Full text of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at SCO Plus meeting

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech during the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus" meeting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BISHKEK, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday delivered a speech at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Plus Meeting in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Jointly Advocating an Equal and Orderly Multipolar World and Making Global Governance More Just and Equitable

Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus Meeting

Bishkek, September 1, 2026

Your Excellency President Sadyr Zhaparov,

Colleagues,

It gives me great pleasure to join fellow members and partners of the SCO family in celebrating the 25th anniversary of our organization. I wish to thank President Zhaparov for his kind invitation and the thoughtful arrangements by the government of Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting today focuses on strengthening the role of the United Nations and building a multipolar world, and it demonstrates SCO's commitment to reforming and improving global governance as required by our times.

Currently, major changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the globe. Hegemonism, unilateralism and protectionism are resurging against historical trends. Nevertheless, the overwhelming majority of the world do not condone power politics, conflict and confrontation, or isolation and backwardness. What they want instead is to hold a place on the world stage through national development and international cooperation. In recent years, the rise of the Global South is driving a profound shift in the international balance of power. The trend toward a multipolar world is irreversible.

What kind of multipolarity does the world need? How are countries going to take part in and promote it? The international community should build consensus and make the right choice that can stand the test of practice and history. As a responsible major country, China advocates for an equal and orderly multipolar world.

Sovereign equality and mutual respect are fundamental principles. The history of the world is written by all nations. Multipolarity, independent choice of development paths, and greater democracy in international relations are the right way forward. We should ensure equal rights, equal opportunities and equal rules for all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth. As an important part of a multipolar world and a key driving force behind it, the Global South countries ought to have greater representation and voice in international affairs.

Balance, order and the rule of law are inherent requirements. The purposes and principles of the UN Charter set the basic norms of international relations, and serve as the bedrock of the postwar international order. We should promote the common values of humanity, reject double standards, exceptionalism, foreign interference, bullying and the law of the jungle, and advance the rule of law in international relations. Major countries in particular should take the lead in observing international norms and honoring the rule of law, and work together to tackle global challenges.

Multilateralism, dialogue and consultation are essential pathways. The domination of international affairs by a few is an injustice left over from history, and global governance dictated by one, a few or a bloc of countries is not true multilateralism. World affairs should be discussed by all, and international norms should be set by all. The authority and vitality of the UN need to be restored. Multilateral mechanisms, global and regional, should enhance their coordination and improve their efficiency.

Mutual benefit, win-win, and inclusiveness are the way forward for development. Countries are not isolated islands, but partners with intertwined interests and a shared future. Protectionism, decoupling and supply-chain disruption will lead nowhere. We should focus on the development agenda, uphold openness and cooperation, and bridge the digital and AI divides, so that technological revolution and development achievements can benefit all nations.

Colleagues,

After a 25-year journey, the SCO has successfully set a stellar example in conducting relations among big countries, among neighbors, and among countries of different sizes. It has successfully brought together half of the world's population and a quarter of the global economy, generating strong driving forces for development. A more united and vibrant SCO is fully capable of making greater contributions to an equal and orderly multipolar world.

First, we should advance common prosperity in the vast continent straddling Asia and Europe with the SCO Strength. Cooperation within the SCO has been fruitful in political, security, economic, trade, people-to-people and cultural domains, and our organization is now a key platform for Eurasian countries to jointly pursue development and tackle challenges. We should continue to leverage our strengths, unlock our potential, and connect the multiple growth poles across the continent through high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. We should empower each other, help each other succeed, and work together to create new opportunities and promote shared prosperity.

Second, we should promote the development and rise of the Global South through the SCO Wisdom. The organization takes root in the Global South, its heart beats with the Global South, and it is an important pillar of South-South cooperation. We should carry forward the Shanghai Spirit, strengthen and expand the SCO Plus partnerships, and jointly speak up for peace, foster synergy for development, build bridges for cooperation, and pave the way for win-win outcomes.

Third, we should guide the reform and improvement of global governance through the SCO Action. Our organization takes it as its mission and responsibility to make the global governance system more just and equitable. We should stay committed to building partnerships rather than alliances, and engaging in dialogue rather than confrontation. We should adhere to the principle of "planning together, building together and benefiting together" to encourage equal participation in global governance by all countries and ensure all will benefit from it.

Colleagues,

In global governance, stagnation is regression. It is important that SCO member states and partners ride the trend of history and shoulder the responsibility of our times. Let us take the people-centered and action-oriented approach, jointly advocate an equal and orderly multipolar world, make global governance more just and equitable, and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

Thank you. ■

Full text of Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at 26th Meeting of Council of Heads of State of SCO

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers an important speech during the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, Sept. 1, 2026. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

BISHKEK, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday delivered a speech at the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.

The following is the full text of the speech:

Toward Higher-Quality Development of

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Remarks by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State

Of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization

Bishkek, September 1, 2026

Your Excellency President Sadyr Zhaparov,

Colleagues,

It is a great pleasure to join you in Bishkek. I would like to thank President Zhaparov for the thoughtful arrangements for our meeting. Since assuming the chairmanship, Kyrgyzstan has, under the theme "Together Toward Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity," held a variety of activities with remarkable success. China highly commends all this.

August 31 and September 1 mark the 35th anniversaries of the independence of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. I wish to extend our heartfelt congratulations to President Zhaparov, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and to the friendly people of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

This year is the 25th anniversary of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Twenty-five years ago, reckoning with the hard lessons of the Cold War, confronting the real threats from terrorist, separatist and extremist forces, and heeding the earnest aspirations of the world for peace and development, countries in our region came to a prevailing consensus on working together to uphold sovereignty, security, and development interests. Our organization was founded in this context, and it has shown increasingly stronger vigor and vitality.

Over the past 25 years, the SCO has traveled an extraordinary journey. Its biggest achievement is that it has steadily grown into a new type of regional cooperation organization with the largest land area and population and enormous development potential. Its most valuable spiritual asset is that it pioneered, and has since followed invariably, the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. Its most important experience for cooperation is that it has found the right way of coexistence featuring non-alliance, non-confrontation and not targeting any third party, enabling regional countries to build a common home together.

Twenty-five years later today, transformation not seen in a century is accelerating across the globe. The rivalry is intensifying between dialogue and confrontation, win-win and zero-sum, and multilateralism and unilateralism. The shadow of war continues to haunt the world. At such a crossroads with humanity's future at stake, the SCO should step forward to shoulder its historical responsibility and steer the course for the future.

First, we should stay committed to putting development first, and open up the prospects for shared prosperity. We should advocate a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, consolidate cooperation in traditional areas such as trade, investment, connectivity, energy and resources, and expand cooperation in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, green industry and green mining. We should do all this in order to deepen, substantiate and upgrade regional cooperation.

China takes the SCO as a priority area for promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and implementing the Global Development Initiative. In light of the development needs of this region, we will continue to ensure the success of the SCO Digital Economy Forum, the SCO Agricultural Expo, and other events. We will develop an international AI application cooperation center with fellow SCO countries, continue to work with fellow SCO countries to increase the installed capacity of photovoltaic and wind power each by 10 million kilowatts, implement 100 technological cooperation projects with other SCO countries in the next three years, and nurture more green industry talents through China-SCO cooperation. China welcomes interested member states to take an active part in the "Big Market for All: Export to China" event series to seize the opportunities on China's super-sized market. To facilitate trade and logistics in the region, China supports improving the performance and efficiency of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Corridor, and will establish a China-SCO port economic cooperation center in Tianjin.

Second, we should stay committed to taking security as a key goal, and foster an environment of common security. We should pursue coordinated measures to tackle traditional and non-traditional security threats. We should crack down on the three forces of terrorism, separatism and extremism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, and telecom fraud. We should strengthen cooperation on information security, bio-security, and outer space security. We must prevent external forces from interfering in our internal affairs, endangering our political security, and undermining regional stability.

China stands ready to work with all parties to act on the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, and make our organization an important platform for implementing the Global Security Initiative. We believe in a sensible, coordinated, and balanced approach to nuclear security, and support a stronger multilateral partnership for nuclear safety and security. We support the early opening of the SCO's four security centers so as to upgrade the capacity of member states in responding to security threats and challenges.

Third, we should stay committed to a people-centered approach, and cement the foundation for everlasting friendship. Diversity of civilization and culture is a salient feature of our region. We should fully appreciate the distinctiveness of every country in its history, culture, social system, and development stage, and build cooperation networks between legislatures, political parties, institutions of education, think tanks, businesses, and the media, so as to promote nongovernmental exchanges and invigorate good-neighborliness and friendship among member states.

China stands ready to work with all parties to implement the Global Civilization Initiative. We support a bigger role by nongovernmental friendship institutions such as the SCO Good-Neighborliness, Friendship and Cooperation Commission. We will host SCO forums on innovation and sustainable development, on people-to-people friendship, and on friendship cities. We will establish a China-SCO basic education cooperation center, and continue to build bridges for exchanges, mutual learning and people-to-people connectivity through Confucius Institutes, Luban Workshops and other programs.

Fourth, we should stay committed to dialogue and consultation, and strive for more equitable and orderly governance. We should always advocate that all countries, regardless of their size, are equal, and that regional affairs should be discussed by all countries to bridge differences and build consensus, properly handle differences through dialogue and consultation, and meet common challenges through multilateral collaboration. China commends and supports the Samarkand Solidarity Initiative for Common Security and Prosperity proposed by President Mirziyoyev as well as the Initiative on World Unity for Just Peace, Harmony, and Development by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

China supports the model cooperation by our organization on practicing the Global Governance Initiative. That the SCO Plus Meeting this year is focused on strengthening the role of the United Nations and building a multipolar world in itself is a successful move to that end. China calls on continuous institutional improvement of the SCO to boost its efficiency in making and executing decisions. China welcomes more like-minded countries to be partners in our joint efforts to improve regional and global governance. On Ukraine, the Middle East, Afghanistan, and other international and regional hotspot issues, China stands ready to strengthen communication and coordination with all parties, continue tackling both the symptoms and root causes of these issues, and promote political settlement.

Colleagues,

When purpose guides us, no path is too long; when resolve strengthens us, no barrier is too high. China will work with all parties to continue to hold high the banner of the Shanghai Spirit, implement the development strategy of the SCO for the next decade, and pursue development with higher quality, so as to make greater contributions to a community with a shared future for humanity.

To conclude, I congratulate Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on taking over the chair of the Council of Heads of State. China will join hands with all member states in giving Pakistan our strong support.

Thank you. ■

Full text of Xi's signed article in Egyptian media

CAIRO, Sept. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday published a signed article titled "Celebrating 70 Years of Solidarity, China and Egypt Embark on a New Journey" in Al-Ahram, Al-Akhbar and Al-Gomhuria ahead of his arrival in Egypt for a state visit.

The following is the full text of the article:

Celebrating 70 Years of Solidarity, China and Egypt Embark on a New Journey

H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

For Al-Ahram, Al-Akhbar, and Al-Gomhuria

At the invitation of His Excellency President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, I will be paying a state visit to Egypt and, as President of the People's Republic of China, setting foot for the second time on this land nourished by the Nile. Just as an Egyptian proverb reads, "Once you drink from the Nile, you are destined to return." During my last visit ten years ago, I was deeply impressed by the time-honored, profound civilization of this country, together with its booming vitality and upward momentum. This time, I look forward to renewing the friendship and working together with President El-Sisi to explore ways of cooperation and map out a new blueprint for deepening the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership.

As a Chinese saying goes, "A partnership forged with the right approach defies distance." Known for their age-old civilizations, China and Egypt have each contributed an invaluable intellectual legacy and splendid cultural heritage to the progress of humanity. The Yangtze River and the Yellow River gave birth to the Chinese civilization, and the Nile was the cradle of the ancient Egyptian civilization. With porcelain and silk sailing the seas and traversing the deserts, the vast geographical distance never kept our two civilizations from appreciating each other, and friendly exchanges along the millennium-old ancient Silk Road never stopped. Chinese silk, porcelain, and paper-making, smelting and casting techniques made their way westward, while Egyptian aromatics, glassware and calendrical knowledge journeyed over thousands of miles eastward. The Chinese artifacts unearthed in Fustat attest to the close bonds and deep friendship that have existed between our peoples since ancient times.

Seventy years ago, China and Egypt officially established diplomatic relations, marking the start of New China's friendly cooperation with Arab and African countries. For seven decades, the China-Egypt relationship has braved wind and rain, and withstood the test of the changing international landscape. It has stayed on the right course, remained robust as ever, and sustained a strong momentum. It is a fine example for China's cooperation with Arab states and Africa on the whole, and for friendship, solidarity and collaboration between developing countries.

-- China and Egypt have always been close brothers standing by each other. In the struggle for national independence and against imperialism and colonialism, the people of our two countries forged profound friendship. China firmly supported Egypt's sovereignty over the Suez Canal, and Egypt, alongside the majority of Asian, African, and Latin American and Caribbean countries, voted unequivocally in favor of the restoration of the lawful seat of the People's Republic of China in the United Nations. Currently, our two sides firmly support each other in pursuing development paths suited to our respective national conditions, and firmly support each other on core interests and major concerns. All this has laid a solid foundation for the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership.

-- China and Egypt have always been reliable partners in win-win cooperation. Egypt is China's major trading and investment partner in the Arab world and Africa, and one of the first countries to participate in Belt and Road cooperation. As early as ten years ago, President El-Sisi and I jointly unveiled the China-Egypt Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone. The project has drawn substantial investment, created a large number of local jobs, and helped in Egypt's endeavor to expedite its modernization. In other fields, fruits of mutually beneficial cooperation -- from Africa's tallest building and first intercity electric light rail built in Egypt by Chinese enterprises, to fresh Egyptian oranges heading for the Chinese market as the first African produce to capitalize on China's zero-tariff policy for the African countries having diplomatic relations with it -- are shared by countless households in both countries.

-- China and Egypt have always been the role models of friendship and mutual learning. Egypt is the first among both Arab nations and African countries to sign an agreement on cultural cooperation with New China, and our people-to-people exchanges have been diverse and vibrant. The Grand Egyptian Museum is a must-visit for Chinese tourists, so much so that the exhibition "The Civilization of Ancient Egypt" in Shanghai Museum saw tickets sell out in seconds. In Egypt, the Chinese language is taught in more than 40 middle schools, and cooperation with China on vocational education has benefited numerous Egyptians. Across time and space, the two civilizations have been reaching out to each other, adding new chapters of everlasting friendship between the two peoples.

-- China and Egypt have always been sincere friends committed to equality and mutual trust. At the Bandung Conference in 1955, our two countries actively supported the anti-imperial and anti-colonial struggle, and jointly advanced Asian-African solidarity. Today, China and Egypt have shared goals and common aspiration in upholding international order, championing fairness and justice, and practicing multilateralism. Both sides firmly support the just cause of the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate national rights, and both are committed to facilitating the political settlement of hotspot issues and realizing peace and stability in the region. This demonstrates our commitment, as Global South countries, to seeking strength through unity and upholding fairness and justice.

Our two countries are each at a critical stage of development and national revitalization. China saw its 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development getting off to a good start, and is striving to open up new ground in Chinese modernization. Egypt is making vigorous efforts in building the New Republic and forging ahead toward its Vision 2030. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Egyptian side to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership, advance the building of a community with a shared future between the two countries, and join hands in realizing modernization.

We need to enhance mutual trust and serve as a model in carrying forward friendship. The friendship between our two countries was forged by the elder generations of our leaders. It is our honor and responsibility to carry forward, develop and promote this friendship. Our two sides should continue supporting each other on core interests and major concerns, and deepen exchanges and cooperation at various levels and across all sectors to ensure that the baton of friendship is passed on from generation to generation.

We need to pursue mutual benefit and win-win cooperation and set a benchmark for joint development. China has the world's largest and most complete industrial system, and is strong in capital, technology and equipment. Egypt has a large population, abundant resources and a vast market. Our two sides should forge greater synergy in development strategies, engage in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, proactively tap the potential and expand the scope of pragmatic collaboration in a bid to provide sustained impetus to the mutually beneficial cooperation.

We need to take pride in who we are while setting an example for exchanges and mutual learning. As two great civilizations, China and Egypt should champion equality, mutual learning, dialogue and inclusiveness among civilizations, implement the Global Civilization Initiative, actively protect humanity's cultural heritage, and jointly promote the harmonious coexistence of various civilizations. Our two sides should deepen exchanges and cooperation in areas such as education, tourism, science and technology, health, sports and archaeology, forge a stronger bond of mutual understanding and affinity between our two peoples, with a view to injecting new momentum into the China-Egypt comprehensive strategic partnership, and harnessing the strengths of diverse civilizations to promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

We need to press ahead side by side and be pioneers in upholding fairness and justice. Profound changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, amid a volatile international landscape. As both major developing countries and important Global South nations, China and Egypt should vigorously uphold world peace and stability, and international fairness and justice by practicing true multilateralism, enhancing multilateral coordination, and working together to deliver on the four global initiatives on development, security, civilization and governance.

We need to join hands to lead the way in China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation. As a major country in both the Arab world and Africa, Egypt plays an important role in promoting the collective cooperation between China and Arab states, and between China and African countries. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Egyptian side to enhance the demonstration effect of our well-established cooperation, leverage Egypt's unique location in linking the Arab world and reaching across the African continent, further implement the proposal on building "five cooperation frameworks" between China and Arab states and follow up on the ten partnership actions for modernization between China and Africa. This will ensure that China-Arab and China-Africa cooperation keeps pace with the times, makes steady progress and goes a long way.

For 70 years, China and Egypt have stood by each other rain or shine. Now our two countries are embarking on a new journey with enterprise and fortitude. The Chinese side is ready to work with the Egyptian side to stay true to the shared aspiration of our two countries, build on our past achievements, support each other and forge ahead on the path toward prosperity and rejuvenation, and strive for a better tomorrow in both our respective national development and our bilateral relations. ■

Full text of Xi's signed article in Kyrgyz media

BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday published a signed article titled "Jointly Opening up New Prospects for the High-Quality Development of China-Kyrgyzstan Relations" in the Slovo Kyrgyzstana and the Kabar National News Agency ahead of his arrival in Kyrgyzstan for a state visit and attendance at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit 2026 in Bishkek.

The following is the full text of the article:

Jointly Opening up New Prospects for the High-Quality Development of China-Kyrgyzstan Relations

H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

For Slovo Kyrgyzstana and Kabar National News Agency

Early autumn brings clear skies and crisp air. In this season of harvest, I will pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and attend the 26th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) at the invitation of President Sadyr Zhaparov. It will be my third visit to this beautiful land. I look forward to working with President Zhaparov to map out a new blueprint for China-Kyrgyzstan relations and make new progress in building an SCO community with a shared future.

This year marks the 35th anniversary of Kyrgyzstan's independence. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I extend sincere congratulations and best wishes to the friendly people of Kyrgyzstan. We are truly delighted to see our friendly neighbor enjoy sustained political stability, economic growth, and social harmony.

China and Kyrgyzstan are good neighbors sharing weal and woe, good partners with a shared future, and good friends who help each other succeed. Our two countries share a long history of exchanges. The ancient Silk Road is a testimony to the long-standing friendship between the two peoples. In both countries, the stories of historical figures such as Zhang Qian, Xuanzang and Li Bai -- who had contributed to civilizational exchanges between China and Kyrgyzstan -- are still widely told.

Since the establishment of diplomatic relations, our two countries have always upheld mutual respect, good-neighborliness, mutual learning, and mutual benefit, and steadily deepened mutual trust and cooperation. Having stood the test of changing international circumstances, our bilateral ties have made historic leaps from good-neighborly relations to strategic partnership, and then to comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era, gaining fresh dynamism with each stage of development.

In February 2025, President Zhaparov and I reached important common understandings on further deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership for the new era and building a China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future defined by good-neighborliness, friendship and shared prosperity. The decision opened a new chapter of bilateral relations.

-- With mutual trust as our bedrock, we have given each other firm support. Both sides have consistently backed each other in safeguarding sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, and in adopting policies and measures for national development, thus setting a fine example of good-neighborliness and mutual success for neighboring countries. President Zhaparov and I met three times last year, and we have developed deep trust in each other, both professionally and personally. Together, we are steering China-Kyrgyzstan ties toward greater progress.

-- With mutual benefit as our driving force, we have delivered real benefits to our people. China and Kyrgyzstan have complementary economies and immense cooperation potential. Despite sluggish global growth, our business cooperation has continued to make steady progress. China has been Kyrgyzstan's largest trading partner and largest source of foreign investment for many years running. Chinese smart phones and electric vehicles have become trendy choices for Kyrgyz consumers, while more and more quality Kyrgyz farm products are making their way into Chinese kitchens. The two sides have worked together on a number of projects that deliver long-term benefits and real improvements to the lives of local communities. Construction on the Kyrgyz section of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is advancing in full swing, the Bedel checkpoint has been temporarily opened prior to full operation, and direct flights between our two countries are growing. In short, a multimodal connectivity network is increasingly taking shape.

-- With heart-to-heart communication as our bridge, we have kept up vibrant exchanges and mutual learning. China has set up one Luban Workshop, four Confucius Institutes, and 21 Confucius Classrooms in Kyrgyzstan, making it easier for local people to acquire vocational skills and learn Chinese. China's "Brightness Journey of Lifeline Express" for cataract patients and traditional Chinese medicine center have brought the benefits of bilateral medical and health cooperation to more people in Kyrgyzstan. The two sides have signed an agreement to set up cultural centers in each other's countries, held cultural days, film festivals, and art festivals, and worked together to protect and promote world intangible cultural heritage like the Manas epic, bringing the charm of each culture closer to the other's people. Two-way visits exceeded 400,000 last year, and 30 pairs of sister provinces and cities enjoy close ties, cementing the foundation for lasting friendship.

-- With justice on our side, we have jointly navigated risks and challenges. Linked by mountains and rivers and bound by shared security, China and Kyrgyzstan are staunch defenders of regional security and stability. As founding members of the SCO as well as Global South countries, we share similar positions on upholding international fairness and justice and promoting open, inclusive development. Amid changing and volatile international and regional landscapes, we coordinate closely in multilateral frameworks, actively support each other's major initiatives, and jointly advance an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization.

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the launch of China's 15th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Under the strong leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people are striding forward confidently and resolutely toward the ambitious goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects and realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The people of Kyrgyzstan are implementing the country's National Development Program until 2030 and making all-out efforts to build a "New Kyrgyzstan." At this new starting point, the two sides should make steady progress toward building the China-Kyrgyzstan community with a shared future to bring more benefits to the two peoples and contribute even more to regional and world peace, stability, and prosperity.

We need to solidify good-neighborliness and friendship. The Chinese people like to say that good neighbors wish each other well, just as loved ones do. China and Kyrgyzstan should always support each other's development, maintain the sound momentum of high-level exchanges and multitiered cooperation, better synergize development strategies, and deepen experience sharing on governance, to provide a solid foundation for each other's development and revitalization. China will continue to do its best to support Kyrgyzstan in growing its economy and improving people's lives.

We need to pursue mutual benefit and win-win results. This is essential for the enduring vitality of our cooperation. We should take a long-term view, focus on high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and continuously upgrade practical cooperation. While strengthening existing cooperation in trade and investment, connectivity, and green mining, we should also cooperate in the digital economy, clean energy, artificial intelligence, and other emerging fields. We need to move forward with building the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, accelerate the revamping of land ports, and advance institutional connectivity alongside physical connectivity to facilitate the smooth flow of people and goods.

We need to carry forward the traditional friendship. Our long-standing friendship is an invaluable asset. We should step up exchanges and cooperation in culture, tourism, art, media, think tank, youth, archaeology, and health to forge closer bonds. We should encourage our young people to study in each other's countries and support more substantive outcomes from subnational exchanges. We need to spread the stories of our friendly exchanges and mutually beneficial cooperation to cement the foundation of people-to-people goodwill.

We need to practice multilateralism. Kyrgyzstan's historic election as a nonpermanent member of the United Nations Security Council is a cause for celebration. It presents us with an opportunity to enhance coordination across the U.N., firmly uphold the U.N.-centered international system and the international order based on international law, act on the vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and China's four global initiatives, unequivocally oppose hegemonism, unilateralism, and bloc confrontation, jointly combat terrorism, separatism, and extremism, and bring into play a more just and equitable global governance system.

Over the past 25 years, the SCO has fostered and followed the Shanghai Spirit of mutual trust, mutual benefit, equality, consultation, respect for diversity of civilizations, and pursuit of common development. It has pioneered a new model of regional cooperation that features partnership instead of alliance, safeguards shared security and stability, and promotes common development and prosperity. It has become a comprehensive regional organization with the widest geographical coverage, the largest population, and enormous potential. Since taking over the SCO presidency, Kyrgyzstan has carried out a great deal of productive work. China commends Kyrgyzstan's efforts in building consensus among member states and advancing practical cooperation under the theme "Together Toward Sustainable Peace, Development, and Prosperity." China is convinced that with the concerted efforts of all sides, this year's SCO summit will be a crowning success and provide fresh impetus for carrying forward the Shanghai Spirit and building an SCO community with a shared future.

Kyrgyzstan has a saying, "Drop by drop, a lake is formed." Likewise, we Chinese often say, "Without small streams, there would be no great rivers." China is ready to work with Kyrgyzstan to steadily advance our multifaceted cooperation, channel the streams of our people's goodwill into the river of our two nations' friendship, and jointly open up new prospects for the high-quality development of China-Kyrgyzstan relations. ■

Xi underlines consolidating progress of study campaign on correct view of governance performance

BEIJING, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping has emphasized sustained endeavors for the long-term mission of establishing and practicing a correct view of governance performance in his instructions made recently on a Party-wide study and education campaign.

While urging constantly consolidating and expanding the progress made in the campaign, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for continuous efforts by Party organizations at all levels, as well as all Party members and officials, to serve the public good, act in the interests of the people, make sound and science-based decisions, and take concrete, effective actions to make solid achievements that stand up in practice, in the eyes of the people, and over the course of time.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Party-wide study and education campaigns on major and pressing issues in Party building during certain periods have become an important institutional arrangement for strengthening Party building, Xi noted. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, the latest education campaign on establishing and practicing a correct view of governance performance prioritized theoretical study, rigorously identified and rectified deviations, established practical and effective rules and regulations, and pressed ahead with rigorous discipline and solid implementation, delivering notable results and achieving its intended goals.

Xi underlined the need to conduct regular education on the view of governance performance, with a focus on education and training of chief officials of local Party committees and governments, newly promoted officials, young officials, and those in key positions. Efforts should be made to strengthen exemplary guidance and warning through negative cases, guiding Party members and officials to perform their duties with a correct view of governance performance and a strong sense of responsibility.

Xi noted that it is imperative to maintain a routine approach to identifying and rectifying problems. For prominent issues related to deviations in the understanding of governance performance that require sustained rectification, it is essential to keep a firm grip on them while monitoring and evaluating the rectification efforts. Efforts should also be intensified to address the problem of newly appointed officials ignoring the unresolved issues of their predecessors. It is necessary to accurately identify problems in conjunction with the means of disciplinary inspections, audit oversight and statistical supervision, make the work more targeted and penetrating, and ensure solid progress in rectification. The "baton" of performance evaluation should be made good use of, with an improved differentiated assessment system that establishes a clear orientation for selecting and appointing officials based on practical work and tangible results, ensuring that officials who dare to take responsibility, shoulder their duties, demonstrate deftness in solid performance, and achieve outstanding results are given preference for important posts. It is important to strengthen management and supervision over behavior related to the understanding of governance performance, strictly implement democratic centralism, conduct regular talks and reminders with leading officials, and promptly identify problematic issues and correct improper tendencies at their incipient stages.

The CPC Central Leading Group for Party Building held a meeting on Monday to further study and implement the guiding principles of the important instructions by General Secretary Xi, review the education and study activities on establishing and practicing a correct understanding of governance performance, and study and plan efforts to consolidate and expand the outcomes of the activities and establish long-term mechanisms for maintaining a correct view of governance performance. The head of the group, Cai Qi, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered a speech. Another member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, Li Xi, who is a deputy head of the CPC Central Leading Group for Party Building, also attended the meeting and delivered a speech.

It was stressed at the meeting that Xi's important instructions have fully affirmed the work and outcomes of the Party-wide study and education campaign, and set forth clear requirements for consolidating and expanding its achievements and establishing long-term mechanisms for maintaining a correct view of governance performance. The entire Party must conscientiously study and understand them, and fully put them into practice.

It was pointed out at the meeting that this particular study and education campaign has basically concluded. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, Party organizations at all levels have shouldered their responsibilities, promoted integrated progress in study, problem identification and rectification, and ensured that Party members and officials have developed their awareness and understanding of the correct view of good governance performance. The meeting noted that the campaign has effectively resolved a number of prominent problems stemming from deviations in views of governance performance, truly reinforced members' and officials' commitment to the Party, regulated the exercise of power and conduct of leading officials at all levels, laid a solid ideological and political foundation for leadership transitions at local levels, and robustly promoted all aspects of work for getting the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) off to a strong start. The campaign upheld the principle of breaking new ground while preserving traditions, adopted the approach of taking simple yet solid steps, and enriched experience in ideological guidance, genuine investigation and rectification, setting examples from higher levels, addressing both symptoms and root causes, and better serving the Party's central task, thereby further deepening understanding of the underlying principles for this centralized education campaign within the Party.

Yet the study and education campaign is a new starting point rather than a simple finish line, the meeting stressed. Efforts must be made to unremittingly apply the Party's innovative theories, carry out in-depth study and implementation of Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building and the important instructions by General Secretary Xi, consolidate and expand the achievements of the campaign, and set up sustainable mechanisms. It is necessary to continue the education on the correct view of governance performance, regularly identify and correct deviations, make solid work and tangible achievements the key criteria for selecting and appointing officials, and encourage Party members and officials to continuously uphold and act on the correct view of performance, both in thinking and through action.

Routine management and oversight must be strengthened to prevent the arbitrary exercise of power. It is essential to promptly investigate and deal with typical cases and ongoing violations, make public cases of violations, and maintain a strong deterrent effect. Efforts must be made to consolidate political responsibilities, conduct follow-up reviews of the education campaign, strengthen supervision and inspection to effectively cascade pressure through every level, and ensure sound implementation at all levels.

Shi Taifeng, Li Shulei and Mu Hong attended the meeting. Participants also included members of the CPC Central Leading Group for Party Building. ■ 

Xi addresses Beijing gathering that commemorates birth centenary of late leader Jiang Zemin

BEIJING, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the Central Military Commission (CMC) held a grand gathering at the Great Hall of the People on the morning of Aug. 17 to commemorate the birth centenary of Comrade Jiang Zemin, a great Marxist, proletarian revolutionary, statesman, military strategist and diplomat, and an exceptional leader for the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics. General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee Xi Jinping, also Chinese president and chairman of the CMC, delivered an important speech, stressing the need to deeply cherish the memory of Jiang's towering achievements, thoroughly learn from his noble demeanor, and inspire the whole Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to continuously advance the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, as well as Chinese Vice President Han Zheng, attended the gathering.

The atmosphere in the magnificent auditorium of the Great Hall of the People was solemn. Above the rostrum hung a banner which read "Gathering to Commemorate the Birth Centenary of Comrade Jiang Zemin." At the center of the backdrop was a giant portrait of the late leader, with the lettering "1926-2026" beneath it. Another banner hung on the second-floor observation deck read: "Rally Closely Around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at Its Core. Hold High the Great Banner of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics. Adhere to the Party's Basic Theory, Basic Line and Basic Policy, and Strive Unremittingly to Build a Great Country and Advance National Rejuvenation on All Fronts Through Chinese Modernization."

At 10 a.m., the gathering opened to the resounding strains of China's national anthem.

In his important speech, Xi noted that Jiang lived a glorious life and a life of fighting and struggle, and worked tirelessly throughout his life to contribute to the cause of national independence and the liberation of the people, and to the prosperity of the country and the well-being of the people. Xi said Jiang played a leading role in making impressive and new progress in socialist material, political and cultural-ethical advancement and Party building, made indelible contributions to safeguarding the great cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, breaking new ground in reform and opening-up in all respects, achieving overall moderate prosperity in people's livelihoods, and successfully advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics into the 21st century, and won the love and esteem of the whole Party, the entire military and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, as well as the wide acclaim of the international community.

Through his revolutionary career that lasted for over 70 years, especially his great practices leading to the great achievements of the Party and the country following the fourth plenary session of the 13th CPC Central Committee, Jiang fully demonstrated his great talent, bold vision, critical role, and art of leadership as a Marxist statesman, and fostered noble demeanor that is always invaluable for us to learn from and always inspires us to move forward, Xi said.

Jiang remained steadfastly committed to communist ideals, devoted himself to the Party and the people, and worked hard for the cause of the Party and the people unswervingly, Xi noted. He called on all Party members to draw strength from Jiang's firm political conviction, never forget the original aspiration and the founding mission, foster firm belief in Marxism, conviction in communism, and confidence in socialism with Chinese characteristics, and remain committed to the Party's basic theory, line and policy.

All Party members were urged to be self-aware to enhance the "Four Consciousnesses" of maintaining political integrity, thinking in big-picture terms, following the leadership core, and keeping in alignment with the central Party leadership, reinforce the "Four-sphere Confidence" in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and observe the "Two Upholds" for General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and for the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership.

Xi also called for efforts to adhere to the overall leadership of the Party and the centralized, unified leadership of the Central Committee, persevere with full and rigorous Party self-governance, and ensure that the Party remains the strong leadership core in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Xi stressed that Jiang stood firmly on the side of the people, cared about their well-being and shared their concerns, and made decisions and advanced the work based on the fundamental interests of the overwhelming majority of the people. Xi called for learning from Jiang's deep and genuine commitment to serving the people, keeping firmly in mind that the country is the people and the people are the country, upholding the people-centered development philosophy, and fostering and putting into practice a correct view of political performance. He called for standing firmly on the people's side, strengthening the awareness of being a public servant, following the Party's mass line in the new era, relying on the people to create history, and making solid progress in promoting the well-rounded development of individuals and the common prosperity of the entire population.

Moreover, Jiang remained committed to emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, and advancing with the times, Xi pointed out. Responding to the demands of the times and the needs of practice, Jiang continuously advanced innovation in theory, institutions, science and technology, culture and other fields. Party members should learn from Jiang's innovative spirit of keeping up with the times, integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's specific realities and fine traditional culture, and constantly opening up new ground for adapting Marxism to the Chinese context and the needs of the times. These efforts should promote further deepening reform and opening-up across the board, advancing the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance, stimulating creativity within the entire Party and society, and providing sustained impetus for economic and social development.

Xi also highlighted Jiang's broad vision and keen grasp of the major trends, which enabled him to assess situations in the overall development of China and the world as well as from the overall interests of the Party and the country. Jiang also advanced the cause of the Party and the country with a series of major decisions and important measures that carried significance to the world and the future.

The Party and the people should learn from the far-sighted strategic thinking of Jiang, Xi said. It is imperative to pursue a strategy of national rejuvenation amid global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century, advance the great struggle, the great project, the great cause, and the great dream, ensure coordinated implementation of the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan to promote coordinated progress in the economic, political, cultural, social and eco-environmental fields, and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy which highlights building a modern socialist country in all respects, driving reform to a deeper level, fully implementing the rule of law, and strengthening full and rigorous Party self-governance, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, move faster to create a new pattern of development, and make solid progress in promoting high-quality development. It is important to add more positive energy to world peace and development by implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative and striving for the building of a community with a shared future for humanity.

Xi noted that Jiang demonstrated decisive leadership in tackling risks and challenges and overcame difficulties and obstacles with great resolution at major historical junctures and critical moments, thereby opening up broad space and creating a favorable environment for China's modernization drive. It is necessary to learn from his extraordinary courage and vision, be more mindful of potential dangers, build up thinking to deal with worst-case scenarios, better coordinate development and security, get ready to withstand high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms with a tenacious fighting spirit and superb ability to struggle, and resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests in a bid to write a new chapter in sustaining the two miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability.

Through sustained efforts over the years, the cause of the Party and the country has been thriving, and the people have been enjoying peace and security with continuously improving livelihoods. The prospects for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation are bright, and the dream for which generations have worked tirelessly is becoming a reality step by step, Xi emphasized. He called on the whole Party, the entire military, and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to stay closely rallied around the CPC Central Committee, hold high the banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, remain confident and strive to build a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, thereby continuing to create better lives for the Chinese people and writing an even more splendid chapter for the Chinese nation.

When presiding over the gathering, Li Qiang pointed out that the important speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping reviewed Jiang's life of glory and struggle, spoke highly of the indelible contributions Jiang had made to the Party and the people, and systematically summarized his lofty bearing. In the speech, Xi called for earnest study of Jiang's unshakable political faith, sincere devotion to the people, forward-looking innovative spirit, far-sightedness and strategic thinking, as well as resolute and extraordinary courage.

Xi's speech is of political, ideological and theoretical significance, Li said, calling for all to gain a thorough understanding of its essence and earnestly implement its spirit. "We should rally more closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era," Li said.

Li said the whole Party should gain a deep understanding of the "Two Affirmations" of Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and of the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, enhance the "Four Consciousnesses," bolster the "Four-sphere Confidence" and act on the "Two Upholds," so as to strive unremittingly to advance the cause of building a great country and national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

The gathering concluded to the solemn tunes of "The Internationale."

Also present at the event were: Wang Yi, Yin Li, Shi Taifeng, Liu Guozhong, Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, Chen Wenqing, Wen Jiabao, Jia Qinglin, Zhang Dejiang, Yu Zhengsheng, Li Zhanshu, Wang Yang, Li Lanqing, Zeng Qinghong, Li Changchun, He Guoqiang, Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan, Zhang Gaoli, leaders of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the NPC, the State Council, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the National Committee of the CPPCC and the CMC, as well as comrades who have retired from leading posts.

The participants also included leading officials of central Party and government departments, the military and people's organizations and of the Beijing Municipality; responsible chiefs of the central committees of the non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and representatives of non-party personages; members and alternate members of the CPC Central Committee present in Beijing; members of the NPC Standing Committee and members of the Standing Committee of the CPPCC National Committee in Beijing and representatives of veteran cadres and old comrades; Jiang's relatives, former staff members who once worked alongside him and representatives from his hometown as well as delegates to a symposium on Jiang's life and thought; representatives from all civilian sectors of the capital, and representative officers and soldiers of military units stationed in Beijing. About 6,000 people attended the gathering in total.

Prior to the event, Xi and other leaders cordially met with Jiang's family members and posed for group photographs with them. ■

CPC leadership holds symposium to solicit advice from non-CPC personages on economic work

BEIJING, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a symposium at Zhongnanhai in Beijing on July 24 to solicit opinions and suggestions from the central committees of non-CPC political parties, the chairperson of 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. He stressed that to do a good job in economic work in the second half, it is necessary to adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, and move faster to create a new pattern of development. He urged efforts to better coordinate the domestic and international imperatives, ensure both development and security, stay committed to deepening reform and opening up, accelerate the transition from old growth drivers to new ones, effectively implement a more proactive fiscal policy and an appropriately accommodative monetary policy, make full use of existing policy measures, and roll out pragmatic and effective incremental policies in a timely manner.

Work should also be done to step up counter-cyclical adjustments, expand domestic demand, optimize supply, effectively ensure and improve people's livelihoods, enhance development momentum, unleash social vitality, and promote innovation-driven, high-quality and sound economic development, so as to get off to a good start in the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), he said.

Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang, who are 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 participants on the economic performance in the first half of this year, and shared considerations regarding economic work for the second half.

At the symposium, those who delivered remarks 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, chairwoman of the Central Committee of the Taiwan Democratic Self-Government League; Gao Yunlong, chairman of the ACFIC; and Shao Feng, a representative of personages without party affiliation.

The participants expressed full agreement with the CPC Central Committee's assessment of the current economic situation and its planning for economic work in the second half of the year. They put forward opinions and suggestions on fostering and strengthening new growth drivers; promoting the integrated development of innovation and industrial chains; improving standards and systems for industrial applications of smart economy; coordinating efforts across economic, social, and cultural development to create synergies; stabilizing employment for key groups; strengthening basic research; implementing plans to expand consumption with greater precision; further expanding effective investment; steadily advancing high-standard opening up; and enhancing counter-cyclical adjustments.

After listening attentively to their remarks, Xi said that in the first half of this year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee, all regions and departments stepped up efforts and took proactive measures to effectively navigate domestic and external risks and challenges. China's economy has pressed ahead under pressure and advanced toward new and higher-quality growth, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality, he said.

Noting that China's economy still faces certain difficulties and challenges, Xi said it is imperative to strengthen confidence, tackle these headwinds, and promote steady and sustained progress in high-quality development. In the second half of the year, China should boost the effectiveness of macro policies and focus on the following key tasks: tapping the potential of domestic demand, promoting the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, comprehensively deepening reform, expanding high-standard opening up, effectively safeguarding and improving people's livelihoods, and continuing to defuse risks in key areas, he said.

Xi pointed out that in the first half of the year, the central committees of the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC, and personages without party affiliation resolutely implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, actively served the country's overall interests, offered suggestions and proposals on key issues in economic and social development, and provided valuable input for the Party and the government in making sound decisions. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi expressed sincere appreciation to them.

Xi put forward three expectations for the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC, and personages without party affiliation. First, they should align their thinking and actions with the CPC Central Committee's analysis and assessment of the current economic situation as well as its decisions and arrangements on economic work, strengthen confidence in development, and make concerted efforts toward realizing this year's goals and tasks for economic and social development. Second, they should actively fulfill their duties and responsibilities and put forward targeted suggestions based on in-depth research, thereby contributing their wisdom and strength to promoting the steady and sound development of the economy. Third, they are expected to continue to strengthen ideological and political guidance for their members and the people they are connected with, guide them in studying and understanding the Party's innovative theories, continuously enhance their political, ideological, theoretical and emotional identification with the leadership of the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics, and foster a favorable environment for high-quality development.

Liu Guozhong, Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, Zhang Guoqing, Wu Zhenglong, and leading officials of relevant departments of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council attended the meeting.

Prominent non-CPC figures who also attended the meeting included Shao Hong, He Baoxiang, Wang Guangqian, Qin Boyong, Zhu Yongxin, Yang Zhen, Zhang Endi, Fang Guanghua and Zhang Bin. ■

20th CPC Central Committee to hold fifth plenary session in October: leadership meeting

BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on July 30, making a decision that the fifth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will be held in Beijing in October. According to the main agenda of the session, the Political Bureau will report its work to the CPC Central Committee, and the session will study major issues on perseveringly advancing the Party's full and rigorous self-governance.

The Political Bureau meeting also analyzed and studied the current economic situation and made arrangements for economic work in the second half of this year. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting.

It was underlined at the meeting that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party's full and rigorous self-governance has made significant progress, opened up a new frontier for the century-old Party in self-reform, and realized historic achievements and transformations in the cause of the Party and the country. The Party and the people have won the historical initiative to build a strong Party and country. Meantime, as profound changes have taken place in the international and domestic circumstances and the conditions the Party faces, the Party's full and rigorous self-governance is facing new contexts and challenges.

The whole Party must, from a strategic perspective of consolidating its position as the governing body and accomplishing its mission and tasks, fully recognize the significance of unswervingly advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance, and maintain confidence and resolve. The Party members should adopt higher standards and take more concrete measures to adhere to and make good use of the valuable experiences of full and rigorous Party self-governance in the new era, satisfactorily address and solve the prominent issues facing Party building, and consolidate and build on the sound political environment fostered through the Party's self-governance.

The meeting emphasized that in order to persevere with full and rigorous self-governance, the Party must remain committed to Marxism-Leninism, Mao Zedong Thought, Deng Xiaoping Theory, the Theory of Three Represents, and the Scientific Outlook on Development, and fully carry out Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. At the same time, it is imperative to thoroughly study and apply Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, implement the overall requirements for strengthening the Party in the new era, and take the Party Constitution as the fundamental guide.

The Party has been urged to uphold and strengthen the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, with a view to improving the Party's long-term governance capability, preserving its advanced nature and integrity, and maintaining close bonds with the people. It is important to hold on to strictness with principles, improve the systems for full and rigorous Party self-governance, and set strengthening political construction as the overarching guide for all other initiatives of Party building. The entire Party's motivation, initiative, and creativity should be fully inspired, and efforts for the Party to purify, improve, renew, and excel itself be continuously advanced. It must be ensured that the Party always remains a vibrant Marxist governing party which stays at the forefront of the times, enjoys the wholehearted support of the people, and is capable of withstanding the tests of any storms, and that it always acts as the strong leadership core in building socialism with Chinese characteristics.

Since the beginning of the year, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has united and led the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in forging ahead with determination and working tirelessly, the meeting pointed out. By giving full consideration to both domestic and international imperatives, as well as to development and security, it has responded effectively to external shocks and internal difficulties. As a result, China's economy has shown a development trend marked by new growth drivers and an optimized economic structure.

At the same time, it is a must to pay high attention to the difficulties and challenges facing the economic development, remain confident and confront challenges head-on, and make full use of all opportunities and advantages to ensure steady and sustained progress in high-quality development.

It is stressed at the meeting that the economic work for the second half of the year should follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, and move faster to foster a new pattern of development. It is necessary to better balance both domestic and international imperatives, coordinate development with security, deepen reform and opening up, and speed up the transition to new growth drivers. A more proactive fiscal policy and an appropriately accommodative monetary policy should be well implemented, the efficiency of existing policies be fully activated, and practical and targeted reinforcing measures be formulated and rolled out in a timely manner. It is also essential to strengthen counter-cyclical adjustments, further boost domestic demand and optimize supply, and effectively ensure and improve the people's wellbeing. Development momentum must be strengthened and social vitality invigorated. These efforts will steer the economy toward continued innovation, optimization, and sound growth, laying a solid foundation for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).

The meeting also pushed for strengthened and more effective macro policies, accelerated disbursement of fiscal funds and bonds proceeds, and solid progress in implementing major national strategies and building security capacity in key areas, as well as in promoting large-scale equipment renewals and trade-ins of consumer goods. It is also necessary to firmly secure basic livelihood needs, salaries, and government operations at the community level. A comprehensive set of monetary policy tools should be deployed and adjusted as needed, and coordinated fiscal and financial policies aimed at boosting domestic demand should be optimized.

The meeting underscored the need to effectively expand domestic demand, increase the supply of quality goods and services in response to the consumption needs of different groups, and tap the potential of services consumption. It called for solid progress in the planning and development of the "Six Networks" of water conservancy, new power grids, computing infrastructure, next-generation telecommunications, urban underground utilities, and logistics. Efforts should be made to accelerate the building of a modern industrial system, strengthen long-term and stable support for basic research, further implement the "AI Plus" initiative, foster new forms of the intelligent economy, and improve the AI governance system. Active moves were also urged to achieve breakthroughs in frontier technologies and advance the development of future industries, with a focus on building emerging pillar industries and continuously promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries.

It is also necessary to foster a fair and orderly market competition environment, formulate and implement regulations on building a unified national market, continue comprehensive efforts to address "involution-style" competition, and establish regular mechanisms to resolve payment arrears owed to enterprises. It also called for deepening the reform of state-owned assets and enterprises, improving the environment for the development of the private sector, and promoting regulated and sound development of the platform economy.

The country should also expand the space for mutually beneficial international economic and trade cooperation, vigorously develop trade in services, and promote balanced trade development. The management system for outbound investment and the comprehensive overseas service system should be improved, and efforts should continue to actively attract and utilize foreign investment.

Endeavors related to agriculture, rural areas and rural people must not be relaxed, the meeting stressed. It called for continued efforts to consolidate and expand the fruits gained in poverty alleviation, establish and improve mechanisms for the construction, operation, management and maintenance of high-standard farmlands, stabilize the production and prices of livestock and agricultural products such as pork, and promote steady increases in farmers' incomes. It also urged efforts to ensure the provision of agricultural supplies at stable prices, advance agricultural production, and secure bumper harvests of autumn grain and grain output for the whole year.

The meeting pointed out that multiple measures should be adopted to enhance the people's wellbeing, provide stronger support for employment of key groups, and safeguard the interests of people doing flexible jobs and of others in new forms of employment. Support for elderly-care and infant-care services should be guaranteed while multi-tiered and categorized social assistance systems be improved. Northwest, North and Northeast China should win tough battles ahead in ecological projects for desertification prevention and control, and active and steady advancement be made in the country's carbon peaking and carbon neutrality.

It was stressed at the meeting that solid security barriers must be effectively built. While stabilizing the real-estate market, it is necessary to roll out a package of measures to forestall and defuse debt risks, steadily advance reform-driven risk mitigation, downsizing and quality upgrading of local small- and medium-sized financial institutions. The comprehensive reform of the investment-and-financing circulation mechanisms will be deepened, the resilience of the capital market strengthened, and market confidence boosted.

The country will further identify and rectify all kinds of risks and hidden dangers, resolutely curbing the occurrence of major and extremely serious accidents. Localities should enhance the rectification and remediation of problematic and danger-posing reservoirs, river embankments and dykes, flash-flood and geological hazard-prone areas, and urban low-lying locations vulnerable to waterlogging. They should also solidly advance all kinds of work related to emergency response, rescue and disaster relief for flood prevention and control, and go all out to safeguard people's lives and property.

Officials should consolidate and expand their endeavors in establishing and practicing a correct view of governance performance, it was also noted at the meeting. Leading officials at all levels should make new achievements in high-quality development with high spirit, robust energy and uplifting morale.

Other matters were also discussed at the meeting.■

Full text: Keynote speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping at opening ceremony of 2026 World AI Conference

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, east China, July 17, 2026. (Xinhua/Huang Jingwen)

SHANGHAI, July 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance held here on Friday.

The following is the full text of the address:

Joining Hands to Build a Just and Equitable System For Global AI Governance

Keynote Address by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Opening Ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance

Shanghai, July 17, 2026

Distinguished Colleagues and Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Seventy years ago, a group of young scholars proposed the concept of artificial intelligence (AI) for the first time at the Dartmouth Workshop in New Hampshire of the United States. In the subsequent 70 years, AI scientists and researchers from around the world ventured into this unknown territory, forged ahead through twists and turns, and made breakthroughs with persistent hard work. Seven decades later today, amid the new wave of AI development, we are gathering by the Huangpu River to discuss how to promote AI globally for the positive, for good and for humanity. All this makes our meeting highly important. On behalf of the Chinese government and people, I would like to extend a warm welcome to you all.

In the course of history, the invention of the steam engine heralded the industrial civilization, the widespread access to electricity brightened up modern society, and the birth of the Internet brought the entire world together. Each of these technological revolutions has profoundly reshaped our way of work and life, and enabled a giant leap in economic and social development.

Today, major changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world. The new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is advancing at a faster pace, and the world has entered an unprecedented period of active innovation on AI technologies. Intelligent connectivity, human-machine collaboration, cross-sector integration, joint creation and sharing, and other intelligent technologies are unleashing enormous power. All this carries within it great opportunities as well as challenges to governance. We human beings must answer the questions posed by our times: How to get along with thinking machines? How to ensure security when algorithm is part of decision making? How to tackle ethical challenges by technologies through adaptive governance? How to realize AI for all when the divide keeps widening? These questions demand serious consideration and real answers from the whole international community.

In China's view, all countries should take a people-centered approach and develop AI for the positive and for good. We should ensure that AI is an important driver for shared prosperity and common security. We should join hands to build a just and equitable system for global AI governance. To this end, I wish to share four observations.

First, we should adhere to the principle of openness and win-win and boost innovation-driven development. As a new engine of world economic growth and an accelerator for the shift of growth drivers, AI is moving from the digital world into the physical world. We should seize this rare, historic opportunity to encourage open source, openness, collaboration and sharing. We should facilitate technological innovation, industrial development and scenario-based application of AI. We should make coordinated advances in the transformation and upgrade of traditional industries, the cultivation and growth of emerging industries and forward-looking planning for future industries, so that all sectors and businesses can benefit from AI.

Second, we should strengthen risk-awareness and ensure that AI is secure and controllable. AI should be a trusted tool for humanity. We should take seriously the various types of inherent and secondary risks that AI may trigger. We should put in place laws and regulations, technological monitoring, early warning and emergency response systems in order to strengthen the line of security, prevent abuses and malicious use, and ensure that AI is always under human control. In the meantime, we should jointly oppose overstretching the national security concept in the field of AI and placing one country's security over that of others.

Third, we should encourage inclusiveness and promote mutual learning between civilizations. AI development and its application should not erode or undermine the diversity of world civilizations or the uniqueness of cultures of different countries. We must shape the values of AI with humanity's common values, and make good use of AI technologies to increase understanding, tolerance, exchanges, and sharing among all civilizations. We should tend to the garden of civilizations with great care to ensure that the beauty of each civilization is appreciated and shared.

Fourth, we should advocate solidarity and improve global governance. AI is an invaluable asset that encapsulates humanity's collective wisdom. We should practice true multilateralism and recognize the important role of the United Nations. We should enhance alignment and coordination on AI development strategies, governance rules and technical standards, so as to form a consensus-based global governance framework at an early date to make this frontier technology better benefit humanity. We must carry out extensive international cooperation and help Global South countries with capacity building to bridge the AI and digital divides, promote sustainable development, and prevent creating new historical injustice in AI.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan. It maps out China's economic and social development for the next five years and provides immense opportunities for the international community. In recent years, China has embraced AI with open arms. We have promoted interplay between an efficient market and a well-functioning government, strengthened AI innovation, actively advanced the AI Plus Initiative, and built a healthy ecosystem for all entities to thrive in together. The core smart economy industries are worth at least RMB 1 trillion yuan. Smart devices in countless homes truly improve people's livelihood. Intelligent Manufacturing in China has become another shining hallmark of Chinese modernization.

At the same time, China lays great emphasis on safety and security in AI development. With a deep understanding of the trends and logic of AI development, we are continuously improving laws, regulations, policies, mechanisms, application norms, as well as ethical principles to make sure that AI is safe, secure and controllable, and that this fine steed of AI gallops with both speed and stability.

As a responsible major country, China is always committed to providing international public goods relating to AI. Since I proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative, China has promoted the adoption of the U.N. General Assembly Resolution on Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence by consensus, published the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, announced the AI Plus International Cooperation Initiative, and advocated for establishing the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO). China has been contributing steadily to the global AI governance.

We often say in China, "A single string cannot make music, and a single tree does not make a forest." AI development should not be a solo performance by a single country, but a symphony of international cooperation. Thanks to our joint efforts, WAICO has come into being in Shanghai. Our vision from one year ago is now a reality. This is a major move by China to answer the call of the Global South and unite the international community together to promote vigorously AI development and governance. It will be an important milestone in the history of AI development.

To further support global AI development and advance global AI capacity building, I hereby announce that in the next five years, China will provide developing countries with 5,000 opportunities in AI training and seminar programs; develop international AI application cooperation centers with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and BRICS; and enable 30 countries to use the AI-powered meteorological warning system, or MAZU, to safeguard homes around the world.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

As ancient Chinese observed, "A man of wisdom adapts to changes; a man of knowledge acts by circumstances." With AI advancing at a staggering speed, we must ensure its development is for the positive, for good and for humanity. We must make its oversight and governance precise and effective, and constantly refine measures to forestall loss of control. We should always guide AI development with human wisdom and international consensus, so that AI can truly become a mighty force that increases the well-being of humanity and advances human civilization.

China is ready to be more open, take more practical actions, and assume a more visionary perspective. We are ready to work with all parties to seize the opportunities of AI development and meet the challenges, and join hands to create a brighter future for humanity.

Thank you! ■

Xi stresses high-quality urban renewal in building modernized cities for the people during Shanghai inspection tour

SHANGHAI, July 16 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, on Wednesday said that high-quality urban renewal is a vital part of urban modernization during an inspection tour in Shanghai.

Xi stressed the need to fully embrace the people-centered philosophy of urban development and adhere to the principle of understanding the people's needs, soliciting their suggestions, and assessing their evaluation of the effectiveness of urban renewal.

Urban renewal initiatives should be carried out in a thorough, meticulous and effective manner to continuously enhance the people's sense of fulfillment, happiness and security, Xi said.

On Wednesday afternoon, accompanied by Chen Jining, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CPC Shanghai Municipal Committee, and Gong Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, Xi visited the Shimin Xincun residential community in the Bansongyuan Road Subdistrict of Huangpu District for inspection.

Four residential buildings in the community, originally built in the 1950s, have been renovated and upgraded with separate kitchens and private bathrooms in apartments as well as newly installed elevators, significantly improving residents' living conditions. Xi visited the community service center, where he was briefed on Shanghai's efforts to renovate old residential buildings lacking sanitary facilities, put an end to the long-standing practice of carrying chamber pots in old urban neighborhoods, and renovate residential communities. He also made detailed inquiries with on-site staff about the relevant work.

Xi stressed that the CPC Central Committee attaches great importance to urban development and has pledged to build modernized cities for the people that are innovative, livable, beautiful, resilient, culturally advanced, and smart, with the renovation of old residential communities as an important part of that effort.

In carrying out this work, it is essential to firmly establish and adopt a correct understanding of governance performance, respond to the people's needs and concerns, and formulate and implement effective policies and measures, Xi said.

Xi called for sustained efforts to address the public's concerns step by step and to continuously improve people's well-being. It is necessary to improve property management and convenience services in residential communities with "embroidery-like precision" to ensure residents' satisfaction, he added.

At the home of retired resident Zhu Guoli, Xi looked closely at the living conditions. Zhu told the General Secretary that her apartment now has a separate kitchen and a private bathroom, making life far more convenient. Delighted to hear this, Xi said: "Every detail of the people's lives matters," adding that the well-being of the people is not only a family matter but also a matter of state. The CPC is dedicated to serving the people, and only when the people live in peace and contentment can the Party and the government rest assured. He also expressed the hope that retirees could make the most of retirement and lead even better family lives.

Xi then visited a community service center for Party and public affairs to inspect the supply of fruits and vegetables, and engaged in cordial talks at a "citizens' parlor" with resident representatives, subdistrict officials, and community workers. Stressing communities as basic units of the urban governance system, Xi urged efforts to improve community governance and promote channeling resources, services, and management down to the community level, as well as continuously reduce burdens of community-level officials and work for their empowerment.

Xi called for efforts to further strengthen the leading role of Party-building, actively explore new models for coordinated operation of residents' committees, homeowners' committees, and property service businesses under the leadership of community-level Party organizations, and build well-rounded communities and convenient living circles. All these efforts should serve to wholeheartedly do good deeds for residents, deliver results for their well-being, and address their concerns.

During the inspection tour, Xi emphasized that the country is now in a critical period for flood control. All localities should be prepared for worst-case scenarios and extreme situations, closely monitor rainfall, flood conditions and typhoon developments, conduct thorough and meticulous inspections to identify potential risks, and make solid efforts in flood prevention and control, emergency responses and disaster relief to effectively safeguard people's lives and property.

Accompanying Xi on the inspection tour were 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 leading officials from relevant departments of central Party and state authorities.■

Xi calls for advancing Chinese modernization through sci-tech self-reliance and innovation

BEIJING, July 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for accelerated endeavors to pursue greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology at higher levels and forge ahead toward the goal of building China into a leading country in science and technology by 2035.

The National Science and Technology Awards Conference, the 22nd General Assembly of Members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the 18th General Assembly of Members of the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE), and the 11th National Congress of the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) were held on Wednesday morning at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the conference, presented awards to recipients of the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award and other honorees, and delivered an important speech.

Xi stressed that the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) will be a crucial stage for making breakthroughs in building China into a leading country in science and technology. It is imperative to seize historical opportunities and meet the challenges of the times, providing solid support and leadership for Chinese modernization through scientific and technological innovation.

Li Qiang presided over the conference. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Li Xi attended. Ding Xuexiang read out the decision on the 2025 State Science and Technology Awards.

The conference began at 10:30 a.m. All attendees rose to sing the national anthem.

As ceremonial music was trumpeted, Xi first presented medals and certificates to Chen Liquan, a researcher at the CAS Institute of Physics and a CAE academician, and Ben De, a researcher at the 14th Research Institute of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation and also a CAE academician, both winners of the 2025 State Preeminent Science and Technology Award. Xi warmly shook hands with them and extended his congratulations.

Xi and other Party and state leaders then joined the two top award recipients in presenting certificates to representatives of the winners of the State Natural Science Award, the State Technological Invention Award, the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, and the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People's Republic of China.

Amid enthusiastic applause, Xi delivered his important speech. He pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee has placed sci-tech innovation at the forefront of the modernization drive, systematically mapped out a blueprint for building a leading country in science and technology, vigorously promoted the implementation of the innovation-driven development strategy, comprehensively deepened reforms of the sci-tech system, and driven the country's sci-tech endeavors to historic achievements and transformations. China is accelerating its transition from a participant in and contributor to the global science and technology, to a pioneer and leader, becoming one of the countries with the fastest-growing innovation capacity.

The new round of sci-tech revolution and industrial transformation is profoundly changing people's work and life, as well as the global development landscape, and "we should adapt to the new circumstances and requirements, as well as adopt more robust measures," Xi said, in a bid to effectively address existing issues in China's sci-tech development. He also called for all-out efforts in implementing the CPC Central Committee's plans on sci-tech endeavors.

Xi highlighted the need to strengthen the systematic problem-solving capabilities of the country's sci-tech innovation system, and enhance the overall effectiveness of the nation's innovation system. Sci-tech endeavors should adhere to the "four orientations" framework -- facing the world's scientific frontiers, the main economic battlefield, the country's major needs, and the people's life and health. Overall arrangements should be further strengthened in areas such as sci-tech strategic planning, policy measures, major tasks, research forces, resource platforms, and regional innovation.

Xi also underlined the necessity to improve the mechanisms for deploying and implementing the nation's major sci-tech innovation tasks, and strengthen self-sufficiency in sci-tech infrastructure.

The country should optimize the functional positioning and distribution of the nation's strategic sci-tech forces, advance task coordination and resource sharing, as well as further leverage complementary advantages, Xi said. Moreover, the nation will enhance overall guidance for sci-tech endeavors at all levels and establish institutional arrangements for central-local coordination and regional linkage.

Xi stressed that it is imperative to advance the integration between scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, and open up channels to speed up the transformation of sci-tech achievements into real productive forces. He called for an application-oriented approach to seek sci-tech innovation and raising scientific questions while pursuing industrial innovation. Efforts should be made to strengthen the building of a system for national technology transfer, create diverse application scenarios and high-level industrial clusters, and advance the promotion, application, iterative upgrading of independently developed technologies and products. It is also a must to improve the intellectual property protection system and develop a sci-tech financial system that is compatible with sci-tech innovation.

The future of science lies in the hands of the young people, Xi noted, thus it is essential to optimize the talent cultivation mechanism featuring the collaboration between science and education sectors and intensify efforts to cultivate outstanding young scientific and technological talent. Efforts have to be stepped up to support researchers and help resolve their real difficulties so that they can focus on their research with peace of mind. It is also essential to focus on discovering and nurturing youths' interests, scientific literacy and experimental skills, and encourage more adolescents with scientific potential to dedicate themselves to scientific and technological endeavors.

Xi underscored increasing the efficiency of investment in science and technology, so as to achieve both an increase in the scale of investment and an improvement in its efficiency. Mechanisms should be improved for the allocation, management, and use of central government sci-tech funds, and those for sharing the responsibility for investment in major sci-tech initiatives be refined between the central and local governments. It is also essential to improve the management of sci-tech programs, strengthen the oversight, inspection, and performance evaluation of science and technology projects, guide enterprises to increase R&D investment, and mobilize more non-governmental actors to support sci-tech innovation.

Further reform of the sci-tech appraisal system should be carried on to make it a good "conductor's baton" for guiding the work of scientists and researchers, Xi noted. All project reviews, institutional evaluations, and personnel assessments should underline the orientation toward innovation capacity, quality, effectiveness and contribution. He also called for accelerated efforts to stop recognizing talent only according to their thesis, titles, education background and prizes, and to rectify the practice of indiscriminately awarding titles in the science and education sectors. And the country also strives to encourage the spirit of scientists that embraces patriotism, innovation, truth seeking, dedication, coordination, and talent cultivation, strengthen research integrity, and foster a clean and upright scientific research ecology.

Xi emphasized the need to strengthen governance over science and technology ethics and security, and to ensure that science and technology develop in a way that is positive and beneficial, safe and controllable, and conducive to the well-being of the people. Policies, systems, laws, regulations and governance norms should be improved, and a mechanism featuring participation by multiple parties and coordinated governance should be strengthened. Ethical standards and guidelines for key areas should be clarified, and assessment, monitoring, early warning and emergency response regarding sci-tech security risks should be strengthened. Furthermore, he urged deep engagement in global science and technology governance and broad spread of China's propositions and solutions.

To achieve flourishing progress in China's science and technology, concerted efforts from the entire Party and society are required, Xi pointed out. Party committees and governments at all levels should place science and technology work high on their agendas, develop and act on a correct understanding of governance performance, take concrete and sustained actions, and continue to deliver new results. The CAS and the CAE should unite the nation's science and technology community to grasp the direction of the new round of scientific and technological revolution and scale new heights in world science. The CAST should continue to explore and innovate, dedicating itself to serving scientists and engineers, serving innovation-driven development, serving the improvement of the public's scientific literacy, and serving the sound decision-making of the Party and the government.

Xi expressed his hope that academicians of the two academies would cherish their honors and persevere in their endeavors, and set exemplary and leading roles in exploring the frontiers of science and technology, undertaking major tasks, cultivating young talents and practicing the spirit of scientists. He also expressed his hope that scientists and technologists would carry forward the fine tradition of serving the country and delivering benefits to the people, and make new contributions to building up a leading country in science and technology.

Presiding over the conference, Li Qiang emphasized that General Secretary Xi's important speech fully affirmed the major achievements China has made in science and technology in recent years, profoundly analyzed the new situation facing sci-tech development, and set out clear requirements for further strengthening the sense of responsibility, urgency and mission, and for fully implementing the CPC Central Committee's arrangements for sci-tech work during the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

The general secretary's important speech is lofty in vision, profound in thought and rich in substance, Li said. It carries strong political, strategic and guiding significance, charting the course forward and providing the fundamental guidance for advancing science and technology in the new era. "We must study and fully understand it, resolutely implement it, and effectively align our thinking and actions with the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee," he said, and "we must further strengthen our resolve and confidence in advancing science and technology, and make new and greater contributions to building China into a great country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization."

At the meeting, Chen Liquan and Ben De spoke on behalf of all award recipients.

Before the meeting, Xi and other Party and state leaders cordially met with representatives of the recipients of the State Science and Technology Awards and had a group photo taken with them.

Also attending the meeting were some members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, secretaries of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, and 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 Central Military Commission.

About 4,300 people attended the meeting, including principal officials from relevant departments of the Party, government, military and mass organizations under the central authorities; members of the Central Science and Technology Commission; members of the National Science and Technology Awards Committee; officials from provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, cities specifically designated in the state plan, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps; representatives of award recipients; academicians of the CAS and the CAE, as well as some foreign members of the academies; and delegates to the 11th National Congress of the CAST.

A total of 258 projects and 11 sci-tech experts were selected for the 2025 State Science and Technology Awards. Among them, two people received the State Preeminent Science and Technology Award, 51 projects won the State Natural Science Award, including three first prizes and 48 second prizes; 58 projects won the State Technological Invention Award, including three first prizes and 55 second prizes; and 149 projects won the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award, including three special prizes, 13 first prizes and 133 second prizes. In addition, nine foreign experts were conferred the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People's Republic of China.■

Xi addresses assembly marking CPC's 105th founding anniversary

BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- A grand assembly marking the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) was held on the morning of July 1 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. At the event, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, conferred the July 1 Medal on model CPC members and delivered an important speech. He stressed that over the past 105 years, the CPC has remained committed to its original aspiration and founding mission of working for the happiness of the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, and has made historic achievements through unremitting efforts. Xi said that on the new journey, all CPC members should strengthen their confidence, forge ahead with sustained efforts and continue to create new achievements worthy of the times and the people's expectations.

Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, and Li Xi -- all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee -- as well as Vice President Han Zheng were present at the event.

At around 9 a.m., the recipients of the July 1 Medal departed for the Great Hall of the People in ceremonial vehicles, accompanied by a motorcycle escort. Outside the north gate of the Great Hall of the People, guards of honor lined up on both sides of the road, while children and teenagers greeted the medal recipients with enthusiastic cheers. Upon arrival, the recipients ascended the red-carpeted steps and entered the building, where they were welcomed by officials from the working committee overseeing affairs related to Party and state awards and honors.

The atmosphere in the grand auditorium of the Great Hall of the People was solemn yet vibrant. Above the rostrum hung a banner reading "Assembly Celebrating the 105th Anniversary of the Founding of the Communist Party of China." At the center of the backdrop gleamed the radiant emblem of the CPC, with the inscription "1921-2026" beneath it, flanked by five red flags on each side. On the second-floor balcony, a slogan read: "Unite closely around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, carry forward the great founding spirit of the Party, stay true to the original aspiration and founding mission, and strive tirelessly to comprehensively advance the great cause of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization."

At 10 a.m., Li Qiang declared the commencement of the meeting. All present rose to their feet and sang the national anthem.

Cai Qi read out the decision of the CPC Central Committee on conferring the July 1 Medal. The decision states that, in recognition of outstanding Party members who have long worked at the grassroots level, devoted themselves to the Party and the people, and made remarkable contributions, and to inspire the entire Party to remain true to our original aspiration and founding mission, and forge ahead with enterprise and fortitude, the CPC Central Committee decides to confer the July 1 Medal on Ma Shanxiang, Wang Yuchang, Li Liancheng, Uhas Sulayman, Wu Yaqin, Chen Junwu (posthumously), Zhao Yafu and Zhong Jue.

Two flag-bearers holding high the Party flag and one guard of honor carrying the July 1 Medal marched with vigorous steps to the ceremony venue.

Amidst the majestic melody of "Salute to the Heroes of the Motherland," Xi presented the July 1 Medal to the recipients individually, warmly shook hands with them, and extended his congratulations. The recipients were then invited to take their seats on the rostrum, amid bursts of enthusiastic applause throughout the venue.

Cai Qi read out another decision of the CPC Central Committee on commending outstanding Party members, Party workers, and primary-level Party organizations from across the country.

Xi and other leaders presented awards to representatives of the commended Party members, Party workers, and primary-level Party organizations.

Amid rapturous applause, Xi delivered an important speech. He noted that the grand assembly in celebration of the CPC's 105th founding anniversary was held to review the Party's glorious history, look ahead to the bright prospects for the development of the cause of the Party and the people, and rally the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to strive with confidence toward the great goals of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and rejuvenating the Chinese nation. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended greetings to all CPC members and offered warm congratulations to the recipients of the July 1 Medal, and the honored Party members, Party workers, and primary-level Party organizations.

Xi said that 105 years ago, against the backdrop of the Chinese nation's profound awakening and the integration of Marxism-Leninism with the Chinese workers' movement, the CPC emerged in response to the needs of the times. Since then, the Chinese people and the Chinese nation have a reliable pillar to lean on, and China, once beset by domestic turmoil and foreign aggression and mired in chronic poverty and weakness, has embarked on a course of earth-shaking historic transformation.

Over the past 105 years, the Party has united and led the people of all ethnic groups across the country in unremitting struggles, achieving great accomplishments in the new-democratic revolution, socialist revolution and construction, reform and opening up and socialist modernization, and in the new era of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and composing the most magnificent epic in the millennia-long history of the Chinese nation. One hundred and five years of tireless struggle have fundamentally changed the future and destiny of the Chinese people, blazed the right path to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, demonstrated the robust vitality of Marxism, profoundly influenced the course of world history, and forged a strong CPC, which truly deserves to be called a great, glorious and correct party, Xi said.

He pointed out that the fundamental reason why the CPC has been able to continuously forge glories over 105 years of struggle, and why history and the people have chosen the Party, lies in its fine qualities with no parallel among other political parties and political forces. The Party remains steadfast in pursuing truth and always steers the right course; it is deeply rooted in the people and always rests on a solid foundation; it bravely shoulders its historic mission and always holds the strategic initiative; it keeps pace with the trend of development and always stands at the forefront of the times; it dares to struggle and excels in it, and always maintains full confidence in victory; and it focuses on self-strengthening and always brims with vigor and vitality. In light of new realities, we must continuously carry forward and enhance the Party's fine qualities, ensure that the Party will never change its nature, its conviction, or its character, and always maintain its strong creativity, cohesion, and combat capability, Xi said.

Xi stressed that to fulfill the Party's mission on the new journey in the new era, all Party members are required to strengthen confidence, make unremitting efforts, and continue to create new achievements worthy of the times and the people's expectations. On strengthening confidence and making unremitting efforts, Xi said it is imperative to adhere to the Party's basic theory, basic line and basic policy, uphold the Party's overall leadership and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and thoroughly implement the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is essential to have firm confidence in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, build on past achievements and strive for progress while staying committed to fundamental principles and breaking new ground.

He urged the whole Party to remain undaunted by passing clouds and stay on course through wind and waves. The Party must rely closely on the people to create great historic achievements, put into practice a people-centered development philosophy and fully stimulate the enthusiasm, initiative and creativity of the people. Efforts must be made to implement the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy in a coordinated way, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, speed up the creation of a new development pattern, and take solid steps to promote high-quality development.

Xi called on the whole Party to actively respond to risks and challenges on the path ahead, enhance awareness of potential dangers, be prepared to deal with worst-case scenarios, be ready to fight, and enhance the ability to struggle. Efforts should be made to better coordinate domestic and international imperatives and ensure both development and safeguard security. He stressed the need to continuously promote the building of a community with a shared future for humanity, hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, champion humanity's common values, and advance the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative, so as to inject more positive energy into world peace and development.

He also emphasized the need to advance full and rigorous Party self-governance with sustained efforts, fully implement the thought on Party building for the new era and improve the system for exercising full and rigorous self-governance. Efforts must be made to strengthen all aspects of Party building with political building as the overarching principle, resolutely win the tough, protracted and all-out battle against corruption, and continuously strengthen the Party's ability to provide political leadership and theoretical guidance, to organize and inspire the people, and to motivate the public.

Xi pointed out that to make our country strong, we must build a strong military, as only a strong military can ensure national security. He called for efforts to fully implement the Party's thinking on strengthening the military for the new era and maintain the Party's absolute leadership over the people's armed forces. It is imperative to take comprehensive measures to enhance the military's political integrity, strengthen the military through reform, development of science and technology, as well as talent cultivation, and run the military in accordance with the law. Xi underscored the importance of advancing the modernization of national defense and the armed forces, ensuring the realization of the People's Liberation Army's centenary goals in 2027, and accelerating the building of the people's armed forces into a world-class military.

Xi stressed that promoting the long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao is an inherent requirement for realizing national rejuvenation. It is imperative to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the "one country, two systems" policy, under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy, promote economic and social development in Hong Kong and Macao, and support them in better integrating into and contributing to the country's overall development, he said.

He noted that resolving the Taiwan question and realizing the complete reunification of the motherland are, for the Party, a historic mission and an unshakable commitment. They are also a shared aspiration of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation. It is essential to fully implement the Party's overall policy for the new era on resolving the Taiwan question, stay committed to the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, unite the vast number of Taiwan compatriots, and promote exchanges, cooperation, and integrated development across the Taiwan Strait. We will resolutely fight against separatist forces seeking "Taiwan independence," and oppose external interference, sparing no effort to advance the great cause of national reunification, Xi said.

He stressed that the youth are a vital force for realizing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The entire Party must attach importance to, care for, and support young people, creating favorable conditions for their growth and success. Young Chinese in the new era should unswervingly follow the Party and its guidance, set lofty goals and shoulder responsibilities of the times, carry the baton of history forward on the new journey, blaze a path with their zeal, and illuminate the journey with aspirations.

The Party's glorious 105-year history is a source of pride, but we must never become complacent or rest on our laurels, Xi stressed. By the middle of this century, we will have built China into a great modern socialist country in all respects to realize the Second Centenary Goal. All Party members must never forget the CPC's original aspiration and founding mission, always stay modest, prudent, and hard-working, and have the courage and ability to carry on the struggle, he said, calling on the CPC to closely rely on, unite with and lead people of all ethnic groups across the country in forging ahead on the new journey, making achievements in the new era, and striving to create historic accomplishments.

When presiding over the gathering, Li Qiang noted that General Secretary Xi's important speech provided a comprehensive review of how the CPC has united and led people of all ethnic groups across the country to achieve remarkable historic accomplishments over its 105-year history. The speech profoundly revealed the fine qualities that have enabled the Party to keep scaling new heights. It set out clear requirements for all Party members to strengthen their confidence and continue their efforts on the new journey, and issued a powerful call to the entire Party to strive for new historic achievements. With strategic vision, penetrating insights, and rich substance, General Secretary Xi's speech has further clarified the direction and provided fundamental guidance for fulfilling the Party's central tasks in the new era on the new journey. All Party members should study it carefully and effectively translate its essence into everyday work, carry forward the great founding spirit of the Party, remain true to the Party's original aspirations and founding mission, and strive tirelessly to comprehensively advance the great cause of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, Li said.

At the assembly, Wu Yaqin, the first secretary of the Party Committee of Changshan Garden Community in Kuancheng District, Changchun City, Jilin Province, delivered a speech on behalf of the recipients of the July 1 Medal.

The meeting concluded to the powerful strains of The Internationale.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, vice chairperson of the Central Military Commission, vice chairpersons 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 vice chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, who were in Beijing, attended the meeting.

About 3,000 people attended the assembly, including leading officials from central Party and government departments, the military, people's organizations, and the Beijing municipal government; leaders of the central committees of non-Communist parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce; representatives of personages without party affiliation; the July 1 Medal recipients' family members and colleagues; previous recipients of national medals and honorary titles; veteran Party members and retired officials; representatives of the honored Party members, Party workers and primary-level Party organizations; foreign experts working in China, grassroots Party members and people from all walks of life in Beijing; and those of military personnel stationed in the capital. ■

China holds concert to celebrate 105th founding anniversary of CPC in Beijing

BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Passionate musical movements paid tribute to a glorious journey, while resounding songs echoed the people's epic. A concert titled "Putting the People First" was held in Beijing on Monday evening to celebrate the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng watched the performance along with about 3,000 others in joint celebration of such a glorious festival.

The Great Hall of the People was brightly lit and radiant with festivity. At 07:55 p.m., Xi and other Party and state leaders arrived at the site of the concert, where rapturous applause erupted.

"Sing a folk song for the Party to hear, I'd liken the Party to my mother..." Accompanied by the clear, bright voices of a children's choir, the concert was unveiled in style. The performances featured five movements, as artists, through their virtuosic playing and moving vocals, expressed boundless love for the Party and sang out the strong message of national rejuvenation in this era.

With its majestic strains, "Ode to the Red Flag" featured a rhythm that evoked resonant patriotic sentiments among the audience, while the orchestral piece "To Our Predecessors" expressed deep remembrance and profound respect for revolutionary martyrs. Songs such as "Red Azalea," "When Osmanthus Flowers Blossom in Eighth Lunar Month," "Ode to the Yellow River," and "The Sky above the Liberated Area" revisited the grand scenes of unity and solidarity between the military and the people during the revolutionary war years, conveying the will and elation of hundreds of millions of people in following the Party's leadership and embracing a new life.

"Colorful Homeland," a series of orchestral and choral performances comprising "Whipping Horses for Busy Grain Delivery," "By the Butterfly Spring," "The Clothes-Washing Song," "Spring Comes to the Fields," "Oil for My Motherland," and "Sunshine on Tashkurgan," depicted the vibrant scenes of vigorous development across all sectors, as well as the dynamic picture of officials and people of all ethnic groups jointly building the homeland during the periods of socialist revolution and construction. "On the Fields of Hope," orchestral and choral performances of classic songs, reflected the rapid and delightful transformation across China since the country's reform and opening-up, telling of the Chinese people's heartfelt wishes as they work together to fulfill their shared dream.

As a dedication to the 105 years of standing together through thick and thin and striving forward hand in hand, the entire concert was soul-stirring, marked by successive waves of uplifting, magnificent performances. The orchestral pieces "Merry Songs of Mountains and Rivers" and "Hearts Beat as One" showcased the daily thriving vitality of the new era toward prosperity, while the symphonic chorus "Full Attachments to Mountains and Rivers" conveyed profound sentiments of family and nation through delicate melodies. The orchestral piece "Never Let the People Down" brought the atmosphere to a climax with its magnificent momentum. The concert concluded with the whole audience joining in a forceful chorus of "Without the Communist Party, There Would Be No New China."

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, vice chairperson of the Central Military Commission, vice chairpersons 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 vice chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference in Beijing attended the concert.

Also in attendance were leading officials from central Party and government departments, the military, people's organizations, and the Beijing municipal government; leaders of the central committees of non-Communist parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, and representatives of personages without party affiliation; representatives of recipients of national medals and honorary titles, veteran Party members and retired cadres, foreign experts working in China, grassroots Party members and people from all walks of life in the capital, and those of military personnel stationed in the capital. ■

Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting on flood control, drought relief

BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on June 30 to study and make arrangements for flood control and drought relief work. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

The meeting noted that during this year's main flood season, China will continue to face more extreme weather and climate events, with both droughts and floods posing significant challenges. All regions and relevant departments must further heighten their awareness, maintain bottom-line thinking, prepare for worst-case scenarios, focus on preventing major floods, combating severe droughts and guarding against strong typhoons, and take concrete measures to ensure all work related to flood control, drought relief, emergency response and disaster mitigation is carried out effectively.

Stressing that safeguarding people's lives must remain the top priority, the meeting called for improving the accuracy of monitoring and forecasting, organizing evacuations in a timely and decisive manner, and making utmost efforts to prevent mass casualties. Measures must be taken to ensure flood control safety on major rivers and lakes, with comprehensive strengthening of management over flood discharge areas along rivers. Close attention should be paid to the risk of abrupt transitions between drought and flooding, with coordinated efforts in both flood control and drought relief, alongside unified management and allocation of water resources. The meeting further called for ensuring the safety of major infrastructure and projects under construction during the flood season, stepping up the identification of potential hazards, and strengthening the protection of agricultural infrastructure.

It is imperative to swiftly and efficiently carry out emergency response, rescue and disaster relief operations, further boost emergency preparedness in terms of response forces, equipment and supplies, enhance overall coordination and pre-positioning, and improve rescue capabilities under extreme conditions, according to the meeting. It called for carrying out disaster relief and assistance work with utmost dedication, and taking concrete steps to ensure that the basic living needs of those affected are met. The meeting also emphasized channeling resources to the grassroots level and shifting forces to the front line, in an effort to strengthen capacity for flood control, disaster mitigation and emergency relief at the primary level.

The meeting stressed that Party committees and governments at all levels must faithfully implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee and strictly fulfill their responsibilities under the flood prevention and drought relief accountability system. The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters should strengthen overall coordination, command and deployment, while all relevant departments should perform their duties.

The meeting urged officials at all levels to firmly establish and practice a correct understanding of governance performance, strengthen on-duty arrangements, command at the front line, and organize and mobilize the public to make all-out efforts in disaster prevention, mitigation and relief. Party organizations at the grassroots level, Party members and officials should give full play to their primary and exemplary roles, shoulder responsibilities and lead the charge in flood control, drought relief, emergency response and disaster mitigation, so as to effectively protect people's lives and property and maintain overall social stability.

The meeting also deliberated on other issues.■

Xi calls for solid steps to advance rural modernization, improve farmers' lives

DEZHOU, Shandong, June 27 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping has called for solid and localized steps to advance agricultural and rural modernization and guide farmers to build better lives.

The modernization of agriculture and the countryside bears heavily on the overall progress and quality of Chinese modernization, Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized during an inspection trip on Wednesday to the city of Dezhou, east China's Shandong Province. He was accompanied by Secretary of the CPC Shandong Provincial Committee Lin Wu, and Governor of Shandong Province Zhou Naixiang.

The Chinese leader urged efforts to enhance the agricultural sector's overall production capacity, quality, and efficiency, ensure stable supply of grain and other types of key agricultural products, advance the drive to build a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in based on local conditions, as well as guide the broad masses of farmers to create an even better life with diligence and wisdom.

The visit came amid the summer planting season, when the fields were bustling with farming activities. In the morning, Xi paid a visit to Dongyujia Village in Bianlin Town, Lingcheng District, where he was briefed on local efforts for the ongoing busy farming season for sowing, harvesting, and field management, and learned about the wheat harvest, corn planting, and flow of agricultural supplies.

Along a farmland irrigation canal, Xi inspected the water-fertilizer integration facilities, then walked into the fields and engaged in cordial exchanges with major grain producers, farming machinery operators, and agricultural technicians. He was very pleased to learn that wheat yield per mu had increased again this year and that corn sowing was progressing quickly without missing the farming season.

Xi stressed that ensuring the stable supply of grain and other important agricultural products is the top priority of agricultural production. It is essential to implement various support policies for grain production, ensure the supply and stable prices of agricultural materials, actively promote advanced and applicable varieties, technologies, and equipment, steadily improve per-unit yield and efficiency, and strive for bumper grain harvests for the whole year. Efforts should be made to improve agricultural infrastructure, ensure the quality of high-standard farmland construction, promote water-saving and efficiency-enhancing agriculture, strengthen meteorological forecasting and disaster monitoring and early warning, and enhance the capacity for agricultural disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief.

Afterward, Xi visited the nearby Xiyujia Village which is honored as a national model village. At the village's public service center, he carefully inquired about the development of the village Party organization and the provision of convenient services for the people, learned about local practices of exploring area-based approaches to promote rural revitalization, and inspected the display of agricultural and sideline products.

Xi expressed his hope that Party organizations at the village level further leverage the role of Party building as a guiding force, fully mobilize the enthusiasm of the villagers, and continuously score new achievements in advancing the building of a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in. He called for sustained efforts to reduce burdens on the grassroots-level officials, so that village officials can devote more time and energy to serving the local people and promoting development.

At the home of villager Yu Xinhui, Xi took a look at the household furnishings, and sat with the family for a casual chat. He asked attentively about their jobs and income, the health of the elderly, and the children's education, and inquired in detail whether the Party's policies on agriculture, rural areas, and farmers had been fully implemented.

Xi pointed out that establishing and practicing a correct understanding of governance performance must ultimately boil down to delivering benefits to the people. All Party members and officials should strengthen their awareness as public servants, cultivate a deep commitment to serving the people, do more to bring them benefits, and address their real concerns and solve their difficulties, so as to tangibly enhance the people's sense of gain, happiness, and security.

As Xi was leaving the village, local residents gathered to see him off warmly. Xi told them that the 105th founding anniversary of the CPC would soon be celebrated on July 1. Over the past 105 years, the Party has united and led the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in unremitting efforts, achieving great accomplishments worthy of history and the people, he said.

Xi noted that China is now striding forward on a new journey to build a modern socialist country in all respects. He called for concerted efforts to advance along the new Long March and create an even brighter future while continuously meeting people's aspirations for a better life. Xi expressed his wishes that, under the Party's leadership, the villagers would build an increasingly beautiful hometown and enjoy ever-improving lives.

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

Xi stresses regularizing coordinated regional development for solid progress toward common prosperity

BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping has urged incessant efforts in regularizing coordinated regional development to secure solid progress in advancing common prosperity for all.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in recent instructions on steadily advancing the cooperation between China's eastern and western regions. He highlighted the east-west cooperation program's significant role in supporting poverty alleviation efforts and promoting balanced regional development over the past 30 years since its initiation, which has demonstrated the political strengths of the Party, as well as the superiority of China's socialist system.

Xi highlighted this year as the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, as well as the first year of the regular assistance efforts in the country's rural revitalization drive. He also called for efforts to summarize and apply the valuable experience gained from cooperation between Fujian Province and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, further improve cooperation mechanisms, optimize cooperation methods, and expand the scopes of cooperation. The endeavors are expected to promote industrial complementarity, personnel exchanges, and mutual learning of technologies, ideas, and work styles between the eastern and western regions, and to achieve mutual benefits, win-win outcomes, and common development.

Party committees and governments at all levels should earnestly fulfill their responsibilities for regularized assistance for western regions, firmly secure the bottom line to prevent any large-scale relapse into poverty or new cases of poverty, steadily advance rural revitalization across the board, and continuously enhance coordinated regional development, so as to make solid progress toward common prosperity for all.

The important instructions of Xi were conveyed at a national work conference on east-west regional cooperation, which opened on June 17 in Yinchuan, capital of Ningxia. Liu Guozhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier of the State Council, delivered a speech at the meeting. Liu emphasized that General Secretary Xi's important instructions are strategically insightful, profound and incisive, demonstrating strong political, ideological and guiding significance. They provide fundamental guidance for carrying out regularized east-west cooperation, and must be thoroughly studied, fully understood and resolutely implemented.

Liu underscored the need to consistently uphold the political responsibility, firmly establish and practice a correct understanding of governance performance, and draw upon the successful experience from Fujian-Ningxia cooperation, among others. Efforts should be intensified to deepen industrial and labor-service coordination between the eastern and western regions, strengthen the exchange of officials and professionals, expand cooperation in science and technology, finance and other fields. It is essential to carry out work creatively in light of local conditions, continuously improve the quality and effectiveness of collaboration, and promote complementary strengths, mutual empowerment and common development.

The meeting also briefed participants on the progress of east-west regional cooperation. Officials from Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Fujian Province respectively introduced the experience and practices in Fujian-Ningxia cooperation. Officials from Beijing and Shanghai municipalities, as well as Jiangsu, Guangdong, Sichuan and Gansu provinces also addressed the meeting.

Officials from relevant provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities undertaking east-west regional cooperation tasks, as well as those from some member departments of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, attended the meeting. ■

Xi stresses carrying forward revolutionary traditions in reply to centenarian Party member

BEIJING, June 19 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of the 105th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which falls on July 1, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a reply letter to Zhang Liansheng, a 102-year-old Party member who retired from Xinhua News Agency. Xi extended sincere greetings to Zhang as well as to veteran Party members and comrades across the country.

In the reply letter, Xi noted that Zhang, as a radio operator with the "Fourth Brigade" of a central armed force, followed the Party Central Committee through the flames of war in northern Shaanxi in northwest China about eight decades ago, devoted his entire life to the post of communications technology with hard work, and, even in his centenarian years, still cares about the cause of the Party and the country. Xi expressed his respect for Zhang.

"In your letter, you expressed your resolve to always follow the Party and regard yourself as a member of the 'Fourth Brigade' forever. These words embody sincere and profound faith in and deep love for the Party," Xi told Zhang. "Party members in the new era must carry forward the revolutionary traditions, stay true to our original aspiration, keep our mission firmly in mind, faithfully perform duties, take on responsibilities through concrete actions, and strive for outstanding accomplishments on the new journey."

The "Fourth Brigade" was a Xinhua working team that followed the Party Central Committee and Chairman Mao Zedong in northern Shaanxi during the War of Liberation, responsible for news reporting and liaison work. Recently, Zhang wrote to Xi, recalling his revolutionary work experience in the "Fourth Brigade" and expressing his firm commitment to always following the Party.■

Xi encourages children to carry forward revolutionary traditions

BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- As the International Children's Day on June 1 approached, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, sent a reply letter to student docents at the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the CPC and the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall, which are both the memorials of the birthplaces of the CPC. In the letter, Xi expressed encouragement to the docents, who are members of the Chinese Young Pioneers (CYP), and extended festive greetings to them and to children nationwide.

In his reply, Xi said that he was pleased to learn that the students had fostered a deep affection for the Party, the country and socialism, and had grown and learned a lot through recounting the Party's history, revolutionary stories and heroic deeds at the site of the First National Congress of the CPC in Shanghai and beside the Red Boat on Nanhu Lake in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province.

This year marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the Party's cause calls for unremitting efforts across generations, Xi emphasized. He encouraged the children to hold high the banner of the CYP and follow the Party, carry forward revolutionary traditions, enrich their knowledge and capabilities, build strong characters, grow into children devoted to the Party and the people, and carry the baton of history forward on the new journey.

In 2021, a nationwide initiative was launched to encourage CYP members across the country to study the Party's history and share these stories as docents at revolutionary memorial venues. Recently, representatives of the CYP docents from the Memorial Hall of the First National Congress of the CPC in Shanghai and the Nanhu Revolutionary Memorial Hall in Jiaxing wrote a letter to Xi. In the letter, they reported what they had learned and how they had grown through their work as student docents, and expressed their determination to become outstanding young people of the new era. ■

Xi stresses accelerating build-up of China's independent knowledge system in philosophy, social sciences

BEIJING, May 18 (Xinhua) -- General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee Xi Jinping has urged accelerated efforts in building up China's knowledge system in philosophy and social sciences.

Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction on promoting the high-quality development of philosophy and social sciences.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi noted, the philosophy and social sciences sector has earnestly implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, adhered to the principle of integrating the basic tenets of Marxism with China's realities and the best of its traditional culture, and made solid work in advancing innovations in knowledge, theory and method, and, as a result, produced a batch of valuable research outcomes, which have provided strong support to the work of the Party and the state.

He stressed that as China embarks on its new journey, it is imperative to follow the guide of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, uphold and strengthen the Party's overall leadership, deepen the systematic and academic research and interpretation of the Party's new theories, and accelerate the drive to foster China's independent knowledge system in philosophy and social sciences, in a bid to better answer the questions posed by China, the world, the people, and our times. Xi also urged efforts to open up new prospects for the high-quality development of philosophy and social sciences, contributing even more wisdom and strength to the cause of Chinese modernization. ■