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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Following is the full text of the article:

Working Together for a Brighter Future of China-Tajikistan Relations

Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The following is the full text of the speech:

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

Statement by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the "Shanghai Cooperation Organization Plus" Meeting in Astana

Astana, July 4, 2024

Your Excellency President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev,

Colleagues,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Colleagues,

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

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

Thank you. ■

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

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

Following is the full text of the article:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Xi stresses improving systems for exercising full, rigorous Party self-governance

BEIJING, June 29 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held its 15th group study session on the afternoon of June 27. The topic is about improving the systems for exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the session. He said that Party building in the new era is a systemic project, with strengthening the Party itself politically as the overarching guide and efforts in all other initiatives aligned. Important thoughts of the Party Central Committee on Party building and the Party's self-reform must be followed as fundamental principles. It is important to uphold and strengthen the Party's overall leadership and the centralized and unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and to implement the general requirements for Party building in the new era. Systems thinking and scientific methods must be employed to ensure that the Party's governance covers all relevant content and targets, duties are performed at all levels and links, and all systems complement each other. As a result, scientific, standardized and highly efficient systems that involve all factors and functions for Party building will be further improved.

Zhang Jinghu, secretary-general of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, gave a lecture on the issue and put forward suggestions on the work. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee listened attentively and had discussions afterward.

Xi delivered an important speech after listening to the lecture and discussions. In a few days will be the 103rd anniversary of the birth of the Party. On behalf of the Party Central Committee, Xi first extended festive greetings to all Party members in the country.

Xi pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress, we have unswervingly promoted full and rigorous Party self-governance, achieved a series of theoretical, practical and institutional innovations, built the systems for full and rigorous Party self-governance, and opened up a new frontier for the century-old Party's self-reform. At the same time, we must also see that the tests the Party faces in long-term governance, reform and opening up, the market economy, and the external environment will exist for a long time to come, so will the dangers of a lack of drive, incompetence, disengagement from the people, and inaction and corruption, and all of us in the Party must bear in mind that full and rigorous self-governance is an unceasing endeavor and that self-reform is a journey to which there is no end, Xi said. He said that the whole Party must remain vigilant and resolute to prepare for tough tests. By establishing sound systems for full and rigorous Party self-governance, we will continually advance the great new project of Party building in the new era.

He underlined the necessity of establishing a well-structured, cohesive, and effective organizational system. He stressed the need to uphold the authority and centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee, and improve the mechanisms for implementing the major decisions and arrangements of the Party Central Committee, to ensure its directives are well received at all levels and policies implemented to the letter. It is imperative to uphold and improve the leadership system and organizational management system for Party building work, create a working pattern where each level holds the level below it accountable, effectively manages its own level and leads the level below it, and consolidate work at the primary level, so as to ensure that Party organizations at all levels and in all fields are comprehensively competent. Work must be done to guide community-level governance through Party building, keep strengthening weak and lax Party organizations at the primary level, and improve their capability to lead primary-level governance. Efforts are required to explore and strengthen Party building in new types of economic and social organizations as well as groups in new forms of employment, and innovate the setup and activities of Party organizations. It is imperative to adeptly apply information technology, including the internet, in promoting Party building, to ensure Party organizations and their work are covered both online and offline.

Xi noted the necessity of improving the education system to keep the roots of the Party members' convictions healthy and strong, enhance cohesion and forge their soul. He called for more efforts to work on the foundation of strengthening the Party theoretically, unswervingly arm Party members with the Party's new theories and continuously enhance education in Party consciousness. He also noted the need to combine regular study with intensive study, theoretical knowledge with practical application, and strengthening the Party consciousness with enhancing capabilities. It is imperative to improve the long-term mechanism for forging inner strength, acquiring new knowledge, rectifying conduct, and improving work performance. The ongoing campaign of the study of Party disciplines across the whole Party should be a good opportunity to guide Party members and officials to incorporate enhancing Party consciousness, strictly adhering to disciplines and courageously forging ahead into their daily lives.

Xi stressed that a supervision system, that combats corruption in a targeted and intensive manner and addresses both symptoms and root causes, should be refined. It is imperative to work in concert to enhance Party consciousness, improve Party conduct and tighten Party disciplines, and combine "treating illnesses" with "improving health." It is essential to improve the mechanisms for managing Party members, improve the mechanisms for strictly managing and supervising officials, refine the mechanisms under which Party conduct is rectified and Party disciplines are enforced on a regular basis, and improve the working mechanisms for taking coordinated steps to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to be corrupt. It is imperative to combine the Party's self-supervision with public oversight, generate synergy between various forms of oversight, and improve the total-coverage, authoritative and highly effective oversight system under the Party's unified leadership. Efforts should be intensified to do a good job in political oversight, oversight on leadership teams, especially their heads, oversight on decision-making on major issues, important appointments and removals of officials, arrangement of major projects and the use of large sums of money, and oversight on sectors with a high concentration of power, funds and resources, so as to ensure that privilege-seeking practices and corruption have nowhere to hide.

Xi noted the need to improve the institutional system and make it more scientific, comprehensive, and effective. It is imperative to strengthen the integration of systems, align institution-building with the needs of Party self-governance and the Party's various work, and strengthen the cage of the institution in all aspects. It is a must to deepen reform in building regulations and systems within the Party and strengthen efforts in top-level design, checking for loopholes, filling the gaps, and improving the quality and efficiency of Party building. To meet practical needs, valuable experience and good practices should be developed into systems in a timely manner, and efforts should be made to improve the enforcement of the institution, and promote the in-depth development of full and rigorous Party self-governance in line with regulations and institutions.

Xi emphasized the need to improve the responsibility system under which requirements for specific persons are clarified. It is a must to establish and improve such a multi-tiered and categorized responsibility system and urge Party organizations at all levels as well as all Party members and officials to understand, undertake, and fulfill their responsibilities. It is essential to clarify that Party committees (leading Party members groups) assume the principal responsibility for full and rigorous Party self-governance, discipline inspection commissions at all levels take on the supervisory responsibility, and secretaries of a Party committee (a leading Party members group) bear the primary responsibility. The responsibilities in governing the Party of members of the leading bodies should be clarified and the responsibilities of Party members and officials should be specified. It is imperative to improve the accountability mechanism, ensuring that it is precise and scientific and the pressure for taking responsibility is pushed from higher levels to lower ones. Efforts should be made to promote the assumption of responsibility for governing the Party by clarifying principal responsibility, specifying requirements of responsibilities, and enforcing evaluation and accountability.

Xi finally pointed out that in order to improve the systems for full and rigorous Party self-governance and further advance the work in this regard, members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee should take the lead and set a good example, be strict with themselves, fulfill their responsibilities seriously, and strictly manage those under their jurisdiction. They should unite and lead the entire Party in governing and strengthening the Party well, so as to provide a strong guarantee for advancing the building of a strong country and achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization. ■

Full Text: Address by Chinese President Xi Jinping at conference marking 70th anniversary of Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and delivers an important speech titled "Carrying Forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind" at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 28, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Ling)

BEIJING, June 28 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an important speech at the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence on Friday in Beijing.

The following is the full text of his speech:

Carrying Forward the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence and Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind

Address by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Conference Marking the 70th Anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence

June 28, 2024

Distinguished Guests,

Diplomatic Envoys,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

Seventy years ago, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were officially initiated. It marked a groundbreaking and epoch-making achievement in the history of international relations. Today we gather here to commemorate its 70th anniversary for the purpose of carrying forward these principles under the new circumstances, building together a community with a shared future for mankind, and providing a strong driving force for human progress.

At the outset, on behalf of the Chinese government and people and in my own name, let me extend a warm welcome to all distinguished guests and friends present here!

In the course of the modern history of human society, handling well state-to-state relations, jointly maintaining world peace and tranquility, and promoting development and progress for humanity have always been big topics on the minds of all nations.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence answered the call of the times, and its initiation was an inevitable historic development. In the wake of the Second World War, national independence and liberation movements swept across the globe, and the colonial system around the world crumbled and collapsed. At the same time, the world was overshadowed by the dark clouds of the Cold War and menaced by the rampant clamors that "Might is right." Newly independent countries aspired to safeguard their sovereignty and grow their national economy. New China followed the principle of independence, actively sought peaceful coexistence with all countries, and endeavored to improve its external environment, especially in its neighborhood. Against this backdrop, the Chinese leadership specified the Five Principles in their entirety for the first time, namely, mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual non-aggression, mutual non-interference in each other's internal affairs, equality and mutual benefit, and peaceful coexistence. They included the Five Principles in the China-India and China-Myanmar joint statements, which jointly called for making them basic norms for state-to-state relations.

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were born in Asia, but quickly ascended to the world stage. In 1955, more than 20 Asian and African countries attended the Bandung Conference. They proposed ten principles for handling state-to-state relations on the basis of the Five Principles, and advocated the Bandung spirit of solidarity, friendship and cooperation. The Non-Aligned Movement that rose in the 1960s adopted the Five Principles as its guiding principles. The Declaration on Principles of International Law adopted at the 25th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 1970 and the Declaration on the Establishment of the New International Economic Order adopted at the Sixth Special UNGA Session in 1974 both endorsed the Five Principles. With their inclusion in important international documents, the Five Principles have been widely recognized and observed by the international community.

Over the past 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have transcended time and space and overcome estrangement, showing robust resilience and everlasting relevance. They have become open, inclusive, and universally applicable basic norms for international relations and fundamental principles of international law. They have made indelible historic contributions to the cause of human progress.

First, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have set a historic benchmark for international relations and international rule of law. They fully conform with the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, with the evolving trend of international relations of our times, and with the fundamental interests of all nations. In addition, they stress the importance of mutuality and equality in handling state-to-state relations, thus highlighting the essence of international rule of law, i.e. the intercorrelation of rights, obligations and responsibilities of all countries. The Five Principles provide a whole set of basic norms for peaceful coexistence among countries across political, security, economic and diplomatic domains. They constitute an unequivocal and effective code of conduct for all countries to follow in promoting the spirit of international rule of law and finding the right way to get along with each other.

Second, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have served as the prime guidance for the establishment and development of relations between countries with different social systems. When following the Five Principles, even countries that differ from each other in social system, ideology, history, culture, faith, development stage, and size can build a relationship of mutual trust, friendship and cooperation. The Five Principles offer a new path toward peaceful settlement of historic issues and international disputes, triumphing over obsolete, narrow-minded, antagonistic and confrontational mindsets such as bloc politics and sphere of influence.

Third, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have been a powerful rallying force behind the efforts of developing countries to pursue cooperation and self-strength through unity. They mirror the deep thoughts of developing countries about improving their future and about reform and progress. Inspired and encouraged by the Five Principles, more and more countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America have voiced and extended support to each other, stood up against foreign interference, and embarked on an independent path of development. The Five Principles have also boosted South-South cooperation, and improved and further developed North-South relations.

Fourth, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence have contributed historic wisdom to the reform and improvement of the international order. The Five Principles were initiated with the purpose of protecting the interests and pursuits of small and weak countries from power politics. They categorically oppose imperialism, colonialism and hegemonism, and reject belligerent and bullying practices of the law of the jungle. They have laid an important intellectual foundation for a more just and equitable international order.

Having traversed an extraordinary journey of 70 years, the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence are a common asset of the international community to be valued, inherited and further promoted. At this moment, I recall with deep admiration leaders of the older generation who jointly initiated the Five Principles. I also wish to pay high tribute to the visionaries from all countries who have been promoting the Five Principles with perseverance over the years!

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

The baton of history is passed from generation to generation, and the cause of human progress moves forward from one era to another as mankind seek answers to the questions of the times. Seventy years ago, our forefathers, who experienced the scourge of hot wars and the confrontation of the Cold War, concluded that the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence were the crucial way to safeguard peace and sovereignty. This answer has withstood the test of international vicissitudes, and has become more appealing rather than obsolete. Seventy years later today, challenged by the historic question of "what kind of world to build and how to build it," China has answered the call of the times by proposing a community with a shared future for mankind. Today, this Chinese initiative has become an international consensus. The beautiful vision has been put into productive actions. It is moving the world to a bright future of peace, security, prosperity and progress.

The Vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind carries forward the same spirit of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. Both are rooted in traditional Chinese values such as "Be kind to your neighbor," "Seek amity through integrity," and "Promote harmony among all nations." Both attest to China's diplomatic tenets of self-confidence, self-reliance, justice, protection of the disadvantaged, and benevolence. Both demonstrate the broad vision of the Communist Party of China to contribute more to humanity. Both manifest China's firm resolve to follow the path of peaceful development. The Vision of Building a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind is the most effective move to sustain, promote and upgrade the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in the new circumstances.

The Vision captures the reality that all countries have a shared future and intertwined interests, and sets a new model of equality and coexistence for international relations. China believes that all countries, regardless of their size, strength and wealth, are equal members of the international community. They have common interests, common rights, and common responsibilities in international affairs. All countries should join hands to overcome challenges, achieve shared prosperity, build an open, inclusive, clean and beautiful world of lasting peace, universal security, and shared prosperity, and realize peaceful coexistence with greater security and prosperity for mankind.

The Vision responds to the world's prevailing trend of peace, development, cooperation and win-win, and opens up new prospects for peace and progress. China calls on all countries to bear in mind the future of humanity and the wellbeing of the people, and uphold their essential commitment to equality, mutual benefit and peaceful coexistence. We should all champion the common values of humanity, promote global governance that features extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and cultivate a new type of international relations. We should all work together to implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and deliver more benefits to all peoples.

The Vision keeps pace with the historic trend toward multipolarity and economic globalization, and inspires new ways to achieve development and security. China has been working together with all sides to take profound and real measures to build a community with a shared future for mankind. We have together enabled the Vision to make historic achievements - expanding from bilateral to multilateral, regional to global, development to security, and cooperation to governance. This has guided and boosted the efforts for an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization. It has given the international community broad prospects of peace and stability, and presented the world with more prosperity and development.

Looking at the past and future at this critical moment in history, we believe our exploration for the betterment of human civilization will not end, and our efforts for a better world will not end. No matter how the world evolves, one basic fact will not change. There is only one Planet Earth in the universe, and the whole mankind have one common home. Our shared future depends on Earth. We must take good care of it, and leave a happy land for our future generations.

The future beckons with promise, and challenges must be tackled. At this historic moment when mankind have to choose between peace and war, prosperity and recession, unity and confrontation, we must champion more than ever the essence of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, and we must always strive tirelessly for the lofty goal of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

We need to uphold the principle of sovereign equality. The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence center on the principle of sovereign equality. And on that basis, they promote equal rights, equal opportunities and equal norms for every country. They reject the big subduing the small, the strong bullying the weak, and the rich exploiting the poor. An equal and orderly multipolar world means every country can find its place in a multipolar system and play its due role pursuant to international law, so that the process of multipolarization is stable and constructive on the whole.

We need to cement the foundation of mutual respect. Countries must make equality, mutual respect and mutual trust the ground rules of engagement. They should show respect for different historical and cultural traditions and different stages of development, for each other's core interests and major concerns, and for the development paths and systems independently chosen by people of all countries. We must jointly uphold the "golden rule" of non-interference, and jointly oppose acts of imposing one's will on others, stoking bloc confrontation, creating small circles, and forcing others to pick sides.

We need to turn the vision for peace and security into reality. The past and present have enlightened us that all countries must shoulder their common responsibility for peace, and commit to a path of peaceful development. They must work together to seek peace, safeguard peace, and enjoy peace. In today's interdependent world, absolute security and exclusive security are just not viable. The China-proposed Global Security Initiative is aimed to advocate the vision of common, comprehensive, cooperative and sustainable security. It strives to achieve development and security through cooperation, and put in place a more balanced, effective and sustainable security architecture.

We need to unite all forces to achieve prosperity. An ancient Chinese philosopher observed, "The benevolent treat others with love, and the wise share with others benefits." As a Latin American saying goes, "The only way to be profitably national is to be generously universal." An Arab proverb has it, "With unity, the fire grows; without unity, the fire extinguishes." In the era of economic globalization, what is needed is not gaps of division but bridges of communication, not iron curtains of confrontation but highways of cooperation. China has been advocating a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, promoting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, and endeavoring to deliver on the Global Development Initiative. Our goal is to benefit all with the opportunity of development, to diversify development paths, to help all nations share development fruits, to encourage common development and prosperity for all countries in the global village, and to turn win-win into a solid consensus.

We need to commit to fairness and justice. Without them, power politics will be the order of the day, and the weak will be at the mercy of the strong. In face of the new developments and challenges, the authority and central role of the United Nations can only be strengthened rather than weakened. The purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter are never outdated, and they are getting ever more important. China advocates the vision of global governance featuring extensive consultation and joint contribution for shared benefit, and China believes in true multilateralism. Our goal is that international rules should be made and observed by all countries. World affairs should be handled through extensive consultation, not dictated by those with more muscles.

We need to embrace an open and inclusive mindset. All countries are on board the same giant ship. It carries on it not only aspirations for peace, economic prosperity and technological advancement, but also the diversity of civilizations and the continuation of the human species. In history, different civilizations helped each other prosper through interactions, and brought about great progress and prosperity for mankind. This has left us with splendid chapters of mutual reinforcement and mutual learning among various civilizations. The Global Civilization Initiative proposed by China is aimed at increasing understanding and friendship among peoples and promoting tolerance and mutual learning among civilizations. The world is big enough to accommodate the common development and common progress of all countries. It is entirely possible for different civilizations to prosper together and inspire each other through mutual learning on an equal footing.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

The past 70 years have proved time and again that an effective way for countries to meet challenges together and create a better future is to enhance unity, cooperation, communication and understanding. Of all the forces in the world, the Global South stands out with a strong momentum, playing a vital role in promoting human progress. Standing at a new historical starting point, the Global South should be more open and more inclusive, and join hands together to take the lead in building a community with a shared future for mankind.

Together, we should be the staunch force for peace. We should promote peaceful settlement of international disputes, and participate constructively in the political settlement of international and regional hotspot issues. Together, we should be the core driving force for open development. We should restore development as the central international agenda item, reinvigorate global partnerships for development, and deepen South-South cooperation as well as North-South dialogue. Together, we should be the construction team of global governance. We should actively participate in reforming and developing the global governance system, expand the common interests of all sides, and make the global governance architecture more balanced and effective. Together, we should be the advocates for exchange among civilizations. We should enhance inter-civilization communication and dialogue, and strengthen experience sharing on governance. We should deepen exchanges in education, science, technology and culture as well as subnational, people-to-people and youth interactions.

To better support Global South cooperation, China will establish a Global South research center. It will provide 1,000 scholarships under the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence Scholarship of Excellence and 100,000 training opportunities to Global South countries in the coming five years. It will also launch a Global South youth leaders program. China will continue to make good use of the China-U.N. Peace and Development Fund, the Global Development and South-South Cooperation Fund, and the Climate Change South-South Cooperation Fund, and will work with interested parties to set up a tripartite center of excellence for the implementation of the Global Development Initiative, so as to facilitate growth in Global South countries. It will renew the China-IFAD South-South and Triangular Cooperation Facility, and make an additional Renminbi contribution equivalent to US$10 million to be used to support agricultural development of the Global South. China is ready to discuss free trade arrangements with more Global South countries, continue to support the WTO's Aid for Trade initiative, and renew its contribution to the WTO's China Program. It welcomes more Global South countries to join the Initiative on International Trade and Economic Cooperation Framework for Digital Economy and Green Development. Between now and 2030, China's import from fellow developing countries is expected to exceed US$8 trillion.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

The Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence has been written into China's Constitution long before. They are the bedrock of China's independent foreign policy of peace. At present, China is working to build a great modern socialist country in all respects and achieve national rejuvenation through the Chinese path to modernization. On this new journey, we will continue to champion the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, work with all countries to build a community with a shared future for mankind, and make new and greater contributions to safeguarding world peace and promoting common development.

China's resolve to stay on the path of peaceful development will not change. We will never take the trodden path of colonial plundering, or the wrong path of seeking hegemony when one becomes strong. We will stay on the right path of peaceful development. Among the world's major countries, China has the best track record with respect to peace and security. It has been exploring for a distinctly Chinese approach to resolving hotspot issues. It has been playing a constructive role in the Ukraine crisis, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and issues relating to the Korean Peninsula, Iran, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. Every increase of China's strength is an increase of the prospects of world peace.

China's resolve to develop friendship and cooperation with all countries will not change. We will actively expand global partnerships based on equality, openness, and cooperation, and commit to expanding shared interests with all countries. China will promote coordination and sound interactions among major countries, and work to foster major-country dynamics featuring peaceful coexistence, overall stability, and balanced development. In its neighborhood, China will adhere to the principle of amity, sincerity, mutual benefit, and inclusiveness as well as the policy of developing friendship and partnership with its neighbors. It will seek to deepen friendship, trust and common interests with its neighboring countries. With developing countries, China will stay committed to the principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith, and take the right approach to friendship and interests. It will strengthen unity and cooperation with developing countries and safeguard our common interests. China will practice true multilateralism, and take an active part in the reform and improvement of the global governance system.

China's resolve to promote common development across the world will not change. High-quality development of the Chinese economy will provide strong impetus to world economic growth. Modernization achieved by 1.4 billion Chinese people means the addition of a new super-large market larger than all developed countries combined. China will only open itself ever wider to the outside world. Its door will never close. We are planning to take, and in some cases already taking, major steps to further deepen reform across the board and expand institutional opening up. We will build a business environment that is more solidly based on market and rule of law and is up to international standards. "Small yard with high fences," decoupling, and severing industrial and supply chains simply run counter to the tide of history. They will do nothing but harm the common interests of the international community.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Friends,

A forerunner of Chinese revolution wrote a century ago, "The course of history is never smooth. It is sometimes beset with difficulties and obstacles. Nothing short of a heroic spirit can help surmount them." Today, the historic baton of advancing world peace and development has been passed to our generation. Let us take the 70th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence as a starting point, shoulder the historic missions, and forge ahead together to build a community with a shared future for mankind and usher in an even better future for humanity.

Thank you. ■

CPC to convene 3rd plenary session of 20th central committee on July 15

BEIJING, June 27 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee convened a meeting on June 27 to discuss the issue of further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

It was decided at the meeting that the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee will be held in Beijing from July 15 to 18.

The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee listened to a report about opinions collected within and outside the Party on the draft of The CPC Central Committee's Decision on Further Comprehensively Deepening Reform and Advancing Chinese Modernization. It was decided that the draft will be revised according to the discussion at this meeting before it is submitted to the coming plenum for deliberation.

It was noted at the meeting that the solicitation of opinions has fully promoted intra-Party democracy and pooled the wisdom of the whole Party, and all regions, departments and parties fully affirmed the draft, believing that the new situation and new problems faced in advancing Chinese modernization were thoroughly analyzed, the overall arrangements for further comprehensively deepening reform centering around advancing Chinese modernization were scientifically planned, and the draft will serve as a guiding document for further comprehensively deepening reform on the new journey. They all agreed that the draft has fully accentuated the initiative of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core to improve and develop the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and modernize China's system and capacity for governance, and its firm resolve to open up broad prospects for Chinese modernization through further comprehensively deepening reform.

It was emphasized at the meeting that the overarching goal of further comprehensively deepening reform is to continue improving and developing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and modernize China's system and capacity for governance. By 2035, the building of a high-standard socialist market economy will be completed across the board, the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics will be improved, the country's system and capacity for governance will be basically modernized, and socialist modernization will be basically realized. All these will lay a solid foundation for building a great modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of this century.

It was noted at the meeting that to deepen reform across the board, it is imperative to summarize and apply valuable experience gained in reform and opening up, especially in the new era, and stick to the following principles: We should adhere to the overall leadership of the Party, uphold the Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership, ensure that it fully exerts its core role in providing overall leadership and coordinating the efforts of all sides, and uphold the Party's leadership throughout the reform, so as to advance reform in the right political direction. It is imperative to adhere to a people-centered approach, respect the principal position and the pioneering spirit of the people, ensure that reform will always respond to what the people call for, and ensure that reform is for the people and by the people and that its fruits are shared by the people. It is essential to remain committed to upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, adhere unswervingly to socialism with Chinese characteristics, keep pace with the times, adapt to the evolution of practice, and adopt a problem-oriented approach to promote innovation in practice, theories, institution, culture and all other sectors from a new starting point. Institution building must be carried out as a linchpin to strengthen top-level design and overall planning, combine phasing out the old and bringing in the new, and establish the new before abolishing the old. It is a must to consolidate fundamental systems, improve basic systems, and innovate important systems. It is also imperative to adhere to exercising law-based governance on all fronts, and deepening reform in line with the rule of law to advance Chinese modernization. Major reforms must have law as supporting basis, and what has been achieved from reform must be developed into legal systems. It is necessary to adhere to systems thinking and do a good job in handling major relationships between the economy and society, between the government and market, between efficiency and fairness, between vitality and order, and between development and security. Reform must be made more systemic, holistic, and coordinated.

It was noted at the meeting that the Party's leadership is the fundamental guarantee for further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization. It is a must to uphold the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee over further comprehensively deepening reform, maintain a high degree of consciousness that the Party's self-reform must guide social revolution, adhere to the spirit of reform in governing the Party, hammer away at implementing policies and plans for reform, and transform the strategic arrangements for further comprehensively deepening reform into a powerful force for advancing Chinese modernization.

Other matters were also discussed at the meeting. ■

Xi stresses sci-tech modernization, innovation

BEIJING, June 26 (Xinhua) -- A conference conflating the National Science and Technology Conference, the National Science and Technology Award Conference, the 21st General Assembly of Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and the 17th General Assembly of Academicians of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the morning of June 24.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the conference, presented medals and certificates for China's top science and technology award to laureates and delivered an important speech.

He stressed that the nation will thrive when science and technology develops, and the country will be strong when science and technology becomes advanced. Chinese modernization must be supported by scientific and technological modernization, and achieving high-quality development relies on new driving forces cultivated by innovation in science and technology. China must have a clear understanding of the strategic leading position and fundamental supporting role of science and technology, have the determination to achieve the strategic goal of building China into a great country in science and technology by 2035, strengthen top-level design and overall planning, and accelerate the building of greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology.

Li Qiang presided over the conference, and Ding Xuexiang announced the decision of the award. Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Li Xi attended the conference.

The conference began at 10 a.m. The Chinese People's Liberation Army military band played the national anthem, "March of the Volunteers," and everyone stood up to sing the national anthem.

Ding announced the Decision on the National Science and Technology Award for 2023 by the Central Committee of the CPC and the State Council.

As the horn of the ceremony sounded, Xi first presented medals and certificates for 2023 China's top sci-tech award to Academician Li Deren from Wuhan University and Academician Xue Qikun from Tsinghua University, shook hands with the two scientists and extended his congratulations. Later, Xi and other Party and state leaders, together with the two winners of the top sci-tech award, presented certificates to the delegates who received 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 warm applause, Xi delivered an important speech. He pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee has promoted the implementation of the strategy for innovation-driven development, proposed the strategic task of accelerating building an innovative country, continuously deepened the reform of the scientific and technological system, and vigorously promoted the building of self-reliance and strength in science and technology. As a result, new breakthroughs have been made in basic frontier research, new strides have been achieved in strategic high-tech fields, new progress has been made in innovation-driven high-quality development, new prospects have been opened up in the reform of the scientific and technological system, and new progress has been made in international opening-up and cooperation. In general, historic achievements and transformations have been realized in the development of science and technology.

Xi stressed that in the development of science and technology in the new era, we have continuously deepened our understanding of its principles and accumulated much important experience. It is as follows: upholding the overall leadership of the Party, adhering to the path of independent innovation with Chinese characteristics, insisting on innovation-driven development, making sure that sci-tech development must be oriented towards the global frontier, major sectors of economic development, the major needs of the country, and people's health, stimulating innovation vitality through deepening reforms, promoting a virtuous cycle of education, technology, and talent, fostering an innovation culture, and emphasizing open cooperation in science and technology for the benefit of humanity. This experience must be adhered to for a long time to come and continually enriched and developed in practice.

Xi pointed out that momentous changes unseen in a century are accelerating across the world, and a new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation is profoundly evolving, greatly reshaping the global order and development landscape. There are still some deficiencies and weaknesses in the development of China's scientific and technological undertakings, necessitating a heightened sense of urgency. It is therefore imperative to further intensify efforts in scientific and technological innovation to seize the high ground in technological competition and future development.

He also underscored the importance of fully leveraging the advantages of the new system to mobilize resources nationwide for accomplishing major tasks, improving the system of centralized and unified leadership by the Party Central Committee over scientific and technological work, and establishing a coordinated and efficient system for decision-making and organizing implementation of plans and policies. It is imperative to give full play to the decisive role of market in the allocation of scientific and technological resources, also to the role the government plays in this regard, and motivate all the links of industry, academia, and research, together forming a synergy for achieving breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields. Efforts should be made to strengthen the building of national strategic strength in science and technology, enhance the organizational level of basic research, and encourage free exploration in research, so as to lay a solid foundation for scientific and technological innovation.

Xi pointed out that it is essential to promote integration between innovation in science and technology and industrial innovation, so as to help develop new quality productive forces. He said that the focus should be placed on the key areas and weak links in the building of a modern industrial system. Efforts should be made to increase the supply of "high-quality science and technology", cultivate and develop emerging and future industries, and transform and upgrade traditional industries with new technologies. He also noted the necessity to reinforce the principal role of enterprises in innovation and intensify the application of scientific and technological achievements. A great job should be done in the development of fintech.

Xi stressed the need to comprehensively deepen the reform of the scientific and technological systems and mechanisms, coordinate the construction of major innovation platforms and optimize the allocation of innovation resources. It is imperative to improve overall planning of scientific and technological innovation, refine the management of science and technology and invest more effectively in this regard. He urged faster steps to improve categorized assessment and evaluation mechanisms in line with the law of science and research activities and refine the incentive system, so as to unleash the vitality of innovation.

Xi noted that reform of the systems and mechanisms concerning education, science and technology and talent should be advanced with a holistic approach, and the mechanism where science, education and talent cultivation are coordinated should be improved, so as to accelerate the efforts to create a large, well-structured, high-quality team of innovation personnel. Disciplines and programs for higher education should be optimized, and new ways of nurturing talent should be explored, so as to improve the level and quality of nurturing talent at home. It is essential to speed up efforts to build a contingent of personnel with expertise of strategic importance and focus on cultivating outstanding engineers, master craftsmen and highly-skilled workers. Efforts should also be accelerated to cultivate young scientists, encourage dedication to science, and inspire all scientific researchers to aim high and remain patriotic, dedicated and committed to innovation.

Xi stressed the need for further efforts to promote the development of a community with a shared future for humanity, and that self-reliance and strength should be built via opening up and cooperation. He called for efforts to further implement the initiative for global scientific and technological cooperation, further broaden the government and non-governmental channels for exchanges and cooperation in this regard, give full play to platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, and support scientists and researchers from all countries to jointly achieve breakthroughs. Xi also called for efforts to integrate into the global innovation network, take part in global governance of science and technology, and jointly respond to global challenges so that the development of science and technology can better benefit the humanity.

Xi expressed the hope that academicians with the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering will continue to play well a pioneering role in exploring frontiers of science and technology, a leading role in undertaking major tasks, a guiding role in promoting the growth of young talent, and an exemplary role in dedication to science so as to make new contributions to the development of China's science and technology. Science and technology workers must conscientiously integrate academic pursuit into the great cause of building a leading country in science and technology, and make new achievements that are worthy of the times and live up to people's expectations. It is imperative that Party committees and governments at all levels make concrete efforts to strengthen the organization and leadership of work in science and technology, and secure all-out service support.

When presiding over the conference, Li Qiang noted that General Secretary Xi's important speech hails the historic achievements in China's scientific and technological development and innovation in recent years, and summarizes in depth the important experience in this regard in the new era. Xi's speech also insightfully and pithily expounds the significant role of scientific and technological innovation in advancing Chinese modernization and realizing the Second Centenary Goal of building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects, systematically elucidates the basic connotations and main tasks of accelerating the building of a leading country in science and technology under the new situation, and points the direction for doing a good job in scientific and technological work in the new era. It is thus a must to conscientiously study, thoroughly understand, and earnestly implement the speech. On the new journey, it is a glorious mission and weighty responsibility to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology and build a leading country in this regard. It is necessary to rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adopt a more conscientious and firmer stance in doing scientific and technological work well, and work together to build China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through a Chinese path to modernization.

At the conference, Li Deren and Xue Qikun made speeches on behalf of all the award winners.

Before the conference, Xi and other leaders met with representatives of the national science and technology award winners and had a photo taken with them.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, relevant leading officials of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, State Councilors, the President of the Supreme People's Court, the Procurator General of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, and relevant leading officials of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference attended the conference.

About 3,000 people participated in the conference. They include leading officials from all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, cities under separate state planning, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, relevant central Party and state departments, relevant people's organizations, and relevant units of the military, as well as academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, some foreign academicians, and representatives of the national science and technology award winners.

A total of 250 projects and 12 scientific and technological experts were selected for the national science and technology awards in 2023. Among them, two scientists won the highest science and technology award, 49 projects were granted with the State Natural Science Award with one for first prize award and 48 for second prize award, 62 projects were presented with the State Technological Invention Award with eight for first prize award and 54 for second prize award, 139 projects won the State Scientific and Technological Progress Award with three for special award, 16 for first prize award and 120 for second prize award, and a total of 10 foreign experts won the International Science and Technology Cooperation Award of the People's Republic of China. ■

Xi stresses Yellow River basin ecological conservation, high-quality development

BEIJING, June 22 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, Chinese president, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region should thoroughly implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, and adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability. He made the remarks during an inspection tour in the northwest autonomous region.

He urged Ningxia to take it as the guiding principle to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, and make it a major task to build an ecological conservation and high-quality development pilot zone in the Yellow River Basin. Under the guiding principle and major task, Ningxia should coordinate the promotion of high-quality development and high-level protection, comprehensively deepen reform and expand opening up, advance a new type of urbanization and rural revitalization, and strengthen its work on ethnic unity and common prosperity. The autonomous region is urged to accelerate the building of a new Ningxia with a prosperous economy, ethnic unity, beautiful environment and well-off people, so as to write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

On June 19, Xi arrived in Ningxia after he wrapped up his inspection tour in Qinghai Province. In the afternoon, he made an inspection tour in Yinchuan, capital of the autonomous region, accompanied by Liang Yanshun, secretary of the CPC Ningxia Autonomous Regional Committee, and Zhang Yupu, governor of Ningxia.

The Changcheng Garden community in Jinfeng District of Yinchuan City is a large community inhabited by residents from a number of ethnic groups. Xi first came to the community service center. He visited the service hall, community public health station, and a supermarket, and was briefed on the community work. He learned in detail how Party organizations in the community play their role in organizing neighborhood activities and providing services to residents. After that, he came to the community activity room, and, with great interest, he watched some residents doing paper-cutting and rehearsing dance. He talked cordially with residents there, encouraging retirees to not only enjoy elderly care and develop hobbies, but also have something meaningful to do.

Xi pointed out that community Party organizations are the "nerve ends" of the CPC to establish contact with people at the grassroots, and they should play a leading role in a community. When community Party organizations are well established and strong, community work has its anchor, Xi said. Party building should function as a linchpin for community work, which should focus on addressing the pressing difficulties and problems that concern people most, and do everything possible in earnest to serve the needs of residents.

Xi came to the home of Zhao Shoucheng, a community resident, and sat with his family to chat about their employment, income, medical insurance, and children's education, appreciating their happy life and encouraging their children to develop moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility, and work skills. Zhao told Xi that the local Party committee and government are very concerned about community development, especially in renovating old neighborhoods and organizing cultural and sports activities for residents. They have done a lot of practical work in these areas, and people of all ethnic groups live harmoniously in the community and enjoy a comfortable life. Xi emphasized that the CPC is dedicated to serving the people, and the well-being of the people of all ethnic groups and every household is his concern. He expressed the hope that residents maintain a sound family environment so that their lives will get better and better.

In the evening, the community square was very lively. When the residents saw Xi arriving, they gathered around, applauding warmly to welcome him. Xi cordially said to them, "After four years, I come to Ningxia again to visit the officials and people of all ethnic groups. I am very happy to see you all!" The Chinese nation is a big family and people of all ethnic groups should be closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate, he said. He stressed the need to consolidate the sense of community for the Chinese nation, bringing people's hearts of all ethnic groups closer, and rallying forces from all sectors to jointly advance Chinese modernization and participate in the grand endeavor of realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

On the morning of June 20, Xi was briefed on the work of the autonomous region by the CPC Ningxia Hui Autonomous Regional Committee and the regional government. He affirmed what the autonomous region has achieved in the various aspects of its work.

Xi pointed out that with its unique geographical conditions and rich resources, Ningxia should take a special and different path for its industrial development, so as to build a modern industrial system with special advantages and competitiveness. He urged the autonomous region to constantly refine and intensively develop its modern coal chemical industry, new materials industry as well as clean energy such as wind power, photovoltaics, and hydrogen energy, along with other characteristic industries like wine and goji berries. Efforts should be made to make the development of these industries sustainable. He also noted the need for the autonomous region to integrate culture and tourism, and vigorously develop characteristic and "all-for-one" tourism. It is imperative for the region to advance the integration between scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, intensify the application of scientific and technological achievements, boost the transformation and upgrading of its traditional industries, develop strategic emerging industries, and forge new quality productive forces according to local conditions. Given the fact that the northern irrigation area of the Yellow River, the central drought area and the southern mountainous area have their own characteristics, Xi called on the region to have a clear understanding of their respective foundation for industrial development, their resource capacity and development potential. Then, the autonomous region needs to strengthen overall planning, and promote industrial cooperation, creating a new development paradigm under which different areas complement each other in development, urban and rural development is integrated, and different parts of the region interact with each other.

Xi stressed that Ningxia should intensify efforts to deepen reform in major areas and explore reforms with its own local characteristics. He called on Ningxia to improve the systems underpinning the market economy, actively integrate itself into the building of a unified national market, continue to advance reform of state-owned capital and state-owned enterprises, conscientiously implement the policies boosting the development of the private sector, optimize the business environment, and give impetus to social investment. Ningxia should also remain committed to coordinating opening up both domestically and abroad, take an active part in the Belt and Road Initiative and the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, deepen economic and trade cooperation with Arab countries, and improve the level of opening up in inland regions, said Xi. He added that the baseline for Ningxia to plan reform and development is to protect well the ecosystems of the Yellow River, the Helan Mountain, the Liupan Mountain and the Luoshan Mountain. It is imperative for the autonomous region to advance reform on market-based allocation of resources and environmental factors, refine the mechanisms to realize the market value of ecosystem goods and services and the compensation system for ecological conservation, and implement the strictest management system for water resources. It is imperative for the autonomous region to win the tough battle against desertification in the riverbend region of the Yellow River, and promote in a coordinated manner the conservation and restoration of forest, grassland, wetland, and desert ecosystems as well as the comprehensive treatment of saline and alkaline land, so as to make the "oasis land north of the Great Wall" increasingly beautiful.

Xi noted the need for the autonomous region to see that the work to support people's livelihood is inclusive, meet essential needs, and ensure basic living standards for those in difficulty, spare no effort to resolve the pressing difficulties and problems that concern people most, and take solid steps to promote common prosperity among all ethnic groups. Efforts should be made to prioritize employment and effectively assist key groups including college graduates, migrant workers, and ex-service people in finding jobs. The autonomous region should actively promote urban renewal and strengthen the renovation of old urban residential communities. It is also imperative for the region to promote the integrated development of urban and rural areas in accordance with the movement of population, and advance the integration of urban and rural industry development, infrastructure, and public services. It is a must for the autonomous region to advance rural revitalization across the board, implement the action plan well to help millions of migrants become prosperous, advance the construction of beautiful rural areas, and promote the transformation of outdated rural customs. Efforts should also be made to consolidate and expand what has been achieved in poverty alleviation, and deepen paired assistance and social support to see that no large number of people become poverty-stricken again. Good work must be done to ensure workplace safety, and strengthen the work to identify and address risks and potential dangers, so as to effectively safeguard the safety of people's lives and property.

Xi stressed that Ningxia should fully implement the Party's major principles and policies for work on ethnic affairs in the new era, and strive to make the autonomous region a demonstration area for consolidating the sense of community for the Chinese nation. The autonomous region should govern ethnic affairs in accordance with the law, focus on building a social structure and community environment where residents from different ethnic groups live as neighbors, and continuously broaden the practical path for all ethnic groups to be fully integrated. It is essential for Ningxia to fully implement the theories, principles and policies of the Party's religious work in the new era, and strengthen ideological and political guidance for the religious circle.

Xi pointed out that the on-going campaign to study the Party discipline across the entire Party must be carried out in earnest so that real outcome can be achieved. Party members and officials should be encouraged to conscientiously study the Party discipline and regulations. Abiding by the Party discipline and regulations, Party members and officials should focus on their work, stay open-minded, forge ahead, and try to achieve as much as they can. Concerted work must be done to enhance Party consciousness, improve Party conduct, and tighten Party discipline. Work on improving Party conduct must continue permanently. It is essential to further fight against pointless formalities so as to reduce the burden on primary-level officials. Coordinated steps should be taken to see that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity, or desire to be corrupt so that sound Party conduct will help rally people's support and guide social morals.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, and leading officials from relevant Party and state departments accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. ■

Xi stresses ecological conservation on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, high-quality development

BEIJING, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, Chinese president, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said that Qinghai Province should conscientiously implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, and fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts. He was on an inspection tour in the province. Xi said that Qinghai should have a clear understanding of its strategic positioning in the overall development of the country, fully leverage its own advantages, firmly deepen reform, expand opening up, prioritize ecological conservation and pursue green development. He urged the province to uphold ethnic unity and seek common prosperity, and make greater progress in promoting eco-environmental protection and high-quality development on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, so as to write its own chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

From June 18 to 19, Xi visited a middle school and a religious venue in the provincial capital Xining, accompanied by Chen Gang, secretary of CPC Qinghai Provincial Committee, and Wu Xiaojun, provincial governor.

On the afternoon of June 18, Xi first came to Golog Xining Ethnic Middle School. It is a boarding school that was funded and built with assistance from Shanghai and is attached to Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. Xi was briefed on how Shanghai and other eastern regions have assisted Qinghai's education work and school construction, asked in detail about the composition of students, school's curriculum, students' physical exercise, putonghua proficiency and other information. He walked into the canteen and dormitory building to inspect the students' dining and accommodation conditions, and told the canteen staff to ensure that students are provided with safe, nutritious and tasty food.

After that, Xi came to the classroom of Class 1 of grade 1 of high school to observe the ideological and political class themed "New Era, New Hometown." Xi was very happy to learn that the school has integrated ideological and political lessons into its daily teaching, listen to the students talking about the gratifying changes in their hometown in the new era, and see the students' paintings. Xi said that the collaboration between the country's eastern and western regions as well as paired assistance, particularly in education, has yielded remarkable results. This fully showcases the strengths of the CPC's leadership and the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, as well as the support for each other among members of the big family of the Chinese nation, Xi said.

Xi stressed the need to make it a key task of school ideological and political lessons to foster a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation, tell well the story of the CPC and socialism with Chinese characteristics, the story of comprehensively promoting the building of a strong country and the realization of national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization in the new era, and the story of the community for the Chinese nation as well as ethnic unity and progress, so that the sense of community for the Chinese nation can be implanted in the hearts of children since childhood.

On the square in front of the classroom building, Xi was surrounded by the faculty and students who greeted him loudly. Xi said, "I come to visit you teachers and students at my first stop in Xining." He emphasized the achievements and importance of the school, which was built with fund and assistance from Shanghai and accommodates ethnic minority students from the pastoral areas of Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. He expressed the hope that the students will cherish the favorable conditions of the school, be grateful, study hard, and develop sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility, and work skills. They should aspire to become successors to and builders of the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, striving to create opportunities for developing a distinguished career. Xi also wished them success in their study and healthy growth.

Then, Xi arrived at Hongjue Temple in downtown Xining. In the front courtyard, chief of the democratic management committee of the temple presented Xi with a Khata, a ceremonial white scarf symbolizing goodwill and blessings, and monks greeted him holding incense burners and parasols. Xi visited an exhibition by the provincial educational base for ethnic unity and progress. He learned about the temple's history and was briefed on how veteran revolutionaries cared about ethnic and religious affairs. He walked into the main hall and was briefed on the temple's efforts to strengthen daily management and promote ethnic unity and progress. Xi pointed out that the centuries-old Hongjue Temple had played an important role as a bridge in strengthening the bond between the central government and Tibetan Buddhism over generations. It is essential to protect this precious historical and cultural heritage and make further contributions to forging a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and promoting ethnic unity and progress. He noted the need to learn from veteran revolutionaries and do a better job in the Party's united front, ethnic and religious work in the new era. Xi stressed that to build a strong country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization, the Chinese people of all ethnic groups around the country including religious believers should strive in unity. He expressed the hope that the Tibetan Buddhist circle in the province should carry forward the fine traditions of patriotism and religious piety, help promote religious, social and ethnic harmony, and play a positive role in advancing Chinese modernization.

On the morning of June 19, Xi was briefed on the work of the province by the CPC Qinghai Provincial Committee and the provincial government, and he affirmed what the province has achieved in various aspects of its work.

Xi noted that Qinghai shoulders the important mission of safeguarding the country's ecological security, and as far as industrial development is concerned, the province must do what it should and never do what it should not, so as to build a modern industrial system that reflects Qinghai's characteristics and advantages. The province is urged to effectively pool resources to speed up building itself into a world-class salt lake industrial base, a national highland for clean energy industry, a destination for international ecological tourism, and a supplier of green and organic agricultural and livestock products. The province should attach equal importance to scientific and technological research and development and the application of sci-tech achievements. New technologies should be applied extensively, traditional industries transformed and upgraded according to local conditions, and emerging strategic industries developed to foster new quality productive forces. Further efforts are required to deepen reform on all fronts and expand opening up and optimize the business environment. The province should also align its development with that of major strategies such as the Yangtze River Economic Belt and promote the development of the green Silk Road. Qinghai should coordinate regional development within the province, give full play to the supportive role of Xining, Haidong and Haixi, and develop county economies and industries with local features according to local conditions.

Xi stressed it as the region's major task to strengthen ecological conservation and environmental protection and maximize its ecological functions since the ecosystem of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau is diverse yet fragile. It is imperative for the province to prioritize eco-environmental protection, advance green development, conscientiously execute the law concerning ecological conservation on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and implement on all fronts the plans and requirements entailed by its principal zone function so as to build the plateau into a hub for ecological conservation. It is imperative for the province to persist with a holistic and systematic approach to conserving and improving mountain, water, forest, farmland, grassland, and desert ecosystems. Efforts should be made to accelerate the implementation of major projects for the conserving and restoring of key ecosystems, and consolidate and enhance what has been achieved in ecological conservation and environmental protection. The utmost priority is to conserve the source region of three major rivers, also known as "the water tower of China," protect biodiversity, and boost water conservation capacity. Efforts should also be made to strengthen the establishment of a nature reserve system with national parks as the mainstay and build exemplary nature reserves with national characteristics and global influence. It is necessary to promote energy conservation and carbon reduction in key sectors in an orderly manner, develop eco-friendly industries, and accelerate the development of a new energy system.

Xi noted that concrete measures must be taken to ensure and improve people's well-being. The province is urged to do everything within its capacities, make concrete efforts to meet people's needs, deliver real benefits to the people, and win their approval, and take solid steps to resolve the pressing difficulties and problems that concern people most. It is also a must to coordinate and plan the layout of basic public service facilities and put more efforts into making public services more balanced and accessible. Rural revitalization should focus on increasing the income of farmers and herdsmen, and efforts should be accelerated to invigorate characteristic seed industries of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, develop green and organic agricultural and animal husbandry, and promote native product brands of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. It is also necessary to advance the construction of beautiful rural areas on the Plateau and promote the transformation of outdated rural customs. Monitoring and assistance mechanisms should be implemented to prevent those lifted out of poverty from falling back to poverty, and see that no large number of people become poverty-stricken again. It is imperative for the province to continue to do a good job in the post-earthquake recovery and reconstruction of Jishishan and improve disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief capabilities.

Xi stressed that Qinghai is a province with concentrated ethnic minority groups, and it is essential to keep doing a good job in the work concerning ethnic and religious affairs. The province should fully implement the Party's major principles and policies for ethnic affairs in the new era, make it a main task to consolidate the sense of community for the Chinese nation, make efforts to promote ethnic unity and progress, and facilitate all-round integration and extensive exchanges and interactions among all ethnic groups. It is necessary for the province to fully implement the theories, principles and policies of the Party's religious work in the new era, uphold the principle of developing religions in the Chinese context, and strengthen the administration of religious affairs, especially the administration of religious venues, in accordance with the law.

Xi pointed out that the campaign to study the Party discipline across the entire Party is on-going, and the campaign must be carried out in earnest so that real outcome can be achieved. It is a must for the Party discipline to be enforced and abided by to the letter when the campaign has brought home its importance. It is essential to vigorously carry forward the zeitgeist with reform and innovation at its core and the spirit of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, so as to inspire Party members and officials to further emancipate their minds and update their thinking, as well as take firm steps and shoulder responsibilities. Concerted work must be done to enhance Party consciousness, improve Party conduct, and tighten Party discipline, and endeavors in this regard should facilitate fight against corruption. Work on improving Party conduct must continue permanently and further fight against pointless formalities so as to reduce burden on primary-level officials. Coordinated steps should be taken to see that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity, or desire to be corrupt so that a wholesome political atmosphere will help create a positive and upright social environment.

Li Ganjie, He Lifeng, and leading officials from relevant Party and state departments accompanied Xi on the inspection tour. ■

Xi delivers important instructions on flood control and drought relief

BEIJING, June 18 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered important instructions on the work to fight floods and droughts.

Xi pointed out that heavy rain has continued in many places of southern China, and floods and geological disasters have occurred in Guangdong and Fujian provinces as well as other regions, causing casualties and property losses. In some parts of northern China, drought has occurred and spread rapidly. It is obvious that floods are wreaking havoc in the south while droughts are making trouble in the north.

Xi called for all-out efforts to deal with the disaster, do everything possible to search and rescue those missing or trapped, properly resettle those affected, ensure production and life order, and minimize losses.

Xi emphasized that as China enters the flood season, the flood control situation is growing increasingly severe. He urged all regions and relevant departments to strengthen risk awareness, prepare for worst-case scenarios, make those in charge have stronger sense of responsibility, and strengthen comprehensive planning, so as to ensure that work is consolidated in flood control, drought relief, emergency response, and disaster relief.

Xi also urged efforts to strengthen monitoring and early warning for disasters, ferret hazards in a timely manner, prepare adequate supplies and equipment, and better work plans, thus effectively tackling emergencies to safeguard people's lives and property as well as social stability. ■

Xi emphasizes improving modern corporate system with Chinese characteristics

BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, also chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over the fifth meeting of the Central Commission for Deepening Overall Reform (CCDOR) on the afternoon of June 11. He is also director of the commission. Several documents were reviewed and adopted at the meeting. They are Guidelines on Improving the Modern Corporate System with Chinese Characteristics, Guidelines on Establishing a Sound Mechanism for Ensuring Benefits of Grain-Growers and a Compensation Mechanism for Major Grain-Producing Areas, and Guidelines on Building an Open Environment for Scientific and Technological Innovation with Global Competitiveness.

While presiding over the meeting, Xi stressed that to improve the modern corporate system with Chinese characteristics, it is imperative to give play to the advantages of the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, strengthen the leadership of the CPC, and improve corporate governance. It is also imperative to promote enterprises to establish and improve a modern corporate system, under which property ownership as well as rights and obligations are clearly defined, and the functions of the government and enterprises are separated. Such a system should be managed in a scientific manner so as to foster more world-class enterprises. To secure steady grain production and ensure food security, it is imperative to protect and motivate farmers to grow grain and spur local governments' enthusiasm for boosting grain production, and improve the mechanism for ensuring farmers' income and the compensation mechanism for major grain-producing areas. Policies must be more targeted and effective, so as to consolidate the foundation of food security.

Xi stressed the importance of driving innovation with further opening up, perfecting the system and mechanism for opening up in the science and technology sector, and improving the globally-oriented innovation system to actively integrate into the global innovation network. Importance should be attached to key areas and critical links to address deficiencies in the institution for opening up and innovation.

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

It was noted at the meeting that to improve the modern corporate system with Chinese characteristics, it is imperative to respect the status of enterprises as major players in business activities, adhere to a problem-oriented approach, and give them more guidance by adopting differentiated policies in accordance with their size, stage of development, and ownership. It is imperative to strengthen the Party's overall leadership over state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and optimize the related systems and mechanisms, so as to spur SOEs to strictly assume their responsibilities, improve the modern corporate governance of SOEs and further strengthen the supervision and management over state-owned capital. Efforts should be made to encourage and support eligible private enterprises to establish a modern corporate system, improve their corporate governance structure, regulate shareholders' behavior, strengthen internal supervision, and optimize the mechanism for risk prevention and control. It is essential to give full play to the leading role of Party building in strengthening internal management of private enterprises.

It was stressed at the meeting that to optimize the mechanisms for ensuring the incomes of grain growers and for compensating major grain-producing areas, it is imperative to place the boosting of overall agricultural production capacity in a more prominent position, improve policies related to pricing, subsidies and insurance, and explore new ways of improving the effectiveness of grain business. To better support and protect grain production, it is essential to refine the mechanisms for motivating main grain-producing areas by providing government rewards and subsidies, and explore multiple channels to compensate grain production and consumption areas. Concrete steps should be taken to build mechanisms for compensation between provincial-level regions to ensure that major grain-producing areas, major grain-consuming areas and areas where agricultural production and consumption are balanced all assume their responsibilities for safeguarding food security. Efforts should be coordinated to support small household farmers and new types of agricultural business entities, and step up policy support, service guidance and the expansion of common interests. Efforts should also be made to link small household farmers with modern agricultural development.

It was noted at the meeting that the strategies of "going global" and "bringing in" should be combined in order to create an open and globally-competitive environment for scientific and technological innovation. It is also necessary to expand international scientific and technological exchanges, strive to establish partnerships of cooperation and mutual benefits, as well as plan ahead and get deeply involved in global science and technology governance. It is essential to strengthen the building of an internationalized environment for scientific research, focus on practical concerns of scientific researchers, solve prominent problems for them, and ensure that talents will be introduced, be able to stay and apply their expertise to the utmost. Efforts should be made to improve the science and technology security system and risk prevention mechanism so that the line for security will never be crossed in an open environment.

Members of the CCDOR attended the meeting. Leading officials from relevant central Party and state departments sat in on the meeting. ■

Xi meets representatives attending national conference on public security work

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, Chinese president, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, met with representatives attending a national conference on public security work at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the afternoon of May 28. Xi extended sincere greetings to them and encouraged police personnel and auxiliary police officers nationwide to strive to promote the modernization of the country's public security work. He also urged them to make new and greater contributions to the building of a strong country and the realization of national rejuvenation.

Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting.

At 4 p.m., Xi and other leaders arrived at the West Hall of the Great Hall of the People, and the room was filled with warm applause. Xi and other leaders walked up to the representatives and shook hands with them, talked with them from time to time, and had a group photo taken with them.

Chen Wenqing attended the meeting, and delivered a speech at the national conference on public security work held on the morning of May 29. Chen pointed out that it is imperative to adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and a holistic approach to national security, and thoroughly study and implement Xi's important expositions on public security work in the new era, so as to follow the right direction of public security work on the new journey. He also stressed the need to comprehensively strengthen the CPC's political work to forge a loyal, clean, responsible and strong public security force, which should faithfully perform its duties and missions, and go all out to prevent risks, ensure security, maintain stability, and promote development. He also noted the need to further build the rule of law and strengthen public security work, constantly enhance the quality, efficiency and credibility of law enforcement, and unswervingly adhere to the path of strengthening Chinese police force through reform so as to break new ground in the modernization of Chinese police force.

Li Ganjie, Wu Zhenglong and Wang Xiaohong were present. Wang Xiaohong presided over the conference.

Also present at the conference were leading officials from commissions for judicial, procuratorial and public security affairs under the Party committees of all provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and cities specifically designated in the state plan, Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and provincial capitals, as well as leading officials from public security departments and bureaus under governments of the aforementioned localities. Leading officials from relevant central Party and state departments, and relevant units of the military attended the conference. ■

Xi delivers instructions on development of rural roads

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has made important instructions on the development of rural roads that "are well built, managed, maintained and operated" in recent days. In the instructions, Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed that the Ministry of Transport and other central and local authorities have implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee in recent years, worked with perseverance to overcome difficulties, and made marked achievements in the development of rural roads that "are well built, managed, maintained and operated." As a result, farmers' sense of gain, happiness, and security has been boosted, and rural roads have turned out to be their path to wealth, happiness, and rural revitalization, as well as the path that brings them closer to the Party and government.

Xi stressed that efforts should be continued with perseverance on the new journey in the new era. Policies, laws and regulations should be further refined, governance capacity improved, a new round of actions taken to upgrade rural roads, and the high-quality development of rural roads that "are well built, managed, maintained and operated" further advanced. This will help build a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in, and provide solid support to bring common prosperity to rural residents, advance rural revitalization across the board, speed up modernization of agriculture and rural areas, and promote Chinese modernization.

This year's meeting on promoting high-quality development of rural roads that "are well built, managed, maintained and operated" was held in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province on May 29. He Lifeng, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and vice premier, conveyed Xi's important instructions and delivered a speech at the meeting. He noted that Xi's important instructions charted the course of and provided fundamental guidance for the high-quality development of rural roads that "are well built, managed, maintained and operated" on the new journey in the new era. He also called for efforts to faithfully study and implement the guiding principles of Xi's important instructions, have a stronger sense of responsibility and urgency, and prioritize efforts to deliver on short- and medium-term major tasks. It is also imperative to improve the quality of road networks, strengthen the management and maintenance of the roads, boost the level of their operation, and ensure road safety. It is imperative to uphold and consolidate the Party's overall leadership, take comprehensively deepening reform as a driving force, make scientific planning in light of local conditions, and make sustained and long-term efforts, so as to continuously improve the capacity to do a good job for the development of rural roads that "are well built, managed, maintained and operated."

Those who delivered speeches at the meeting include leading officials from the Ministry of Transport, the National Development and Reform Commission, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Zhejiang Province, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Fujian Province, Guizhou Province, Hunan Province, and Gansu Province. ■

Full text: President Xi's keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum

Chinese President Xi Jinping attends the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and delivers a keynote speech at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, capital of China, May 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Ding Haitao)

BEIJING, May 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday delivered a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 10th ministerial conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum.

The following is the full text of his speech:

Further Deepening Cooperation and Moving Forward to Step up the Building of a China-Arab Community with a Shared Future

Keynote Speech by H.E. Xi Jinping

President of the People's Republic of China

At the Opening Ceremony of the 10th Ministerial Conference

Of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum

Beijing, May 30, 2024

Your Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa,

Your Excellency President Abdul Fatah Al-Sisi,

Your Excellency President Kais Saied,

Your Highness President Mohamed Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan,

Your Excellency Secretary General Ahmed Aboul Gheit of the League of Arab States,

Heads of Delegations,

Distinguished Guests,

Friends,

It gives me great pleasure to attend the opening ceremony of the Ministerial Conference of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum. I always find it heart-warming to meet Arab friends. The friendship between the Chinese and Arab peoples is deeply rooted in our friendly exchanges along the ancient Silk Road, in our joint struggles for national liberation, and in our win-win cooperation in promoting national development.

China-Arab relations have kept scaling new heights since the beginning of the new century. At the first China-Arab States Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in December 2022, my Arab colleagues and I agreed unanimously to build a China-Arab community with a shared future in the new era. China is satisfied with the progress we have made in delivering on the Summit's outcomes. It will work with the Arab side to enhance the role of the Summit in providing strategic guidance for continued leapfrog growth of China-Arab relations. I am pleased to announce that we will host the second Summit in China in 2026, which will be another milestone in China-Arab relations.

Distinguished Guests,

Friends,

As changes unseen in a century unfold rapidly across the world, both China and Arab states strive to accomplish their historical missions of national rejuvenation and faster national development. Building a China-Arab community with a shared future is a strong statement of our common desire for a new era of China-Arab relations and a better future for the world.

China will work with the Arab side as good partners to make our relations a model for maintaining world peace and stability. In this turbulent world, peaceful relations come from mutual respect, and lasting security is built on fairness and justice. We will, together with the Arab side, respect the purposes and principles of the U.N. Charter, the independent choice of every nation and the reality formed in history, and strive together for solutions to hotspot issues that uphold fairness and justice and sustain peace and security.

China will work with the Arab side in the spirit of equality and mutual benefit to make our relations a fine example of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Silk Road spirit is passed on from generation to generation. It keeps China-Arab relations abreast with the times to the benefit of the two peoples. In this interdependent world, we will further synergize development strategies with the Arab side. We will strengthen cooperation in key areas such as oil, gas, trade and infrastructure, step up fostering new growth areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), investment, financing and new energy, and embark together on an innovative and green path to prosperity.

China will work with the Arab side in the spirit of inclusiveness and mutual learning to make our relations a paradigm of harmonious coexistence between civilizations. In a world of growing diversity, more dialogue means less confrontation, and more inclusiveness means less estrangement. Peace, truth, integrity and inclusiveness are the common pursuit of Chinese and Arab peoples. We are ready to work with the Arab side to promote people-to-people exchanges, champion the common values of humanity, and create a stellar example of mutual learning among civilizations in the new era.

China will work closely with the Arab side to make our relations a model for promoting good global governance. The entire humanity shares one common future, which has become an inevitable trend. But deficits in governance, trust, peace and development are getting wider. This calls on us to improve global governance under the principle of "planning together, building together, and benefiting together." We are ready to work with the Arab side to jointly champion an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and set a model of South-South cooperation on global governance.

Distinguished Guests,

Friends,

At the first China-Arab States Summit, I put forward "eight major cooperation initiatives" for our practical cooperation. Since then, the Belt and Road cooperation documents we signed have expanded to cover a full range of areas thanks to our joint efforts over the past one year and more. New progress has been made in scientific R&D and technology transfer. Trade and energy cooperation have scaled new heights. Small and beautiful livelihood projects are advancing in parallel with signature flagship projects. Cooperation in areas such as food security, green innovation and health is deepening and getting more substantial. Platforms for people-to-people exchanges and cooperation are functioning well. Early harvests have been achieved in all the "eight major cooperation initiatives." Moving forward, China is ready to work with the Arab side on that basis to put in place the following "five cooperation frameworks" to step up the building of a China-Arab community with a shared future.

The first is a more dynamic framework for innovation. China will build with the Arab side ten joint laboratories in such areas as life and health, AI, green and low-carbon development, modern agriculture, and space and information technology. We will enhance cooperation on AI to make it empower the real economy and to promote a broad-based global governance system on AI. We also stand ready to build with the Arab side a joint space debris observation center and a Beidou application, cooperation and development center, and step up cooperation in manned space mission and passenger aircraft.

The second is an expanded framework for investment and finance cooperation. We are ready to establish with the Arab side an industry and investment cooperation forum, continue to expand the China-Arab states interbank association, and implement at a faster pace the cooperation projects that are financed by the special loans in support of industrialization in the Middle East as well as by the credit line for China-Arab financial cooperation. China supports closer cooperation between financial institutions from the two sides, welcomes Arab states to issue panda bonds in China, and welcomes Arab banks to join the Cross-border Interbank Payment System. China is also ready to deepen exchanges and cooperation on central bank digital currency with the Arab side.

The third is a more multifaceted framework for energy cooperation. China will further enhance strategic cooperation with the Arab side on oil and gas, and integrate supply security with market security. China is ready to work with the Arab side on new energy technology R&D and equipment production. We will support Chinese energy companies and financial institutions in participating in renewable energy projects in Arab states with total installed capacity of over 3 million kilowatts.

The fourth is a more balanced framework for mutually beneficial economic and trade ties. China will continue to implement vigorously the development cooperation projects with a total worth of RMB3 billion yuan. It stands ready to accelerate the negotiations on bilateral and regional free trade agreements and advance the dialogue mechanism for e-commerce cooperation. It welcomes active participation of the Arab side in the China International Import Expo, and is willing to expand import of non-energy products from the Arab side, especially agricultural products.

The fifth is a broader framework for people-to-people exchanges. China is ready to establish with the Arab side the China-Arab Center of Global Civilization Initiative, expand the size and influence of the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development, accelerate the establishment of such platforms as the think tank alliance, the youth development forum, the university alliance, and the research center on cultural and tourism cooperation. China will invite 200 leaders of Arab political parties to visit China every year. We plan to work with the Arab side to achieve the goal of 10 million two-way visits of tourists in the next five years.

Distinguished Guests,

Friends,

The Middle East is a land bestowed with broad prospects for development, but the war is still raging on it. Since last October, the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has escalated drastically, throwing the people into tremendous sufferings. War should not continue indefinitely. Justice should not be absent forever. Commitment to the two-State solution should not be wavered at will. China firmly supports the establishment of an independent State of Palestine that enjoys full sovereignty based on the 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital. It supports Palestine's full membership in the U.N., and supports a more broad-based, authoritative and effective international peace conference. On top of the previous RMB100 million yuan of emergency humanitarian assistance, China will provide an additional RMB500 million yuan of assistance to help ease the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support post-conflict reconstruction. We will donate U.S.$3 million to the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East in support of its emergency humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

As an Arab saying goes, friends are the sunshine in life. We will continue to work with our Arab friends to carry forward the spirit of China-Arab friendship, build together a better future, and make the road sunny toward a China-Arab community with a shared future!

Thank you! ■

Xi urges promotion of high-quality and sufficient employment

BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held its 14th group study session on the afternoon of May 27. The topic is about promoting high-quality and sufficient employment. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the session. He said that promoting high-quality and sufficient employment is the new orientation and mission of the employment work on the new journey in the new era. Xi urged the need to adhere to people-centered development philosophy, and fully implement the guiding principle that people seek jobs on their own, market adjusts employment and the government promotes employment and encourages starting businesses. Efforts are urged to continuously improve the quality of employment and expand its quantity within a reasonable range, so as to constantly enhance the sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security among workers. In doing this, it would help provide strong support for promoting the building of a strong country in all respects through a Chinese path to modernization, and the realization of national rejuvenation.

Mo Rong, head of the Chinese Academy of Labor and Social Security, gave a lecture on the high-quality and sufficient employment issue at the study session and put forth suggestions. Comrades of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee listened attentively and had discussions afterwards.

Xi delivered an important speech after listening to the lecture and discussions. He pointed out that employment is the most basic part of the people's livelihood, which is related to the people's immediate interests, the country's healthy economic and social development, and its long-term stability. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee has always placed employment work in a prominent position when it comes to the governance of the country, strengthened employment-first policies, and enhanced employment promotion mechanisms to effectively deal with various pressures and challenges. As a result, an average of 13 million new urban jobs were created annually, providing important support for improving people's livelihood and economic development. In practice, the CPC Central Committee has continuously deepened the understanding of the way the employment work should be done in the new era and accumulated a lot of experience. It mainly includes insisting on taking employment as the basic part of people's livelihood, implementing the employment-first strategy, promoting employment through development, combining expanding employment with improving its quality, focusing on the employment of key groups, encouraging starting businesses to create jobs, creating a fair employment environment, and adhering to building harmonious labor relations. Such practices are highly precious, and we should continue to build on them.

Xi underlined the need to unswervingly implement new development philosophy while taking high-quality and sufficient employment as a priority goal of economic and social development in a more conscious manner, so as to make high-quality development a process of expanding employment and improving its quality, and thus increase the capacity of development to create jobs. Xi said that with focus on developing new quality productive forces in light of local conditions, it is important to transform and upgrade traditional industries, foster and strengthen emerging industries, plan for the layout of future industries, improve the modern industrial system, and strive to create more high-quality jobs. He also noted that efforts are required to support the development of industries and enterprises that can create more jobs, and secure the steady expansion of employment. In light of the new trends in economic and social development and the people's new expectations for higher quality of life, Xi stressed the importance of vigorously developing new forms and models of businesses, actively exploring and cultivating new job categories, and developing new employment growth points. It is imperative to step up the assessment of the impact of major policies, major projects and distribution of major productive forces on employment, promote the coordination between employment policies and policies concerning fiscal, monetary, investment, consumption, industry and regional development, so as to make them work in the same direction and provide an employment-friendly approach.

Xi pointed out that to address the structural employment problems of imbalance between human resources supply and demand, efforts should be made to speed up the development of modern human resources with good quality, sufficient quantity, optimized structure and reasonable distribution. It is imperative to adapt to a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, and make proper judgments in advance on the trends of human resources development. It is essential to coordinate education, training and employment, make dynamic adjustment to disciplines and resources for higher education, vigorously develop vocational education, and improve the system of lifelong vocational training. The mechanism of supply and demand should be optimized so as to place right talent in right positions, put people in jobs where their expertise can best apply, make it possible for all to give full play to their talent, and improve the quality and stability of employment. Intensive public awareness activities should be organized to guide the whole society to foster a correct outlook on employment, and open up new horizons in employment through a new thinking in seeking jobs. Efforts should be made to analyze why some industries face a labor shortage, and the situation that many job seekers are unable to land a job should be addressed by finding out why there are job vacancies in some industries.

Xi stressed that policies for providing employment support for key groups should be refined. Top priority should be given to the employment of young people including college graduates, and more jobs should be created for them to apply what they have learned and what they are adept at. Young people should be encouraged to find jobs or start businesses in key fields, key industries, primary-level institutions in urban and rural areas and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and market-oriented and social channels should be expanded for young people to find a job. It is imperative to coordinate efforts to promote new urbanization and advance rural revitalization across the board, attach equal importance to finding jobs outside hometowns and finding jobs near hometowns, take multiple steps to boost employment for migrant workers, and guide those leaving homes to work elsewhere to come back and talents from urban areas to go to rural areas to start their own businesses. It is imperative to stabilize the employment scale and income of those lifted out of poverty and see that no large number of people become poverty-stricken again due to unemployment. It is also necessary to redouble assistance to those groups who have difficulty finding employment due to old age, disability, and long-term unemployment, utilize public service positions in a coordinated manner, and secure jobs for zero-employment households. Efforts must also be made to ensure the employment of such groups as ex-service personnel and women.

Xi noted the necessity of deepening reform in employment systems and mechanisms. It is imperative to improve public services for employment and optimize public service system for employment. Efforts should also be made to improve the supportive mechanism for driving employment by entrepreneurship, optimize services for starting businesses, and boost the quality of business startups. It is also important to improve the unified and standard human resources market and create a fair and just employment environment, so as to allow everyone the opportunity to achieve self-development through hard work.

Xi stressed the need for strengthening protection of workers' rights and interests. Efforts should be made to improve labor laws and regulations, regularize labor standards for new employment forms, and optimize social security, so as to safeguard the lawful rights and interests of workers. It is imperative to further protect the rights and interests of workers involved in flexible employment and new forms of employment, expand pilot projects for work-related injury insurance, sum up experience in a timely manner and formulate institutions in this regard. Market regulation as well as oversight and law enforcement on labor security should be strengthened, and employment discrimination, wages and payments for social insurance in arrears, illegal layoffs and other problems should be effectively addressed.

Lastly, Xi pointed out that Party committees and governments at all levels should regard employment as a top priority for people's livelihood, strengthen organizational leadership, improve institutions and mechanisms, and enhance work synergy. It is necessary to accelerate the building of China's theoretical system on employment and effectively increase China's voice and influence in the field of employment on the global stage. ■

Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee holds meeting to review relevant documents

BEIJING, May 28 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on May 27 and reviewed two documents, namely Policy Measures to Accelerate Development of Central China in the New Era, and Regulations on Accountability for Failing to Prevent or Defuse Financial Risks (trial). Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

It was noted at the meeting that it is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core to promote the development of central China. It is imperative to thoroughly understand the strategic intent of the CPC Central Committee, and the significance of strengthening the strategic position of central China as an important base in terms of grain production, energy and raw materials, modern equipment manufacturing and high-tech industry, and also a comprehensive transportation hub, so as to advance all key tasks to make new major breakthroughs in promoting the development of central China.

The meeting underlined the need for the region to give full play to its concentrated science and education resources, adhere to innovation-driven development, and strengthen original science and technology research. The region was required to develop new quality productive forces in light of local conditions, accelerate the building of a modern industrial system, expand and strengthen the real economy, coordinate the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, foster and strengthen emerging industries, and plan for the layout of future industries. While giving full play to its geographical advantages, the region should strengthen the construction of a modern transportation infrastructure system, and promote the efficient, free and convenient flow of factors so that the region will better integrate into serving the new development paradigm. Collaborative efforts are needed for the region to promote environmental protection and green and low-carbon development, and speed up the endeavors to build a beautiful central China.

It is imperative for the region to advance integrated urban-rural development and take solid steps to promote rural revitalization across the board. The region should attach importance to improving the capability to ensure the security of food, energy and resources, so as to realize mutual support between high-quality development and high-level security. The Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development should strengthen the overall coordination to flesh out the content of all tasks, and push local efforts to fulfill the tasks by constantly checking the to-do list. Relevant departments should intensify their support, and provinces in central China including Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Henan, Hubei and Hunan should bear their principal responsibilities and form synergy to write a new chapter in energizing the central region.

It was noted at the meeting that preventing and defusing financial risks bears heavily on the national security, the overall development and the safety of people's property, and it is the important work that must be done well in the process of achieving high-quality development. Formulating and introducing trial regulations concerning accountability for failing to prevent or defuse financial risks are aimed at further exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance in the financial sector. It is also meant to strengthen the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee over work in the financial sector, and to further make relevant administrative departments, financial institutions, competent departments in the sector, and local Party committees shoulder their responsibilities. With the new regulations, leading officials at all levels will be urged to have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well. They should make sure that various tasks in strengthening financial regulation across the board, preventing and defusing financial risks, and promoting high-quality development in the financial sector are fulfilled well.

It was noted at the meeting that a good job must be done in implementing the regulations. Rigor must be prioritized, specifications of the regulations must be enforced to the letter, and those violators must be held to account. The message must be brought home that those who fail to perform their duties will be held to account, and be severely punished. Financial oversight must have "teeth and thorns" and be sharp-pointed. Strict tone, measures and atmosphere must prevail in the financial sector forever. ■

Xi urges Shandong to write a chapter of Chinese modernization of its own

BEIJING, May 25 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized during his recent inspection tour in Shandong Province that the province should position itself well and play a major role in the overall development of the country. He said that Shandong should fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy, further deepen reform in order to be a pioneer in serving and integrating into the new development paradigm, in advancing innovation in economic and social development, and in promoting ecological protection and high-quality development in the Yellow River Basin. The province was urged to accelerate the building of itself into a pilot zone for green, low-carbon, and high-quality development, and into a new highland for high-level opening up to the outside world so as to write a chapter of Chinese modernization of its own.

From May 22 to 24, Xi conducted fact-finding missions in cities including Rizhao and Jinan. He was accompanied by Lin Wu, secretary of CPC Shandong Provincial Committee, and Zhou Naixiang, governor of Shandong.

On the afternoon of May 22, Xi first visited Rizhao Port. The port stands as an important transfer base of energy resources and bulk raw materials. In the past few years, the port has boosted smart and green development, and developed into a parallel, open and fully automated container terminal. Xi was briefed on port development and construction in Shandong province as well as the planning and layout of Rizhao Port, and inspected the operation scenario of a fully automated container terminal. Xi said that Rizhao Port, as a new port after China's reform and opening-up drive, has transformed itself from a traditional port into a modern one through scientific and technological innovation in recent years. It has not only made the cargo throughput among the forefront of the country, but also accumulated experience in developing new quality productive forces through the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries, which is worthy of praise. Xi extended cordial greetings to port science and technology workers, operation personnel and shipping personnel, hoping that everyone will make continuous efforts and continue to work hard to raise the management and operation of Rizhao Port to a higher level.

Later on, Xi inspected the Sunshine Coast Greenway in Rizhao City. In recent years, Rizhao City has carried out an ecological restoration project on the exposed coastal sites and damaged shoreline, and built about 28 kilometers of coast greenway, providing citizens and tourists with a good place for sports and leisure. Xi was briefed on the overall construction of the greenway, and inspected the ecological environment of the coastline that has been restored and harnessed. He learned about how local culture and tourism industries have been upgraded and what measures have been taken to improve the quality of local residents' life, and once in a while he talked with citizens and tourists. He pointed out that the construction of the greenway meets residents' need and is a popular project. To advance Chinese modernization is to constantly improve people's lives, and a more favorable environment brings a real sense of happiness to the residents, Xi said. He urged local people to work together in building and protecting their beautiful homeland.

On the morning of May 24, Xi listened to the report of CPC Shandong Provincial Committee and Shandong provincial government on their work in Jinan, and affirmed what the province has achieved in various aspects of its work.

Xi pointed out that Shandong has great potential to tap in promoting the deep integration of innovation in science and technology and that in industries, in developing new quality productive forces, and improving modern industrial system. He said that with focus on national strategic needs, Shandong should coordinate efforts to transform and upgrade traditional industries, nurture and expand emerging industries, and advance the layout of future industries, while unleashing the effectiveness of integrating the real economy with the digital economy, and developing new quality productive forces in light of local conditions. Xi also noted that the province should vigorously promote the transformation of its development mode to a green and low-carbon one, and advance innovation in green and environmentally friendly science and technology and industrial development. The province was urged to deeply align with the coordinated regional development strategy and strive to become an important economic growth pole in north China. Shandong should give full play to its unique advantage of boasting abundant marine resources, manage well the ocean, and leverage the resources to achieve strength, striving to build a world-class cluster of ports to create a highland for the development of a modern marine economy.

Xi urged Shandong to take the lead in further deepening reform across the board and promoting high-level opening up. To advance Chinese modernization, the province should focus its efforts on addressing major problems that constrain high-quality development, on improving systems and mechanisms, and on injecting vitality and impetus into its economy. The province should actively develop an international logistics corridor, vigorously promote innovation through collaboration in free trade zones, and build a demonstration area of institutional opening up. The province should also integrate itself into high-quality development of the Belt and Road Initiative, and build a high-level platform for international exchange and cooperation so as to become an important hub for smooth domestic and international economic flows.

Xi pointed out that as a major agricultural province and leading grain producer, Shandong plays a crucial role in safeguarding China's food security. It is imperative for the province to deepen integrated development of urban and rural areas, advance rural revitalization across the board, and improve the quality and efficiency of making plans and arrangements for villages. The province should intensify efforts to develop modern agriculture, and develop rural industries with local characteristics and the processing industry of agricultural products, extend the industrial chain and enhance the value chain. The development of high-standard cropland should be advanced to increase grain output and quality, so as to build a "granary of Qilu" at a higher level. It is essential for the province to consolidate and expand the achievement in poverty alleviation, expand the path for common prosperity, improve efficiency of its agricultural sector, boost income for farmers and inject vitality into rural areas. The province should apply and further develop the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in the new era, guide community-level governance through Party building, improve primary-level Party organizations' capacity of leading primary-level governance, and improve the quality of public services in rural areas so as to consolidate the harmony and stability in rural areas, with residents living and working in peace and contentment.

Xi stressed that Shandong should shoulder the new mission of cultural development in the new era, and take proactive actions to promote cultural prosperity, build the country's strength in culture and advance modern Chinese civilization. It is imperative to stay confident in our own culture, further explore the best of fine traditional Chinese culture, advance its innovative transformation and development, and deepen exchanges and mutual learning with other civilizations through events such as the International Confucius Cultural Festival to enhance the appeal of Chinese culture. Efforts should be made to protect and utilize the revolutionary resources, vigorously carry forward the revolutionary traditions of Yimeng Mountain, and pass on such traditions from generation to generation. It is imperative to extensively practice the core socialist values, continuously further cultural and ethical advancement in urban and rural areas, promote the transformation of outdated rural customs, and make it possible for the ideas of modern civilization to gain acceptance in rural areas. It is a must to develop cultural programs and the cultural sector, launch new cultural programs for the benefit of residents, and vigorously advance cultural digitization. As a result, advanced socialist culture will add impetus and efficiency to economic development, add diversity and charm to tourism and leisure, and add positive energy and vitality to urban and rural society.

Xi stressed the necessity of upholding the Party's leadership and doing a good job in Party building in order to advance Chinese modernization. The ongoing campaign for the study of the Party discipline across the whole Party is one of the major tasks of Party building this year. Party organizations at all levels must carry out the study in a well-organized, steady, down-to-earth and efficient manner. It is imperative to strengthen education on awareness against corruption and do a good job in promoting the study and dissemination of Party disciplines through cases. As a result, being in awe of what one does and the awareness of self-discipline should become a daily reminder. Efforts should be made to guide Party members and officials to faithfully understand and observe the Party disciplines. On the basis of that, they should be encouraged to devote themselves to work, do whatever they believe is right without hesitation, forge ahead with determination, and take the initiative to make achievements that live up to the expectations of the people and the times. The campaign for the study of the Party discipline should be an opportunity for further fight against pointless formalities so as to reduce burden on primary-level officials and create a good environment for them to do their work well.

Xi stressed that Party committees and governments at all levels should ensure both development and security, and make great efforts to prevent and defuse risks in key areas such as small and medium-sized financial institutions, local government debt, and real estate. Those in charge must be held to account in earnest for workplace safety, preparation must be made in advance to preempt possible floods and other disasters, and work must be done to screen safety hazards in all areas so as to effectively forestall them.

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

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

On the morning of May 23, Xi met with military officers above colonel level of the armed forces stationed in Jinan. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the Central Military Commission, he extended sincere greetings to all officers and soldiers of Jinan-based troops, and had a photo taken with the military officers. Zhang Youxia accompanied Xi during the meeting. ■

Xi chairs symposium, urging further reform centering on Chinese modernization

BEIJING, May 24 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, Chinese president, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presided over a symposium attended by representatives from businesses and academia in Jinan, Shandong Province on May 23. Xi delivered an important speech. Xi emphasized that at its 20th National Congress, the CPC made a grand blueprint for building a modern socialist country in all respects, and made arrangements for fulfilling the task of promoting the building of a strong country through a Chinese path to modernization on all fronts, and realizing national rejuvenation. He urged the need for deepening reform across the board with efforts centering on advancing Chinese modernization. In doing this, prominence must be given to the most important aspect of reform, orientation for values must be upheld, and particular attention be paid to the way reform is carried out so that impetus will be given to the fulfilling of core tasks and the achieving of strategic goals.

Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, attended the symposium. Both are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

At the forum, nine representatives of entrepreneurs and experts made speeches one after another. They include Liu Mingsheng, chairman and Party secretary of State Power Investment Corporation Limited, Zuo Ding, chairman and Party secretary of Shenzhen Capital Group Co., Ltd., Ding Shizhong, board chairman of ANTA Sports Products Limited., Xu Guanju, chairman of Zhejiang Transfar Group Co., Ltd., Xu Daquan, president of Bosch (China) Investment Ltd., Victor K. Fung, chairman of Hong Kong Fung Group, Zhou Qiren, professor of the National School of Development of Peking University, Huang Hanquan, head of the Chinese Academy of Macroeconomic Research, and Zhang Bin, deputy director of the Institute of World Economics and Politics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. They put forward opinions and suggestions on deepening the reform of the power system, developing venture capital investment, transforming and upgrading traditional industries with technology, establishing and improving the governance system of private enterprises, optimizing the business environment for foreign-funded enterprises, promoting Hong Kong's better integration into the new development paradigm, enhancing people's sense of gain in reform, promoting integrated urban and rural development, and improving the macroeconomic governance system. While they were delivering speeches, Xi had in-depth discussions with those present at intervals, and the atmosphere was lively and vibrant.

After listening to their speeches, Xi delivered an important address. He said that the CPC Central Committee would conduct fact-finding missions and widely solicit opinions from all sectors before making major decisions and drafting important documents. This has always been the practice and fine tradition of the Party. The relevant parties should carefully study whether the opinions and suggestions put forward at this symposium for further deepening reform across the board should be adopted.

Reform is the driving force for development, Xi said. He noted that to deepen reform further across the board, efforts should be focused on the overarching goals of improving and developing the socialist system with Chinese characteristics, and modernizing China's governance system and capacity. He also stressed the need to advance Chinese modernization, combine goal-oriented and problem-oriented approaches, and address issues directly for targeted improvements. Work must be done to resolutely overcome the ideological and institutional ills that hinder the smooth progress of Chinese modernization, remove deep-rooted barriers in institutions and mechanisms, and address structural problems, so as to continuously provide strong impetus and institutional safeguards for advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi stressed that efforts must be focused on major problems and important aspects of these problems in deepening reform across the board. It is imperative to adhere to and improve our country's basic economic system, build a high-level system for socialist market economy, and optimize the regulatory system for macro economy as well as the systems and mechanisms for high quality development. It is important to optimize the systems and mechanisms for innovation in all domains and integrated urban-rural development, further emancipate and develop the productive forces, enhance social dynamics and make it possible for the productive forces and the relations of production to better adapt to each other, and so do the economic basis and the superstructure to each other. Promoting economic reform should focus on practical needs and start from addressing the most pressing issues. Theoretical innovation should be deepened and institutional innovation advanced in the process of solving practical issues. Planning reform in other areas should also focus on holistic and strategic issues, so that the details are easy to arrange when the general plan is laid out.

Xi noted that the people's aspiration for a better life is what we have been striving for, and promoting reform and boosting development boils down to that ultimate goal as well. It is imperative to plan and advance reform with a focus on the people's overall, fundamental and long-term interests, and do a good job in implementing the Party's mass line in the new era. As such, by addressing people's immediate concerns such as employment, increasing incomes, education, health care services, housing, services for people's daily affairs, child care, elderly care and the safety of people's lives and property, we may identify where reform should be intensified and breakthroughs can be made. Reform measures addressing the most pressing concerns of the people and responding to their will should be taken as many as possible, and concrete approaches that deliver real benefits to the people, win their approval and respect their will should be adopted as many as possible, so that the reform can ensure that the people have a stronger sense of fulfillment, happiness and security.

Xi stressed that reform should do away with outdated rules and establish new ones. With proper ways, we may achieve twice as much for half the effort. Otherwise, we might achieve half as much for twice the effort or even negative result. It is a must to uphold fundamental principles and break new ground. No matter how the reform is carried out, it is imperative to resolutely adhere to fundamental principles such as upholding the Party's overall leadership, upholding Marxism, following the path of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and upholding the people's democratic dictatorship. At the same time, it is also important to innovate boldly, reform what can and should be reformed, and follow through the reform once the target is set. It is imperative to strengthen the integration of systems, promote reform with systems thinking and consideration for the bigger picture. It is also imperative to strengthen the coordination and mutual complementation of reform measures and make reform measures in different fields and sectors work in the same direction and form synergy for better overall efficacy. The phenomenon of policies going their own ways and constraining each other must be prevented and overcome. Reform hinges not only on planning but also on implementation of measures. It is essential to hammer away at how reform measures can be implemented to the letter. On the one hand, proactive approaches must be adopted, and on the other hand, reform must be carried out in a steady manner. Priorities must be clarified, and the timing and intensity of measures must be ensured for good effect. We must do our best within our capability, and should never be divorced from reality.

Li Ganjie and He Lifeng attended the symposium. Also present were leading officials from relevant central authorities and government departments, leading officials of Shandong Province, representatives from state-owned enterprises, private enterprises, foreign-funded enterprises, Hong Kong-funded enterprises, Macao-funded enterprises, Taiwan-funded enterprises, "little giant" enterprises that use specialized and sophisticated technologies, self-employed businesses, experts and scholars. ■