Riding the Tide of the Times and Striving Forward—A Record of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Dialogue with Deputies and Members on Advancing the Grand Plan for Chinese‑Style Modernization

Riding the Tide of the Times and Striving Forward—A Record of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Dialogue with Deputies and Members on Advancing the Grand Plan for Chinese‑Style Modernization

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BEIJING, March 12 (Xinhua) — Title: Riding the Tide of the Times and Striving Forward—A Record of General Secretary Xi Jinping’s Consultations with Deputies and Members on Advancing the Grand Plan for Chinese‑Style Modernization

Xinhua News Agency reporters Zhu Jichai, Lin Hui, Shi Yucen, and Zhang Yan

A grand gathering of spring, a China forging ahead. The Party’s vision, the people’s aspirations, and the nation’s will converge here, composing a glorious chapter of our times as we deliberate on matters of state.

As we embark on a new journey toward national strength and the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, at each annual session of the Two Sessions, General Secretary Xi Jinping engages in sincere dialogue and in-depth exchanges with deputies to the National People’s Congress and members of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, all centered on advancing Chinese modernization—

Focusing tightly on the “primary task,” it outlines a clear path for high-quality development; making good use of the “important tool,” it underscores the key priorities for further comprehensively deepening reform and opening up; upholding the principle that “people’s wellbeing is paramount,” it keeps firmly in mind the people’s aspirations for a better life; and by drawing the “largest concentric circle,” it rallies powerful, united strength to jointly create great achievements.

With the mighty东风 blowing, China in spring is brimming with vitality, and Chinese modernization unfolds in all its splendor.

(1) Firmly grasp the primary task—“continuously remain at the forefront in the tide of the modern economy.”

“You’re on the news today, aren’t you?”

“Yes, thank you, General Secretary.”

This was a heartwarming scene on the afternoon of March 5 in the East Hall of the Great Hall of the People. General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Jiangsu delegation to the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress and engaged in cordial exchanges with its members.

Zhang Junjie, representing the First Hospital of Nanjing, had just taken the floor when the General Secretary recognized him. That morning, speaking at the “Deputies’ Passage,” Zhang Junjie shared with the media his experience in contributing to medical science and technology innovation.

On March 5, 2025, the first “Deputies’ Passage” press conference of the Third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Pictured is Zhang Junjie, a deputy to the National People’s Congress, being interviewed by the media. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zheng Huansong.

Inside the venue, Zhang Junjie recounted to the General Secretary how, through years of independent research and development, they had created a device for treating pulmonary hypertension. He has also led his team in performing more than 300 minimally invasive cardiac valve surgeries annually across China and traveled abroad to provide surgical training, using cutting-edge technologies to help patients regain a healthy “heart valve.”

This moved the General Secretary to profound reflection: “Back in the 1990s, our country still lacked the capacity to perform coronary stent‑placement procedures.” “Look at today—stent prices have come down, and the degree of domestic production of materials has risen significantly. We have made tremendous progress in this area; we must keep forging ahead and will surely do even better.”

On the following day, this topic was once again raised in the Juying Hall of the Youyi Hotel. General Secretary Xi Jinping joined the members of the China Democratic League, the China Association for Promoting Democracy, and the education sector who were attending the Third Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.

Committee member Cui Yali, from the School of Life Sciences and Medicine at Northwestern University, suggested—while briefing the General Secretary on the development of “New Medical Sciences” in higher education institutions—that universities be encouraged to spearhead the large-scale deployment of new technologies, products, and applications.

General Secretary Xi Jinping responded that China has achieved remarkable progress in areas such as medical standards, the localization of medical equipment and materials, and hospital construction. “Many problems that we could not solve in the past can now not only be addressed but also brought to an internationally high standard—some even reaching the very top tier.”

The leap in the level of medical science and technology reflects a nation’s commitment to achieving high‑level scientific and technological self‑reliance and strength; accelerating this endeavor is an indispensable path for advancing high‑quality development.

The report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China clearly states that high-quality development is the primary task in building a modern socialist country in all respects.

At the Two Sessions of 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized during his participation in the deliberations of the Jiangsu delegation: “Without high-quality development, we cannot talk about socialist modernization.” “When we speak of high-quality development, we cannot do so without embracing the new development philosophy.” “We must vigorously strengthen our awareness of quality, regard quality as life itself, and pursue high quality in all our endeavors.”

From rapid growth to high-quality development, this represents a proactive response to changing circumstances and, above all, a strategic choice with an eye toward the long term.

As the country’s second-largest economy, Jiangsu generates more than 10% of China’s total economic output, despite accounting for only 1% of the nation’s land area and 6% of its population.

“You possess a solid foundation for development and distinct strengths; you should continue to lead the way in pursuing high-quality growth.” In the General Secretary’s view, major economic provinces that shoulder a heavy responsibility and boldly pioneer and strive for excellence in high-quality development hold profound national significance as models and beacons.

Two years ago, while attending the Jiangsu delegation’s deliberations, the General Secretary expressed earnest expectations for Jiangsu, calling for it to “take the lead in four areas”—

Take the lead in achieving scientific and technological self-reliance and strength; take the lead in shaping the new development paradigm; take the lead in advancing agricultural modernization; and take the lead in strengthening grassroots governance and safeguarding people’s wellbeing.

On this occasion, the General Secretary set forth clear requirements—four key areas of focus—for how Jiangsu can shoulder a major responsibility in the overall national context.

After the Huangmaohai Cross-Sea Passage officially opened to traffic, vehicles travel on the Huangmaohai Bridge (photo taken by drone on December 11, 2024). Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Liu Dawei.

It takes the lead in fostering the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation; boldly pioneers deep‑seated reforms and high‑level opening-up; spearheads the implementation of major national development strategies; and sets an example in advancing common prosperity for all the people.

From “four areas of leading by example” to “four key priorities,” the guiding principle has remained consistent and continues to deepen.

To advance high-quality development, we must build a modern industrial system. “In pursuing industrial innovation, we must firmly uphold the real economy as our foundation,” General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized, greatly inspiring Delegate Shan Zenghai, who was listening on the spot.

Dan Zenghai is a worker representative from XCMG Group, and over the years he has consistently focused his efforts on promoting high-quality development in the manufacturing sector.

Shan Zenghai still recalls vividly that, during the 2023 Two Sessions, General Secretary Xi Jinping listened to his report on the steadily rising domestic content ratio of all‑terrain cranes and earnestly told everyone: “We must continue to raise the bar and move toward the mid‑to‑high end; this is where our pursuit of high‑quality development must be reflected. At all times, China cannot afford to do without a robust manufacturing sector.”

Promoting high-quality development and fostering new‑type productive forces are both intrinsic imperatives and key priorities.

At last year’s Two Sessions, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited delegation meetings on three occasions, each time emphasizing “new‑type productive forces,” further elaborating the methodology for developing them and offering profound answers to the defining questions of our times: “What are new‑type productive forces, and how should they be developed?”

Amid far-sighted planning, there has always been a clear‑headed, measured approach of “establishing the new before dismantling the old,” underpinned by a precise, context‑specific mindset: “Developing new‑type productive forces does not mean neglecting or abandoning traditional industries; we must guard against blind herd behavior and speculative bubbles, nor should we impose a one‑size‑fits‑all model.”

At the time, General Secretary Xi Jinping encouraged Jiangsu to “become a key strategic hub for developing new‑type productive forces,” clearly identifying the breakthroughs and priority areas for advancing this endeavor: “seize opportunities, intensify innovation, foster and expand emerging industries, proactively plan and develop future‑oriented industries, and further improve the modern industrial system.”

This year, Xu Guanghui, Director of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Science and Technology, reported to the General Secretary during his address: last year, the province’s fiscal investment in scientific and technological innovation reached 78.8 billion yuan; the number of national advanced manufacturing clusters has grown to 14; and over the past two years, more than 700 new “Little Giant” enterprises specializing in niche fields have been added.

“Jiangsu holds a prominent position in scientific and technological innovation, commensurate with its economic strength,” the General Secretary remarked approvingly, adding, “Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Guangdong; Jiangsu and Zhejiang; and even some central provinces such as Anhui and Hubei—all follow this pattern.”

In his subsequent important address, General Secretary Xi Jinping further elaborated: “Technological innovation and industrial innovation are the fundamental pathways for developing new‑type productive forces.”

Practice continues to evolve, and understanding deepens accordingly. This is both an aspiration for each locality and a strategic consideration for the overall development—

“In general, we must pursue the path of scientific and technological innovation, implement the strategy of invigorating the country through science and education, and promote the development of new‑type productive forces, ensuring that our nation can consistently remain at the forefront of the modern economic tide.”

(II) Unswervingly Deepening Reform — “Striving to Usher in a New Era of Reform and Development”

The Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee outlined a grand blueprint for advancing Chinese modernization through further, all‑round deepening of reform. At the first National People’s Congress and Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference following the session, the theme of reform has drawn widespread attention.

Education is the foundation for building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation, and the issue of educational reform resonates deeply with both the Party and the people.

On March 5, 2025, the opening session of the Third Meeting of the 14th National People’s Congress was held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Xing Guangli.

On the afternoon of March 6, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended a joint panel meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, where members with many years of experience in the education sector eagerly shared their views.

The first speaker, Committee Member Zhang Yunkai, is the vice president of Hebei Vocational and Technical College of Communications. Vocational education is the type of education that is most closely aligned with industry and provides the most direct support to the economy. He then shared his own concerns—

In recent years, the phenomenon of “positions available but no one to fill them, or people available but no positions to fill” has drawn widespread attention. How can we address the disconnect between talent development and enterprise needs?

“In today’s labor market, some sectors face a shortage of workers and talent, while others suffer from oversupply—this is a structural issue,” General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out, emphasizing the need to further deepen vocational education reform.

“There is a shift in the supply-and-demand dynamics of talent, and education must stay ahead of the curve.” The General Secretary urged that vocational education should proactively plan ahead and adapt to real-world needs through reform.

Develop topics and pursue reform with creativity; “the process of solving problems is also the process of progress.”

As a major economic province, it must boldly take the lead in reform and opening-up.

A year ago, at the Jiangsu delegation, the General Secretary pointed out: “We must plan and implement major measures to further deepen reform across the board, continuously injecting strong momentum into promoting high-quality development and advancing Chinese modernization.”

This year, the General Secretary’s instruction was both vivid and compelling: “With a large economic scale, advancing further requires even greater momentum. Jiangsu must take the lead in piloting reforms and pursue both internal and external development, continuously removing obstacles and boosting growth drivers through deepening reform and opening-up.”

Further and more comprehensive deepening of reform is a systematic undertaking; amid myriad complexities, the key lies in grasping the overarching task of deepening economic structural reform.

“Coordinate and advance the development of a modern infrastructure system and a high-standard market system, and steadily expand institution-based opening-up.”

“With a focus on building a high-standard socialist market economy, we will accelerate the improvement of fundamental market‑economy institutions, including property‑rights protection, market access, fair competition, and social credit.”

“We must deepen reforms to promote market-based allocation of production factors and proactively dismantle local protectionism, market fragmentation, and ‘involutionary’ competition.”…

With the goal of fully establishing a high-standard socialist market economy by 2035 firmly in mind, at each annual session of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, the General Secretary focuses on the pivotal role of economic system reform, setting out key tasks and charting the main directions for advancing reform.

Coordinating and advancing the integrated reform of the systems and mechanisms for education, science and technology, and talent is a major reform task set forth at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

On November 12, 2024, teachers at Tianjin Modern Vocational and Technical College supervised students at the UAV Industry–Education Integration Practice Center. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhao Zishuo.

At last year’s joint panel meeting of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, CPPCC member Zhao Yuliang, representing the science and technology sector, pointed out that although China produces a large number of research papers and invention patents, their practical application and commercialization remain limited. The disconnect between the innovation chain and the industrial chain—where they “face each other yet fail to connect”—has become a critical bottleneck hindering the development of new‑type productive forces.

After listening, General Secretary Xi Jinping outlined the direction and pace of the next phase of reform: “In the past, research and production operated as two separate entities. Today, the rate of translating scientific and technological achievements into practical applications has risen significantly compared with the past—particularly when enterprises undertake direct R&D that leads to concrete outcomes, and when universities and enterprises form collaborative partnerships. This trend and this direction are correct; we must accelerate efforts and further strengthen policies that incentivize and facilitate such progress.”

How can we effectively advance the grand undertaking of deeply integrating technological innovation with industrial innovation?

Over the past year, General Secretary Xi Jinping has conducted numerous field inspections and research trips: in Hefei, he learned how the local authorities are advancing innovation in science and technology systems and mechanisms and accelerating the commercialization of scientific and technological achievements; in Wuhan, he examined how the Wuhan Institute of Innovation is addressing the challenge of “those who order don’t pay, and those who pay don’t order,” ensuring that the innovation chain, industrial chain, financial chain, and talent chain operate in harmonious synergy…

At the Jiangsu delegation, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Over the years, a strong culture of scientific and technological innovation has taken root, industrial innovation is flourishing across the board, and the integration of the two is gaining momentum. However, certain institutional and systemic bottlenecks persist.”

Bridging the “first mile” to the “last mile” and ensuring seamless integration between technological innovation and industrial innovation hinges on reform.

The General Secretary emphasized: “In advancing scientific and technological innovation, we must focus on building a modern industrial system, uphold the integrated approach of education, science and technology, and talent development, and ensure that we not only generate more scientific and technological achievements but also translate them into tangible productive forces.”

A lasting foundation rests on talent. Within the integrated framework of education, science and technology, and talent development, General Secretary Xi Jinping has placed particular emphasis on the role of education.

At this year’s CPPCC joint panel meeting, the General Secretary profoundly pointed out: “In the new era and on the new journey, we must deeply understand the demands of Chinese modernization for education, science and technology, and talent; strengthen education’s role in supporting science, technology, and talent; and further foster a vibrant environment in which talented individuals emerge in abundance, everyone can fully realize their potential, and talent is put to its fullest use.”

It demonstrates the boldness to pioneer and experiment, as well as unwavering resolve.

During the Two Sessions of 2023, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended a joint panel meeting of members from the China National Democratic Construction Association and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, whose membership is predominantly composed of economic-sector figures. He reaffirmed that the CPC Central Committee has consistently upheld the “two unwavering commitments” and the “three unchanged principles,” and has always regarded private enterprises and private entrepreneurs as one of its own.

On February 17 this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended a symposium on private enterprises and delivered an important speech, charting the course for further fostering the sound and high-quality development of the private sector.

On February 5, 2025, technicians at Changxing Ditong Automotive Components Co., Ltd. in the Changxing Economic and Technological Development Zone of Huzhou City, Zhejiang Province, operate industrial robots to manufacture components for new-energy vehicles (drone photo). Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Tan Yunfeng)

This time, at the Jiangsu delegation, General Secretary Xi Jinping further emphasized: “We must fully implement the spirit of the symposium on private enterprises, treat all types of ownership equally, and continue to optimize the business environment.”

Reaffirming the Party’s principles and policies and introducing concrete, actionable measures both underscore that fostering the growth and strengthening of the private sector is a long-term strategy, not a temporary expedient. On the new journey toward Chinese modernization, “it is precisely the right time for the vast ranks of private enterprises and private entrepreneurs to demonstrate their capabilities.”

We draw momentum from reform and vitality from opening-up.

Since the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, General Secretary Xi Jinping has chaired nine symposiums on regional development, strategically laying out a grand development blueprint that takes the overall situation into account, coordinates east–west and north–south linkages, and integrates domestic and international dimensions.

“Drawing on the spirit of the Huai River and the Yangtze, and embracing the vastness of the Yellow Sea,” General Secretary Xi Jinping has placed high expectations on Jiangsu: “Being a major economic province does not merely mean having a large economic scale; it also implies bearing significant responsibilities in the overall national development agenda, and demonstrating greater commitment in implementing the country’s major development strategies.”

In response, the General Secretary set forth clear directives: to take proactive measures and foster coordinated synergy within development strategies such as the Yangtze River Delta integration and the Yangtze Economic Belt; to strengthen alignment with initiatives like the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei coordinated development and the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area; and to deepen integration into the high-quality joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative…

This is the profound wisdom of embracing the vast while attending to the minute, and the far-sighted insight of discerning the whole from a single glimpse. Riding the mighty tide of reform and opening-up, Chinese modernization will surely forge an even broader future through this ongoing process.

(3) Always Uphold Our Original Aspiration and Mission—“In Chinese-style modernization, the people’s wellbeing is paramount.”

Don’t let the fact that Li Xiaona is a post‑90s delegate fool you—she has already spent 12 years working at the community level. Seated across from General Secretary Xi Jinping, this down-to-earth and steady young woman spoke of her grassroots work with remarkable familiarity and insight.

“How many people live in your community?” the General Secretary asked with concern.

“There are 7,266 residents, spread across five residential communities. When I first arrived, there were just over 3,000 people; now the population has doubled,” Li Xiaona blurted out.

Upon hearing these figures, the General Secretary was deeply moved: “In the past, neighborhood committees were generally quite small. Community secretaries were often called ‘prime ministers of the alleyways,’ handling an enormous array of responsibilities—no easy task at all.”

A small community is connected, on the one hand, to the everyday joys and hardships of its residents, and on the other, to the nation’s long-term stability and prosperity. At the end of the day, all the myriad issues boil down to the concerns of countless households.

This is a drone photo of the Day Care Center in Changcheng Garden Community, Jinfeng District, Yinchuan, Ningxia, taken on June 20, 2024. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Feng Kaihua.

“When I go on field visits to local areas, I always make it a point to see rural areas and urban communities.” “I pay particular attention to the key priorities of ‘the elderly and the young.’”

The community canteen in Minzhu Village, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing; the health station in Changcheng Huayuan Community, Yinchuan, Ningxia; the Party-and-Community Service Center in Zaolinxi Community, Anning District, Lanzhou, Gansu… Over the years, during his visits to local areas, the General Secretary has repeatedly gone into communities, listened to the voices of the people, and shown deep concern for both the elderly and the young.

This time, after hearing the story of Li Xiaona, a grassroots community secretary, the General Secretary further elaborated on his reflections on this issue—

First, regarding “the elderly”: “We must adopt approaches tailored to local conditions and pursue sustainable development. At the same time, home-based services for seniors should be improved, volunteer teams strengthened, and the profession of geriatric healthcare nurtured.”

Turning to the issue of “scale”: “Based on demographic trends and the quality of childcare services, some regions still experience either a shortage or an oversupply. Adjustments and improvements must be made in light of local conditions. We all want our children to be safe and healthy, and we expect childcare providers to be professional and highly responsible; moreover, we need to strengthen the development and management of this sector.”

Education, the foundation of people’s well-being, touches the lives of hundreds of millions of families.

At the 2023 National People’s Congress, the General Secretary emphasized that “basic education shoulders a profoundly honorable yet arduous historical mission,” and at the 2024 session, he once again urged that “vocational education must be earnestly and effectively strengthened.”

This year, when the General Secretary attended the joint panel meeting of CPPCC members from the China National Democratic League, the China Association for Promoting Democracy, and the education sector, he urged, “Let us all come together to deliberate on the grand plan for education.”

“Our own educational journey has been nothing short of transformative!” Reflecting on the past and looking to the present, we witness profound and momentous changes—

In those days of abject poverty and utter lack, literacy classes were organized by the Literacy Campaign Office. “Back then, the pressing issue was simply whether one could put food on the table; the entire Chinese people were tightening their belts, and educational funding was painfully scarce.”

In the early days of reform and opening-up, from community‑funded schools to the “Project Hope,” countless children’s dreams were ignited. “Back then, I even helped raise funds to build a primary school in Liangjiahe Village—I was quite pleased. But why did it eventually disappear? That, too, was for the better: to improve teaching quality, the school was consolidated and moved to the township level. It was, after all, a restructuring of the school network.”

Today, China has built the world’s largest education system.

General Secretary Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized: “Today, every household is paying close attention to education, and there are numerous hot topics in this area, which demonstrates a strong educational climate and also reflects that our education still falls short of the expectations of the people.”

Cai Guangjie, a member of the Sichuan Provincial Department of Education, noted that in recent years, the population center has shifted toward urban areas, while the school-age population has declined in stages, giving rise to new challenges such as the coexistence of oversupply and shortages in school places, as well as an imbalanced structure within the teaching workforce.

The General Secretary pointed out the path forward: “We must focus on the demands of modernization, adapt to demographic shifts, coordinate basic education, higher education, and vocational education, balance government funding with social investment, and establish and improve a more rational and efficient mechanism for allocating educational resources.”

“Education is both the most important issue and an exceedingly complex one. It requires sustained effort over the long term, yet it is also an urgent priority.” “A great school is defined by its masters, not merely by its buildings.” The General Secretary’s remarks hit the nail on the head.

In the Chinese path to modernization, people’s wellbeing is paramount. Whether it concerns family matters, national affairs, or global issues, ensuring a happy life for the people remains the top priority.

We should show concern for new‑employment groups such as delivery couriers, ride‑hailing drivers, and e‑commerce workers, ensuring that management and services keep pace to fill this gap—providing both oversight and support.

On January 16, 2025, in Balizhuang Subdistrict, Chaoyang District, Beijing, a volunteer delivery worker (left) and a property management staff member jointly inspected the community for potential safety hazards. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Li Xin.

We applaud the “new farmers” who are dedicated to rural revitalization, and note that “the state should provide clear guidance and policy support in this area.”

Inquire about the career paths and employment rates of the school’s graduates, “with particular emphasis on ensuring that employment—this most fundamental aspect of people’s livelihood—is effectively addressed.”

……

Chinese modernization is a model of common prosperity for all the people. “Economic powerhouses that have developed more rapidly should, as a matter of course, proactively explore effective approaches and play a leading, exemplary role in advancing common prosperity for all,” the General Secretary remarked this year before the Jiangsu delegation. These words left Wu Huifang, a delegate from Yonglian Village in Nanfeng Town, Zhangjiagang City, deeply moved and reflective.

This veteran, who served in the military for more than 20 years, took off his uniform in 2005 and, through a self‑selected career transition, began working in Yonglian Village, viewing the building of a prosperous and happy village as his new “battlefield.” At last year’s Two Sessions, he presented his reflections and practical experiences to the General Secretary.

General Secretary Xi Jinping said with satisfaction, “On the path of rural revitalization toward common prosperity, you are pioneers—please blaze this trail. We must continue to advance common prosperity and follow the path of Chinese modernization.”

In Hunan, he visited rice paddies at the start of spring planting; in Gansu, he inquired about fruit‑orchard yields; in Fujian, he observed fishing boats laden with catch; and in Hubei, he toured vegetable‑growing corridors. Looking back over the past year, throughout the General Secretary’s inspection tours and field investigations, a consistent focus on the overarching task of comprehensively revitalizing rural areas has been evident, bearing the weighty imprint of the two words “the people.”

Mountains and rivers stretch for ten thousand miles, yet our sentiments remain unchanged.

“We must deliver tangible results in strengthening basic, inclusive, and safety-net social programs and in addressing the urgent, difficult, and pressing concerns of the people, while further elevating the quality of our social security system and enhancing the equity and accessibility of essential public services.” The General Secretary always keeps the people at heart, and every word he speaks resonates deeply with them.

(4) Uniting Strength for Solidarity and Progress—“Chinese modernization calls upon all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation to join forces and work together to achieve great undertakings.”

“The Suzhou Gardens’ live‑action adaptation of ‘The Peony Pavilion’ leaves countless visitors spellbound, lost in the seamless fusion of garden scenery and artistry.” “The youthful version of ‘The Peony Pavilion’ has staged over 500 performances in more than two decades, captivating a million audience members…”

During the deliberations of the Jiangsu delegation, Ke Jun, a representative from the Jiangsu Provincial Performing Arts Group, reported to General Secretary Xi Jinping that Kunqu Opera, once on the brink of decline, is now resounding with the powerful voice of a flourishing era, carried forward by the favorable winds of the new era.

On September 14, 2024, actors performed the youth‑oriented Kunqu opera “The Peony Pavilion” at Peking University’s Centennial Hall. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Liu Mengqi.

“The youth‑oriented version of ‘The Peony Pavilion’ is indeed popular with young audiences. The stage, the costumes, and the characters are all exceptionally beautiful,” the General Secretary remarked.

In July 2023, during an inspection tour in Jiangsu, the General Secretary attended a Pingtan performance on Pingjiang Road in Suzhou and remarked that the locality “has done an excellent job of blending tradition with modernity.” He urged that “we must safeguard, explore, and make good use of this heritage—ensuring not only its preservation in material form but also its transmission in the hearts and minds of future generations.”

Achieving both material abundance and spiritual enrichment is the noble aspiration of Chinese modernization. During his review, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out: “Common prosperity encompasses both material progress and spiritual advancement.”

A year ago, also at the Jiangsu delegation, after hearing from Song Yan, deputy director of the Nanjing Museum Complex, about her efforts to safeguard cultural heritage, the General Secretary remarked that he hoped the general public—especially young people—would engage more deeply with museums, thereby further cultivating a stronger sense of history.

Only by remaining committed to moving from history toward the future and forging ahead by drawing on the enduring vitality of our national culture can we succeed in today’s endeavors.

Who we cultivate, how we cultivate them, and for whom we cultivate them—these are the fundamental questions of education, bearing on the future and destiny of the great cause of Chinese modernization.

At this year’s CPPCC joint panel meeting, General Secretary Xi Jinping clearly stated: “To build a strong country in education, science and technology, and talent, we must uphold the correct direction in running schools and cultivate socialist builders and successors who develop morally, intellectually, physically, aesthetically, and through labor.”

Of all plans for the year, nothing is more important than cultivating crops; of all plans for a lifetime, nothing is more important than nurturing people.

A folk dragon-dancing troupe parades through Hongcun Village in Yi County, Huangshan City, Anhui Province (photo taken on February 10, 2025, drone view). Xinhua News Agency photo by Shi Yalei.

Two years ago, during the Jiangsu delegation’s deliberations, Zhang Dadong, principal of Xin’an Primary School in Huai’an, reported that the local area has carried forward the glorious traditions of the “Xin’an Traveling Troupe,” adding that “children’s conviction to heed the Party and follow its lead has grown even stronger.”

At the time, General Secretary Xi Jinping recalled with deep emotion: “I, too, came here wearing a red scarf. Because I started school early, I wasn’t admitted to the Young Pioneers in the first batch, and I even cried. Later, when I became the flag bearer of the Young Pioneers, my blood boiled with enthusiasm.”

The General Secretary further emphasized: “Our education must be adept at drawing on the finest elements of China’s 5,000-year-old traditional culture, while at the same time embracing the achievements of Western civilization, so as to truly nurture young people into individuals who possess the ‘Four Confidences.’”

Generation after generation has carried forward the legacy, and the red gene has been passed down from one era to the next.

Ideological and political education, a course that unites hearts and forges souls while sowing the “seeds” of conviction, is shining with renewed vitality in the crucible of practical experience.

“We must effectively integrate the ‘small classroom’ of ideological and political education with the ‘large classroom’ of society, ensuring that moral education is carried out more thoroughly and more effectively.” At the CPPCC joint panel meeting, General Secretary Xi Jinping further outlined a practical path for moral education.

Advancing Chinese modernization calls for all sectors to leverage their respective strengths and demonstrate their full potential.

At this year’s CPPCC joint panel meeting, the General Secretary called on members of the China Democratic League and the China Association for Promoting Democracy, as well as educators, to leverage their respective strengths to more effectively support and participate in the integrated reform and development of the systems and mechanisms governing education, science and technology, and talent, thereby contributing their wisdom and efforts to enhancing the overall effectiveness of the national innovation system.

At the 2024 Two Sessions, while meeting with members of the Chinese National Democratic Revolutionary Committee, the science and technology sector, and the environmental and resource sectors attending the CPPCC session, General Secretary Xi Jinping expressed his hope that the Chinese National Democratic Revolutionary Committee would “jointly advance the process of the motherland’s peaceful reunification,” that the science and technology community would “shoulder the heavy responsibility of scientific and technological innovation,” and that the environmental and resource sector would “strengthen ecological and environmental protection, using high‑level conservation to underpin high‑quality development.”…

Year after year, messages of encouragement point the way forward, and each earnest exhortation spurs us to press ahead. By leveraging the strengths of specialization, the distinctive features of commerce, and the integrative power of aggregation, it vividly embodies the essence of whole-process people’s democracy as “the broadest, most genuine, and most effective.”

People’s democracy is the lifeblood of socialism. Developing whole-process people’s democracy is an essential requirement of Chinese modernization.

In the golden autumn of 2024, General Secretary Xi Jinping attended, over the course of a single week, two major commemorative events—the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the National People’s Congress and the ceremony celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference—both of which underscored “whole-process people’s democracy” as a key principle emphasized by the General Secretary.

“We must center our efforts on developing whole-process people’s democracy, and uphold, improve, and ensure the effective functioning of the system of people’s congresses.” “In advancing whole-process people’s democracy, we must further bring into full play the distinctive political strengths of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference.”…

Pooling wisdom and strength, advancing in concert and with shared purpose—this is precisely the distinctive strength of Chinese-style democracy.

On the new journey, women are every bit as capable as men. Every woman is a writer of our times and a tireless striver in the pursuit of her dreams.

On the afternoon of March 6, as International Women’s Day on March 8 approaches, General Secretary Xi Jinping, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended festive greetings and warm wishes to women across the country: “In the new year, I hope that all women will continue to play their vital role as half of the sky and showcase their distinctive spirit in advancing the process of Chinese modernization.”

On March 6, 2025, members of the All-China Women’s Federation attending the Third Session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference held a panel discussion. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhou Dixiao.

On the new journey ahead, the People’s Armed Forces serve as a strategic pillar for realizing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The “14th Five-Year Plan” for the development of our military marks the initial phase of the new three-step strategy for modernizing national defense and the armed forces, and it also lays out the blueprint for achieving the centenary goals of building a strong military.

On the afternoon of March 7, while attending the plenary session of the delegation of the People’s Liberation Army and the Armed Police Force, General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that successfully concluding the implementation of our military’s 14th Five-Year Plan is of great significance for achieving, on schedule, the centenary goals for building the armed forces, as well as for advancing, through Chinese-style modernization, the cause of national rejuvenation and the building of a strong country.

Chinese modernization is the cause of the hundreds of millions of the Chinese people themselves. On this new journey, every effort is invaluable, and every ray of light shines brightly.

With the arrival of spring, tides surge and all things flourish. Unity forges strength, and striving builds great achievements.