields. Efforts should be coordinated to upgrade traditional industries, expand emerging industries and foster future industries, thus building innovation chains, industrial chains, and supply chains in a wide range of areas. It is imperative to expedite the efforts in improving institutions and mechanisms to break administrative barriers and enhance policy coordination so as to promote integration in a wider range of areas and greater depth. It is important to take the lead in aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, vigorously promote high-level coordinated opening up, and create new strengths of a higher-standard inclusive economy. It is also important to be prepared to deal with worst-case scenarios, ensure both development and security, and strengthen joint protection and governance of the ecological environment as well as regional cooperation in green development. The Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development should strengthen its coordination, and relevant departments should provide more support. Shanghai should play its leading role, and Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Anhui provinces should leverage their respective strengths so as to form synergy for continuously writing new chapters in the integrated development of the Delta.

Some other issues were also discussed at the meeting. ■

Xi calls on Chongqing to write its chapter in Chinese modernization

BEIJING, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, Chinese president, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called on Chongqing to give full play to its comparative and late-mover advantages in line with the central tasks of the CPC on the new journey in the new era and its mission entrusted by the CPC Central Committee. The city should further reform and opening up across the board, proactively serve and integrate into the new development paradigm, and strive to promote high-quality development. By doing all these, it should try to build itself into a key strategic fulcrum for the development of China's western region in the new era and a comprehensive hub for inland opening up. The city is also urged to make greater achievements in playing its supporting role in the development of the western region, its leading role in promoting the progress of the Belt and Road Initiative, and its exemplary role in stimulating the green development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and thereby continuously write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

From April 22 to 24, accompanied by Yuan Jiajun, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the secretary of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee, and Hu Henghua, Chongqing's mayor, Xi inspected a logistics park, a community, the city's digital urban operation and governance center and other places.

On the afternoon of April 22, Xi first inspected the Chongqing International Logistics Hub Park. He came to the control center of the dry port of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor of the western region, learning about the construction progress of the corridor. Xi stressed that logistics is the lifeline of real economy. The construction of this corridor is of great significance to promoting the formation of an opening-up pattern featuring "building connections with other countries over land and sea while facilitating mutual assistance between eastern and western regions," he said. All related parties should make concerted efforts to do a good job in building and managing this signature project, so as to advance the high-level opening up in the western and inland regions, Xi said. He also urged logistic parks to actively leverage advanced technologies, continue innovating the multimodal transportation and improve scientific management level, so as to play a greater role in building the modern logistic system.

Later on, Xi came to a rail container hub in Chongqing, where he was briefed on situations of cargo distribution, transport routes, operating costs and returns, and chatted with truck drivers, train drivers, loading workers and management staff. He asked about their work load, labor protection, public holiday leaves and salaries. "You work at the frontline of the logistic sector as well as that of the opening up. Through your hard work, many goods are able to traverse the mountains and seas and enter the international markets," Xi said, stressing the importance of their work. He underscored the significance of logistics in promoting the greater openness and development of the western region, and encouraged workers to continue working hard, achieving new progress and making more contributions.

Xi also heard reports on the progress Chongqing made in promoting the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle and watched an exhibition on Chongqing's achievements of sci-tech innovation and industrial development. He underlined that building the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee. Chongqing and Sichuan should work closely, make consistent efforts to expand development capacity, and jointly strive for better results in building the "two cities" in western China in the new era, Xi noted. He highlighted the role of pillar industries as the main battlefield for developing new quality productive forces. Chongqing's manufacturing sector possesses distinct structural characteristics and corresponding advantages, Xi said, adding that Chongqing should firmly focus on technological innovation, leverage its advantages and strengthen weak links. The city should also do its current work well while planning for the future and persist in promoting the high-quality development of the manufacturing industry in a steady manner.

Minzhu Village Community in Xiejiawan Sub-district, Jiulongpo District, is an old residential area. A renovation project was launched in the community at the beginning of 2022, which has been included in national pilot programs. In the community, Xi learned about the progress of the community renovation and services offered for residents in the community. Xi was briefed on the progress in improving grassroots governance and reducing burden at the grassroots level. He visited the community canteen, where he chatted cordially with people dining there, encouraging the canteen to achieve sustainable development. Xi noted that as a major aspect of the urban renewal, renovation of old residential communities is a project that delivers real benefits to local people. In such renovation, historical structures and unique local characteristics should be preserved while efforts must be made to address practical concerns facing residents. It is important to summarize and promote experience in this regard to deliver more benefits to a larger number of community residents. Xi added that as grassroots Party organizations and communities play a key role in implementing many aspects of work of urban governance, it is necessary to clarify the remit of urban communities, continue to allocate resources down to communities and improve service facilities. Efforts should also be made to strengthen grid-based management and IT support, in a bid to facilitate the level of meticulous community governance and targeted services.

When Xi was leaving, residents of the community gathered to bid farewell to him. Xi told them: "As far as Chinese modernization is concerned, the people's well-being matters the most. All that the Party and government do is for the common people to live a happier life." Xi expressed the hope that Party committees and governments at all levels will invest more financial and material resources in solving problems for people's well-being, and do some practical things to improve people's life every year, so as to continuously enhance people's sense of gain, happiness and security.

On the morning of April 23, Xi visited Chongqing's digital urban operation and governance center, where he was briefed on local efforts to accelerate urban digital transformation and explore new ways for megacity governance, and watched the demonstration of system application. Xi pointed out that the modernization of governance system and capacity is an integral part of Chinese modernization. To strengthen digital empowerment and promote the modernization of urban governance, it is necessary to scientifically plan and build big data platforms and network systems, strengthen joint command and coordination among all parties, and effectively improve execution capacity. Urban governance involves many aspects; the first is to have a strong sense of responsibility to make plans in advance, render management and control accurate and targeted, ensure rapid response, and effectively deal with all kinds of conditions, so as to ensure the safe and orderly operation of the city. Xi hopes them to keep exploring and accumulate new experience.

On the morning of April 24, Xi listened to the report of CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee and Chongqing municipal government on their work, and affirmed what the city has achieved in various aspects of its work.

Xi noted that Chongqing's manufacturing sector has a solid foundation, and its talent resources in science and education is abundant. It is imperative for the city to build a modern industrial system with the advanced manufacturing sector as its backbone. Efforts are required to further promote the major technological transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing sector and the large-scale equipment renewals, speed up transforming and upgrading traditional industries, and foster strategic emerging industries with an advanced global level and competitiveness. It is essential to strengthen efforts to make major technological breakthroughs, integrate innovation in science and technology with that in industries, develop new business forms, models and growth drivers, and develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions. The building of the Chengdu-Chongqing economic circle should be further advanced, and its role as an important growth pole and a new source of power for promoting high-quality development nationwide should be better played. Green development should be further promoted to build a beautiful Chongqing and consolidate the ecological shields along the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

Xi stressed that Chongqing, with a pioneering and enterprising spirit, should comprehensively deepen reform and expand high-level opening up. It must unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector. On one hand, reform on state-owned enterprises should be deepened, and a batch of state-owned enterprises with strong core competitiveness should be developed. On the other hand, the growth of the private sector should be facilitated, and the vitality of various business entities should be stimulated. Chongqing should proactively integrate itself into the development of a unified national market, take an active part in getting deeply integrated into and serving major national strategies, and play a greater role in promoting the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor in the western region. Chongqing should also actively dovetail with high-standard international economic and trade rules to develop a first-class market-oriented and law-based international business environment.

Xi noted that Chongqing, as a city with the largest jurisdiction area and population in China, should fully act on the principle that a city should be built by the people and for the people, and actively explore a new path of modernization in megacity governance. It is important for Chongqing to speed up the development of a smart city, build a smart center for city operation and governance, and also establish and improve the "comprehensive and integrated" city governance system and mechanism, so as to make city governance smarter, more efficient and more targeted. It is imperative to guide community-level governance with Party building, adhere to and develop the "Fengqiao Model" in the new era, further cultural and ethical advancement, promote the transformation of outdated rural customs, and make the whole society more civil. It is also a must to promote the building of a resilient city in all aspects and effectively improve its capacity for disaster prevention, mitigation and relief.

Xi stressed that Chongqing should vigorously promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas as it is a megacity with a vast rural and mountainous area, and a reservoir area all in one. Xi called for more efforts to promote new urbanization with focus on county (district) seats, guide and regulate urban industrial and commercial capital, science and technology as well as professionals to serve rural areas in an orderly and law-based manner, so as to promote rural revitalization across the board. More efforts should be made in grain production, and agriculture with ecological characteristics should be developed by making full use of local conditions. It is important to learn from the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program, and promote rural development in light of specific circumstances. Efforts should be focused on important things that can be done with available resources, yield results in a couple of years and meet the urgent needs of villagers. By getting these things done one after another, perceptible and accessible benefits will be made for rural residents. What has been achieved in poverty alleviation should be consolidated and expanded, making sure that no large number of people will slip back into poverty.

Xi pointed out that CPC leadership must be upheld and Party building strengthened. It is imperative to consolidate and expand what has been achieved in the theoretical study program. A long-term mechanism should be established to promote the capability of Party members and officials, especially leading officials, to do political work and improve their competence, so that they will perform their duties in a down-to-earth manner and strive to make contributions. The fight against pointless formalities should be continued to ease burdens on those working at grassroots and create favorable conditions for primary-level officials to do their work well. Solid efforts should be made to carry out study programs on Party disciplines, guiding Party members and officials to truly turn political disciplines and rules into their awareness in political orientation, thinking, and action. Corruption should be consistently fought against and corrupt elements punished, and the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption should be constantly eliminated, in order to keep a clean political environment.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng and leading officials of relevant central Party and government departments were also on the inspection tour. ■

Xi chairs symposium on boosting development of China's western region in new era

CHONGQING, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday presided over a symposium in Chongqing and delivered an important speech on promoting the development of the western region in the new era.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the western region plays a crucial role in the overall picture of national reform, development, and stability. It is necessary to consistently implement the policies and measures of the CPC Central Committee to promote the development of the western region, further forming a new pattern of greater protection, openness, and high-quality development, enhancing the overall strength and sustainable development capability of the region, and striving to write a new chapter in the development of the region in the process of China's modernization.

Li Qiang, premier, Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, vice premier, attended the symposium. They are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Yuan Jiajun, Wang Xiaohui, Zhao Yide, and Ma Xingrui, Party secretaries of Chongqing Municipality, Sichuan Province, Shaanxi Province, and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, spoke successively at the symposium, reporting on the progress in promoting the development of the western region and putting forward suggestions and opinions. Leading officials from other provincial regions and Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps attending the symposium submitted written speeches.

After listening to all the speeches, Xi delivered an important address. He pointed out that over the past five years since the CPC Central Committee made arrangements for pursuing further progress in the development of the western region in the new era, the western region has seen significant achievements on eco-environmental conservation and restoration, enhanced capability in carrying out high-quality development, quickened pace in building an open economy, as well as greatly improved infrastructure and steadily raised living standards of the people. It has also won victory in the battle against poverty as scheduled, and joined other regions in achieving the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and embarking on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects, Xi said. He also noted that there are still many difficulties and challenges to overcome for the region's further development. They need to be seriously studied.

Developing industries that leverage local strengths should be the main focus, he said, adding that efforts are needed to adopt a region-specific approach in nurturing emerging industries and expediting industrial transformation and upgrade in the western region. Xi highlighted the imperative to strengthen integration between innovation in science and technology and that in industries, actively train and introduce high-caliber sci-tech talents, and put them to best use, and strive for breakthroughs in a batch of core technologies in key fields. Efforts are needed to deepen the sci-tech cooperation between the central and eastern China and western China and achieve better results in building national innovation demonstration areas and demonstration zones for the transfer and commercialization of sci-tech innovation results. Measures should also be taken to speed up technological innovation of traditional industries, advance equipment renewals in major industries, and promote traditional industries with competitive edges to upgrade, improve the efficiency of their production and quality of their products, to boost the comprehensive utilization efficiency of resources and the fine and deep processing levels of products. Xi stressed the need to promote the integrated development between the centrally-administered enterprises and the western region, and build service industries such as tourism into pillar ones. He also urged efforts to adopt a region-specific approach when developing new quality productive forces, explore the development of modern manufacturing and strategic emerging industries, and make deployment for the building of future-oriented industries, so as to form new growth drivers in the region.

Xi noted that high-quality development must be supported by high-level protection to consolidate the national ecological security barrier. Efforts should be made to optimize the framework of territorial space development and protection, enhance region-specific management and control of the ecological environment, and accelerate the advancement of major projects for the conservation and restoration of key ecosystems. This will help win the three iconic battles of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program. It is imperative to strengthen the conservation of ecological resources, improve the capacity in preventing and controlling forest and grassland fires, as well as enhancing pollution prevention and control in key regions and fields. He underscored the efforts to further promote the transformation of energy conservation and carbon reduction in traditional industries to facilitate the clean and efficient utilization of coal in an orderly manner. It is important to improve the mechanism for realizing the market value of ecosystem goods and services, as well as the horizontal compensation mechanism for ecological conservation.

Xi underlined efforts to boost large-scale development through large-scale opening-up and facilitate opening up of the western region to the domestic and international markets. Measures should be taken to vigorously advance the construction of the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, promote development and opening-up along the route, and deeply integrate into the development of the Belt and Road. He underscored the need of improving the layout of different industrial parks, border economic cooperation zones, and cross-border economic cooperation zones, as well as promoting the high-quality development of pilot free trade zones. It is essential to steadily expand institutional opening up and build a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. Efforts should also be made to serve and align with regional major strategic initiatives, actively integrate into the building of a unified national market, innovate the connection mechanism for inclusive platforms in the eastern, central and western regions, as well as deepen pragmatic cooperation with the eastern, central and northeastern regions.

Xi noted the necessity of ensuring both development and security, and improving the security guarantee capacity in key areas such as energy and resources. He urged the region to accelerate the development of a new energy sector, and expand and strengthen a number of key national energy bases. It is imperative to strengthen the interconnection of pipeline networks, and improve the capacity of "west-to-east power transmission." It is important to strengthen planning, control and management of mineral resources, and their large-scale intensive development and utilization, so as to accelerate the formation of a batch of national bases for the mining and processing of mineral resources. He urged efforts to improve the security of water resources, and noted the need for the region to innovate industrial cooperation with other regions, and optimize the industrial layout mechanism so as to receive industries transferred gradually from other regions in an orderly manner. It is essential to promote the development of the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, actively foster city clusters, develop and expand a number of provincial sub-central cities, and promote infrastructure connectivity and the sharing of public service among cities.

Xi noted the importance of integration between new-type urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization, so as to ensure and improve people's well-being in the process of development. It is imperative to thoroughly implement the rural revitalization strategy, increase support to key counties for rural revitalization, establish a regular mechanism for providing assistance to low-income people and underdeveloped areas, and make sure that no large number of people become poverty-stricken again. He noted the need to learn from and apply the experience from the Green Rural Revival Program to create a rural development model with regional characteristics. Xi said county economies with distinctive characteristics should be developed, and a batch of counties strong in agricultural, industrial and tourism sectors should be fostered, so as to ensure that farmers have job opportunities near their hometown and that their income increase, and urbanization be advanced according to local conditions. The region was urged to develop more high-standard cropland, and shoulder the responsibility of ensuring stable production and supply of major agricultural products, so as to make due contributions to national food security. Greater efforts are also needed to promote cultural and ethical advancement, transform outdated rural customs, and actively cultivate new trends and new customs for our times. The community-level governance system led by Party organizations should be optimized, and the "Fengqiao Model" in the new era should be adhered to and developed. Organized crime should be consistently combated and rooted out to ensure people's safety and stability at the primary level.

Xi noted that a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be forged to safeguard ethnic unity and stability in border areas. Areas with large ethnic minority populations should carry out the requirements for fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation in the whole process and in all aspects of social and economic development. The region is urged to promote social and economic development with enough concern for people's well-being, improve the social security system, ensure the basic livelihoods of the people, and resolutely address the pressing concerns of the people. It is imperative to implement the Party's ethnic policies in full, speed up building an interconnected social structure and community environment, and promote communication, exchanges and integration among people from different ethnic groups, Xi said. It is essential to stick to the Party's basic policy on religious affairs, remain committed to the principle that religions in China must be Chinese in orientation, and continue to crack down on illegal religious activities. Further efforts should be made to boost local economies and raise local living standards in border areas in the new era, building more infrastructure and public service facilities, and developing sectors such as tourism along the border areas, so as to ensure that border residents enjoy a rich life, and border areas enjoy a beautiful scenery alongside with security and solid defense.

Last but not least, Xi stressed that the Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development must strengthen the overall coordination, supervision and inspection, and relevant departments in the central government must put forth targeted policies and measures through studies. Local Party committees and governments at all levels in the western region must shoulder principal responsibilities and promote the implementation of the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee. He urged efforts to improve the collaboration mechanism between the eastern and western regions and deepen paired assistance programs. What has been achieved in the theoretical study program should be consolidated, and education on Party discipline should be carried out well. It is also imperative to persistently rectify pointless formalities to reduce burden on grass-roots units. Efforts should also be made to improve the decision-making mechanism, conduct full discussion and risk assessment before the introduction of major policies, especially those related to people's livelihood, and promptly investigate into and decisively tackle problems in the implementation of those policies, he said. It is imperative to cultivate a contingent of high-caliber and professional officials who are loyal to the Party, have moral integrity and demonstrate a keen sense of responsibility, establish and optimize systems for evaluation and motivation, care for officials working at the grassroots, especially those working in areas with harsh conditions, and motivate them to boldly break new ground and take on responsibilities.

In his speech, Premier Li Qiang urged relevant departments and governments in the western region to conscientiously study and understand as well as put into practice the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech. While the development of the western region should be planned and promoted from a larger picture of the Chinese modernization, it is equally important that targeted measures should be adopted in light of different local conditions and development potentials and in a region-specific and category-based manner. Li said full play should be given to regional characteristics and strengths, fostering more growth engines and growth belts that promote regional development, building a solid national eco-environmental security barrier, enhancing the development capabilities of areas of special types, and coordinating resolution of local government debt risks and stable development. He urged efforts to expand opening up to the domestic and international markets, proactively align strategies of the western region with those of other regions, actively integrate into international economic flow, and enhance the dynamics and vitality of the western region development.

In his speech, Ding Xuexiang called for efforts to conscientiously study and put into practice the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, faithfully, accurately and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, and coordinate high-quality development and high-standard protection, so as to make constant progress in the development of the western region. He urged the region to fulfill the important mission of safeguarding the country's ecological security, enhance ecological conservation and restoration, and upgrade the diversity, stability and sustainability of ecosystem. He demanded continuous steps to further the fight against pollution with targeted and science-based approaches in accordance with the law, so as to further improve the region's ecology and the environment. He also called for action to accelerate the green and low-carbon transformation of economic growth, develop new quality productive forces in a region-specific manner, and actively yet prudently work towards carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, Wu Zhenglong, Mu Hong and Jiang Xinzhi attended the meeting. Also present were leading officials of relevant central Party and government departments, leading officials of relevant local government departments and those in charge from relevant enterprises. ■

Xi Jinping meets Ma Ying-jeou in Beijing

BEIJING, April 11 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, met with Ma Ying-jeou and his entourage in Beijing on April 10.

Xi said that people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to the Chinese nation. The Chinese nation is one of the greatest nations in the world, having created the long-standing, brilliant, and unparalleled Chinese civilization, which sons and daughters of the nation feel proud of and honored for. He said that the Chinese nation's history of over 5,000 years has witnessed successive generations of ancestors move and settle down in Taiwan, their lives and procreation there, and saw the compatriots from both sides of the Strait fight side by side in the defense against foreign aggression and the recovery of Taiwan. Along the way, the Chinese nation has written the history that Taiwan and the mainland are inseparable and engraved the historical fact that people across the Strait are connected by blood.

People on both sides of the Strait are all Chinese. There is no knot that cannot be untied, no issues that cannot be discussed, and no force that can separate us. The distance of the Strait cannot sever the bond of kinship between compatriots from across the Strait, he said. The difference in political systems does not alter the reality that both sides of the Strait belong to one China and one nation, Xi said. External interference cannot hold back the historical trend of national reunification, and all Chinese on both sides of the Strait have come down in one continuous line, acted in solidarity, and reached out to each other in adversity throughout history, Xi noted.

The youth are the hope of the country and the future of the nation. Both sides of the Strait will have a prosperous future only when their youth have high aspirations, Xi said. He encouraged young people from both sides of the Strait to aspire to become more proud, confident, and assured in their identity as Chinese people, work together for the long-term prosperity of the Chinese nation, and continue to create new glory of the nation.

Xi stressed that people on both sides of the Strait share the same bloodline, culture and history, and more importantly, the same responsibility for the nation and the same aspiration for the future. "We should grasp the cross-Strait situation by taking into consideration the overall interests and long-term development of the Chinese nation," Xi said.

First, it is important to firmly safeguard the shared home of the Chinese nation. For thousands of years, the Chinese nation and its civilization have survived and thrived through vicissitudes and hardships. The key is that the Chinese nation always holds the common belief that the homeland cannot be divided, the country cannot be destabilized, its ethnic groups cannot be separated, and its civilization cannot be disrupted. A strong and unified country has always been the pillar upon which the future of all the Chinese people, including compatriots in Taiwan, depends. All Chinese on both sides of the Strait should firmly oppose any separatist moves of secessionists on the island and interference by external forces, firmly safeguard the common home of the Chinese nation, and work together to pursue a bright future for peaceful reunification. The future of the Chinese nation should be firmly held in the hands of the Chinese people.

Xi noted that all Chinese on both sides of the Strait are anticipating a peaceful home and harmonious family life. To achieve this, it is imperative to promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. The key is to adhere to the 1992 Consensus embodying the one-China principle, while the essence lies in developing a common understanding of the fundamental fact that people on both sides of the Strait belong to one country and one nation. As long as no attempt is made to split the island from its motherland, as long as the consensus is reached that both sides are Chinese of one family, compatriots on both sides of the Strait can sit down and talk with each other on affairs within a family to promote mutual understanding, accumulate mutual trust, resolve differences, and seek consensus.

Second, we need to work together for the long-term prosperity of the Chinese nation. Working for the well-being of compatriots on both sides of the Strait is both the starting point and ultimate goal of developing cross-Strait relations. To jointly create the long-term prosperity for the Chinese nation is a very grand yet simple goal. That is to realize the aspiration of compatriots on both sides of the Strait for a happy life, so that all Chinese people, including Taiwan compatriots, can live a better life and jointly realize the Chinese Dream of national rejuvenation. We have the capability to lead more than 1.4 billion compatriots on the mainland to a better life, and we are also fully capable of working with our compatriots in Taiwan to create a better future.

We have always been caring about the well-being of Taiwan compatriots, and we have shared the development opportunities from Chinese modernization with Taiwan compatriots first, as well as the achievements from the mainland's development and progress. We have been helping Taiwan compatriots solve problems for them, so as to bring them more benefits, further improve their well-being and ensure that they have a better future, Xi said.

Third, we must firmly forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, Xi said. In the long history of the Chinese nation, all its sons and daughters jointly established the territory of our motherland which includes Taiwan, wrote the history of China, created the Chinese culture and fostered its national character, he said. Chinese people on both sides of the Strait have always been one family, thus they should often interact with each other, which will bring them closer and promote their kinship. We will take effective measures to promote communication, exchanges and integration across the Strait, so that people from across the Strait will better understand each other through communication, have more trust of each other through exchanges, and treat each other with all heart. We sincerely welcome all Taiwan compatriots to visit the mainland as much as possible, and we are happy to see that people from the mainland visit Taiwan as much as possible, Xi said.

Chinese culture, the soul of the Chinese nation, is the spiritual home of all Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. It is imperative for compatriots on both sides to have greater confidence in Chinese culture and consciously become its guardians, inheritors and promoters. They should strengthen the sense of belonging, identity and honor of the Chinese nation so as to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Fourth, it is a must to remain committed to achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Thanks to a century of struggle and toil, we have successfully blazed a path to Chinese modernization, and the bright prospects of national rejuvenation are in sight. We have not only realized the blueprint of Dr. Sun Yat-sen but also achieved far more than what he had envisioned. The wheels of history are rolling on toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, into which all Chinese on both sides of the Strait have poured their endeavors. This great mission requires the concerted and continuous efforts of all Chinese on both sides of the Strait and will eventually be realized. Young people on both sides will have much to achieve and achieve much.

Young people from Taiwan are welcome to pursue, build and realize their dreams on the mainland. We will continue to create better conditions and more opportunities for young people from both sides to grow and live to their full potential. Xi expressed the hope that young people from both sides will learn from each other, enjoy each other's company, and walk with one heart with each other, taking the baton passed on to them by history and contributing to the realization of national rejuvenation.

Xi said, on April 3, a 7.3-magnitude earthquake jolted the waters near Hualien County in Taiwan and caused casualties and property loss. I mourn for the victims and extend my sympathies to the people in the affected areas.

Ma said that upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence" are the common political foundation for the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations. People from both sides of the Strait are Chinese. Therefore, we should deepen exchanges and cooperation, pass on Chinese culture together, advance the well-being of people from both sides of the Strait, and make joint efforts toward the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Representatives of young people from Taiwan attending the meeting gave speeches.

Wang Huning, Cai Qi and other senior officials attended the meeting. ■

Xi plants trees in Beijing, urging nationwide afforestation efforts for jointly building beautiful China

BEIJING, April 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday attended a voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing and called for nationwide efforts in afforestation to jointly build a beautiful China.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that around the Qingming Festival the vast land of China is brimming with vitality, making it an ideal time for tree planting.

Today, as we plant trees together, our goal is to call on everyone to take action, actively participate in afforestation, and strive to be green ambassadors and pioneers of ecology, so as to add a greener and colorful hue to the building of a beautiful China and jointly compose a new chapter of Chinese modernization where humanity and nature exist in harmony, he said.

In the suburbs of Beijing, spring was in full swing. At around 10:40 a.m., Xi and other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, arrived at Lucheng Town, Tongzhou District of Beijing together, and joined people from the capital to plant trees.

The planting site is located at the junction of Beijing's Tongzhou District and the three counties in northern Langfang City of Hebei Province. With good waterfront ecological condition, it is situated at a forest park along the Chaobai River, the first cross-regional park jointly built by Beijing and Hebei Province.

On sight of Xi, officials and locals greeted him warmly. Xi waved to the crowd to extend greetings, and then picked up a shovel, walked to the site, and began busy planting trees with officials from the Beijing municipal government and the National Forestry and Grassland Administration as well as officials, people and members of the Chinese Young Pioneers from the capital.

Shoveling the soil, building soil berms, watering the trees... Xi planted saplings of multiple types of trees, including Chinese pine, Cotinus coggygria, Yuanbao maple, cherry, flowering peach and platycladus orientalis. While planting trees, he also asked the children around him about their study, life and their participation in labor and sports.

He stressed that young people are the future of the motherland, and they need to engage themselves in labor and afforestation from childhood, so as to sow a green seed into the heart and develop their awareness to revere and love nature. They should study hard, build up their bodies, grow up stronger, develop all-round qualities of sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility, and work skills, and strive to become the backbone of the country, he urged. The site, bustling with tree planting activities, exuded a warm atmosphere as leaders worked together with others to earth up and water trees.

During cordial talks with officials and local people on site, Xi said that he had taken part in the voluntary tree planting activity in Beijing for 17 consecutive years since he sat on the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. He noted that this year marks the 45th anniversary of China establishing its National Tree Planting Day, and Chinese people have been dedicated to planting trees and afforestation, turning once barren mountains into lush ones, and deserts into oases, and making remarkable achievements. At the same time, we should be aware that the scarcity of forest resources is still a prominent problem in the country, and the role of forests as a "treasure house" has not been given a full play, he said. Increasing green coverage is to bring greater development strengths, and planting trees is to plant future. Trees must be planted one after another and from generation to generation, so as to continuously enrich the country's green resources, he said.

Xi stressed that to make China greener, concerted efforts should be made in green expansion, invigoration and protection. Green expansion means scientifically carrying out large-scale land greening in line with local conditions and suitable tree types, and at the appropriate time and with the right methods. In this way, we can make every planted tree alive and every planted patch green. Green invigoration means emphasizing the quality and efficiency of greening, expanding channels for turning the country's lucid waters and lush mountains into invaluable assets, and promoting the coordination of the role of forests in conserving water, bringing in economic benefits, boosting grain production and serving as a carbon sink, so as to achieve integrated ecological, economic and social benefits of forests. Green protection means strengthening the conservation of forest and grassland resources with sound anti-fire work and carrying out a thorough inspection into and rectification of major risks and hidden dangers, so as to safeguard the hard-won achievements in land greening.

The Three North region (northeast China, north China and northwest China) is the main battlefield for land greening, Xi said, urging more efforts to be focused on the construction of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program to fortify the green Great Wall in northern China.

Xi pointed out that everyone should fulfill the responsibility to take part in nationwide greening programs. It is important to keep the channels for people's participation open, come up with new models of fulfilling responsibilities, and make full use of the forest chief system, he said, urging the mobilization from all circles to promote the nationwide voluntary tree planting campaign to go deeper and more substantive.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee and state councilors in Beijing participated in the tree planting activity. ■

CPC leadership reviews disciplinary inspection report

BEIJING, March 30 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee met on March 29 to review a comprehensive report on the second round of disciplinary inspection missions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

It was noted at the meeting that the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has attached importance to disciplinary inspection work, and has arranged two rounds of such inspection missions since the 20th CPC National Congress, which had covered all centrally-administered enterprises. It was pointed out at the meeting that Party-building work in centrally-administered enterprises and relevant government departments had been strengthened, with new achievements in terms of the Party's full and rigorous self-governance. But there are still some problems that must be taken very seriously from a political standpoint and addressed earnestly.

Inspections and rectifications followed must be taken as the pivot for promoting high-quality development and exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance. Organization and leadership must be strengthened to see that key parties assume their primary responsibilities, and problems, tasks, and responsibilities must be put on a list, so as to ensure that every problem has a solution and feedback. Oversight over inspections and rectifications must be strengthened, key officials and events be placed under tight scrutiny to make sure that every case is addressed as required. An accountability system must be established for rectifications to ensure that those who are perfunctory or cheat in the rectifications will be strictly held to account.

It was emphasized at the meeting that state-owned enterprises (SOE) are the crucial material and political foundation for socialism with Chinese characteristics. It is imperative to uphold and consolidate Party's leadership, and thoroughly study and put into practice Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. SOEs must perform their duties and fulfill their missions in a down-to-earth manner, and must uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and uphold the Central Committee's authority and centralized, unified leadership. They must ensure both development and security, be vigilant against potential dangers, be prepared to deal with worst-case scenarios, resolutely prevent and mitigate risks and ensure high-quality development with high-level safety.

It is imperative to make advances in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, with rigor being maintained for the work in every aspect. Oversight of "top leaders" and leaderships must be strengthened, and crackdown on corruption must continue to be carried out with a high hand. Cases must be studied and used for promoting rectification of conduct and Party governance so that the soil and conditions that breed corruption will be eliminated.

It is imperative to conscientiously implement the Party's organizational line for the new era and strengthen the building of leaderships, ranks of officials, talent pool as well as grassroots Party organizations. What has been achieved from disciplinary inspections must be put to good use. It is also essential to conduct in-depth research on common and deep-seated problems discovered in disciplinary inspections, further improve the related systems and mechanisms, and tackle not only symptoms but also root causes.

Other matters were also discussed at the meeting. ■

Xi calls on Hunan to write its chapter in advancing Chinese modernization

CHANGSHA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping called on central China's Hunan Province to have a clear understanding of its strategic positioning in the fostering of a new development paradigm, uphold the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, remain committed to high-quality development, persist in reform and innovation and follow a realistic and pragmatic approach. He urged the province to continue to strive in building itself into a national hub for important and advanced manufacturing industries, a sci-tech and innovation center with core competitiveness, and a pacesetter for reform and opening up of China's inland regions. By vigorously energizing the central region and promoting the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Hunan should try to write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on an inspection tour to the province from March 18 to 21.

On the inspection tour, Xi visited Changsha, Changde and other places, conducting fact-finding missions in a school, an enterprise, a historical and cultural district, a village and so on. He was accompanied by Shen Xiaoming, secretary of the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee, and Mao Weiming, governor of Hunan Province.

On the afternoon of March 18, Xi first inspected Hunan First Normal University in Changsha City. The predecessor of the university was Cheng Nan Academy founded in the Song Dynasty (960-1279). In modern times, a large number of revolutionaries and renowned scholars were graduates of the university. At the university, he visited an exhibition featuring Mao Zedong in his youth and learned about the development history of the university and its effective utilization of resources related to the history of the CPC. At the great hall of the university, he chatted with students and faculty representatives. Xi said, for a country to be strong, good education matters. Xi said that Hunan First Normal University is a perfect place to carry out education on patriotism and pass on the traditions of Chinese revolution, urging efforts to protect the university's resources related to the Party's heritage and put it to great use. If a university is to foster students' virtues through education, teachers must first become great educators, he said. Xi called on the university to not only focus on improving the cultural literacy of students, but also make efforts to give good ideological-political courses, so as to cultivate students who could appreciate virtues and have a sense of shame. The university is urged to guide students to firmly uphold core socialist values, and motivate them to have great aspirations of serving the country and strive to become pillars of the society, who will be able to shoulder the responsibilities of building China into a strong country and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

Later on, Xi inspected BASF Shanshan Battery Materials Co., Ltd. The company is a Chinese-German joint venture mainly in the business of research in and development, manufacturing, and sales of anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. Xi listened to the locality's briefing on the progress of developing new quality productive forces at a faster pace and expanding high-level opening up, watched the product display of the company, and learned about the performance test of the materials and the battery production process. Xi stressed that the key to enterprises' consistent growth and success lies in scientific and technological innovation and high-quality development, and private enterprises and joint ventures have great potentials to tap in this regard. "China will keep opening its door wider. We would like to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with other countries and we welcome more foreign companies to invest and develop in China," Xi said.

On March 19, Xi went to the city of Changde for inspection. The Changde Hejie, located along the Yuanjiang River, has a long history. It was once destroyed in the Battle of Changde in 1943. In recent years, Changde has made efforts to transform this area into a historical and cultural block by restoring the unique features of this old street. On the morning of March 19, Xi visited Changde Hejie, where he had a look at various local special snacks, specialties, and special handicrafts, talked amicably with shopkeepers and tourists, and watched a display of intangible cultural heritage skills. He also learned in detail about the restoration and utilization of historical and cultural blocks, urban planning, and the comprehensive management of urban water environment. Xi noted that diverse traditional local cultures with their unique features jointly constitute the brilliant Chinese civilization and help promote socioeconomic development. He said that Changde boasts a rich cultural heritage, adding that traditional art forms, such as string music, high-pitched tunes and folk songs, should be well inherited and utilized through suitable means, advancing in line with the times.

Hunan is one of the thirteen major grain-producing provinces in China, with its paddy acreage and total output ranking first in the country. On the afternoon of March 19, Xi inspected the city's Gangzhongping Village of Xiejiapu Town, Dingcheng District, where he walked into a comprehensive demonstration area for grain production to inspect seedling cultivation and the progress in preparations for spring farming. During the inspection, Xi was briefed on local efforts to promote high-quality agricultural modernization and calculated the input-output accounts with local large-scale grain producers, agricultural technicians and grassroots officials. Xi underlined that we must be resolved to ensure food security for our population of over 1.4 billion people, and the bowls of the Chinese people should be filled mainly with Chinese grain. It is necessary to build high-standard farmland, adopt operation of appropriate scale, strengthen policy support and demonstration guidance, intensify the promotion of good varieties, good opportunities and good methods, work hard in intensive cultivation, and further increase the yield per unit and quality of grain. In this way, growing grain can be a way to become rich, and more farmers will be attracted to participate in the development of large-scale modern agriculture, and a steady and solid path will be paved for agricultural modernization with Chinese characteristics.

Xi then visited the home of Dai Hong, a major grain producer, to see whether agricultural machinery and other materials are ready for spring ploughing, and then went to the village's service center for Party members and villagers to learn about what has been done to ease burdens on grassroots and improve the efficiency of primary-level governance. He pointed out that work must be done to rectify pointless formalities and bureaucratism, and the government should be streamlined so that a good job can be done in this regard. He encouraged grassroots officials to pool collective wisdom and efforts for industrial development and rural governance, so that they can constantly make achievements that win villagers' approval.

When he was leaving, villagers crowded around to bid farewell to the general secretary. Xi told them with deep feeling that the CPC Central Committee attaches great importance to the work of agriculture, rural areas and farmers, will definitely take practical and effective policies and measures to respond to the concerns and needs of the people, and turn the beautiful blueprint of rural revitalization into reality. The applause from villagers reverberated through the village.

On the morning of March 21, Xi was briefed on the work of the province by the CPC Hunan Provincial Committee and the provincial government, and he affirmed what the province has achieved in various aspects of its work.

Xi noted that scientific and technological innovation is the core element for developing new quality productive forces. It is imperative to work harder on promoting industrial innovation through technological innovation, proactively align with the force of national strategic science and technology, and introduce first-class research and development institutions both at home and abroad, so as to boost the country's own innovation capacity in key areas. The principal role of enterprises in innovation should be reinforced, and deeper integration of the innovation, industrial, capital and talent chains should be promoted to speed up transforming scientific and technological achievements into productive forces. With a focus on industries where the country excels, it is essential to strengthen industrial foundation re-engineering and research on major technologies and equipment, and continue to strengthen and expand the advanced manufacturing sector to move the industries toward high-end, smart and green production and create industrial clusters at a national level.

Xi stressed that a problem-oriented approach should be adopted when further deepening reform in all respects, and efforts should focus on overcoming the bottlenecks and obstacles constraining the creation of a new development paradigm and the promotion of high-quality development, responding to the challenges and difficulties regarding the environment for development and people's well-being, and addressing the central and hot issues that go against social fairness and justice. Major risks must be effectively prevented and mitigated. As a result, we will keep providing impetus and vitality for economic and social development, Xi said. He called on Hunan to strengthen reform on system integration, better participate in the building of a unified national market, deeply integrate itself into the strategies of promoting the rise of the central region and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, as well as the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, steadily expand institutional opening up, do a good job in building pilot free trade zones at a high standard, and work hard to build the pioneering zone for in-depth China-Africa economic and trade cooperation.

Xi noted that promoting rural revitalization in all respects is the pivot of the work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers on the new journey of the new era. Hunan Province should shoulder the heavy task of safeguarding national food security, pay special attention to the two key factors of farmland and seed, and speed up efforts to make breakthroughs in core technologies in seed industry and agricultural machinery. Xi noted the imperative of adopting an all-encompassing approach to agriculture and food, and vigorously developing agriculture with local characteristics and agricultural product processing industry to upgrade the industrialization level of agriculture. Xi called for more efforts in promoting the integrated development of urban and rural areas, strengthening county economies, facilitating the flow of factors between urban and rural areas, and coordinating the planning of rural infrastructure and public services in a sound manner. It is a must to promote cultural and ethical advancement and the transformation of outdated rural customs. Xi stressed the necessity of optimizing the community-level governance system led by Party organizations that combines self-governance, the rule of law and the rule of virtue. It is also imperative to adhere to and develop the "Fengqiao Model" in the new era. Monitoring and assistance mechanisms should be optimized to prevent those lifted out of poverty from falling back to poverty and see that no large number of people become poverty-stricken again.

Xi stressed that Hunan Province should better undertake the new cultural mission and contribute to the development of a modern Chinese civilization. It is imperative to do a good job in the protection and utilization of the resources related to the CPC history, strengthen education in revolutionary tradition and patriotism, and guide Party officials and the public to carry forward the fine traditions and revolutionary heritage of the CPC. It is also imperative to practice core socialist values and cultivate new trends and customs for the new era. It is important to explore effective mechanisms for the integration of culture and science and technology, and accelerate the development of new forms and models of culture, so as to create more growth points for the cultural industry. Efforts should be made to promote the deep integration of culture and tourism, guard the green mountains and rivers, blue sky and clean land of the province, and transform natural scenery and humanistic flavor into the enduring appeal of tourism.

Xi pointed out that to promote high-quality development and advance Chinese modernization, it is a must to strengthen and improve Party building. It is imperative to consolidate and expand what has been achieved in the theoretical study program, establish and improve long-term mechanisms, have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, and persistently rectify pointless formalities to reduce burden on grass-roots units. Education on Party discipline should be well organized and carried out to guide all Party members and officials to learn, know, understand and abide by Party discipline. Leading officials should be urged to have a correct understanding of how power should be exercised, namely that power must be exercised fairly, in accordance with the law, for the people, and in a clean manner.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng and leading officials from relevant central Party and state departments were also on the inspection tour.

On the morning of March 20, Xi met with officers above colonel level of the armed forces stationed in Changsha. He extended sincere greetings to all officers and soldiers of Changsha-based troops on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, and had a photo taken with them. Zhang Youxia accompanied Xi during the meeting. ■

Xi calls for solid efforts to further development of central region

CHANGSHA, March 22 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday called for solid efforts to further energize the central region at a higher starting point. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while chairing a symposium on furthering the development of the central region in the new era. The symposium was held in Changsha, Central China's Hunan province. Xi delivered an important speech. Xi highlighted the central region's pivotal role as an important base for the country's grain production, energy and raw materials, modern equipment manufacturing and high-tech industry, and a comprehensive transportation hub. Xi called for synergy in promoting high-quality development and writing a new chapter in energizing the central region in the process of advancing Chinese modernization by consistently implementing a series of policies made by the CPC Central Committee in this regard.

Li Qiang, premier, Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Ding Xuexiang, vice premier, attended the symposium. They are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Zheng Shanjie, director of the National Development and Reform Commission, and Tang Dengjie, Han Jun, Yin Hong, Lou Yangsheng, Wang Menghui, and Shen Xiaoming, secretaries of the CPC provincial committees respectively of Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei, and Hunan, briefed the symposium on the endeavors to promote the development of the central region, and proposed opinions and suggestions.

Xi delivered an important speech after listening to their briefings. He pointed out that in the past five years since the last symposium on furthering the development of the central region was held, the central region's economy registered a stable growth, drivers of its innovative growth continued to strengthen, and its industrial foundation significantly improved. It made new strides in reform and opening up, and progress in social programs in all respects. Its people's living standards continuously improved, and the pace of green and low-carbon transformation was accelerated. As a result, this region's development is at a higher starting point. Xi noted that there are still many difficulties and challenges to overcome for the region's further development. They need to be seriously studied.

Xi stressed the imperative of innovation in science and technology leading that in industries to proactively cultivate and develop new quality productive forces. With the real economy as the cornerstone, Xi urged efforts to develop an advanced manufacturing sector, actively promote new industrialization, transform and upgrade traditional industries, foster emerging industries, plan ahead for future industries, and quicken pace in building a modern industrial system underpinned by advanced manufacturing. Xi highlighted the need to pay more attention to the deep integration between scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, strengthen efforts to make major technological breakthroughs, and bolster technological support for the innovative development of industries. Xi noted the need to reinforce the principal role of enterprises in innovation, establish innovation consortia with close cooperation between upstream and downstream companies, facilitate collaborative innovation by firms, universities and research institutes, and speed up the pace of translating scientific achievements into real productivity. Xi stressed the need to further promote the major technological transformation and upgrading of the manufacturing sector, as well as the large-scale equipment renewals, so as to make the manufacturing sector higher-end, smarter and greener, and inject dynamism and vitality into traditional industries.

The endeavor for further development of the central region should be better linked with the nation's other major development strategies to help the region better integrate into and support the country's new development paradigm, he said. He noted the importance for the region's development to be aligned with that of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Delta, and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and its growth to integrate and coordinate with the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt, and ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin. Measures should be taken to support phased trans-regional relocation of industries in an orderly manner and optimize industrial layout. It is imperative to advance the development of a modern transportation infrastructure system to improve the pivotal role of the central region as a central corridor. It is essential to establish and improve regional cooperation mechanisms between provinces to facilitate regional coordinated development. Xi called for efforts to further boost the development of urban clusters along the middle reaches of the Yangtze River and in the central provinces and enhance coordination and connection with urban clusters, so as to further boost the development of surrounding areas.

Xi also urged the need to promote in-depth reform and high-level opening up in a coordinated manner and consistently develop the region into a more competitive inland pacesetter for opening up. He underscored the efforts to advance reforms for the market-based allocation of production factors, refine the systems underpinning the market economy, and comprehensively clear up and rectify local protectionist practices, with a view to promoting reasonable flow and optimal allocation of various production factors across regions and further contribute to the development of a unified national market. It is essential to steadily expand institutional opening up, get deeply integrated into the development of the Belt and Road Initiative, proactively connect with the new Eurasian Land Bridge and the new western land-sea corridor, build pilot free trade zones with high standards, and build more high-standard platforms for opening up and cooperation, which will play a bigger role in connecting domestic and international economic flows. Xi noted the need to strengthen the development of a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment, which should be made more attractive to domestic and foreign factor resources. It is important to unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector. State-owned enterprises must be supported to become stronger, better and bigger, and the development environment must be further optimized for private enterprises.

Xi noted the importance of jointly advancing ecological environmental protection and green and low-carbon development, so as to accelerate the building of a beautiful central region. Hard work must be continued to prevent and control pollution, improve the ecological environment of major rivers and lakes in a systematic, comprehensive and coordinated manner, and make up for the deficiency in urban sewage collection and treatment facilities. It is imperative to promote the green and low-carbon transformation of industrial, energy and transport structures, accelerate the cultivation and expansion of green and low-carbon industries, and strengthen the conservation, intensive use and recycling of resources. Efforts should be made to optimize the compensation mechanism for horizontal ecological protection in river basins and the mechanism for realizing the value of ecological products, and advance the process of making industries ecologically friendly and developing ecological conservation industries.

Xi stressed the necessity of pursuing integrated development of urban and rural areas and taking solid steps to promote rural revitalization across the board. It is imperative to promote new urbanization with focus on county seats, ensure a balanced allocation of public resources and free flow of production factors between urban and rural areas, and extend urban infrastructure and public services to rural areas. Rural infrastructure should be further improved, and efforts are required to improve living environment in rural areas, advance agricultural operation of appropriate scale, and promote the integrated development of the first, second and tertiary industries. Rural reform should be further strengthened, and supportive policies to boost agriculture, benefit farmers and boost local economies should be improved, so as to fully unleash impetus for the development of agriculture and rural areas. Greater efforts are required to boost county economies to create new growth drivers. Greater importance should be attached to the revitalization and development of old revolutionary base areas and underdeveloped counties, towns and districts. It is essential to make up for the deficiencies of public services, foster and strengthen rural industries with local features, and strengthen the endogenous driving force for development. Monitoring and assistance mechanisms should be optimized to prevent those lifted out of poverty from falling back to poverty, and see that no large number of people become poverty-stricken again. Greater efforts are needed to revitalize rural culture and facilitate the transformation of outdated rural customs. It is also imperative to optimize the community-level governance system led by Party organizations that combines self-governance, the rule of law and the rule of virtue, apply and further develop the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in the new era, and consistently combat and root out organized crime to create a healthy social atmosphere.

Xi noted the importance of mutual support between high-quality development and high-level security, and improving the capability to ensure the security of food, energy and resources. He called for endeavors for high-quality development of functional areas for grain production, protected areas for the production of important agricultural products, and areas for producing local specialty agricultural products. He emphasized the necessity of developing a number of bases for producing, processing, and supplying green agricultural products. In this way, the stable and safe supply of important agricultural products such as grain can be secured. Xi urged efforts to upgrade the level of exploring and utilizing resources such as coal and rare earth, strengthen the security role of fossil energy such as coal, and speed up the development of new-energy systems. Importance should be attached to the mutual complementation and full integration of traditional energy and new energy.

Last but not least, Xi stressed that the Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development must strengthen the overall coordination, supervision, and guidance in this regard. Relevant departments in the central government must step up their support and put forth policies and measures through studies for promoting the development of the central region in the new era. Local Party committees and governments must shoulder primary responsibilities, resolutely implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, and promote the implementation of key tasks and major reforms. What has been achieved in the theoretical study program should be consolidated and efforts should be made to train high-caliber and professional officials who are loyal to the Party, have moral integrity and demonstrate a keen sense of responsibility, establish and optimize systems for evaluation and motivation, and motivate officials to boldly break new ground and take on responsibilities.

In his speech, Premier Li Qiang said it is imperative to conscientiously study and understand as well as put into practice the gist of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech. The growth of the central region should be given due thought in light of its role in the large picture of national development and in supporting the fostering of a new development paradigm, striving to turn its geographical and resource strengths into development advantages. The central region is urged to proactively dovetail with development strategies of other regions, actively introduce industrial innovation resources from the eastern region and strengthen its role in leading the development of the western region, thus upgrading its level of opening up. The region should consolidate its strengths and make up for its deficiencies, allowing full play to its strengths and unleashing its potential in promoting new urbanization and low-carbon development. By doing so, it can promote intra-regional cooperation and boost its overall strength and competitiveness.

Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang stated in his speech that we should thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, following closely the requirements for high-quality development to constantly make new progress in promoting the development of the central region. Innovation in science and technology should be integrated with that in industries to accelerate the development of new quality productive forces in light of local conditions. Efforts should be made to boost the capability to ensure the security of food, energy and resources, so as to realize the positive interaction between high-quality development and high-level security. It is important to promote the building of a unified national market and high-level opening up and cooperation, and continuously strengthen the endogenous force and vitality of development. Persistent endeavor should be made to protect eco-environment, providing green foundation for high-quality development.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, Wu Zhenglong and Mu Hong attended the symposium. Also present were leading officials from central Party and state departments, and leading officials of some local governments and enterprises. ■

Xi calls on political advisors to offer suggestions, build consensus for Chinese modernization

BEIJING, March 7 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited national political advisors from the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang (RCCK), the sector of science and technology, and the sector of environment and resources, who are attending the second session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on the afternoon of March 6. Xi participated in their joint group meeting, and listened to their comments and suggestions. He emphasized that political advisors from different political parties, organizations, ethnic groups, sectors, and all walks of life should focus on the major strategic tasks laid out at the 20th CPC National Congress and the arrangements made at the Central Economic Work Conference, conduct in-depth fact-finding missions, actively put forward suggestions on state affairs, and build broad consensus, so as to help advance Chinese modernization.

As International Women's Day, which falls on March 8, is approaching, Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended festive greetings and best wishes to female deputies to the National People's Congress, female members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, and female staff members, who are participating in the "two sessions," to women from all ethnic groups and all walks of life in the country, to female compatriots in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and the Taiwan region, and to Chinese women overseas.

Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, joined Xi on the visit and in the discussion. Wang and Cai are both members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

At the joint group meeting, political advisors Xia Xianpeng, Tian Hongqi, Wu Jianping, Zhao Yuliang, Huang Miansong and Hu Songqin talked about how to boost cross-Strait cooperation on industrial and supply chains, how to unswervingly promote the complete reunification of the motherland, how to leverage core internet technologies to bolster the country's strength in cyberspace as well as the country's high-quality development, how to promote the industrial application of scientific and technological innovation and the high-quality development of eco-environmental protection industries, and how to intensify the treatment of new pollutants, among other topics.

Xi listened attentively and delivered an important speech later. He said he enjoyed discussing and exchanging ideas with the political advisors, as well as listening to their opinions and suggestions. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, he extended sincere greetings to political advisors present, their fellow members from the RCCK and those from the sector of science and technology and the sector of environment and resources, and all CPPCC members.

Xi stressed that 2023 was the first year to implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress on all fronts. Adhering to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, the CPC Central Committee united and led the whole Party and Chinese people of all ethnic groups in resolutely shifting the approach to Covid-19 prevention and control, sparing no efforts to promote economic recovery and further growth, and advancing Chinese modernization with determination. As a result, China fulfilled all the main goals for its economic and social development in the past year, taking solid steps in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects. These achievements did not come easily; they were the outcome of collective and persistent endeavors of the Chinese people from all ethnic groups, and also a reflection of the dedication and wisdom of the CPPCC members.

Xi pointed out that in the past year, the RCCK carried out a theoretical study program with the theme of "consolidating foundation by strengthening cohesion and forging soul, marching forward in unity on the new journey." It actively participated in political consultation, and the deliberation and administration of state affairs. It continued to participate in the democratic supervision of ecological and environmental protection along the Yangtze River, and actively promoted cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges. Those in the scientific and technological sector actively supported and participated in the reform of the scientific and technological system, and devoted themselves to scientific and technological innovation. Those in the environment and resources sector played a positive role in promoting the green transformation of the development mode by giving full play to their professional strengths.

Xi stressed that the RCCK should further identify its positioning, allow full play to its strengths and take the initiative in the work related to Taiwan affairs. He called on the RCCK to better unite all patriotic forces that can be united both at home and abroad, and both within Taiwan and outside, so as to constantly expand the front against "Taiwan independence" and for reunification, and jointly advance China's peaceful reunification. Xi also called for efforts to actively promote exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait in sectors such as science and technology, agriculture, people-to-people contact and the development of young people, and advance integrated development in all fields across the Strait.

Xi noted that political advisors from the sector of science and technology and all the science and technology personnel should further enhance their aspiration to invigorate and build China into a thriving country through science and education. He called on them to shoulder the mission of scientific and technological innovation, strengthen basic research and basic research in applied sciences, achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and foster new drivers for developing new quality productive forces.

Xi encouraged them to put forward practical suggestions to facilitate the deepening of reform in the scientific and technological system as well as reform of systems and mechanisms for talent development. The suggestions should also help improve the appraisal system and the incentive mechanism for scientific and technological advances, so as to further stimulate the creative potential of all types of talent.

Xi called for new contributions from CPPCC members from the sector of environment and resources to strengthening eco-environmental conservation and supporting high-quality development with high-level protection. He also called for efforts to secure red lines in developing and protecting territorial space, and improve the region-specific system for eco-environmental management, so as to further consolidate the ecological foundation for high-quality development. Xi noted that efforts must be made to fully and accurately implement the guidelines for lawful, targeted, and science-based pollution control, promote green and low-carbon transition in economic and social development, strengthen conservation, efficient utilization and recycling of resources, expand the approach to realizing the value of ecological products, and actively and prudently work toward peaking carbon emissions and achieving carbon neutrality, so as to foster new growth drivers and new strengths for high-quality development.

Xi pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the CPPCC's establishment. The CPPCC should carry forward its fine traditions, bear in mind its political responsibilities, strengthen theoretical and political guidance, boost the institutional development of the specialized consultative body, and strengthen self-improvement. CPPCC members should improve themselves and their ability to perform their duties to keep breaking new ground in the work of the CPPCC and the cause of multiparty cooperation in the new era.

Shi Taifeng, Zheng Jianbang, Hu Chunhua, Wang Dongfeng, and He Baoxiang, among others, were present. ■

Xi highlights developing new quality productive forces according to local conditions

BEIJING, March 6 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, took part in the deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province to the second session of the 14th National People's Congress on the afternoon of March 5. He emphasized the need to firmly focus on the primary task of high-quality development, and develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions. Facing the latest round of scientific and technological revolutions and industrial transformations, we must seize opportunities and step up efforts to make innovations, he said. We must also cultivate and strengthen emerging industries, arrange the development of industries for the future in advance, and improve the modern industrial system. To develop new quality productive forces doesn't mean ignoring or abandoning traditional industries. The endeavors in this regard should never be in a mad scramble, and bubbles should be prevented. We should also avoid the domination of a single model, he said. Localities should adhere to the principle of proceeding from reality, building the new before discarding the old, taking measures in line with local conditions, and giving differentiated guidance. They must selectively cultivate new industries, business models and growth drivers in the light of their resource endowment, industrial foundation and scientific research conditions, among other factors. They must transform and upgrade traditional industries with new technologies and take rigorous actions to make industries higher-end, smarter, and more environmentally friendly.

The deliberation was carried out in a warm and lively atmosphere within the delegation. Cui Tiejun, Gao Jifan, Song Yan, Wu Huifang, Wu Xinming and Sun Jingnan, six deputies of the delegation, presented on how to achieve great self-reliance and strength in science and technology, promote the high-quality development of the country's photovoltaic industry, strengthen the protection and inheritance of cultural heritage, build happy villages featuring common prosperity, support the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, and promote craftsmanship. Xi joined their talks from time to time, exchanging opinions with his fellow deputies.

After listening to the deputies' presentations, Xi delivered a speech. He expressed his approval of the government work report, fully acknowledging the new progress and achievements made in Jiangsu's economic and social development. He expressed the hope that Jiangsu will have greater confidence, exert its utmost, and shoulder greater responsibilities to make even more contributions to the nation.

Xi stressed that Jiangsu possesses favorable conditions and capabilities for developing new quality productive forces. He highlighted the importance of building a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as the mainstay. It is essential for scientific and technological innovation to play a leading role in coordinating the upgrading of traditional industries, the expansion of emerging industries, and the nurturing of industries for the future. It is imperative to intensify the integration between scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, and reinforce the leading position of traditional industries. It is important to accelerate the building of internationally competitive clusters of strategic emerging industries, and make Jiangsu a major locality for the development of new quality productive forces.

Xi pointed out the necessity of planning major measures to further deepen reform on all fronts, so as to continuously inject strong impetus into the endeavor to promote high-quality development and advance Chinese modernization. To build a high-level socialist market economy, it is imperative to accelerate the improvement of basic systems underpinning the market economy such as those for property rights protection, market access, fair competition, and social credit.

It is essential to improve and implement the institutions and mechanisms to unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support and guide the development of the non-public sector, facilitate the growth of the private sector and private enterprises, and stimulate the endogenous power and innovation vitality of various business entities. Reform of systems involving science and technology, education and professional personnel should be deepened, and barriers obstructing the development of new quality productive forces should be removed. Efforts should be continued to create a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized to foster new strengths for a higher-level open economy.

Xi stressed that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, a series of coordinated regional development strategies, major regional strategies and functional zoning strategies have been implemented, playing an important supporting role in fostering a new development paradigm and promoting high-quality development. It is imperative for Jiangsu to fully integrate into and contribute to the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt and the strategy for integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta, and strengthen its alignment with the development strategies of other regions and major regional strategies to build interconnected innovation, industrial and supply chains in a broader range of areas, so that Jiangsu can better leverage its strength as a major economically developed province to drive the development of the whole region and the whole country.

Xi pointed out that efforts must be made to sustain and reinforce the positive momentum of economic recovery, and boost confidence in development across society. Party officials should be among the first to have greater confidence and take concrete and effective actions. To consolidate and expand what has been achieved in theoretical study programs, efforts must be made to establish a long-term mechanism, resolutely rectify pointless formalities and bureaucratism, effectively reduce the burden on the grassroots, spark the creativity of the entire Party and society, and boost Party officials' enterprising spirit in their work. The people-centered development philosophy should be upheld, and the people's well-being should be steadily improved in the course of pursuing development, so as to guide and encourage the broad masses to create a happy life with their own hands.

Lastly, Xi stressed that it is important to ensure workplace safety by further improving the work to detect safety hazards, strengthening early warning and monitoring, and implementing emergency measures to ensure the safety of people's lives and property.

Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, participated in the deliberation.

Mu Hong and Jiang Xinzhi, among others, were present. ■

Xi stresses high-quality development of new energy, greater contributions to building clean, beautiful world

BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held the 12th group study session on new energy technology and China's energy security on the afternoon of Feb. 29. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, while presiding over the session, stressed that energy security bears heavily on the overall economic and social development. To respond to global climate change, the international community has reached the consensus to actively develop clean energy and promote the green and low-carbon transition in economic and social development. We should follow this general trend, seize the opportunities, and intensify efforts to promote high-quality development of new energy in China. In this way, we will secure safe and reliable energy supply for advancing Chinese modernization, and make greater contributions to the building of a clean and beautiful world.

Professor Liu Jizhen, an academician with the Chinese Academy of Engineering and director of the State Key Laboratory of Alternate Electrical Power System with Renewable Energy Sources, gave a lecture on the topic and offered his advice on the related work. Members of the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau listened attentively and had a discussion.

Xi delivered an important address following the lecture and discussion sessions. He said that China has stepped up its efforts to establish a new type of energy system since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, which has continuously consolidated the foundation for energy security and provided strong support for the country's economic and social development. At the same time, it should be noted that China still faces challenges in the development of energy resources, including high pressure from energy demand, multiple constraints on energy supply as well as the arduous tasks posed by the imperative of achieving a green and low-carbon transition. The solution is to vigorously promote the development of new energy resources.

Xi stressed that China is abundant in resources such as wind power and photovoltaics, and has tremendous potential for developing new energy. Through continuous efforts and the accumulation of experience, China's new energy technologies and equipment manufacturing have led the world. China has built the world's largest environmentally clean power supply system. New-energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products are highly competitive in the international market. China has established a solid foundation for developing new energy resources, playing a significant part in driving the global energy transformation and responding to climate change.

Xi noted the need to ensure both the development of new energy and national energy security, adhere to the principle of making plans first, strengthening the top-level design, and doing a good job in overall consideration for coordinated development of the energy sector. It is imperative to properly handle the relationship between new energy and traditional energy, overall and local interests, government and market, energy development and its conservation and utilization, so as to promote the high-quality development of new energy.

Xi stressed that it is imperative to set sights on the global frontiers of energy science and technology and focus on the key fields and major needs in the sector. It is essential to choose the right path for technological innovation, leverage the strength of the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide in a joint effort to achieve breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and strengthen the application of scientific research outcomes, so as to develop energy technology and its related industries into a new growth driver to boost the upgrading of China's industries and promote the development of new productive forces.

Xi pointed out that it is imperative to respond to the needs of energy transition by building a robust infrastructure network for new energy. This includes advancing the intelligent transformation of power grid infrastructure and the construction of smart microgrids, so as to boost the grid's capability to integrate, distribute and regulate clean energy. It is also important to accelerate the building of a charging infrastructure network to support the rapid development of new energy vehicles.

Xi stressed the need to deepen international cooperation in the innovation in new energy technology. The cooperation along the new energy industrial chain should be advanced in an orderly manner to establish a new model of win-win cooperation for green and low-carbon energy transition. It is essential to get deeply involved in the transformation of international energy governance and promote the establishment of a global energy governance system that is fair, just, balanced and inclusive.

Lastly, Xi emphasized that achieving self-reliance and strength in science and technology requires not only grasping the general direction of current sci-tech development, but also giving prominence to our own imperatives, taking problem- and demand-oriented approaches, and thus promoting the efficiency and effectiveness of input in scientific and technological innovation. ■

Xi urges young officials to take on historical task on new journey

BEIJING, March 2 (Xinhua) -- The Party School of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee (National Academy of Governance) held an opening ceremony on the morning of March 1 for the training program for young and middle-aged officials for the spring semester of 2024. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, gave important instructions. He emphasized that young officials are a new force in the development of the Party's and the country's cause, and successors to the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. On the new journey, young officials, with heavy responsibilities on their shoulders and great accomplishments to make, must keep firmly in mind the Party's original aspiration and mission, strive hard to make progress and do a good job in taking on their historical mission.

Xi stressed that they should consciously and firmly believe in, and implement the Party's new theories, and keep enhancing cohesion and forging their souls with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Xi urged them to keep strengthening and cementing their faith and ideal, have a strong political standing, and effectively improve their understanding of the Marxist theory and their ability to apply it.

It is imperative for young officials to be conscious role models in practicing loyalty and honesty toward the Party, take a clear-cut stance in maintaining political integrity, and greatly improve their capacities for political judgment, thinking, and implementation. They should strictly abide by the Party's political discipline and rules, speak their minds, do solid work, be honest, and always keep aligned with the CPC Central Committee. They should also commit themselves to selfless dedication, striving to bring more benefits to the people. This requires them to put the people in the paramount position and cultivate a correct understanding of what it means to perform well. They should carry out the Party's mass line for the new era, improve their capacities for working with the people, and put their hearts and souls into addressing the pressing concerns of the people, so as to constantly increase people's sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security.

They are required to work hard and be courageous enough to shoulder responsibilities and perform their duties. They should carry out reform and innovation with determination, and have the courage and ability to carry out struggle. They should be willing and ready to take on the heaviest burdens, confront the toughest challenges, and handle the most difficult tasks, constantly opening new ground in their work by facing and solving problems head-on. They should act as strong promoters of establishing a sound political environment, and carry out thorough self-reform. They should remain frugal and humble. It is essential for them to firmly oppose pointless formalities, bureaucratism, and privilege-seeking mindsets and practices, so as to forever maintain the political integrity of uprightness and honesty as they should as members of the CPC.

Xi made it a requirement for Party organizations at all levels to work with a strong sense of political responsibility and historical mission, doing a good job in the fundamental work of cultivating more qualified successors to carry forward the cause of the Party and the country. They should optimize the mechanism of training and selecting excellent young officials on a regular basis, strictly educate, manage and supervise young officials, and continuously train and bring up reliable successors capable of taking on the great task of building China into a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation.

Xi's important instructions were conveyed at the opening ceremony. Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and a member of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening ceremony and delivered a speech.

Cai noted in his speech that General Secretary Xi's important instructions are profound and insightful and of great political, ideological, guiding and pertinent significance. They should serve to mobilize and motivate young officials to embark on a new journey and make achievements in the new era. They should function as a handbook for their healthy growth, and serve as a sound guide to ensure a good job in work related to young officials. The instructions therefore must be conscientiously studied and resolutely implemented.

Cai put forward hopes and requirements for young officials. They are as follows: strengthen theoretical study and have a good command of abilities to put theories into practice, thoroughly study and have an in-depth understanding of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as what is the most fundamental and crucial, have a good command of its scientific system, core essence and practical requirements, and turn what they have learned into what they do in performing their duties and promoting the cause of the Party and the country.

It is a must to remain loyal and honest to the Party, lay a solid political foundation, forever uphold the Party's guideline, follow the Party's will and stay committed to the Party's mission. Young officials must gain a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. They must have firm ideals and convictions, raise organizational awareness, be honest and aboveboard, and match their deeds to their words. It is important for them to foster a sincere care for and strive for the well-being of the people, stand firmly with the people, and maintain a people-centered mindset, so as to regard working for the people's well-being as the most crucial aspect of their job performance and immerse themselves in practical work to address the issues that are important to people's livelihoods. They must make efforts to actively fulfill their duties, act with a sense of responsibility, apply a realistic and pragmatic approach and make solid progress, be determined to carry out reforms and overcome difficulties, have the courage to respond to various challenges and prevent risks, and take effective measures to address real issues.

It is imperative for them to strictly observe the Party's discipline and rules, always be honest and clean, always be highly conscious of the importance to abide by the Party's rules and the country's laws, and keep the consciousness of self-examination, be prudent as if treading on thin ice and subject themselves to strict Party supervision and discipline, so as to jointly cultivate a wholesome political atmosphere of integrity. They are required to keep in mind what the Party and the people expect of them, bear the mission of the times in mind and on shoulders, and dedicate themselves to the Party, the nation and the people, so as to contribute to the great endeavor of building China into a strong country and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

Li Ganjie presided over the opening ceremony. Jiang Xinzhi and Chen Xi were present.

Trainees of the 2024 spring training program for young and middle-aged officials at the Party School participated in the opening ceremony, and leading officials from relevant central Party departments sat in on it. ■

Xi writes preface to reading materials for training of officials

BEIJING, Feb. 29 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, wrote a preface to the sixth batch of reading materials for the training of officials across the country, which will soon be published. He emphasized that Chinese modernization is a sure path for building China into a strong country and realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and advancing it will help blaze a new trail for modernization of humanity, and create a new form of human advancement. It is both an honorable historic mission and a serious test for the Party, which urgently needs to equip itself with theories to promote its solidarity and the development of its cause.

Xi noted that only a robust theoretical footing can lead to clear direction, remarkable cohesiveness and strong confidence. It is imperative for trainee officials to consolidate the gains made in the theoretical study program, keep enhancing cohesion and forging souls with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, have a good command of fundamental Marxist theories, and ensure their alignment in political standing and action through a high degree of unity in thinking, so as to comprehensively improve their political competence, leadership and working skills for advancing Chinese modernization. It is imperative to draw inspiration for forging ahead with enterprise and resolve from the Party's new theories, reinforce confidence in history and honing the ability to carry out struggle. On the new journey, it is essential to forge ahead with determination and have courage to tackle challenges, and make new achievements in the new era.

Xi stressed that it is useless to only talk about theories without putting them into practice. The relevance of learning the Party's new theories lies in applying them to practical work. Officials at all levels should carry forward the Marxist style of study that combines theory with practice, consciously master and apply the powerful ideological weapon of the Party's new theories. It is imperative to focus on the central task of building China into a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization, and continue to solve problems that hinder high-quality development, problems that the people are most concerned about, and prominent problems in Party building. It is essential to effectively guard against and defuse major risks, and work creatively to turn the grand blueprint outlined at the 20th CPC National Congress into a beautiful reality.

Xi noted that in the new era, the innovation in Party's theories and practical work has been vivid, and so should be our study. These reading materials reflect the achievements of the innovation in the new era and represent our Party's vivid practices to advance and expand Chinese modernization. Officials at all levels should do a good job in studying the reading materials and putting them into practice, and take concrete action and do solid work in advancing Chinese modernization.

The sixth batch of reading materials for the training of officials across the country was compiled under the organization of the Steering Committee for National Officials Training Materials Compilation and Review. There are altogether nine books, including four theoretical textbooks: Deep Understanding of the Decisive Significance of "Two Upholds," The Worldview and Methodology of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, Advancing the Great New Project of Party Building in the New Era, and Advancing and Expanding Chinese Modernization. Additionally, there are five Case Study Volumes on Advancing and Expanding Chinese Modernization, covering a wide range of subjects: economy; education, science and technology, and talent; politics and rule of law; culture and society; and ecological civilization and national security. These materials will be published by the People's Publishing House and the Party Building Books Publishing House. ■

Senior Party officials submit written reports on their work to CPC Central Committee and Xi

BEIJING, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) -- According to the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee's regulations, every year, members of the Political Bureau and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, members of the leading Party members groups of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council and the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and secretaries of the leading Party members groups of the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate should submit written reports on their work to the CPC Central Committee and its General Secretary Xi Jinping. Following the regulations, these officials have recently submitted their reports to the CPC Central Committee and Xi.

Xi carefully reviewed the work reports and put forth important requirements, emphasizing that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and is a crucial year for the country to fulfill the goals and tasks it set out in its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-25).

It is essential to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, said Xi.

Xi urged them to consciously maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership, to bolster confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uphold the core position of the General Secretary on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership.

It is also important for them to take the lead in consolidating and expanding the gains in the Party-wide education campaign on the study and implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and ensure the effective implementation of the decisions, plans and tasks formulated by the CPC Central Committee in order to advance Chinese modernization, Xi added.

Xi stressed the need to follow the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, and implement the requirements of pursuing progress amidst stability, promoting stability through progress, and establishing the new before casting off the old. It is essential to faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, further deepen reforms comprehensively, consolidate the positive trend of economic recovery, and continuously improve people's wellbeing.

Xi said that it is a must to establish a view of performance that benefits the people. They must set an example in implementing the Party's mass line in the new era, and rectifying the entrenched malfeasance of pointless formalities and bureaucratism, with a view to effectively alleviating the burdens at the grassroots level and advancing work by improving conduct, he added.

Xi urged them to maintain the spirit of self-reform, set an example in honesty and self-discipline, and fulfill their responsibilities of exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance. Xi required them to act on their own principal responsibilities, strengthen their political responsibility, pay more attention to key areas and grasp key issues, forge ahead with determination, do solid work, further concentrate the Party's and the country's endeavors on advancing Chinese modernization, and work together to build China into a strong country and achieve national rejuvenation. ■

Xi stresses promoting equipment renewal, trade-in of consumer goods, lowering logistics costs

BEIJING, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, chairman of the Central Military Commission and director of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs (CCFEA), presided over the fourth meeting of the CCFEA on the afternoon of Feb. 23. The meeting was held to discuss issues of large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of consumer goods, as well as the issue of effectively lowering logistics costs in the whole society. Xi made an important speech, stressing that speeding up product upgrading is an important measure for promoting high-quality development, and that efforts should be made to encourage and guide a new round of large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of consumer goods. Logistics serves as "arteries and veins" of the real economy, linking production and consumption as well as domestic and foreign trade. It is essential to effectively lower logistics costs in the entire society, boost the core competitiveness of industries, and improve the efficiency of the economy.

Present at the meeting were Li Qiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese premier and deputy director of the CCFEA, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, a member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and a member of the CCFEA, and Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese vice premier and a member of the CCFEA.

The meeting heard reports from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Commerce, and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology concerning large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of consumer goods. It also heard reports from the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Transport, and the Ministry of Commerce on lowering logistics costs in the whole society. Written reports were submitted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and China State Railway Group Co., Ltd.

It was stressed at the meeting that large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of old consumer goods will effectively boost investment and consumption, benefiting economic and social development not only for the time being but also in the long run. A combination of policies should be employed to ensure that the proportion of advanced production capacity continues to increase, that more high-quality durable consumer goods enter people's lives, that waste resources are recycled, and that the quality and level of national economic flows are significantly improved. It is essential to uphold the principle that market plays the principal role and government provides guidance. The advanced must be encouraged while the backward eliminated, and standards must be abided by to regulate the development of industries, whose upgrading should be promoted in an orderly manner.

It was noted at the meeting that it is necessary to promote the upgrading and technological innovation of various production equipment and service equipment, encourage the trade-in of traditional consumer goods such as automobiles and home appliances, and promote that of durable consumer goods. Large-scale recycling should be promoted, and efforts should be made to boost the development of a new logistics system that combines trade-in and recycling. As far as trade-in of consumer goods is concerned, the central financial authorities should coordinate with local governments, and support all links in a coordinated manner, so that consumers will get more benefits.

It was stressed at the meeting that reducing logistics costs is an important measure to improve the efficiency of the economy. The fundamental purpose of reducing logistic costs is to serve the real economy and the people, the basic prerequisite is to keep the share of manufacturing in the economy largely stable, and the main pathway is to promote structural adjustments, carry out reform, and effectively lower the costs of transportation, storage and management. It is imperative to optimize the transportation structure by enhancing the shift in the transportation of bulk goods and medium and long-distance freight from highways to railways and waterways, and deepening the comprehensive transportation system reform, so as to develop a unified, highly-efficient, competitive and orderly logistics market. Major transportation routes and corridors should also be optimized to unclog bottlenecks and improve the modern commercial distribution system. In addition, it is important to encourage the development of new logistics models integrated with the platform economy, low-altitude economy and unmanned driving, etc. It is essential to make coordinated planning of logistics hubs, optimize the construction of transportation infrastructure and the layout of major productive forces, and boost economic activities associated with airports and ports.

Members of the CCFEA attended the meeting, and leading officials of central Party and state departments sat in on the meeting. ■

Xi delivers speech at Spring Festival reception, extending festive greetings to all Chinese

BEIJING, Feb. 9 (Xinhua) -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council held the Spring Festival reception for the year of 2024 at the Great Hall of the People on the morning of Feb. 8.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a speech. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Xi extended Spring Festival greetings to the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese.

Xi emphasized that the outgoing Year of the Rabbit was the first year to implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress on all fronts. Faced with an extraordinarily complex international environment and arduous tasks in promoting reform and development, and maintaining stability, we rallied the will and strength of our people behind the quest for Chinese modernization, coordinated both domestic and international imperatives, worked hard and tenaciously, and forged ahead with fortitude, said Xi. We overcame a multitude of difficulties and challenges and made solid strides on the new journey to build China into a modern socialist country in all respects, he noted.

Li Qiang presided over the gathering. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng, among other leaders, attended the event.

In the Great Hall of the People, the banquet hall was brightly lit and radiant with festive cheer. People from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival. The air was joyous, auspicious and harmonious.

At around 10 a.m., Xi and other Party and state leaders entered the hall to lively music. They waved to the crowd and exchanged greetings and holiday wishes with them. The hall erupted into rapturous applause.

In his speech, Xi noted that over the past year, we implemented the new development philosophy on all fronts, adhered to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, decisively downgraded the level of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control, and promoted the recovery and development of the economy. The total economic output exceeded 126 trillion yuan and the grain output set a new record high, with employment and price levels remaining generally stable. China presented itself as a standout in the global context. New breakthroughs were made in scientific and technological innovation, new productive forces took shape rapidly, reform and opening up were deepened continuously, a new round of reform of the Party and state institutions was completed basically, the ecological environment was improved, and the modernization of national defense and armed forces witnessed great strides. We hosted Universiade in Chengdu and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, seeing Chinese athletes delivering outstanding performances. We made significant advances in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance and fighting against corruption, constantly consolidating a healthy political environment.

We put the people first, worked hard to ensure and improve their well-being, continued to consolidate and expand the achievements made in poverty alleviation, worked hard to address the difficulties and problems that concerned people the most, made all-out efforts to respond to natural disasters and promote post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, and maintained overall social stability. We actively supported Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into China's overall development, firmly opposed separatist moves for "Taiwan independence" and interference by external forces, and vigorously safeguarded China's sovereignty, security, and development interests. We made solid progress in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, adding certainty and positive energy to a world of change and disorder, and demonstrating our sense of responsibility for building a community with a shared future for mankind, he added.

Xi stressed that looking back at the hard work in the past year, we have gained a deeper understanding that promoting the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization is not only a bright road for the Chinese people to pursue a better and happier life, but also a just one to promote world peace and development. As long as we do not deviate from the path we follow, remain committed to our original aspirations, and are of a single mind in making consistent endeavors, we are bound to overcome all difficulties and obstacles on the road ahead and achieve success.

Xi noted that 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and is a critical year for achieving the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan. It is imperative to adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, and materialize the requirements of seeking progress while maintaining stability, promoting stability through progress and establishing the new before discarding the old. Solid efforts are also required to faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, secure both high-quality development and high-level security, give prominence to key areas, grasp key points, and forge ahead and work hard, so as to boost economic vitality, prevent and mitigate risks, improve social expectations, consolidate and promote the momentum of economic recovery, further improve people's well-being, and ensure overall social harmony and stability.

Xi stressed that it is imperative to further deepen reform across the board, work hard to overcome deep-seated institutional barriers and structural problems, and fully unlock potential for entrepreneurship and creativity among all members of society, so as to inject great vigor into Chinese modernization, which will help it surmount all difficulties and forge ahead with indomitable will.

Xi pointed out that as the totem of the Chinese nation, dragon is deemed strong, fearless, benevolent and powerful, and it not only embodies the Chinese nation's spirit of ceaselessly pursuing self-improvement, hard work and enterprise for 5,000 years, but also encapsulates the determination and aspiration of hundreds of millions of Chinese people to build China into a strong country and realize national rejuvenation. In the upcoming Year of the Dragon, we hope that people across the country embrace a spirit of vitality and determination as represented by dragon. With great momentum and ambition, we will explore new ground with hard work and dedication, collectively writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

Art workers gave a wonderful performance at the gathering.

Leading officials and retired senior officials of the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the Supreme People's Court, and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, as well as the Central Military Commission attended the gathering.

The gathering was also attended by leading officials of central Party and state departments, and the military and people's organizations, as well as leading officials of the Beijing municipal government. Also present were leading officials of the non-CPC political parties' central committees and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, representatives of personages without party affiliation, representatives of retired veterans and officials, renowned experts and scholars, and representatives from all walks of life in Beijing. ■