Xi urges continuous efforts to run people's congresses to good effect

BEIJING, Sept. 15 (Xinhua) -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC) held a grand meeting at the Great Hall of the People on the morning of Sept. 14 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the NPC. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered an important speech. He stressed the need to further firm up confidence in the path, theory, system and culture, develop whole-process people's democracy, and continuously uphold, improve and run the system of people's congresses to good effect to provide a solid institutional guarantee for the Party and the people to achieve their goals on the new journey in the new era.

Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice President Han Zheng, attended the event. The meeting was presided over by Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the NPC Standing Committee.

The meeting commenced amidst the resounding national anthem. Xi delivered an important speech. He pointed out that the system of people's congresses is the result of the arduous exploration and long-term struggles of the Chinese people under the CPC leadership. It is an entirely new political system that has grown from the Chinese soil and a great invention in the evolution of political institutions. The establishment of this system marked a great transformation in China's political system, signifying a great shift from a power structure where the power was concentrated in the hands of a few while the majority faced oppression and exploitation, to one that is led by the Party and empowers the people to govern the country as its masters.

Xi emphasized that over the past 70 years, the system of people's congresses has, under the Party's leadership, effectively ensured that our country continues to advance along the socialist path. It has demonstrated significant political advantages in guaranteeing that the Party leads the people in governing the country according to law, ensuring that the people are the masters of the country, maintaining political life that is both vibrant and orderly, promoting the rule of law in all aspects of national governance, and safeguarding long-term stability and peace. This system has provided an important institutional guarantee for creating miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. Practice has proven that the people's congress system is a sound system that accords with China's national conditions and realities, embodies the nature of socialist countries, and effectively rallies the strength of all Chinese people to advance Chinese modernization.

Xi pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, our Party has stood at a new historical juncture, gained a deep understanding of the new changes to the principal contradictions in Chinese society, actively responded to the people's new demands and aspirations for democracy and rule of law, and improved the organizational and working systems of people's congresses, making historic achievements in its work. We adhere to adapting the basic tenets of Marxism to China's specific realities and fine traditional Chinese culture, deeply grasp the laws governing the development of socialist democracy, and continuously promote theoretical and practical innovations in the system of people's congresses. Noting that the system of people's congresses is an important institutional vehicle for realizing whole-process people's democracy in China, Xi said it is imperative to uphold the CPC's leadership, adhere to the use of a system of institutions to ensure that the people run the country, exercise law-based governance on all fronts, uphold democratic centralism, and stick to the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics. Efforts must be made to modernize China's system and capacity for governance, give full play to the role of deputies to people's congresses, strengthen the self-improvement efforts of people's congresses at various levels to uphold their four-fold role as political, working, representative institutions, and institutions of state power. This series of new concepts, ideas and requirements form the Party's important thoughts on upholding and improving the system of people's congresses, providing fundamental guidance for the high-quality development of people's congresses in the new era, Xi said.

Xi emphasized the need to give full play to the role of people's congresses in ensuring full and effective implementation of the Constitution and laws. People's congresses at all levels and their standing committees must fully perform their functions, firmly safeguard the unity, dignity, and authority of the country's legal system, ensure effective implementation of the Constitution and laws, and make sure that all state organs fulfill their duties and carry out their work within the scope permitted by the Constitution and laws.

It is important that people's congresses play a leading role in legislative work, Xi said. He urges efforts to improve the legislative framework featuring guidance from Party committees, the leading role played by people's congresses, support from the government, and participation by all parties. Efforts should be made to step up legislation in key, emerging, and foreign-related fields, improve the quality of legislation, and continuously improve the socialist legal system with Chinese characteristics. He also urged efforts to accelerate the improvement of a legal system featuring equal rights, equal opportunities and fair rules for all to ensure that citizens fully enjoy their rights.

Xi emphasized the need to give full play to the key role of the oversight by people's congresses in the Party and state supervision systems. It is imperative to improve the system through which people's congresses oversee the government, the supervisory commissions, the people's courts and the people's procuratorates. Xi urged people's congresses to strengthen oversight of the implementation of the Constitution and laws, and intensify the review and oversight of government budgets and final accounts and the oversight over the management of state-owned assets and government debts. People's congresses should work to promote the implementation of the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans, and ensure that all state organs exercise their powers by law and that the legitimate rights and interests of the people are safeguarded and realized. Administrative, supervisory, adjudicatory and procuratorial organs at various levels should readily accept oversight from people's congresses and effectively fulfill their respective supervisory duties, he said.

Xi pointed out that people's congresses should play an exemplary role in maintaining close ties with the people. All state organs and their employees must foster a strong sense of service to the people, put the people above all else, and maintain close ties with them. Deputies to people's congresses shoulder the honorable duties entrusted to them by the people, Xi noted, urging them to faithfully represent the interests and will of the people, and serve as the bridge that links the Party and the state with the people. He stressed the need for all state organs to provide support for the deputies to the people's congresses to perform their duties in accordance with the law, improve the systems and mechanisms for contact with deputies, and ensure that deputies reach out to the public on a greater variety of issues and in more diversified ways.

Xi emphasized that party committees at all levels should strengthen their overall leadership over the work of the people's congresses, and support the people's congresses and their standing committees in exercising their powers and carrying out their work in accordance with the law. The leading Party members groups of the standing committees of the people's congresses at all levels should always adhere to the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, fulfill their main responsibilities for comprehensively and strictly governing the Party, and strengthen the political, ideological, organizational, work style, and disciplinary construction of the people's congresses in line with the requirement to uphold the four-fold role. They should train personnel that maintain political resolve, serve the people, respect the rule of law, promote democracy, and are diligent and responsible, and continuously improve the quality and level of the people's congress work in the new era and on the new journey.

While presiding over the meeting, Zhao Leji said that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech reviewed the glorious course of the CPC leading the Chinese people in establishing and improving the system of people's congresses, and profoundly expounded on the remarkable political advantages of the system. The speech has systematically summarized the major achievements in theoretical and practical innovations of the system in the new era, and made comprehensive arrangements and clear requirements for upholding, improving, and running the system at a new historical starting point. The speech is forward-looking and inspires people to forge ahead. It enriches and develops Xi's important thoughts on upholding and improving the system, and is a guiding document shining with the brilliance of the truth of Marxism. We must study and comprehend it earnestly and firmly implement it. We 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, and consciously 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. We must unwaveringly keep to the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics, and uphold, improve and run the system of people's congresses to good effect.

The meeting was attended by members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, vice chairpersons of the NPC Standing Committee, State Councilors, president of the Supreme People's Court, procurator general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, some vice chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, senior comrades who had assumed leading positions at the NPC Standing Committee, as well as members of the Central Military Commission in Beijing.

Approximately 3,000 people attended the meeting, including leaders from various departments of the CPC Central Committee, government, military and people's organizations as well as leading officials from Beijing, leaders of the central committees of democratic parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, representatives of non-party personages, members of the NPC Standing Committee and various special committees, senior officials from the standing committees of people's congresses at the provincial, regional and municipal levels, some NPC deputies, representatives from all walks of life in the capital, and foreign envoys in China. ■

Xi calls for deepening reform in Gansu to advance Chinese modernization

LANZHOU, Gansu/BAOJI, Shaanxi, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed in an inspection tour in Gansu Province that the province must thoroughly implement the decisions and arrangements by the Party's Central Committee on large-scale development of the western region and the ecological conservation and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin, fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, and adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability. Efforts should be made in strengthening ecological protection and restoration, accelerating green and low-carbon transformation, further comprehensively deepening reform and opening up, promoting all-round rural revitalization, strengthening livelihood security, and promoting ethnic unity, so as to accelerate the building of a happy and beautiful new Gansu, constantly break new ground of enriching the people and rejuvenating Gansu, and strive to write a Gansu chapter in Chinese modernization.

From Sept. 10 to 13, Xi, accompanied by Hu Changsheng, secretary of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee, and Ren Zhenhe, governor of Gansu, made an inspection tour to Tianshui and Lanzhou and other localities.

On the afternoon of Sept. 10, Xi visited the Fuxi Temple, a major historical and cultural site protected at the national level, in Tianshui City, where he learned about the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. He pointed out that the Fuxi Temple has a high historical and cultural value, and it is imperative to protect and pass on the precious cultural heritage, so that the wisdom and creativity of ancestors will constantly inspire future generations and enhance national pride and confidence.

On the morning of Sept. 11, Xi visited a Huaniu apple production base in the Maiji district of Tianshui City. He listened to the report of a project to divert water from the Taohe River while viewing a relevant display board, and recalled his inspection at the construction site and guiding the solution of construction problems in early 2013. Xi was delighted when he learned that nearly 6 million people had stopped using brackish water. He called for strengthening maintenance and management of the project, so that it will play a greater role in the production and life of people along the project.

Red Huaniu apples hanging on the branches showed a harvest scene. Xi went into the fruit-bearing forest and learned about the relevant planting, technology and management. He said the key to rural revitalization is industrial revitalization. After more than 70 years of cultivation and development, the brand of Huaniu apple has become more famous. He called for strengthened efforts to protect and optimize cultivation of this variety and apply new marketing models so that this specialty industry will be expanded, and more people will increase their incomes. He wished villagers a prosperous life.

Xi then visited the Maijishan Grottoes, where he carefully inspected the caves, sculptures and paintings that date back over 1,600 years, and had cordial talks with conservation and restoration personnel. He said that China's four major grottoes are the treasures of Chinese civilization, all of which have important historical and cultural value. He called on cultural relic workers to continue the "Mogao Spirit," devote themselves to protecting national treasures, and make greater contributions to promoting the inheritance and innovative development of China's traditional culture and enhancing the influence of Chinese culture.

On the afternoon of Sept. 11, Xi visited Lanzhou. At a service center for Party members and residents of Zaolinxi Community in Anning District, he inspected the comprehensive service platform, recreational and sports activities room and community canteen, meticulously asked about the role of the community's Party organizations, improvement of services for the benefit of residents and the burden reduction for grassroots units, and watched the retirees' chorus rehearsal. He also came to the adjacent Liujiapu police station to learn about the practice and effectiveness of designating police to communities. He emphasized the necessity of focusing on the practical needs of residents, especially the elderly and children, and continuously improving community services. It is imperative to adhere to and develop the "Fengqiao model" in the new era, and make more solid progress on community-level governance and social security. Work must be done to continue to take actions against the practice of formalism to reduce the burden on the grassroots units, so that grassroots cadres can devote more time and energy to serving the people.

At the home of Li Zongbiao, a retired Party member, Xi sat and chatted with Li's family. He was pleased to see three generations of the family living happily. Xi said that the people's livelihood is the top priority, and the CPC Central Committee very much cares about the happiness and well-being of the elderly. Local authorities have worked hard in providing elderly care, healthcare and community services and the work must continue and improve over time.

In a community square, residents crowded around and Xi told them that we will soon celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. Over the past 75 years, our country has made great historic achievements in its development. Now the whole Party and the people of the whole country are striving to advance Chinese modernization. We should unite more closely together and work harder to forge ahead for greater progress, he said. He extended his holiday greetings to the residents ahead of this year's Mid-Autumn Festival, wishing every household peace, health and happiness.

Later, Xi visited a section of the Yellow River near the Zhongshan Bridge in Lanzhou. During the inspection, he took a riverside walk and learned about the ecological protection of the Yellow River. Xi told the cadres and the masses present that the Yellow River is the mother river of the Chinese nation, and Lanzhou is the only provincial capital where the Yellow River runs through. He called on everyone to be grateful, to participate and fulfill their duty in the joint protection of the Yellow River, so that the mother river will continue to benefit future generations.

On the morning of Sept. 13, Xi listened to the work report from the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee and the provincial government, and affirmed the province's achievements in various work.

Gansu should promote new-type industrialization, accelerate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, strengthen and improve industries with distinctive advantages, actively develop strategic emerging industries, develop new quality productive forces in light of local conditions, and build a significant national manufacturing base for new energy and new-energy-related equipment. He also urged the province to actively cultivate modern specialty agriculture in cold and arid climate, and nurture a number of competitive agricultural brands. Efforts should also be made to promote the integrated protection and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grass and sand there, and fortify the ecological security shelter in the western part of the country, Xi said.

He stressed the need for the province to deepen reform and expand opening up with greater courage and determination, actively integrate into the building of a unified national market, deepen reform related to state assets and state-owned enterprises, and encourage and support the development of the non-public sector. Efforts should also be made to implement the people-centered new urbanization strategy effectively, enhance the comprehensive carrying capacity of the counties, expand the county economy, and promote the integrated urban and rural development. Xi urged the province to take the initiative to serve and align local development with coordinated regional development strategy, expand cross-provincial cooperation, and deeply integrate itself into high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and the construction of the new western land-sea corridor.

Xi pointed out that Gansu Province has a profound historical and cultural heritage and is rich in resources of revolutionary culture. It is necessary to carry forward the revolutionary traditions and strengthen cultural heritage protection, he said. Efforts should be made to support the Dunhuang Academy in its efforts to become an example of world cultural heritage protection and a center of Dunhuang studies, and advance the building of the national cultural parks dedicated to the Great Wall, the Long March and the Yellow River, so as to provide a powerful source of inspiration for modernization. Efforts should also be made to further integrate culture and tourism, developing the cultural tourism sector into a pillar industry, he said.

Xi emphasized the need to promote social advancement and governance and establish a solid foundation for common prosperity among all ethnic groups. It is important to pool resources to address the demands of the people and accomplish practical livelihood projects that are tangible and accessible to the people. Work must be done to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, and prevent any risk of lapsing or relapsing into poverty en masse in rural areas. Efforts should be made to promote the transformation of rural customs to cultivate a civilized rural atmosphere, continuously forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and strengthen the governance of religious affairs in accordance with the law. He emphasized efforts to ensure the basic needs of the people affected by the earthquake that struck Jishishan County are met, and advance post-disaster recovery and reconstruction, making sure the people are safe and warm during the winter. Work must be done to effectively ensure workplace safety, he said.

Xi underscored the importance of unswervingly upholding the Party's leadership and strengthening Party building. It is imperative to motivate cadres at all levels to enhance their awareness of reform and innovation, carry out Party discipline education on a regular basis to achieve long-term effectiveness, guide Party members and cadres to actively shoulder their responsibilities and take action under the premise of observing rules and disciplines and maintaining integrity, and consolidate a good political atmosphere of integrity, Xi said. Efforts are needed to strengthen primary-level Party building, he added.

On his way to Gansu, Xi, accompanied by Zhao Yide, secretary of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, and Zhao Gang, governor of Shaanxi, inspected Baoji City on the afternoon of Sept. 10. Xi visited the Baoji Bronze Ware Museum. He pointed out that China's bronze civilization has a profound and glorious history, making it unique in the annals of world civilizations. It is imperative to enhance the protection, research and promotion of bronze cultural relics, and better inspire the entire society, especially young people, to love our great motherland and Chinese civilization. Xi also inspected an ecological park along the Weihe River.

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.

He Lifeng and leading officials of relevant central and state organs also accompanied Xi on the inspection tour.

On the morning of Sept. 12, Xi met with senior officers at colonel-level and above, and representatives of model soldiers at the grassroots and civilian staff of the Chinese People's Liberation Army troops stationed in Lanzhou. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, he extended sincere greetings to all officers and soldiers and had a group photo taken with them. He Weidong accompanied Xi at the meeting. ■

Xi stresses ecological protection, high-quality development in Yellow River Basin

LANZHOU, Sept. 14 (Xinhua) -- On the afternoon of September 12, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, chaired a symposium in Lanzhou, Gansu Province on comprehensively promoting ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin and delivered an important speech. He emphasized the need to earnestly implement the guiding principles from the 20th CPC National Congress and the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, firmly grasp the strategic requirements of prioritizing protection and governance, use further comprehensive reform as a driving force, adhere to ecological priority and green development, implement water-based planning and prioritize water conservation, adapt measures to local conditions and implement targeted policies, plan comprehensively and promote coordination, so as to promote new progress in ecological protection across the basin, green transformation, high-quality development, and improvement in the people's livelihood, opening new grounds for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin.

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, and Ding Xuexiang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, attended the symposium.

At the symposium, Zheng Shanjie, head of the National Development and Reform Commission, Hu Changsheng, secretary of the CPC Gansu Provincial Committee, Zhao Yide, secretary of the CPC Shaanxi Provincial Committee, and Lou Yangsheng, secretary of the CPC Henan Provincial Committee, delivered speeches in turn, reporting on the progress of promoting ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin and offering opinions and suggestions. Leaders of other provincial-level regions attending the symposium submitted written speeches.

After listening to the speeches, Xi delivered an important speech. He pointed out that since the CPC Central Committee proposed the strategy for ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin, the ecological environment quality of the basin has steadily improved, water safety has been continuously strengthened, the foundation for energy and food security has been reinforced, and there have been many highlights in high-quality development. The ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River Basin have reached a higher starting point. However, there are still many challenges that need to be further addressed.

Xi emphasized the need to continuously improve the holistic framework of ecological protection and collaboration in the Yellow River Basin and strengthen the national ecological security barrier. The approach to river governance should be more systematic, holistic, and coordinated, promoting the construction of an integrated ecological environment governance system for upstream and downstream, deeply implementing major projects for the protection and restoration of important ecosystems, and enhancing the stability of the basin's ecological system. It is necessary to strengthen the joint prevention and control of the "Three-North" (northern, northeastern, and northwestern) Shelterbelt Forest Program to enhance overall effectiveness. The comprehensive management of subsidence coal mining areas should be enhanced and new pathways for the transformation and development of resource-dependent regions should be actively explored. Progress in the fight against pollution should be made. The management of important tributaries and key lakes and reservoirs should be strengthened, and environmental infrastructure in river and lake areas should be improved. Xi urged efforts to enhance comprehensive air pollution control, accelerate the transformation to ultra-low emissions in key industries, and vigorously promote the clean and efficient use of coal. He called for efforts to implement legal regulations on "scattered, disorderly, and polluting" enterprises and effectively manage risk sources. He urged efforts to implement fiscal, tax, financial, investment, and pricing policies and standards to support green and low-carbon development. He called for efforts to improve the mechanism for realizing the value of ecological products and explore the establishment of a basin-wide, market-oriented, and diversified ecological protection compensation mechanism.

Xi stressed the need to implement the strictest water resource protection and utilization systems to improve the level of water resource conservation and intensive use. He urged efforts to strictly adhere to the upper limits of water resource development and utilization, refine measures for determining city planning, land use, population, and production based on water availability, establish a total water use control system covering the entire basin, and scientifically allocate water resources of the Yellow River and its tributaries. He urged efforts to strengthen groundwater level management and increase efforts to address groundwater over-extraction in the middle and lower reaches. He called for efforts to enhance the protection of drinking water sources, steadily optimize and adjust the water distribution plan of 1987, and actively explore and standardize the advancement of water rights trading and fully implement the water resource fee-to-tax reform. He urged efforts to implement water-saving actions and accelerate the construction of a water-saving society.

Xi emphasized the need to improve the disaster prevention and mitigation system and keep the Yellow River harnessed. He urged efforts to improve the water-sand regulation mechanism and enhance the regulation system centered around major water conservancy projects such as key reservoirs, adhere to unified prevention and control of the Yellow River and its tributaries, advance the governance of key river sections and hazardous areas, and ensure the safety of important dikes, reservoirs, and infrastructure. He called for coordinated efforts to advance major water conservancy projects of the Yellow River, strengthen disaster monitoring and warning, and enhance emergency response coordination. He called for ramping up efforts to identify and eliminate risks, strengthen public communication and education on disaster prevention and mitigation, and conduct regular and practical joint drills.

Xi highlighted the need to push for a full transition to a green development model and to build a modern industrial system with distinctive advantages. He urged sparing no effort in ensuring the production of grain and important agricultural products, strengthening the support of agricultural sci-tech and equipment, developing appropriately scaled agricultural operations and promoting specialty and advantageous agriculture based on local conditions. He stressed building high-standard farmland that can withstand both droughts and floods, securing results in the comprehensive transformation and utilization of saline-alkali land and improving the quality of arable land. He urged optimizing the layout of major project construction to minimize the impact on surface runoff and groundwater. He called for vigorous efforts to develop green and low-carbon economy, orderly advance the planning and construction of large wind and solar power bases and power transmission corridors, and accelerate the substitution of clean energy for fossil fuels in key industries. He stressed efforts to beef up industrial technological innovation capabilities, promote upgrades for energy conservation and carbon reduction and equipment renewal in key industries, strengthen strategic emerging industries and advanced manufacturing clusters, and develop new quality productive forces based on local conditions. He stressed encouraging universities and research institutions in the region to plan and establish technology transfer and industrialization service mechanisms to enhance the coordination of the industrial and innovation chains.

Xi emphasized the need to comprehensively deepen reform and expand opening up to boost high-quality development, deeply participate in the development of a unified national market, resolutely break various forms of local protectionism, deepen the reform of state-owned assets and enterprises, and fully implement policies to promote the development and growth of the private economy. He called for developing a regional economic layout and a territorial space system characterized by complementarity between different regions and territorial spaces, with megacities pursuing connotative development and cities along the Yellow River focusing on enhancing population concentration and industrial coordination. He stressed improving major cross-provincial infrastructure systems in transportation, energy and water conservancy, advancing the construction of new infrastructure, strengthening coordination with other regional strategies, promoting the coordinated development of free trade pilot zones, actively participating in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and creating greater development opportunities through high-level opening up.

Xi said that it is necessary to coordinate the new urbanization and rural revitalization, and to steadily improve people's well-being. He urged guiding the coordinated development of large, medium and small cities and small towns, adopting an intensive and compact layout, enhancing the industrial and population carrying capacity of county towns, and alleviating the pressure on ecologically fragile areas. He called for better playing the role of county towns in connecting cities and driving rural development, and taking the lead in achieving integrated urban-rural development within the county. He stressed promoting the construction of villages on a categorized basis, and building a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in. He stressed strengthening the inclusive, basic, and bottom-line protection of livelihoods. He urged giving prominence to employment, and said both urban industrial development and rural industrial cultivation should focus on expanding employment capacity. He stressed consolidating and expanding the achievements in poverty alleviation, and forestalling any large-scale relapse into poverty. He urged fully implementing the Party's major principles and policies for work on ethnic affairs in the new era, deepening the promotion of ethnic unity and progress, administering ethnic and religious affairs in accordance with the law, and forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Xi emphasized that the Yellow River Basin is a crucial birthplace of the Chinese nation and Chinese civilization. Efforts should be made to protect and promote Yellow River culture, preserve historical and ethnic heritage, enhance the holistic and systematic protection of cultural and natural heritage, advance archaeological and other work, protect revolutionary culture resources, promote revolutionary culture, develop advanced socialist culture, fully tap the contemporary value of Yellow River culture, showcase the enterprising and tenacious spirit of the Chinese nation, integrate culture with tourism and build a Yellow River cultural tourism belt with international influence.

Xi pointed out that under the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development should strengthen overall planning and guidance, relevant central departments should take the initiative and strengthen support, and the provincial and regional Party committees and governments along the Yellow River should assume primary responsibility, give full play to the initiative of all sectors of society, work together to perform the Yellow River Cantata of the new era, and make greater contributions to advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi emphasized that all regions and departments should earnestly implement the CPC Central Committee's economic work plans and major measures, focus on economic work for the rest of the third quarter as well as the fourth quarter, and strive to achieve the annual economic and social development goals.

Ding Xuexiang stated in his speech that the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the CPC, the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and Xi's important speeches should be thoroughly studied and implemented. Ding called for adhering to ecological protection as a priority and green development, and continuously advancing the ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin to new levels. He urged regarding well-coordinated environmental conservation as a key task, advancing environmental pollution control, and accelerating the construction of a solid and strong national ecological security barrier. He also called for carefully addressing the relationship between people and water resources, fully implementing the principle of planning urban development, land use, population, and production around water resources, and scientifically allocating water resources across the basin. He stressed leveraging respective comparative advantages based on functional zoning, enhancing industrial scientific and technological innovation capabilities, and developing new quality productive forces suited to local conditions. Ding also called for efforts in comprehensively deepening reform, better participating in the construction of a unified national market, and expanding the breadth and depth of both domestic and international opening up to inject strong impetus and vitality into ecological protection and high-quality development of the Yellow River basin.

He Lifeng, Wu Zhenglong, Mu Hong and Jiang Xinzhi attended the symposium, and officials from relevant central departments and provincial-level regions also participated. ■

Xi stresses making solid progress toward building China into leading country in education

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua) -- The National Conference on Education was held in Beijing from Sept. 9 to 10. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered an important speech. He emphasized that building a leading country in education has been a long-cherished aspiration of the Chinese nation since the advent of modern times. It is a guiding task, solid foundation and strategic support for building China into a great country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. We must make solid progress toward this set goal.

Sept. 10 marks the 40th Teachers' Day in China. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended festive greetings and sincere regards to teachers and others working in the education sector across the country.

Li Qiang presided over the meeting. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Li Xi attended the meeting. Ding Xuexiang delivered concluding remarks.

In his speech, Xi pointed out that education is the foundation of building a great country and achieving national rejuvenation. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, education has been considered a task of critical importance to the future of our country and our Party. We have fully implemented the Party's education policies. We have made major decisions to fully implement the strategy of invigorating China through science and education, accelerate the modernization of education system, and set the goal of becoming a leading country in education by 2035. Efforts have been made to strengthen the Party's overall leadership over education work and constantly promote reforms in the education systems and mechanisms, leading to historic achievements and structural changes in the education cause in the new era, with solid progress made in building a leading country in education.

Xi stressed that the leading country in education we aim to build is a leading country in education of socialism with Chinese characteristics. It should have strong ideological and political leadership, talent competitiveness, scientific and technological underpinning, livelihood security, social synergy, and international influence, providing robust support for building China into a great country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts by pursuing Chinese modernization.

Xi noted that building a leading country in education is a complex, systematic endeavor. We must focus on the fundamental task of fostering virtue and educating people, with a view to the goal of nurturing a new generation of capable young people with sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills, who are builders of socialism and will carry forward the socialist cause. We must follow the path of socialism in managing schools, uphold and apply systems thinking, and correctly handle key relationships between supporting national strategies and meeting the needs of the people, between knowledge learning and well-rounded development, between cultivating talent and meeting societal needs, between adhering to rules and encouraging vitality, and between taking root in China and drawing on international experience.

Xi emphasized the importance of unswervingly using the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to educate people, and implementing the initiative to foster virtue through education for the new era. He highlighted the need to strengthen and improve ideological and political education in schools, educating and guiding young students to strengthen their belief in Marxism, conviction in socialism with Chinese characteristics and confidence in realizing national rejuvenation. Young students should be guided to stay devoted to contributing to the country and strengthening the country. They should be guided to strive courageously with a greater sense of responsibility. The successful cases of the great transformation of the new era should be consciously used, and revolutionary resources should be fully tapped in education. Efforts should be made to strengthen practice-based and online education. The use of standard Chinese language should be promoted to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation.

Xi called for coordinated implementation of the strategy for invigorating China through science and education, the workforce development strategy and the innovation-driven development strategy. Education development, scientific and technological innovation and talent cultivation should be promoted as an integrated effort. By focusing on sci-tech development and national strategic needs, innovation capacity should be improved, the layout of higher education should be optimized, and mechanisms for adjusting academic disciplines and talent cultivation models should be improved. More emphasis should be placed on basic, emerging and interdisciplinary subjects, as well as the cultivation of top-notch talent. Research cooperation between schools and enterprises should be strengthened to enable quicker transformation of sci-tech achievements into productive forces. The education system that promotes integration between vocational and general education, between industry and education should be established, and efforts should be made to cultivate high-caliber craftsmen and skilled talent.

Xi emphasized the need to adopt a people-centered approach and continuously improve the inclusiveness, accessibility and convenience of public education services so that more people can benefit from the results of education reform and development. Education resources should be better allocated across regions, with efforts to promote high-quality, balanced development of compulsory education, and to gradually narrow the gaps between urban and rural areas, different regions, schools, and groups. The achievements of "double reduction" in reducing the burden on students should be consolidated, with a focus on improving classroom teaching quality and enhancing after-school services. The national education digitization initiative should be fully implemented, with efforts to expand the coverage of high-quality education resources and improve public services for lifelong learning.

Xi also underscored the importance of implementing the initiative to enhance the morale and professionalism of teachers with the ethos of educators, emphasizing the need to strengthen the professional integrity and conduct of teachers, raise the quality of cultivating and training teachers, and cultivate a high-caliber teaching workforce for the new era. Teachers' political, social, and professional status should be elevated, their pay and welfare should be further guaranteed, and their professional dignity and legitimate rights and interests should be respected, helping teachers enjoy high social prestige and making teaching one of the most respected professions.

Xi also stressed the importance of deepening the opening up of education, balancing "bringing in" and "going global," and continuously enhancing China's international influence, competitiveness, and voice in education. International academic exchanges and cooperation on education and scientific research should be expanded, and China should actively participate in global education governance, to contribute more to the development of global education.

When presiding over the meeting, Li Qiang pointed out that General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, from a strategic perspective concerning the overall development of the Party and the country, comprehensively summarized the historic achievements and structural changes in education in the new era. The speech also systematically explained the scientific connotation and fundamental approach for building a strong education system, expounded on the major relationships that need to be properly handled in the process, and laid out the strategic tasks and major initiatives for comprehensively building a strong education system. The speech features great insight and rich connotations and carries immense political, ideological, and guiding significance, serving as a framework document to guide education work on our new journey in the new era, and providing a clear direction for building a strong education system in the new era from a strategic perspective. We must thoroughly study, understand, and implement the spirit of the speech, aligning our thinking and actions with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, and work in a pragmatic and result-oriented manner to write a new chapter in building a country leading in education.

In his closing remarks, Ding Xuexiang emphasized the need to thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, and develop 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. It is necessary to strengthen consciousness of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; stay confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and 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. The political and strategic implications of education as well as its people-centeredness must be firmly grasped, and we must unswervingly follow the path of socialist education development with Chinese characteristics. Consistent efforts should be made to educate people using Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era and develop key courses to fulfill the fundamental task of fostering virtue and educating people. Education, science and technology, and human resources should be developed in an integrated manner. Systems and mechanisms for scientific and technological innovation at the college level should be improved. The cultivation of top-notch innovative talent should be enhanced. All these will play a vital role in supporting and leading Chinese modernization. The building of a high-quality education system should be accelerated, compulsory education should be equitably developed, and pressing public concerns in education should be effectively addressed. A high-caliber, professional teaching workforce should be built, the ethos of educators should be promoted, the ability to teach and educate people should be elevated, and the pay and welfare of teachers should be enhanced to consolidate the important foundation for building a leading country in education. Comprehensive reforms should be deepened, high-level openness should be promoted, and systems and mechanisms conducive to high-quality development of education should be set up. All localities and departments must work diligently to ensure the effective implementation of the meeting's guidelines.

At the meeting, officials from the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, the Ministry of Education, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as those from Liaoning, Shanghai, Hubei, Guizhou, China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, and Peking University made presentations.

Prior to the meeting, Xi and other leaders met with representatives attending an event to mark the 40th Teachers' Day and honor model teachers and outstanding groups and institutions in the country's education sector. They shook hands and had group photos taken.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, relevant leading officials of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, state councilors, the president of the Supreme People's Court, the procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and leading officials of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attended the meeting.

The meeting was held in the form of teleconference. Participants included members of the leading group for education of the CPC Central Committee, leading officials from all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities, cities specifically designated in the state plan, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, leading officials from relevant central Party and government departments, people's organizations, and military units, as well as leading officials from some enterprises and universities under the direct auspices of the central government. ■

(FOCAC) Full text: Keynote address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at opening ceremony of 2024 FOCAC summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech titled "Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future" while attending the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday delivered a keynote address at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The following is the full text of the address:

Joining Hands to Advance Modernization and Build a Community with a Shared Future

Keynote Address by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Opening Ceremony of the Beijing Summit of

The Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Beijing, September 5, 2024

Your Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye,

Your Excellency President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, Chairperson of the African Union (AU),

Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government and Heads of Delegation,

Your Excellency Mr. António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations,

Your Excellency Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, Chairperson of the AU Commission,

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

Blossoms in spring turn into fruits in autumn, and a bumper harvest is the reward of hard work. In this season of harvest, I am delighted to gather together with so many old and new friends in Beijing to discuss grand plans for China-Africa friendship and cooperation in the new era. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend a warm welcome to you all!

The friendship between China and Africa transcends time and space, surmounts mountains and oceans, and passes down through generations. The founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2000 was a milestone in the history of China-Africa relations. Over the past 24 years, especially in the new era, China has advanced forward hand in hand with our African brothers and sisters in the spirit of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith. We stand shoulder to shoulder with each other to firmly defend our legitimate rights and interests as once-in-a-century changes sweep across the world. We get stronger and more resilient together by riding the tide of economic globalization, delivering tangible benefits to billions of ordinary Chinese and Africans. We share weal and woe in fighting natural disasters and epidemics together, creating touching stories of China-Africa friendship. We always empathize with and support each other, setting a stellar example of a new type of international relations.

Thanks to nearly 70 years of tireless efforts from both sides, the China-Africa relationship is now at its best in history. With its future growth in mind, I propose that bilateral relations between China and all African countries having diplomatic ties with China be elevated to the level of strategic relations, and that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

Modernization is an inalienable right of all countries. But the Western approach to it has inflicted immense sufferings on developing countries. Since the end of World War II, Third World nations, represented by China and African countries, have achieved independence and development one after another, and have been endeavoring to redress the historical injustices of the modernization process. As we are about to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China, we are going all out to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and pursue national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization. Africa is also awakening again, and the continent is marching in solid strides toward the modernization goals set forth in the AU's Agenda 2063. China and Africa's joint pursuit of modernization will set off a wave of modernization in the Global South, and open a new chapter in our drive for a community with a shared future for mankind.

-- We should jointly advance modernization that is just and equitable. In promoting modernization, we should not only follow the general rules, but also act in light of our national realities. China is ready to increase exchanges of governance experience with Africa, support all countries in exploring modernization paths befitting their national conditions, and help ensure equal rights and equal opportunities for all countries.

-- We should jointly advance modernization that is open and win-win. Mutually beneficial cooperation is the sunny road to the betterment of long-term and fundamental interests of all countries. China is ready to deepen cooperation with Africa in industry, agriculture, infrastructure, trade and investment, promote exemplary, high-quality Belt and Road cooperation projects, and build together a model for the delivery of the Global Development Initiative.

-- We should jointly advance modernization that puts the people first. The ultimate goal of modernization is the free and full development of human beings. China will work vigorously with Africa to promote personnel training, poverty reduction and employment, enhance the sense of gain, happiness and security of the people in the course of modernization, and ensure that all will benefit from the process.

-- We should jointly advance modernization featuring diversity and inclusiveness. Well-balanced material and spiritual advancement is a lofty objective of modernization. China will enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges with Africa, champion mutual respect, inclusiveness and coexistence of different civilizations on our way to modernization, and strive together for more fruitful outcomes under the Global Civilization Initiative.

-- We should jointly advance modernization that is eco-friendly. Green development is a hallmark of modernization in the new era. China is ready to help Africa build "green growth engines," narrow the gap in energy accessibility, adhere to the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and jointly push for the global transition to green and low-carbon development.

-- We should jointly advance modernization underpinned by peace and security. Modernization would not be possible without a peaceful and stable environment for development. China is ready to help Africa improve its capacity in safeguarding peace and stability independently, prioritize Africa in implementing the Global Security Initiative (GSI), promote mutual reinforcement of high-quality development and greater security, and work together with Africa to uphold world peace and stability.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

China and Africa account for one-third of the world population. Without our modernization, there will be no global modernization. In the next three years, China will work with Africa to take the following ten partnership actions for modernization to deepen China-Africa cooperation and spearhead the Global South modernization.

First, the Partnership Action for Mutual Learning among Civilizations. China is ready to work with Africa to build a platform for governance experience sharing, a China-Africa knowledge network for development, and 25 centers on China and Africa studies. We will make better use of Africa's leadership academies to cultivate talents for governance, and invite 1,000 members of African political parties to China to deepen exchanges of experience in party and state governance.

Second, the Partnership Action for Trade Prosperity. China will voluntarily and unilaterally open its market wider. We have decided to give all LDCs having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines. This has made China the first major developing country and the first major economy to take such a step. It will help turn China's big market into Africa's big opportunity. China will expand market access for African agricultural products, deepen cooperation with Africa in e-commerce and other areas, and launch a "China-Africa quality enhancement program." We are prepared to enter into framework agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries to provide long-term, stable and predictable institutional guarantee for trade and investment between the two sides.

Third, the Partnership Action for Industrial Chain Cooperation. China will foster industry cooperation growth clusters with Africa, push forward the Pilot Zone for In-depth China-Africa Economic and Trade Cooperation, and launch an "African SMEs empowerment program." We will build with Africa a digital technology cooperation center and initiate 20 digital demonstration projects so as to embrace together the latest round of technological revolution and industrial transformation.

Fourth, the Partnership Action for Connectivity. China is prepared to carry out 30 infrastructure connectivity projects in Africa, promote together high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and put in place a China-Africa network featuring land-sea links and coordinated development. We are ready to assist in the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area, and deepen logistics and financial cooperation for the benefit of trans-regional development in Africa.

Fifth, the Partnership Action for Development Cooperation. China is ready to release the Joint Statement on Deepening Cooperation within the Framework of the Global Development Initiative with Africa, and implement 1,000 "small and beautiful" livelihood projects. We will replenish the China-World Bank Group Partnership Facility to boost Africa's development. We support Africa in hosting the 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. We will work together with Africa to deliver more fruits of development to the two peoples.

Sixth, the Partnership Action for Health. China is ready to establish with Africa a hospitals alliance and joint medical centers. We will send 2,000 medical personnel to Africa, and launch 20 programs of health facilities and malaria treatment. We will encourage Chinese companies to invest in Africa's pharmaceutical production, and continue to do what we can to help Africa with epidemic response. We support the development of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to strengthen public health capacity in all African countries.

Seventh, the Partnership Action for Agriculture and Livelihoods. China will provide Africa with RMB1 billion yuan in emergency food assistance, build 100,000 mu (about 6,670 hectares) of standardized agriculture demonstration areas in Africa, send 500 agricultural experts, and establish a China-Africa agricultural science and technology innovation alliance. We will implement 500 programs in Africa to promote community welfare. We will also encourage two-way investment for new business operations by Chinese and African companies, enable Africa to retain added value, and create at least one million jobs for Africa.

Eighth, the Partnership Action for People-to-People Exchanges. China will implement with Africa more solidly the Future of Africa-Vocational Education Cooperation Plan, establish together an engineering technology academy, and build ten Luban Workshops. We will provide 60,000 training opportunities to Africa, mainly for women and youths. We will launch with Africa a Cultural Silk Road program as well as an initiative of cooperation on innovation in radio, TV and audio and visual programs. The two sides have agreed to designate 2026 as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.

Ninth, the Partnership Action for Green Development. China is ready to launch 30 clean energy projects in Africa, put in place meteorological early warning systems, and carry out cooperation in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief as well as biodiversity conservation. We will create a China-Africa forum on peaceful use of nuclear technology, establish together 30 joint laboratories, and collaborate on satellite remote sensing and lunar and deep-space exploration. All this is designed to help with green development in Africa.

Tenth, the Partnership Action for Common Security. China is ready to build with Africa a partnership for implementing the GSI, and make it a fine example of GSI cooperation. We will give Africa RMB1 billion yuan of grants in military assistance, provide training for 6,000 military personnel and 1,000 police and law enforcement officers from Africa, and invite 500 young African military officers to visit China. The two sides will conduct joint military exercises, training and patrol, carry out an "action for a mine-free Africa," and jointly ensure the safety of personnel and projects.

To implement the ten partnership actions, the Chinese government will provide RMB360 billion yuan of financial support through the next three years. This breaks down into RMB210 billion yuan of credit line, RMB80 billion yuan of assistance in various forms, and at least RMB70 billion yuan of investment in Africa by Chinese companies. In addition, China will encourage and support Africa in issuing panda bonds in China to enhance our results-oriented cooperation in all areas.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

The Communist Party of China held in July the successful Third Plenary Session of its 20th Central Committee, laying out systematic plans for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. This will profoundly further transform China. It will also provide new opportunities and new driving forces for African countries and for our joint pursuit of modernization.

As an African proverb goes, a friend is someone you share the path with. On the path to modernization, no one, and no country, should be left behind. Let us rally the more than 2.8 billion Chinese and African people into a powerful force on our shared path toward modernization, promote modernization of the Global South with China-Africa modernization, and write a new magnificent chapter of development in human history. Let us join hands to bring about a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress for our world.

Thank you. ■

(FOCAC) Full text: Toast by Chinese President Xi Jinping at welcoming banquet of 2024 FOCAC summit

Chinese President Xi Jinping addresses a welcome banquet for international guests attending the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 4, 2024. Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan hosted the banquet here on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Yao Dawei)

BEIJING, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, Peng Liyuan, on Wednesday hosted a banquet to welcome international guests who are in Beijing for the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The following is the full text of the toast by President Xi at the banquet.

Toast by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Welcoming Banquet of the

2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation

Beijing, September 4, 2024

Your Excellency President Bassirou Diomaye Faye,

Distinguished Colleagues and Your Spouses,

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

Good evening!

It is my great pleasure to meet you here on the eve of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). On behalf of the Chinese government and people, and in the name of my wife and myself, I extend a warm welcome to you all.

To quote a Chinese poem, "True friends always feel close to each other, no matter the distance between them." I have been to Africa 10 times and hosted many African leaders in China. All our meetings have been cordial and heartwarming. They have reinforced my belief that the China-Africa community with a shared future is built on a strong foundation, has been blessed with a good start, and enjoys broad prospects. It sets a stellar example for building a community with a shared future for mankind.

The China-Africa community with a shared future is deeply rooted in our traditional friendship. Since the mid-20th century, we have been fighting shoulder to shoulder imperialism, colonialism, and hegemonism, and advancing hand in hand along the path of development, revitalization, and modernization. China-Africa friendship remains robust and is growing stronger through generations no matter how the world changes.

The China-Africa community with a shared future thrives on the strength of win-win cooperation. Twenty-four years ago, FOCAC was born at the dawn of a new century. Through this key cooperation platform, we have together built roads, railways, schools, hospitals, industrial parks, and special economic zones. These projects have changed the lives and destiny of many people.

The China-Africa community with a shared future grows in step with the times. Following the Eighth FOCAC Ministerial Conference in Dakar in 2021, we have worked together to fully implement the nine programs and deliver on other outcomes of the meeting. We pulled together in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We maintained close cooperation and coordination on major international and regional issues. Together we have made the voice of the Global South stronger.

Friends and Distinguished Guests,

We human beings have been dreaming of a community with a shared future, and modernization is what it takes to turn our dream into reality. China and Africa have been, and remain, pioneers in building this community, and we will stay at the forefront in pursuing modernization. I am confident that as long as the 2.8 billion-strong Chinese and African people are united for this common goal, we will accomplish new and even greater feats together on the way toward modernization, spearhead the modernization drive of the Global South, and make greater contributions to a community with a shared future for mankind.

Now, I would like to propose a toast:

To the prosperity of China and African countries and the well-being of our people;

To the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and African people;

To the success of the Summit; and

To the health of all distinguished guests and your families.

Cheers! ■

Xi demands all-out efforts to carry out reform tasks

BEIJING, Aug. 30 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the sixth meeting of the Central Commission for Deepening Overall Reform on the morning of Aug. 29 and delivered an important speech. He is also director of the commission. Xi emphasized that further deepening reform comprehensively is being advanced based on the foundation of deepening reform across the board since the new era, and that it has a solid foundation and favorable conditions. It is necessary to make good use of the existing reform achievements and important experience, to emancipate the mind, seek truth from facts, keep pace with the times, take a realistic and pragmatic approach, and fully mobilize the enthusiasm of all parties to ensure the successful implementation of the reform tasks.

Li Qiang, Wang Huning, and Cai Qi attended the meeting. They are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and deputy directors of the Central Commission for Deepening Overall Reform.

The meeting reviewed and adopted a plan for central Party and state departments to implement major reform measures set in a key resolution adopted last month at the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and a guideline on implementing the strategy for upgrading pilot free trade zones.

The meeting underscored that the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee made arrangements for further deepening reform comprehensively, and put forward over 300 major reform measures. It is imperative to uphold the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee over reform and strictly enforce the system for requesting instructions and reporting. The strategic priorities and key directions of reform must be accurately grasped, and the order, pace, and timing of reform measures must be reasonably arranged. Reform should be more closely integrated with economic and social development and the implementation of landmark reform measures should be accelerated. Efforts should be made to strengthen the systematic integration of reforms, enhance the consistency of reform policy orientations, actively assess the impact of reform on economic and social development, and forge synergy between reform and development.

The implementation mechanism of reform should be optimized and coordination on major issues should be strengthened. All reform-initiating departments and participating departments should dare to shoulder responsibility, take solid steps, strengthen research and demonstration of major reforms, and formulate reform organization and implementation plans. Efforts should be made to strengthen the supervision, evaluation, and inspection of reform, and actual results and the satisfaction of the people should be the yardstick of reform, according to the meeting.

The meeting highlighted the milestone and pioneering institutional innovations introduced by the country's 22 pilot free trade zones since the 18th CPC National Congress held in 2012, which play an effective role in serving as a comprehensive pilot platform for reform and opening up. The purpose to implement the plan of the third plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the strategy for upgrading pilot free trade zones is to carry out exploration in a wider range and at a deeper level, and realize the comprehensive upgrade of institutional opening up of pilot free trade zones, and the effectiveness of systematic reform as well as the quality of an open economy.

It's necessary to adhere to the high-quality opening up as the guide and institutional innovation as the core while encouraging testing pilot programs, conducting pioneering and integrated exploration, promoting innovative development of the entire industrial chain, enhancing the overall competitiveness of foreign trade, promoting investment liberalization and facilitation, and improving the policy system that focuses on trade, investment, capital flow, transportation, free and convenient personnel exchanges, and secure and orderly flow of data. It is necessary to coordinate development and security, steadily expand opening up by making institutional improvement in rules, regulations, management and standards, and improve risk prevention and control capabilities.

Members of the Central Commission for Deepening Overall Reform and leading officials from central Party and state departments attended the meeting. ■

CPC leadership reviews measures on western region's development

BEIJING, Aug. 24 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Friday to review policies and measures to open up a new vista in the large-scale development of China's western region. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting.

The meeting noted that the large-scale development of the western region is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee. It is imperative to thoroughly understand the strategic intent of the CPC Central Committee, accurately grasp the positioning and mission of the large-scale development of the western region in promoting Chinese modernization, maintain strategic resolve, consistently implement relevant measures, focus on well-coordinated environmental conservation, large-scale opening-up, and high-quality development, and move faster to create a new pattern of development to elevate overall regional strength and sustainable development capacity.

The meeting stressed that efforts should be made to deepen reform comprehensively, further unleash and develop the productive forces, tap into and boost the vitality of society, and blaze a path of Chinese modernization that suits the realities of the region. The region must take into account the functional positioning and industrial foundation, to develop distinctive and competitive industries that leverage local strengths, enhance scientific and technological innovation capabilities, and promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. Work must be done to promote high-level environmental conservation, build a beautiful western region, coordinate the integrated conservation and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts, thoroughly carry out pollution prevention and control, and advance green and low-carbon development.

The meeting urged the western region to increase the internal driving force for development, enhance the openness of the economy, enhance capacity building for security in key areas, strengthen the guarantee capacity of energy and resources, and promote the construction of clean energy bases. It is necessary to advance the new urbanization in accordance with local conditions, make solid efforts to promote rural revitalization across the board, consolidate and expand the poverty alleviation achievements, and make sure that there will be no falling or relapsing into poverty on a large scale in rural areas. The meeting also noted that a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be forged to safeguard ethnic unity and stability in border areas. The Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development should strengthen the overall coordination, make clear specific tasks, and facilitate the fulfillment of the tasks. Relevant departments should conduct research, put forward targeted policies and measures and strive to achieve substantial results. Party committees and governments at all levels in the western region should shoulder their principal responsibilities, strive for better development, and form synergy in work. It is necessary to take steady steps forward with strong determination and persistent efforts and solidly carry out all arrangements to write a new chapter in the large-scale development of the western region.

Some other issues were also discussed at the meeting. ■

Xi urges advancing socialism with Chinese characteristics at symposium held to mark Deng Xiaoping's 120th birth anniversary

BEIJING, Aug. 23 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a symposium on the morning of Aug. 22 at the Great Hall of the People to commemorate the 120th birth anniversary of Comrade Deng Xiaoping. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), delivered an important speech. Xi emphasized that Comrade Deng Xiaoping is recognized by the entire Party, the military, and the people of all ethnic groups across the country as an outstanding leader with high prestige, a great Marxist, a great proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military strategist, diplomat, and a long-tested communist fighter. Deng was the core of the second generation of the Party's central collective leadership, the chief architect of China's socialist reform, opening up and modernization, the trailblazer of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and the principal creator of Deng Xiaoping Theory. He made significant contributions to world peace and development as a great internationalist. Deng made outstanding contributions to the Party, the people, the country, the nation, and the world. Deng's achievements have been immortalized in history and will always inspire future generations.

The symposium was attended by members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi, as well as Vice President Han Zheng. The symposium was presided over by Cai Qi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

In his speech, Xi noted that Comrade Deng Xiaoping's life was a glorious, fighting and extraordinary one. Deng made outstanding contributions to the Party-led causes of national independence and people's liberation, and to the founding of the People's Republic of China. He carried out highly effective work in establishing the socialist system and advancing socialist construction. After the end of the Cultural Revolution, as the core of the second generation of the Party's central collective leadership, Deng led the Party and the people in achieving a historic shift, drove a new leap forward in adapting Marxism to the Chinese context, broke new ground in socialist modernization, set a right path for realizing China's complete reunification, firmly upheld the splendid banner of socialism, and successfully initiated socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi emphasized that Deng's historical achievements are comprehensive and groundbreaking, with profound and lasting impact on both China and the world. Deng's lifelong journey of struggle fully demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the lofty ideals of communism and the belief in socialism with Chinese characteristics, his deep love for the people, his adherence to the principle of seeking truth from facts, his political courage in continuous innovation, his far-sighted strategic thinking, and his broad-mindedness and selflessness. We will forever remember his great historical achievements and forever revere his noble revolutionary conduct.

Xi highlighted that the most important intellectual legacy left to us by Comrade Deng Xiaoping is Deng Xiaoping Theory, which he primarily developed. Deng Xiaoping Theory represents a significant milestone in the process of adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. As we embark on a new journey of the new era, we must continue to thoroughly study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory, fully and accurately grasp its scientific essence and core principles. This involves both adhering to the major conclusions, fundamental viewpoints, and correct propositions Deng Xiaoping made based on his understanding of the laws of socialism, and correctly grasping the theory's core and essence in light of changing circumstances to solve contemporary problems. This ensures our unwavering commitment to truth and our consistent application of theory in practice.

We must always uphold Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is essential to steadfastly maintain Marxism as our guiding principle and China's fine traditional culture as our foundation, and learn from and absorb the outstanding achievements of human civilization. By continuously exploring truth and addressing the practical issues in advancing Chinese modernization, we can profoundly answer the questions posed by China, the world, the people, and the times. This will further advance the adaptation of Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times, allowing the Marxism of contemporary China and of the 21st century to shine with even greater brilliance.

Xi emphasized that the best way to honor Comrade Deng Xiaoping is to continue advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics that he initiated. We must focus on the central task of building a great country and national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization, carrying forward the legacy and striving for progress. It is essential to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, further deepen reforms comprehensively, and continuously provide robust momentum and institutional guarantees for Chinese modernization.

We must prioritize high-quality development as the primary task, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, and advance the coordinated implementation of the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy. We must move faster to build a modernized economy, work toward greater self-reliance in the science and technology sector, vigorously develop advanced socialist culture, and boost material and cultural-ethical advancement and harmony between humanity and nature.

We must adhere to the principle of putting people first, develop whole-process people's democracy, build a higher level of the rule of law in China, and ensure that development is accompanied by the safeguarding and improvement of people's livelihoods, thus making substantial progress toward common prosperity for all. We should also promote high-standard opening up to the outside world, steadily expand institutional openness, boost high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and balance openness with security to safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

We must unswervingly advance the full and rigorous self-governance of the Party, improve the system for Party self-discipline, and resolutely win the tough and protracted battle against corruption. This ensures that the Party will never change its nature, its conviction, or its character, and it is always the firm core leadership guiding the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi noted that realizing China's complete reunification has long been the aspiration of Mao Zedong, Deng Xiaoping and other members of the older generation of revolutionaries, a common will of Chinese people both at home and overseas, and an unstoppable historical trend. We should fully, faithfully, and resolutely implement the policy of "one country, two systems," under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy. We should support and promote the further integration of Hong Kong and Macao into the country's overall development, enabling them to achieve better development. We should resolutely implement the Party's overall policy framework for resolving the Taiwan question in the new era, adhere to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and oppose "Taiwan independence" to safeguard China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Xi said.

Xi stressed that China has always been a staunch force for world peace. We should always uphold peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, advance the building of a human community with a shared future, and champion humanity's shared values. We should implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, take an active role in the reform and development of the global governance system, and create new opportunities for the world with new progress in advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said.

While presiding over the meeting, Cai Qi said that General Secretary Xi's important speech profoundly reviewed the glorious, fighting, and great life of Comrade Deng Xiaoping. Xi's speech lauded the great historical achievements of Deng in leading the CPC and the Chinese people to usher in the new period of reform and opening up, and socialist modernization, in initiating socialism with Chinese characteristics, and in establishing Deng Xiaoping Theory. Xi's speech emphasized the need to faithfully study and apply Deng Xiaoping Theory, to learn from Deng's noble revolutionary demeanor, and to carry forward the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics that Deng initiated. The speech is insightful, profound, and of political, ideological and theoretical significance. It is of great importance to guiding the Party to uphold and develop socialism with Chinese characteristics under new conditions in the new era. We should earnestly study, grasp, and thoroughly implement Xi's speech, and jointly strive to build a strong country and realize national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

At the symposium, Qu Qingshan, president of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, Miao Hua, a member of the CMC and director of the Political Work Department of the CMC, and Wang Xiaohui, secretary of the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the CPC, delivered speeches in turn.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, as well as relevant leading officials from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and the CMC attended the symposium.

Also in attendance were leading officials from relevant central authorities, the Beijing municipal government and the Sichuan Provincial Committee of the CPC, representatives of central committees of non-CPC parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and personages without party affiliation, relatives of Deng Xiaoping, his former staff and representatives from his hometown, and participants of a national academic seminar to commemorate the 120th birth anniversary of Deng Xiaoping. ■

Xi meets Chinese sports delegation, hails Olympians for winning glory for country

BEIJING, Aug. 21 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with all members of the Chinese sports delegation to the 33rd Summer Olympic Games at the Great Hall of the People on the afternoon of Aug. 20. He emphasized that during the Paris Olympics, the team united as one, fought tenaciously, and courageously pursued excellence, fulfilling their mission and achieving the best results in the history of China's participation in overseas Summer Olympic Games. This accomplishment marked a dual victory in both competition results and sportsmanship, bringing honor to the nation and the people, he said. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Xi welcomed the delegation back, extended warm congratulations and sincere regards to the members, and conveyed heartfelt greetings to all comrades of the sports sector nationwide.

The meeting was also attended by Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Li Xi, who are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, as well as Vice President Han Zheng.

The Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People was filled with a festive and lively atmosphere. Around 3:20 p.m., Xi and other Party and state leaders arrived to join the members of the delegation, greeted by prolonged and enthusiastic applause from the entire room. Xi and the other leaders warmly shook hands with everyone and took group photos to commemorate the occasion.

Amid the enthusiastic applause, Xi delivered an important speech. He stated that the outstanding achievements of the Chinese sports delegation are not only a concentrated reflection of the progress and development in China's sports endeavors but also a microcosm of the accomplishments in Chinese modernization, fully demonstrating the strength of China in the new era. When the nation prospers, its sports thrive; when the country is strong, its sports are strong. The fundamental reason why China has joined the ranks of the world's leading sports nations and become a major Olympic player is the country's growing national strength. This has provided sound technological and material support for sports training as well as a good environment and broad foundation for the development of talent in various sports. In the new era and on the new journey, endeavors to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization will undoubtedly provide better conditions for and inject a strong impetus into the development of China's sports industry. China must continue to vigorously develop sports with a people-centered approach, promote the deep integration of national fitness and national health initiatives, and move constantly toward the goals of building China into a sports powerhouse and healthy nation.

Xi pointed out that the outstanding achievements of the Chinese delegation have carried forward the Chinese sports spirit and the Olympic spirit, allowing the spirit of the Chinese nation and the spirit of the times to shine together. They have vividly embodied the spirit of China in the new era. On the field, everyone kept the Party's and the people's trust in mind, with powerful pledges like "National honor always surpasses individual glory" and "I dedicate this gold medal to our great motherland." These words echoed with conviction, showcasing a deep love for the motherland and a determination to bring glory to the nation. They also demonstrated an indomitable fighting spirit, an unwavering belief in victory, the invaluable quality of teamwork, and the confident, optimistic and friendly demeanor of the new generation of Chinese youth. You have shown the world the profound heritage of China's fine traditional culture, the openness, inclusiveness and enterprising spirit of modern China, and the determination, invincible spirit and confidence of the Chinese people. The motherland and the people are proud of you and applaud your achievements.

Xi stressed that the Chinese delegation has been committed to winning gold medals for morality, conduct and integrity, and has demonstrated sportsmanship and earned broad respect and recognition, fully showcasing the image of China in the new era. On the field, everyone followed the rules, respected their opponents, referees and spectators, and maintained good sportsmanship and civilized etiquette. They remained humble in victory and resilient in defeat. They have achieved gold medals in competition, morality and sportsmanship.

Noting that preparations for the next Olympics have started, Xi expressed his hope that the country's Olympians will remain humble and make persistent efforts to improve their performance in training and competitions. Efforts should be made to further develop strengths and address weaknesses, accelerate talent development, and ensure high-quality preparations. Competitive sports and mass sports complement each other. He hoped that the Olympians will help to further enhance the overall strength of competitive sports, promote national fitness and the vigorous development of youth sports, and make new contributions to building the country into a sports powerhouse.

The meeting was also attended by Wang Yi, Liu Guozhong, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong and Chen Wu, along with leading officials from relevant central Party and state organs, as well as leading sports department officials from all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps. ■

Xi stresses enhancing Party building in instructions to central Party and state departments

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, has recently issued important instructions on how central Party and state departments should study and implement the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and promote the high-quality development of Party building. Xi noted that studying and implementing the guiding principles well is and will continue to be a major political task for the whole Party and the entire country at the present and for some time to come. As the vanguards in executing the decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, central Party and state departments should lead by example in comprehensively studying, publicizing, and putting into action the guiding principles from the plenary session.

Xi stressed that on the new journey of the new era, it is necessary for the central Party and state departments to adhere to and strengthen the overall leadership of the Party and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, deeply understand and grasp the theme, major principles, major measures and fundamental guarantees of further comprehensively deepening reform, and take the lead and set an example in further comprehensively deepening reform and promoting Chinese modernization. It is imperative to thoroughly implement the important ideas of the CPC Central Committee on Party building and the important ideas of the Party's self-reform, sum up and make good use of the practical experience of implementing the spirit of the Party building work conference of central Party and state departments, and deepen the reform of the Party building system. It is imperative to take the lead in ensuring the "Two Upholds," furthering theory study, consolidating the foundation at the primary level, and improving conduct, enforcing discipline and fighting against corruption. It is necessary to comprehensively improve the quality of Party building in central Party and state departments, lead by example in the in-depth study and implementation of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, maintaining a high degree of unity with the CPC Central Committee, and resolutely implementing its decisions and arrangements, and build these departments into role models. The Working Committee of the Central Party and State Institutions (WCCPSI) must fulfill its duties more effectively, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, and do a good job in implementing policies and plans, taking new responsibilities and making new achievements in promoting high-quality development through high-quality Party building.

The symposium on studying and implementing the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and promoting high-quality development of Party building in central Party and state departments was held in Beijing on July 31. Cai Qi, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the WCCPSI, attended the meeting, conveyed important instructions from General Secretary Xi Jinping, and delivered a speech.

Cai pointed out that the central Party and state departments should strengthen their political standing, study and implement the guiding principles from the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee and the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping. It is imperative to gain a profound understanding of the significance of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, fully understand the new ideas, new viewpoints, and new judgments put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping on comprehensively deepening reform, and gain a good command of what the resolution adopted at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee is all about, so as to align thoughts and actions with the Party Central Committee's decisions and arrangements. He emphasized the need for central Party and state departments to do what they should in fulfilling missions and tasks, firmly follow the correct political direction, make sure those in charge take responsibility, effectively implement reform measures, and adopt scientific methods. It is crucial to fully motivate Party organizations, members and officials at all levels to proactively and creatively promote reform and development, so as to implement the guiding principles from the third plenary session with a strong sense of responsibility.

He highly commended what all departments have done and achieved in recent years in implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches and directives concerning Party building in central Party and state departments. He noted that Party organizations, members and officials at all levels within central Party and state departments should enhance political loyalty and improve capabilities to do political work. They should have a thorough understanding of the decisive significance of the "Two Establishments," and constantly strengthen awareness of the "Four Consciousnesses" and "Four Confidences," thus taking the lead in ensuring the "Two Upholds."

It is essential to promote the study of the Party's new theories, improve the long-term mechanism for officials to forge inner strength, acquire wisdom, rectify conduct and improve work performance through study, and strengthen the education of and guidance on young officials so that they can play their due roles well. It is imperative to not only make up deficiencies but also improve work quality and functions to consolidate the foundation at the primary level. Efforts should be continued to combat corruption, refine the systems and mechanisms for tackling pointless formalities and bureaucratism, and establish a discipline education mechanism that combines regular study with intensive study. Responsibilities for Party building must be placed on specific persons in the departments, and the compulsory constraints of institutions must be further intensified, so as to promote the high-quality development of Party building in central Party and state departments through deepening related institutional reform. Such endeavors will provide strong guarantee for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization.

Those who took the floor at the meeting included leading officials of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Commission of Supervision, the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, All-China Federation of Trade Unions, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Science and Technology, and the General Office of the State Council.

Jiang Xinzhi was present at the meeting.

Those also present at the meeting included secretaries of the leading Party members groups (Party committees) of the relevant central Party and state departments, secretaries and executive deputy secretaries of the Party affairs committees of all central Party and state departments, and leading officials of the WCCPSI. ■

Xi calls for modernizing China's border, sea, air defense

BEIJING, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held its 16th group study session on July 30. The topic was promoting the building of modern border, sea and air defense.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the session, and delivered an important speech.

He stressed that advancing the building of modern border, sea and air defense is an inherent requirement of national defense and modernization of the military. It is the rightful approach to ensuring high-quality development with high-level security. It is of great significance to comprehensively promote the building of a strong country and the great cause of national rejuvenation through a Chinese path to modernization.

To do the work well in this regard, it is imperative to steadfastly uphold the guidance of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, focus on the overall national security and military strategy, and coordinate both domestic and international imperatives.

It is also important for those in relevant sectors to grasp the new circumstances, characteristics and requirements of the work to develop border, sea and air defense, strengthen their sense of responsibility, foster innovative ideas and measures, do solid work in implementing policies and plans, and strive towards building strong, secure and modern border, sea and air defense.

This group study session was held prior to the Army Day, which falls on Aug. 1. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission (CMC), Xi extended festive greetings to all commanders and soldiers of the People's Liberation Army, officers and soldiers of the People's Armed Police Force, civilian personnel posted in the military, and members of militia and reserve forces.

Huang Jizhong from the CMC's Joint Staff Department gave a lecture on issues concerning the building of modern border, sea and air defense and put forward suggestions. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee listened attentively and had discussions afterward.

Xi delivered an important speech after listening to the lecture and discussions. He pointed out that border, sea and air defense is important symbol of national sovereignty, crucial gateway to national security and important guarantee of national development, to which the CPC has always attached great importance.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee has consistently placed the development of border, sea and air defense in an important position in governing the country, strengthened the joint efforts of the Party, government, military, police, and civilians to consolidate the border defense, led a series of major reforms in the leadership and management system, structure of forces, and policy system concerning border, sea and air defense, commanded and carried out a series of major actions in this regard, having effectively defended China's territorial sovereignty as well as maritime rights and interests, and safeguarded national security and strategic initiative for development.

As a result, historic achievements have been made in the development of our country's border, sea and air defense. We are at a new starting point in this regard.

Xi noted that, as the world undergoes profound changes of a magnitude unseen in a century at an accelerating pace, the connotations and denotations of China's border, sea and air defense have changed dramatically, and the influencing factors have become more intricate and complex. As a result, the development of the country's border, sea and air defense is confronted with new opportunities and challenges.

It is imperative to adhere to systems thinking, strengthen overall coordination, and enhance the comprehensive capability to safeguard national sovereignty and border security.

Efforts should be made to coordinate the development of border, sea and air defense with the economic and social progress of border and coastal regions, strengthen infrastructure connectivity and collaborative construction and utilization, and establish a defense system that effectively ensures security while supporting development.

It is essential to strengthen technological empowerment, enhance the development of new methods and conditions for border, sea and air defense, and build an intelligent and multi-dimensional control system in this regard. It is also important to foster neighborly relations and pragmatic cooperation with neighboring countries to create a favorable surrounding environment for the development of border, sea and air defense.

Xi stressed that it is imperative to conscientiously implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, conduct in-depth research on major issues related to border, sea and air defense, consolidate and improve what has been achieved in reform, do a good job in fulfilling existing reform tasks, and intensify efforts to make arrangements for follow-up reform, so as to explore new ways of developing border, sea and air defense.

It is essential to ensure simultaneous actions on operation, reform and improvement, optimize the leadership management system of border, sea and air defense, refine the mechanism for military-civilian coordination, and strengthen the relevant legal system, so as to ensure that all aspects of work related to border, sea and air defense are regularized, orderly, smooth and efficient.

It is imperative to do a good job in managing the country's air traffic, and promote the healthy development of the low-altitude economy. The mode for developing civil air defense should also be optimized, and a modern civil air defense should be built.

Xi stressed that border, sea and air defense involves multiple departments and levels across both military and civilian sectors. It is imperative to strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, give full play to the strengths of the combined efforts of the Party, government, military, police, and civilian sectors in reinforcing border stability and national defense, strengthen military-civilian joint planning, task alignment and resource integration in border, sea and air defense, and improve coordination of command and action between the military, police, and civilians to see that they unite as one and make joint efforts.

It is important for the military to proactively communicate and coordinate with local governments. The relevant departments of the CPC Central Committee and central government, as well as local Party committees and governments, must strengthen awareness of national defense, diligently perform duties, and fully implement all tasks related to the development and consolidation of national defense. ■

CPC Central Committee seeks opinions, suggestions from non-CPC personages on economic work for second half of this year

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a symposium at Zhongnanhai in Beijing on July 26 to seek opinions and suggestions from leaders of the central committees of non-CPC political parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), and representatives of personages without party affiliation on the country's current economic situation and economic work for the second half of the year. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the symposium and delivered an important speech. Xi emphasized that in order to do the economic work well in the second half of the year, it is imperative to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerate the forging of a new development paradigm, develop new quality productive forces in line with local conditions, and strive to promote high-quality development. It is necessary to further deepen reform in an all-around way to promote Chinese modernization, intensify macro regulation, deepen innovation-driven development, tap the potential of domestic demand, strengthen new growth drivers and strengths, enhance the vitality of business entities, stabilize market expectations, increase public confidence, strengthen sustained economic recovery, effectively ensure and improve people's well-being, maintain social stability, and determinedly accomplish the economic and social development targets for the year.

Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang, who are all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium. Entrusted by the CPC Central Committee, Li Qiang briefed the meeting on the economic work in the first half of the year and introduced relevant considerations about the economic work for the second half of the year.

Those who took the floor at the symposium included Zheng Jianbang, chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, Ding Zhongli, chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, Hao Mingjin, chairman of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, Cai Dafeng, chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy, He Wei, chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, Jiang Zuojun, chairman of the Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party, Wu Weihua, chairman of the Central Committee of the Jiusan Society, Su Hui, chairperson of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, Gao Yunlong, chairman of the ACFIC, and Ouyang Changqiong, a representative of personages without party affiliation. They fully agreed with the CPC Central Committee's analysis and judgment of the current economic situation and its planning and considerations about the economic work for the second half of the year. They put forward opinions and suggestions on further comprehensively deepening reform, promoting high-level opening up to the outside world, consolidating the industrial and technological foundation of new quality productive forces, deepening the reform of the scientific and technological system, promoting the reform of the management of natural resources, coordinating the development of the bio-manufacturing industry, supporting the transformation and upgrading of Taiwan-funded electronic information industry on the Chinese mainland, stabilizing employment and expanding employment opportunities for young people, boosting the implementation of policies to promote consumption, assisting the healthy development of enterprises and the real estate industry, and further boosting the non-public sector's confidence in development.

After listening to their speeches, Xi delivered an important speech. He stated that in the first half of this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, facing the complex and ever-changing domestic and international situations, we withstood pressure, took proactive actions, strengthened macro regulation, deepened reform and opening up, effectively responded to risks and challenges, and as a result, the economy continued to recover and improve, and new strides were made in promoting high-quality development.

Xi emphasized that the current difficulties and challenges arising in China's economic development are issues in the course of development and transformation, which can be fully overcome through efforts. We must boost our confidence in development, maintain strategic resolve, and proactively respond to problems and challenges, thereby achieving tangible results in advancing high-quality development to boost optimism on China's economy.

Xi pointed out that in the first half of the year, central committees of the non-CPC political parties and personages without party affiliation, centering around the central tasks of the Party and country, offered valuable suggestions on developing new quality productive forces in line with local conditions, keeping the domestic flow of the economy unclogged, raising the overall effectiveness of the national innovation system, promoting the integration of artificial intelligence with economic and social development, and alleviating local fiscal difficulties. They continuously exercised democratic oversight of the ecological conservation along the Yangtze River. What they have done has provided important references for the CPC Central Committee's scientific decision-making. Xi expressed heartfelt thanks to them on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi proposed three hopes to the other political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation. First, they should further study and implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, guide all their members and the people they represent to firmly grasp the major significance, principles and measures of further comprehensively deepening reform, and transform the decisions and arrangements made by the CPC Central Committee to the common will and conscious actions of all walks of life. Second, they should continue to reinforce the common ideological and political foundation of the united front, take solid steps to align their thinking with the analysis and judgment of the economic situation by the CPC Central Committee, have a correct understanding of the current situation, as well as problems arising in reform and development, and form a synergy to prevail over various risks and challenges that lie ahead. Third, they should continue to offer ideas and do what they can for achieving economic and social development targets. Focusing on implementing the major reform measures outlined at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, addressing significant challenges in economic and social development, and conducting preliminary research and preparations for the making of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), they should conduct in-depth fact-finding missions in order to offer advice for the scientific decision-making of the CPC Central Committee.

Shi Taifeng, Liu Guozhong, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing and Wu Zhenglong, along with leading officials of relevant departments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, attended the symposium.

Non-CPC personages also present at the symposium included Shao Hong, He Baoxiang, Wang Guangqian, Qin Boyong, Zhu Yongxin, Yang Zhen, Zhang Endi, Jiang Liping, An Lijia and Li Lin. ■

CPC leadership sets out economic priorities for 2nd half of 2024

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on July 30 to analyze the current economic situation, make arrangements for economic work in the second half of the year, and review "Certain Provisions on Rectifying Pointless Formalities to Reduce Burdens on the Grassroots." Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

It was noted at the meeting that since the beginning of this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as its core, all regions and departments have risen to difficulties and taken proactive actions to deepen reform and opening up, strengthen macro regulation, and effectively respond to risks and challenges. As a result, the overall economic recovery and growth has been stable, and the upward trend has continued. The cultivation of new growth drivers and strengths has accelerated, high-quality development has been steadily promoted, and the overall social situation has remained stable.

It was pointed out at the meeting that the unfavorable conditions brought about by changes in the external environment have increased. There is a lack of effective domestic demand, economic growth shows signs of disparities, and there are still risks and hidden dangers in key areas, and difficulties in the transformation from old growth drivers to new ones. These are problems in the process of development and transformation. On the one hand, we must have a strong sense of preventing risks and prepare for worst-case scenarios to proactively respond to challenges. On the other hand, we must maintain firm strategic resolve, have greater confidence in development, and be optimistic about the bright prospects of the Chinese economy.

It was emphasized at the meeting that the task to promote reform, development and stability in the second half of the year is very heavy. It is imperative to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerate the forging of a new development paradigm, develop new quality productive forces in line with local conditions, and strive to promote high-quality development. It is necessary to further deepen reform in an all-round way to promote Chinese modernization, intensify macro regulation, deepen innovation-driven development, tap the potential of domestic demand, strengthen new growth drivers and strengths, enhance the vitality of business entities, stabilize market expectations, increase public confidence, strengthen sustained economic recovery, effectively ensure and improve people's well-being, maintain social stability, and determinedly accomplish the economic and social development targets for the year.

It was stressed at the meeting that reform should be promoted as the driving force to maintain stable growth, make structural adjustments and guard against risks. It is imperative to give full play to the leading role of economic restructuring to timely launch a number of reform measures that are ready, tangible and attainable. It is necessary to unswervingly consolidate and develop the public sector and unswervingly encourage, support, and guide the development of the non-public sector, and promote sectors under all forms of ownership to complement each other and seek common development. It is important to improve the basic system of market economy such as property rights protection, market access and bankruptcy as well as market exit, and prevent and rectify the use of administrative and criminal means by some localities to interfere in economic disputes. It is imperative to promote entrepreneurship and speed up the development of more world-class enterprises through reform, innovation and fair competition.

It was pointed out at the meeting that the implementation of macro policies should continue to be strengthened. It is imperative to intensify countercyclical regulation, implement a proactive fiscal policy and a prudent monetary policy, accelerate the comprehensive implementation of established policy measures, and have in stock and launch a batch of incremental policy measures in a timely manner. It is imperative to speed up the issuance and use of special bonds, put to good use ultra long-term special treasury bonds, support the building of the capacity for maintaining security in major strategies and key areas, and make greater efforts to promote large-scale equipment renewal and trade-in of durable consumer goods. It is imperative to optimize the structure of fiscal expenditure and make sure that basic living needs are met, salaries are paid and governments function smoothly at the primary level. Various monetary policy tools should be comprehensively utilized, financial support for the real economy should be increased, and work should be done to stabilize and reduce the overall cost of social financing. It is essential to maintain the basic stability of the RMB exchange rate at a reasonable and balanced level. It is imperative to effectively enhance the consistency of macro policy orientation and form a strong synergy of all aspects to promote high-quality development. Moreover, it is important to continue to leverage the role of major economically developed provinces in supporting the growth of the national economy.

It was noted at the meeting that the emphasis should be placed on boosting consumption to expand domestic demand, and the focus of economic policies should shift towards bringing real benefits to the people and promoting consumption. It is necessary to increase residents' income through multiple channels, enhance the capability and willingness of the medium-to-low income groups for consumption, make service consumption a major driver in the expansion and upgrading of consumption, and support consumption in cultural tourism, elderly care, childcare, domestic services and other areas. In addition, efforts should be made to further stimulate the enthusiasm of private investment, and expand effective investment.

The need was emphasized at the meeting to cultivate and expand emerging and future industries. It is imperative to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, strive for breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. Efforts must be made to support the development of "gazelle" and "unicorn" enterprises. It is a must to reinforce industry self-discipline to prevent vicious "involution" competition. Market competition mechanism must be strengthened to ensure smooth channels for the exit of outdated and inefficient production capacities.

The need was emphasized at the meeting to advance high-level opening up. It is essential to further efforts for creating a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. Steady progress should be made in expanding institutional opening up, requirements should be implemented to gradually eliminate restrictions on access for foreign investment to the manufacturing sector, and a new round of pilot measures should be carried out to expand opening up of the service sector, so as to promote the steady increase in the utilization of foreign capital. It is imperative to actively foster new growth drivers for the development of foreign trade, and expand trade in intermediate goods and green trade. It is essential to solidly advance the high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

The importance was stressed at the meeting to continuously prevent and mitigate risks in key areas. It is imperative to implement well the new policies for the stable and healthy development of the real estate market, and it is important to reduce inventory and optimize new supply of housing. The purchasing of existing commercial housing to be used as affordable housing should be actively supported. Work must be done to ensure the delivery of presold houses, and accelerate the establishment of a new model for the development of the real estate sector. It is essential to improve and implement a package of local debt-clearing plans and create conditions for speeding up efforts to defuse debt risks of local financing platforms. It is also essential to coordinate efforts to prevent risks, tighten regulation and promote development, so as to boost investors' confidence and enhance the underlying stability of the capital market.

It was noted at the meeting that solid steps should be taken to advance rural revitalization across the board, consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, and ensure that no large number of people in the rural areas become poverty-stricken again. It is imperative to strengthen farmland protection and quality improvement, and do a good job in agricultural production for a grain harvest for the whole year.

It was stressed at the meeting that efforts should be intensified to ensure and improve the people's well-being. It is imperative to strengthen the employment-first policy and deliver good results regarding providing employment support for key groups such as college graduates. It is essential to strengthen support for low-income residents and build a tightly-woven network of social security. It is imperative to do a good job in flood prevention, control and relief, secure adequate supply of electric power during the peak summer season, ensure workplace safety, and conscientiously solve issues related to food safety, social security and others. It is essential to further the fight against pollution and work prudently toward the goals of reaching peak carbon emissions and carbon neutrality. Research and preparations must be done well for the making of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

It was noted at the meeting that pointless formalities and bureaucratism are deep-seated problems which require greater efforts to address. Primary-level governments are the final stops for implementing the major decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, and therefore pointless formalities and bureaucratism should never be allowed to get in the way of their work. The Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee should persistently address this deep-rooted problem. The special working mechanism of the CPC Central Committee for rectifying pointless formalities to unburden grassroots officials of unnecessary workload must regularly supervise and inspect how work is done in this regard. All CPC central organs and central government departments, all provincial-level party committees and governments must be realistic in making work arrangements. Party committees at all levels below the provincial level must fully assume their principal responsibilities, and discipline inspection and supervision departments at all levels must strengthen their efforts in supervision and implementation of discipline and rules.

The need was stressed at the meeting to strengthen the building of systems and the efforts to make the systems work. Efforts should be coordinated to unburden grassroots officials of unnecessary workload and empower them. It is imperative to act on the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving Party conduct and its implementation rules, continuously reduce the number of meetings convened and documents issued, and regularize inspections, checks, and evaluations to effectively reduce their excessive frequency and complexity. It is crucial to strictly regulate the transfer of officials on secondment from the primary level, enhance the standardized management of government service mobile internet applications, and address "pointless formalities at one's fingertips." More efforts must be made to further clarify the rights and responsibilities of primary-level governments, facilitate the deployment of resources, services and management to the primary level, and streamline the creation of exemplary models and standard-setting activities, focusing instead on the good results such activities can yield.

Work must be done to address those prominent problems, about which Party members, general public at the primary level in particular, are gravely concerned, with swift action taken to deal with them as soon as they are identified. For those problems that are somewhat typical and widespread, concentrated efforts must be made to carry out special rectification and cleanup actions. It is important to effectively relieve the primary-level governments from the constraints of pointless formalities and bureaucratism, ensure that Party members and officials have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, take the lead in shouldering responsibility, and spend more energy on implementation of policies and plans. ■

Full text: Explanation of resolution of CPC Central Committee on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization

BEIJING, July 21 (Xinhua) -- The Explanation of the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization was made public on Sunday.

The explanation was made by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

Please see the attachment for the English translation of the full text of this document.  Enditem

Full text: Explanation of resolution of CPC Central Committee on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization

Xi chairs symposium to solicit opinions of non-CPC personages on key reform resolution

BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held a symposium on May 20 at Zhongnanhai in Beijing to solicit views and suggestions of non-CPC personages on drafting a resolution to further comprehensively deepen reform and advance Chinese modernization. The symposium was attended by leaders from the central committees of other political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), and personages with no party affiliation. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech. Xi said that the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee decided to convene the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee to discuss arrangements for further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization, and to make a resolution in this regard. The decision was made out of consideration for the new situation and new tasks faced by the Party and the country on the new journey. It was meant to thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress, make systematic planning and arrangements for further comprehensively deepening reform, and provide strong impetus and institutional guarantees for achieving the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects.

Members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang attended the symposium.

Those who took the floor at the symposium included Zheng Jianbang, chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Committee of the Chinese Kuomintang, Ding Zhongli, chairman of the Central Committee of the China Democratic League, Hao Mingjin, chairman of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, Cai Dafeng, chairman of the Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy, He Wei, chairman of the Central Committee of the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, Jiang Zuojun, chairman of the Central Committee of the China Zhi Gong Party, Wu Weihua, chairman of the Central Committee of the Jiusan Society, Su Hui, chairperson of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League, Gao Yunlong, chairman of the ACFIC, and Piao Shilong, a representative of personages without party affiliation. They fully agreed with the draft resolution of the CPC Central Committee on further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization, and agreed that it scientifically planned major measures for further comprehensively deepening reform, clarified the guiding ideology, objectives, principles and key tasks of reform at the new historical starting point, and was of great theoretical, practical and epoch-making significance. They also put forward opinions and suggestions on stimulating economic vitality, creating a new paradigm for coordinated regional development, promoting high-quality population growth, developing new quality productive forces, deepening the reform of the medical and health system, overcoming institutional barriers in talent cultivation, establishing a fin-tech system that caters to scientific and technological innovation, boosting joint efforts between state-owned and private enterprises in innovation, advancing high-level opening up, and promoting integrated development across the Taiwan Strait.

After attentively listening to their speeches, Xi delivered an important address. He first introduced the considerations of the CPC Central Committee for further deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization to be reviewed at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and drafting process of the document. He emphasized that they are consistent practices and fine traditions of the CPC Central Committee to promote democracy, draw on the wisdom of the people, and widely solicit opinions from various sectors when studying major issues and formulating documents for important meetings. Entrusted by the CPC Central Committee, the United Front Work Department sought opinions and suggestions from non-CPC personages on issues concerning the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in December last year. They put forward a lot of opinions and suggestions on what has been achieved in comprehensively deepening reform in the new era, and the general targets of work and important principles that must be followed in this regard. Their opinions and suggestions are also about targets and tasks as well as measures to be adopted in various fields in deepening reform. They also suggested on how non-CPC personages should play their roles in this regard. Xi appreciated the opinions and suggestions non-CPC personages put forward at the meeting, and extended gratitude to them on behalf of the CPC Central Committee. He said that their opinions and suggestions will be seriously studied and adopted.

Xi stressed that it is imperative for us to face problems in comprehensively deepening reform. It is imperative to be more conscious of problems, adopt a problem-oriented approach, focus on the needs for development and respond to what the people aspire for. It is essential to work hard to overcome the bottlenecks and obstacles constraining high-quality development, address the hot issues that go against social fairness and justice, respond to the challenges and difficulties regarding people's well-being, solve the prominent problems concerning Party building, and defuse risks in all areas, so as to ensure that the reform is more targeted and effective. Both the symptoms and root causes must be addressed, with focus on addressing root causes. Not only should great efforts be made in all areas, so that the reform measures will cover all prominent problems that need to be solved to advance Chinese modernization, but also should more concrete actions be taken with focus on the economy to remove deep-rooted barriers in institutions and mechanisms and address structural problems.

Xi noted that more consensus should be built to further deepen reform comprehensively. It is imperative to fully stimulate the enthusiasm, initiative and creativity of the entire Party and nation, and ensure that they are of one mind and make concerted efforts. It is necessary to encourage investigation and research, implement the Party's mass line, understand people's needs, and seek people's advice. It is imperative to respect the creativity of the people and the grass roots, strive to identify key areas where efforts should be intensified and breakthroughs made for reform from the most pressing difficulties and problems that are of great concern to the people, and boost people's sense of fulfillment and identity. It is also imperative to promote democracy, draw on the wisdom of the people, make reform policies more scientific, and strengthen the implementation of such policies.

Xi stressed that it is a must to stick to systems thinking and adopt a holistic outlook while planning and promoting reform. Efforts must be made to strengthen strategic and dialectical thinking, prioritize urgent issues, and pay more attention to system integration. It is imperative to strengthen the coordination of reform measures, promote reform measures across fields and in all aspects towards one direction, and increase overall efficiency. It is imperative for all relevant areas, departments, and sectors to jointly promote reform, and they should be resolutely prevented from going their own ways and constraining each other.

Xi pointed out that reform requires careful planning and even more importantly, effective implementation of plans and policies. It is essential to hammer away at implementing policies and plans for reform. Officials should have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well and come up with down-to-earth and effective solutions that deliver real results. It is imperative to resolutely prevent and overcome pointless formalities, and avoid engaging in vanity projects that are only for show and projects for personal political gains that waste money and manpower. Efforts should be made to formulate a sound plan for appropriately and timely implementing policies in a targeted way, do the best and act within capabilities, and avoid being divorced from reality. It is imperative to stay true to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, and pay attention to establishing the new before abolishing the old, and not the other way round. It is important to strengthen organizational leadership, effectively assign responsibilities, improve the ability and level of leading teams and leading officials at all levels in implementing reform measures, and ensure that the reform decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee yield results.

Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, Chen Wenqing, Wang Xiaohong, Mu Hong, and leading officials from relevant departments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attended the symposium.

Those non-CPC personages also present at the symposium included Shao Hong, He Baoxiang, Wang Guangqian, Qin Boyong, Zhu Yongxin, Yang Zhen, Zhang Endi, Jiang Liping, Fang Guanghua and Yang Huayong. ■

Full Text of Chinese president's signed article on Tajik media

DUSHANBE, July 5 (Xinhua) -- A signed article by Chinese President Xi Jinping titled "Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations" was published Friday on the Narodnaya Gazeta newspaper and the state-run Khovar News Agency upon his state visit to Tajikistan.

Following is the full text of the article:

Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations

Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

In this lovely midsummer season, I will pay a state visit to the Republic of Tajikistan at the invitation of President Emomali Rahmon. This will be my third visit to Tajikistan. I last set foot on this beautiful land five years ago. The famous Tajik poet Rudaki once said that nothing could compare to the joy of a reunion with family or friends. I look forward to my meeting with President Rahmon to jointly open up brighter prospects for China-Tajikistan relations.

China and Tajikistan, connected by mountains and rivers, share a common destiny. The ancient Silk Road bears witness to the 2,000-plus years of friendship between our two nations. Zhang Qian, a royal emissary of China's Han Dynasty (202BC-220AD), Xuanzang (Hiuen Tsang), an eminent monk of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) who travelled westward for Buddhist scriptures, and Chen Cheng, a diplomat of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) all left their footprints of friendship in Tajikistan. Sogdian merchants, travelling across the Eurasian continent, facilitated trade between China and Central Asia, West Asia, and even Europe, and made distinctive contributions to cultural exchanges and mutual learning among peoples along the Silk Road.

Thirty-two years ago, China and Tajikistan established diplomatic relations, opening a new chapter in our relations. Over the past three decades and more, China-Tajikistan relations have stood the test of the volatile international situations and maintained the momentum of sound and steady development. Our overall relationship has made a historic leap from good-neighborliness to a strategic partnership, and to a comprehensive strategic partnership. Together, we are committed to building a China-Tajikistan community with a shared future, blazing a successful path for growing relations between neighboring countries.

— China and Tajikistan treat each other with sincerity, respect and trust. We firmly support each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests, particularly independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We respect the development path that each has chosen in light of our respective national conditions. We resolutely oppose interference in internal affairs by any external force under any pretext. As always, we understand and support each other on issues related to our respective major concerns. We take pleasure in each other's progress in development and national revitalization. We have established cooperation mechanisms in key areas, which provide an important institutional guarantee for furthering bilateral relations. President Rahmon and I have met 15 times. We enjoy a good working relationship and a deep personal friendship as we jointly guide the development of China-Tajikistan relations.

— China and Tajikistan both pursue mutual benefit and win-win in cooperation. China has long been Tajikistan's largest source of investment and its major trading partner. Our two-way trade was close to 4 billion U.S. dollars in 2023, reaching another record high. Such strong momentum has continued in the first four months of this year. Tajikistan was among the first countries to participate in Belt and Road cooperation. A number of China-Tajikistan joint projects have been implemented, including a cement plant in Yavan, an agriculture technology demonstration center in Khatlon, and an agriculture and textile park in Dangara. They have helped upgrade Tajikistan's industrial technology and created thousands of local jobs. The China-Tajikistan highway and the Vahdat-Yavan railway tunnels, which are built by Chinese companies, make places along the routes more easily accessible. Premium green produce of Tajikistan such as cherries, lemons and grapes have steadily made their way to Chinese households and are quite popular among Chinese consumers. It is particularly heartening that the Tajik parliament building and government building, which President Rahmon and I jointly launched five years ago, will soon be completed. They will be new landmarks in Dushanbe and new symbols of China-Tajikistan cooperation.

— China and Tajikistan remain committed to mutual learning through friendly exchanges. The Confucius Institutes and the Luban Workshop have helped train a large number of Chinese speakers and technical personnel, who are now a vital force for the development and cooperation between our two nations. The Sino-Tajik Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine and the program of Lifeline Express International Sight Saving Mission that provides free cataract surgeries for patients in Tajikistan have contributed to public health in our two countries through a combination of traditional Chinese medicine and modern technology.

The Culture Day programs, seminars on specific subjects, student exchange programs, and the translation and publication of literature in our respective languages have helped foster greater mutual understanding and strengthened the ties between our two nations. These initiatives are akin to small streams that will ultimately converge to form a vast ocean of friendship between our two nations. There are now nine pairs of sister provinces/cities between our two countries. This is another example of how our friendship has been growing with vigor and vitality.

— China and Tajikistan treat each other with sincerity and stand in solidarity in times of challenge. In response to COVID-19, our two countries pulled together in combating the pandemic. We provided each other with a large number of medical supplies, and China sent professional medical teams to Tajikistan to assist in its COVID response. Together, we erected an ironclad line of defense against the virus. We timely consulted with each other and took actions together to resolve the issues concerning the Karasu-Kulma Pass, and ensured safe and smooth passage through the artery route of transportation and logistics. China and Tajikistan have maintained close coordination and collaboration on the international stage, supporting and responding positively to each other's major initiatives. Both of our countries firmly uphold the international system with the United Nations at its center, the international order based on international law, and the norms governing international relations underpinned by the purposes and principles of the UN Charter. We both endeavor to contribute to safeguarding international fairness and justice.

China and Tajikistan are both at a critical stage of national development and revitalization. China is pursuing high-quality development and advancing high-standard opening up. The Chinese people are working in unity to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, and to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. Tajikistan is making great strides on its path to realizing the National Development Strategy of the Republic of Tajikistan up to the period of 2030. I look forward to my meetings with President Rahmon to discuss how best to promote closer cooperation and bring our bilateral relationship to new heights.

— We need to improve the top-level design for our relationship to ensure its steady development in the right direction. We need to maintain high-level exchanges as frequently as necessary, deepen our experience sharing on governance and build stronger mutual political trust so as to always keep the relationship on the right track. We need to deepen our cooperation at all levels and in all areas, and spare no effort to implement the top-level consensus in full so as to add an enduring momentum to the China-Tajikistan relationship.

— We need to expand results-oriented cooperation to provide stronger material foundations for China-Tajikistan relations. China will work with Tajikistan to strengthen complementarity between the Belt and Road Initiative and the National Development Strategy of Tajikistan up to the period of 2030 as a concrete step to boost our respective development and revitalization. We need to consider new measures for trade promotion and expansion, accelerate the construction of the key section of the China-Tajikistan highway, and open more direct flights in response to the travel needs of our peoples. Other areas of cooperation include high and new technologies such as new energy vehicle, solar panel and satellite communication. China will import more premium produce from Tajikistan, and encourage strong Chinese companies to make more investments in Tajikistan as a step to help modernize its industrial system.

— We need to deepen security cooperation and build a strong development security shield. We need to jointly act on the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security, enhance exchange between our law enforcement and security agencies, crack down on terrorist, extremist and separatist forces such as ETIM, and prevent and combat infiltration and sabotage by terrorists and extremists. We should remain resolute in opposing any attempt by external forces to interfere in our internal affairs or to undermine regional stability, so as to provide strong and effective safeguards for the development of our countries.

— We need to promote people-to-people and cultural exchanges to strengthen public support for a lasting friendship between our two nations. We welcome more Tajik friends to China for sightseeing, academic studies, as well as investment, business and exchange opportunities. China will continue to expand cooperation with Tajikistan in such areas as culture, education, health and sports. I hope to see more exchanges between our young people and more exchanges at subnational levels. I also hope our people-to-people exchanges will be as frequent as those between relatives. The Luban Workshop, Confucius Institutes, and the Sino-Tajik Center for Traditional Chinese Medicine are expected to play a greater role. We need to accelerate the mutual establishment of cultural centers, and expand cooperation at subnational levels as steps to ensure that China-Tajikistan friendship is sustained through generations.

— We need to enhance unity and collaboration and help foster an international environment favorable for peace and development. The two sides need to step up coordination and collaboration on multilateral platforms such as the United Nations, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the China-Central Asia mechanism. We need to practice true multilateralism and promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. We need to deliver on the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, stand up for our common interests and those of other developing countries, and make our contribution to safeguarding international fairness and justice.

A Chinese poet in the Tang Dynasty once wrote, "One can enjoy a grander sight by climbing to a greater height." We from China look forward to working with our Tajik friends to draw a new blueprint for stronger China-Tajikistan friendship, write a new chapter in our mutually beneficial cooperation, and create a brighter future of our two nations. ■

Full text of Xi Jinping's speech at "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Astana

ASTANA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a speech Thursday at "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" meeting in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Joining Hands to Build a More Beautiful Home Of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Astana

Astana, July 4, 2024

Your Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,

Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to be with you in beautiful Astana. I would like to thank President Tokayev for the warm hospitality and thoughtful arrangements. Kazakhstan has done an excellent job as President of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) over the past year, and the SCO has made new progress.

As a Chinese saying goes, "No mountain or ocean can distance people who have shared aspirations." Today, we get together for our first "SCO Plus" Meeting, with good friends and new partners in the same room holding important discussions. This shows that under the new circumstances of the new era, the vision of our Organization is widely popular, and that SCO member states have friends across the world.

At present, changes of historical significance across the world during our times are unfolding in ways like never before. The international landscape is undergoing rapid transformation. A new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is advancing fast. As human civilization marches forward in big strides, factors of insecurity, instability and uncertainty are evidently increasing.

To cope with this major transformation, the key is to have the wisdom to see the changes, the ability to deal with the changes, and the courage to make changes. We need to bear in mind that we live in a community with a shared future, and always uphold the Shanghai Spirit. We need to stay firmly on the development paths that suit our respective national conditions and regional realities, and jointly build a more promising home of the SCO so that our peoples can live a peaceful, successful and happy life. To that end, I wish to propose the following:

First, we should build a common home of solidarity and mutual trust. A few days ago, China held the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. The Shanghai Spirit is consistent with the essence of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. It is the shared value of our Organization, and should be all the more cherished and faithfully observed at all times.

We need to respect the development path of respective, independent choosing, and support each other in safeguarding core interests. We need to bridge our differences, build more consensus, and enhance mutual trust through strategic communication. China proposes that SCO member states do more to share their experience on governance and hold the SCO Political Parties Forum at an appropriate time.

Second, we should build a common home of peace and tranquility. Security is a prerequisite for national development, and safety is the lifeline to happiness of the people. No matter how the international landscape changes, our Organization must hold the bottom line of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. Real security is premised on the security of all countries.

We need to have a complete set of measures under the security cooperation mechanisms, because more lines of defense will give us more protection. The SCO should move faster to build a universal center and its branches to address the challenges and threats to the security of SCO member states and the Anti-Drug Center. It should strengthen intelligence sharing and conduct joint operations to jointly safeguard security in our part of the world. As the current chair of the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure, China will do what it can to ensure the success of the Interaction-2024 joint counterterrorism exercise and other events.

Afghanistan is indispensable for the security in the region. We need to make best use of the mechanism of coordination and cooperation among Afghanistan's neighbors and other platforms to increase humanitarian support to Afghanistan, and encourage Afghanistan to establish a broad-based and inclusive political structure and embark on a path of peace and reconstruction.

Third, we should build a common home of prosperity and development. Modernization is the shared goal of all countries in the SCO. China proposes that 2025 be designated as the SCO Year of Sustainable Development so as to help us focus on fostering new forces for growth. China is ready to work with all parties to fully implement the eight major steps under high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We will promote regional cooperation through platforms such as the demonstration base for agricultural technology exchange and training, the local economic and trade cooperation demonstration area, and the ecology and environment innovation base. We will also expand local currency settlement, and actively promote the establishment of an SCO financing platform.

China welcomes all parties to use the Beidou Satellite Navigation System and participate in the development of the International Lunar Research Station. China proposes establishing an SCO digital education alliance, and is willing to provide at least 1,000 training opportunities on digital technology to fellow countries in the SCO in the next three years. We should also modernize the governance system of our Organization, improve its operation mechanisms, and boost its effectiveness.

Fourth, we should build a common home of good-neighborliness and friendship. Dialogue among civilizations is ever more important for world peace and harmony. China is ready to provide quality platforms for countries in the SCO to engage in such dialogues. It will give full play to the role of non-official organizations such as the SCO Committee on Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation. It will continue to organize events under signature programs such as the Forum on Traditional Medicine, the Forum on People-to-People Friendship, the Youth Campus, and the Youth Development Forum. It will hold a green development forum and a women's forum in Qingdao, the tourism and cultural capital of the SCO. We welcome all parties to take an active part in these events.

In the next five years, China will host 1,000 young people from countries in the SCO for exchange opportunities in China. I believe that with our joint efforts, there will be more robust interactions and mutual learning among regional countries as well as deeper understanding and friendship among our peoples.

Fifth, we should build a common home of fairness and justice. The current SCO Summit has issued the Astana Declaration, the SCO initiative on world unity for justice, harmony and development, and the statement on the principles of good-neighborliness, trust and partnership. It is a strong message of the new era, one that calls for solidarity, cooperation and justice rather than division, confrontation, and hegemonism.

We should jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, practice true multilateralism, and make global governance more just and equitable. The SCO should make its important contribution to eliminating the deficits in peace, development, security and governance.

Colleagues,

A Chinese adage reads, "Victory is ensured when people pool their strength together; Success is secured when people put their heads together." The SCO owes its success to solidarity and cooperation throughout the years. This is also naturally the inevitable way for us to respond to the changing world and open new horizons on the new journey ahead.

China will take the rotating presidency after the Astana Summit. We will work with SCO partners in the spirit of solidarity and cooperation, and join hands with more countries and international organizations that identify with the Shanghai Spirit to strive for common progress and foster brighter prospects for a community with a shared future for mankind.

Thank you. ■

Full Text of Chinese president's signed article in Kazakh media

ASTANA, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article in the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper and Kazinform International News Agency on Tuesday under the title "Staying True to Our Shared Commitment and Opening a New Chapter in China-Kazakhstan Relations" ahead of his state visit to Kazakhstan, where he will also attend the 24th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Following is the full text of the article:

Staying True to Our Shared Commitment and Opening a New Chapter in China-Kazakhstan Relations - Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

All beings are flourishing in the height of summer. I will soon pay a state visit to Kazakhstan and attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit in this vibrant season at the invitation of President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. This will be my fifth visit to your country as the President of the People's Republic of China. Kazakhstan's enchanting land, its splendid and distinctive culture, its vast and magnificent landscape, and its nice and friendly people have been most impressive. The visit offers me an opportunity to experience first hand the new progress and new changes that have been made in Kazakhstan. I look forward to meeting with President Tokayev to plan the way forward for closer China-Kazakhstan cooperation and draw a new blueprint for further growth of China-Kazakhstan relations and the SCO.

Over 2,000 years ago, Zhang Qian, a royal emissary from China led a diplomatic mission to the Western Regions, opening the door to friendship and exchanges between China and Central Asia. The ancient Silk Road, of which Zhang was a pioneer, contributed to the friendly exchanges and mutual learning between our two great nations. Over 80 years ago, Chinese musician Xian Xinghai and Kazakh composer Bakhytzhan Baikadamov met and came to know each other in Almaty. They soon became bosom friends and devoted brothers despite their different nationalities. Thirty-two years ago, China was among the first countries to recognize Kazakhstan's independence. China-Kazakhstan relations have since embarked on a new journey. The history of China-Kazakhstan friendly exchanges is a strong testament to the fact that the development of our bilateral relationship conforms to the trend of history and that of our times.

It was in Kazakhstan eleven years ago that I first proposed the initiative of the Silk Road Economic Belt, which was warmly received by people from different sectors in Kazakhstan. This marked a magnificent chapter in Belt and Road cooperation between our two countries. And the development of China-Kazakhstan relations have since entered a new stage.

Our two countries have always supported each other and have always been partners in times of challenge. Our mutual political trust has reached a new level. The China-Kazakhstan relationship has made a leap from a comprehensive strategic partnership to a permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. The two countries have agreed on to promote the pursuit of a common future in the spirit of eternal friendship, profound mutual trust and solidarity, development and prosperity. We have rendered each other firm support on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us. We respect the development path that each has chosen according to our respective national conditions. We have always been trustworthy and reliable partners and would invariably extend a helping hand and do our utmost to support each other when we were hit by disasters like floods and pandemics. Such unbreakable mutual trust and support are invaluable, forming the strongest political cornerstone that underpins our bilateral cooperation.

Our two countries have always pursued mutual benefit, win-win and coordinated development, achieving new success in results-oriented cooperation. Last year, our two-way trade registered a record high of US$41 billion. China is now Kazakhstan's largest trading partner and its top export destination. Major strategic projects including the Zhanatas wind farm, Turgusun hydropower station, and the modernization of Shymkent Oil Refinery have been completed and commissioned. China-Kazakhstan crude oil and natural gas pipelines are operating in a safe and stable manner. The "green lanes" for fast customs clearance of agricultural products are available at all border ports between the two countries, which makes green agri-products of high quality from Kazakhstan easily accessible for Chinese consumers. The potential for cooperation in new energy and transportation infrastructure has been unleashed. The transport and logistics terminal in Xi'an, the Western Europe-Western China Highway, and the China-Europe Railway Express all operate smoothly, providing a strong boost to the development of both China and Kazakhstan.

Our two countries have always helped and learned from each other and witnessed a new upsurge in people-to-people and cultural exchanges. A China-Kazakhstan agreement on mutual establishment of cultural centers has been signed. Chinese and Kazakh filmmakers have co-produced a film entitled "The Composer," which is their first co-production. Our bilateral programs for cultural cooperation, including a Chinese university campus in Kazakhstan, a Luban Workshop, and a center of traditional Chinese medicine, have been fully implemented. These institutions are now up and running. Thanks to our mutual visa-exemption arrangements, our people can visit each other as frequently as relatives do. Last year, a total of 600,000 cross-border trips were recorded. In the first quarter of this year, the number of visits in both directions amounted to 200,000 and are expected to reach a new high. Subnational cooperation is also booming, with the number of sister cities increasing to 26 pairs. The much respected and lauded ophthalmologist Dr. Saulebek Kabibekov, the "panda-man" Ruslan Tulenov, who voluntarily donated his rare type of blood in China, and the immensely popular singer Dimash Kudaibergen have become China-Kazakhstan friendship envoys in the new era.

Our two countries have always worked together in response to various challenges, and our coordination and collaboration at the international level has achieved new and tangible results. China and Kazakhstan hold similar positions on international and regional affairs. Both countries champion the vision of common, comprehensive cooperative and sustainable security. And both are committed to acting as a world peace builder, a global development contributor, and an international order defender. We have jointly created a China-Central Asia cooperation mechanism, and maintained close coordination and collaboration in the United Nations, the SCO, and the Conference on Interaction and Confidence-Building Measures in Asia, among other multilateral organizations. We have actively supported each other's constructive proposals for international cooperation, and taken resolute measures to safeguard our shared strategic, security, and development interests.

China and Kazakhstan can and will accomplish a great deal in bilateral cooperation in the years to come. I hope my visit will help renew our traditional friendship and deepen the all-round cooperation between our countries. During my visit, President Tokayev and I will meet and plan the way forward for further growth of China-Kazakhstan relations and discuss how best to take the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights.

First, our two countries need to further consolidate our political tradition of mutual support. As a Chinese saying goes, "We must be people of our word in dealing with friends." China will continue to treat our Kazakh friends with sincerity and engage them with trust. China will work with Kazakhstan to further consolidate mutual political trust, strengthen strategic communication, and firmly support each other on issues that bear on our respective core interests and are of major concern to us. As always, China will support Kazakhstan in upholding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in continuing on the development path suited to its national conditions, in implementing domestic and foreign policies in the interest of its development and prosperity, and in opposing interference in its internal affairs by any external forces. Our two countries need to always follow the four principles that hold key to the success of our cooperation, namely, mutual respect, good neighborly friendship, solidarity in trying times, and mutual benefit, so as to ensure sustained and steady growth of China-Kazakhstan relations.

Second, our two countries need to stay committed to the golden rule of mutual benefit and win-win in our cooperation. China and Kazakhstan have different yet complementary resource endowments and industries. This offers huge potential for cooperation. China stands ready to promote greater synergy between Belt and Road cooperation and the economic policies under a Just Kazakhstan at a faster pace, and further open our super-sized market to Kazakhstan so that our Kazakh friends can share the opportunities of our development. Our two countries need to deepen cooperation in traditional sectors including business, trade, industrial capacity, investment, energy, mining and agriculture, and enhance the efficiency of customs clearance at border ports. We need to ensure the high-quality operation of the China-Europe Railway Express, advance the construction of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, and make the network connecting our two countries more multidimensional, diverse and efficient. We need to significantly unleash the potential for cooperation in such high-tech areas as new energy, the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce, aviation and aerospace, and build more industrial and supply chains with high added-values, in order to inject new impetus to our cooperation.

Third, our two countries need to strengthen public support for an everlasting China-Kazakhstan friendship. A deeper and stronger China-Kazakhstan friendship is what our two peoples aspire to. It is therefore important that we carry forward such friendship and enhance mutual understanding and affinity between our peoples through a diverse range of cultural and people-to-people exchange programs. Our two countries need to ensure the success of the Luban Workshop, Confucius Institutes, and the Kazakh campus of the Northwestern Polytechnical University to foster future generations who will carry forward the China-Kazakhstan friendship. China welcomes joint education programs and joint research projects between Chinese and Kazakh higher education institutions, think tanks and research institutes. China supports closer interactions between people from all sectors across Chinese and Kazakh societies. Both countries need to encourage more twinning between our provinces and cities and more cooperation on education, tourism, archaeology, arts, and media, so as to expand the depth and scope of China-Kazakhstan cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

Fourth, our two countries need to be responsive to the accelerated changes on a scale unseen in a century that are unfolding across the world. Changes and turbulence in the global landscape pose new threats and new challenges, but also bring new opportunities and create new possibilities for all-round cooperation of mutual benefit between China and Kazakhstan. We Chinese believe that in every challenge lies an opportunity, and that challenges and opportunities are interchangeable. China stands ready to join hands with Kazakhstan in response to the changes of historic significance that are taking place in our world and in our times. We need to foster new opportunities amid crises, and open up new horizons on a shifting landscape. China will work with Kazakhstan to uphold the international system with the United Nations at its core and the international order underpinned by international law, act on true multilateralism, oppose hegemonism, power politics and bloc confrontation. We will work together to build an equal and orderly multipolar world, promote universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and bring about more positivity and certainty to world peace and stability.

Another important item on my agenda in Kazakhstan is to attend the SCO Summit. China highly commends the successful and fruitful work Kazakhstan has done in its capacity as the SCO chair to grow the influence of the organization. I have no doubt that the SCO Astana Summit will be a great success through concerted efforts of all parties and will help rally the SCO family closer and open up new prospects for SCO cooperation.

As a Chinese saying goes, "Success comes to those who share in one purpose. Triumph belongs to those who pull together in times of challenge." In Kazakhstan, people say that five fingers held together make a powerful fist, and many people working in unity form a mighty force.

China will work shoulder to shoulder with Kazakhstan on the path to national prosperity and rejuvenation. Let us jointly draw up a new blueprint for closer cooperation and open a new chapter in China-Kazakhstan friendly relations. ■