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Xi lauds China's solid progress despite challenges in Year of Dragon

BEIJING, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- The Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the State Council held a Spring Festival reception for the year 2025 at the Great Hall of the People on the morning of Jan. 27. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered a speech. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, Xi extended Spring Festival greetings to the people of all ethnic groups in China, to compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan, and to overseas Chinese.

Xi stressed that the outgoing Year of the Dragon has been a year in which we have invigorated our spirits and weathered storms to see rainbows. Facing complex and challenging situations throughout the year, we have responded with composure and implemented a range of comprehensive measures, overcome difficulties, forged ahead with determination, and taken new and solid strides in advancing Chinese modernization.

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

The banquet hall of the Great Hall of the People was brightly lit, radiating warmth and grandeur. More than 2,000 people from all walks of life gathered to celebrate the upcoming festival, filling the venue with a festive atmosphere of joy and harmony.

At around 10 a.m., Xi and other Party and state leaders entered the hall to cheerful music. They warmly greeted the attendees, and exchanged Spring Festival greetings and wishes with them. The hall erupted into rapturous applause.

In his speech, Xi noted that over the past year, we have made solid progress in pursuing high-quality development, effectively implemented existing policies, proactively introduced a package of incremental policies, and promoted economic recovery and sound development. Significant achievements have been made in technological and industrial innovation, and new quality productive forces have been promoted steadily. Fresh progress has been secured in coordinated regional development and integrated urban-rural development. From a global perspective, China has remained a major engine of global economic growth. We have adopted a coordinated and balanced approach to advance various undertakings, and achieved new progress in advancing socialist democracy and rule of law, pushing for cultural, social and ecological advancement, and promoting national defense and military development. We celebrated the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China. The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee was convened to further deepen reform comprehensively. Efforts have been made to ensure and improve people's livelihood, keep employment and consumer prices stable, and further consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation. We have ensured both development and security, defused risks in key sectors in an orderly and effective manner, and maintained overall social stability. Decisive actions have been taken in response to major natural disasters, including effective rescue and relief efforts following the earthquake in Xizang's Dingri County, a high-altitude and low-oxygen region. Sustained efforts have been made in work related to Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan, with celebrations held to mark the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland. At the Paris Olympics, Chinese athletes achieved their best-ever overseas results, which made all Chinese people at home and abroad immensely proud. We have further advanced major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, actively promoted the reform of the global governance system, enhanced the solidarity and cooperation of the Global South, and deepened and solidified high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. With such efforts, the country has injected more positive energy into safeguarding world peace and stability and promoting human development and progress. We have persevered with full and rigorous Party self-governance, carried out Party discipline education, and continued to intensify the fight against corruption. As a result, we have ensured the Party's strong leadership and continuously improved Party and government conduct, thus providing a fundamental guarantee for the development of all undertakings.

Xi stressed that the past year has been an extraordinary journey with encouraging results. We have proven once again with our hard work that no difficulty or obstacle can stop Chinese people's pursuit of a better life or block the historical course of building a strong country and rejuvenating the nation. We will undoubtedly break new ground in reform and development as long as we remain steadfast in our conviction and confidence, face problems and obstacles squarely, and deal with risks and challenges without flinching.

He noted that 2025 is the final year for implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). We must follow the guidance of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress as well as the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, and remain committed to focusing on high-quality development. We must fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerate the creation of a new development pattern, further deepen reform across the board, expand high-standard opening up, guard against and defuse risks in key areas and external shocks, promote sustained economic recovery, maintain social harmony and stability, and make significant advances in exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance. We will formulate proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) and continue to strive toward our grand goals.

Xi emphasized that we must always place the people front and center, respond promptly and effectively to public needs and concerns, and work hard to deliver solid results concerning people's lives, thereby constantly improving people's living standards and ensuring that more benefits of modernization are shared among all the people in a more equitable way.

Xi noted that in Chinese culture, the snake embodies wisdom and vitality, symbolizing harvest, good fortune and auspicious blessings. As the Year of the Snake unfolds, it is hoped that people of all ethnic groups across the country will draw inspiration from the snake's enduring vitality, fortify confidence, cherish hope and forge ahead with a pioneering spirit to jointly write a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

Art workers gave a wonderful performance at the reception.

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

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

Xi pays visit to primary-level officials, residents in Liaoning ahead of Spring Festival

SHENYANG, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- As the traditional Chinese New Year draws near, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, braved the cold to make an inspection trip to Liaoning Province, where he visited primary-level officials and residents. He also extended Spring Festival greetings to the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Macao Special Administrative Region and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese. He wished all Chinese people at home and abroad good health, success in work, family happiness, and good fortune in the Year of the Snake! He also wished for the great motherland to enjoy peace, favorable weather for bumper harvest and prosperity.

From Jan. 22 to 24, Xi visited Huludao, Shenyang and Benxi cities, accompanied by Hao Peng, secretary of the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee, and Provincial Governor Li Lecheng. During the visit, Xi conducted in-depth inspections of a village, a market, a community and an enterprise, conveying solicitude and good wishes from the CPC Central Committee to primary-level officials and residents.

On the afternoon of Jan. 22, Xi arrived in Huludao City and took a nearly one-hour ride to Zhujiagou Village in Suizhong County. Last August, the village suffered severe flooding, and 41 affected households moved into newly built homes before winter. At the entrance of the village, Xi inspected the affected areas, asking in detail about the flooding of houses and the relocation of villagers. He then went to the village's service center for Party and public affairs, where he learned about the progress of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction through videos and display boards. Xi urged local officials to ensure the well-being of the villagers, making sure they stay warm during the winter.

As the day marked the Kitchen God Festival, or the Little New Year on the Chinese lunar calendar, every household put up Spring Festival couplets and window decorations in preparation for the upcoming celebrations. Xi visited villagers Zhu Xicun and Wang Baowei, checking the structural quality of their homes and asking about their preparations for the Chinese New Year. He also inquired whether government subsidies for rebuilding had been adequately provided and asked about the villagers' main sources of income. While Xi was sitting with Wang's family, Wang told him that their new house was bright and warm, and that they had everything ready for the Chinese New Year. Wang added that all the villagers felt deep gratitude toward the Party and the general secretary. Xi asked Wang if he had any other requests or wishes. Wang replied that he hoped to live a better life. With a smile, Xi said, "Your hope is our hope. The people can always count on the Party and the government."

As Xi was leaving, the villagers gathered to send their regards. Their applause and cheers echoed through the air, filling the small mountainous village with excitement. Xi told the villagers that over the past year, natural disasters struck a number of places across the country, including their village. "Our Party has placed the people first, with officials and the masses united as one, achieving significant successes in disaster relief and recovery," he said. "As the Spring Festival draws near, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, I extend sincere regards and festive greetings to all those affected by the disaster and all those working on the frontlines of post-disaster recovery and reconstruction!"

The time-honored Dadong food market in Shenyang, the provincial capital, offered a dazzling array of distinctive festive goods. On the morning of Jan. 23, Xi arrived at the market, visiting stalls and engaging with merchants and customers to learn about the market supply during the holiday season. His presence sparked excitement, with people cheering and greeting him enthusiastically. Xi emphasized the importance of grain, vegetable and fruit supplies. He noted that, with material abundance now a reality, it is even more important to ensure that everyone has access to good and healthy food during the Chinese New Year.

Xi then visited the Chang'an residential community, which had undergone a comprehensive renovation, in Dadong District's Chang'an Subdistrict. He stopped by the home of Lang Sulan, a resident whose home has "four generations living under the same roof." Upon learning that the renovation had significantly improved living conditions with adequate services and support now in place, he expressed his affirmation of the efforts. Xi emphasized that urban renovation should be tailored to local conditions and integrated with community development, prioritizing convenience, benefits and safety for the residents. He also highlighted the importance of better care for the elderly and children.

At the community service center for Party and public affairs, some residents were busy writing Spring Festival couplets -- a traditional Chinese calligraphy art for holiday decorations, while children were crafting traditional Chinese knots that symbolize auspiciousness. Xi joined them, commending their creations and encouraging them to continue preserving and promoting fine traditional Chinese culture. Xi also enjoyed a Chinese bamboo flute ensemble performed by community retirees. "Having a good Spring Festival means a great start to the new year. A happy life for every family and a good time for the elderly and children are what we call a beautiful world. Let us strive together to make such a world even more beautiful," he told the residents.

In the community's public square, residents performed Yangge dance. Xi waved to the crowd and extended festive greetings to them.

On the afternoon of Jan. 23, Xi visited a cold rolling mill of Ansteel in the city of Benxi. At the corporate control center, he inspected the operation of the centralized intelligent system, and learned about the cold rolling process, technological innovations, and product performance at a workshop. He also met with model workers, leading young technicians, and representatives of other workers. Xi said that the manufacturing sector should keep pursuing higher-end, smarter, and more eco-friendly development, and produce more technology-intensive products with higher added value. Large state-owned enterprises like Ansteel should make more contributions to Chinese modernization.

On the morning of Jan. 24, Xi listened to reports from the CPC Liaoning Provincial Committee and the provincial government. He affirmed what the province has achieved in various aspects of its work. He hoped that Liaoning would strive to break new ground for the full revitalization of the Northeast in the new era and write a Liaoning chapter of Chinese modernization.

Xi noted that, with a relatively complete industrial system, Liaoning should attach the same importance to the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and to the cultivation and development of emerging strategic industries, speeding up modernizing its industrial system. As far as traditional industries are concerned, industrial foundation re-engineering and research on major technologies and equipment should be strengthened to constantly boost their core competitiveness. To boost emerging strategic industries, the key is to strengthen deep integration of technological and industrial innovation and develop new quality productive forces according to local conditions. The heavier the tasks of development are, the more importance the province should attach to ecological and environmental protection, so as to promote the green transition in all areas of economic and social development.

Xi stressed that reform and opening up are after all essential to the full revitalization of Northeast China. Xi urged Liaoning to focus on key issues, prioritize key areas and address difficulties in reform. He called on Liaoning to make great efforts in building law-based governance, continuously implementing the principle of unswervingly consolidating and developing the public sector and unswervingly encouraging, supporting, and guiding the development of the non-public sector, and refining the modern corporate system with distinctive Chinese characteristics. As China is opening up increasingly wider, officials at all levels should improve their capabilities of looking at problems, making policies and managing work by taking into consideration opening-up conditions.

Xi noted that Liaoning has abundant agricultural resources and a relatively solid foundation for development. It is imperative for Liaoning to further advance integrated development of urban and rural areas, push forward with urbanization that is centered on county seats, optimize the allocation of public resources and the layout of industrial chains at the county, township and village levels, and take solid steps to promote all-round rural revitalization. It is essential for Liaoning to apply the experience from the Green Rural Revival Program, find out in detail where to start with the practical work in accordance with local conditions, and then continue the endeavor with perseverance. As far as primary-level governance is concerned, specific responsibilities must be clarified for specific persons to make sure every aspect of work is done to the utmost capabilities of those involved and to the great benefit of residents.

Xi emphasized that governments at all levels bear an important responsibility to promote cultural confidence and strength, and enhance socialist cultural-ethical development. Great efforts should be made to improve cultural originality, produce more high-quality works, and further implement cultural programs for public interest. Culture should serve to enlighten people so as to rally public support, and strengthen confidence. In this way, the passion and determination of officials and the general public will be stimulated for reform, innovation, and development.

Xi pointed out that the Party's leadership must be unwaveringly upheld, and full and rigorous Party self-governance must be steadfastly exercised. The political and organizational functions of Party organizations should be strengthened, and a clean and upright political environment must be maintained. Party members and officials should be educated and guided to remain loyal, upright, and responsible. These principles must always be firmly upheld at all times. It is essential to thoroughly implement the eight-point decision on improving Party conduct along with detailed rules for its implementation, and ensure that officials at all levels take a realistic and pragmatic approach and maintain integrity and self-discipline.

Xi emphasized in the end that, with the Spring Festival approaching, Party committees and governments at all levels must conscientiously care for those in need, ensure smooth transportation during the Spring Festival travel rush, secure market supply, enrich cultural life, and strengthen production safety measures to ensure that the people enjoy a happy, peaceful, and harmonious holiday.

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

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

Xi extends Spring Festival greetings to non-CPC personages

BEIJING, Jan. 23 (Xinhua) -- As the traditional Chinese New Year festival, which will usher in the Year of the Snake, is approaching, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, gathered with leaders from the central committees of non-CPC political parties and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), as well as representatives of personages without party affiliation at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on the afternoon of Jan. 20 to celebrate the festival. Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended festive greetings to non-CPC personages and members of the united front.

The event was also attended by Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. Both are also members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

Invited participants 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, as well as Xie Xiaoliang and Xu Weigang, representatives of personages without party affiliation. Also invited were Ho Hau Wah and Leung Chun-ying, vice chairmen of the CPPCC National Committee, as well as former chairpersons, first vice chairpersons and executive vice chairpersons of the central committees of the non-CPC political parties and the ACFIC who have retired from their posts.

Cai Dafeng delivered a speech on behalf of the central committees of the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation. He said that in 2024, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core united and led the whole Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups in holding high the banner and forging ahead, successfully convened the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, made the major decision to further comprehensively deepen reform and advance Chinese modernization, calmly responded to challenges, and made hard-won new achievements in reform and development. In the new year, the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation will consciously align themselves with the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, focus on the central work of the Party and the country, pool wisdom and strength, offer advice on governance, and jointly write a new chapter in building a strong country and realizing the rejuvenation of the nation.

After listening to Cai Dafeng's speech, Xi gave an important address. He noted that 2024 was a year for us to overcome difficulties and forge ahead. Over the past year, the CPC Central Committee has united and led the whole Party and the people of all ethnic groups in responding calmly to changes and taking comprehensive approaches, successfully accomplishing the major objectives and tasks for economic and social development, with new solid strides made in advancing Chinese modernization. We guided all sides at all levels to correctly grasp favorable conditions and deal with unfavorable factors, maintained strategic resolve, and increased confidence in success. We effectively implemented various existing policies, stepped up efforts to introduce a package of incremental policies, and made solid efforts to promote high-quality development. As a result, China's economy recovered and showed an upward momentum and the GDP grew by 5 percent. We strengthened independent innovation and made a series of breakthroughs in the frontiers of science and technology, giving a strong boost to the development of new quality productive forces. We further deepened reform comprehensively, paid attention to the coordinated progress of various undertakings, and made solid efforts to ensure people's well-being, with the people gaining a greater sense of fulfillment. We coordinated development and security and maintained overall social stability. We have advanced major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, contributing positively to global peace, stability, and human development. We have conducted a Party discipline education campaign with a practical approach, persistently working to improve Party conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption. As a result, continuous improvements have been seen in Party and government conduct. These achievements are attributable to the strong leadership of the CPC and the collective efforts and unity demonstrated by the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC, and personages without party affiliation.

Xi pointed out that 2024 was also a year in which fundamental principles were upheld and new ground was broken in developing multi-party cooperation. The non-CPC political parties and personages without party affiliation fully implemented the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, focused on advancing Chinese modernization, actively put forward suggestions and strengthened democratic oversight. They played a positive role in the scientific decision-making and effective implementation of the CPC Central Committee's policies. The ACFIC helped implement the supportive policies for developing the private sector, and did a lot of work in facilitating the healthy development of the non-public sector and those working in it. Xi expressed heartfelt thanks to them all on behalf of the CPC Central Committee.

Xi stressed that 2025 marks the final year for implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). He called for efforts to adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while ensuring stability, implement more proactive and impactful macro policies, pursue high-quality development as a top priority, achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and maintain sound momentum in economic and social development, so as to achieve the goals and tasks outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan, thus laying a solid foundation for the 15th Five-Year Plan to start on the right footing. He also called on the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation to focus on central tasks while serving the country's overall development, and make the most of their strengths, so as to more extensively rally public support, build consensus, and pool wisdom and strength.

Xi put forward three expectations for the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC, and personages without party affiliation. First, they should enhance their political awareness and strive for the greatest possible convergence of interests. They should have a thorough understanding of the leadership of the CPC as the fundamental characteristic of China's new type of political party system. They should further study the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and focus their efforts on boosting confidence, rallying public support, improving the well-being of the people, and building consensus, to transform all positive forces from various sectors into tangible results for development. Second, they should actively contribute ideas concerning the central tasks of the Party and the country. They should conduct in-depth fact-finding missions to offer suggestions on key issues such as further deepening reform, promoting high-quality development, and drafting proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan. They should continue to engage in democratic oversight of critical issues in the ecological and environmental protection along the Yangtze River. The ACFIC should guide private entrepreneurs in maintaining their entrepreneurial enthusiasm and boosting their confidence in development, and assist private enterprises in establishing and improving a modern corporate system with Chinese characteristics, and striving for high-quality development. Third, they should strengthen their own development and enhance their ability to fulfill responsibilities. They must strengthen political guidance, encourage and motivate their members to stay true to their original aspirations, and carry on fine traditions as sources of strength for continued progress. It is also essential for them to consolidate and deepen the results of the discipline education campaign, continue to implement the spirit of the CPC Central Committee's eight-point decision on improving conduct, and consolidate and develop a sound political ecology.

Shi Taifeng, relevant officials from the central committees of non-CPC political parties and the ACFIC, along with leading officials from related departments of the CPC Central Committee, attended the event. ■

Xi chairs meeting of Political Bureau of CPC Central Committee

BEIJING, Jan. 22 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Jan. 20. The meeting reviewed a report of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee after it heard and discussed the work reports from the leading Party members groups of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, as well as the work report of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee. Also reviewed at the meeting were opinions on comprehensively promoting ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting.

The meeting gave full recognition to the work of the five leading Party members groups and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee in 2024, and approved their work plans for 2025. It was agreed at the meeting that last year, the five leading Party members groups followed the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and firmly upheld the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. They strengthened their sense of mission and responsibility, diligently performed their duties, enhanced self-improvement, and earnestly fulfilled their principal responsibilities for full and rigorous Party self-governance. With such efforts, they made new contributions to building China into a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. Under the leadership of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and its Standing Committee, the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee performed its duties diligently and proactively last year. It made substantial efforts in implementing the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, improving Party regulations, guiding the development and reform of people's organizations, and addressing unnecessary formalities to reduce burdens at the primary level.

It was emphasized at the meeting that in the year ahead, the five leading Party members groups must follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, adhere to the highest political principle of upholding the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and ensure unity in thinking and direction as well as full compliance with directives and prohibitions. They must foster and act on a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, make it a priority to get things done, strive for progress and excellence, and pool strength to advance reform and tackle challenges. They must steadily promote high-quality development and make new contributions on the new journey of advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts. The Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee must center on its duties, enhance political competence, prioritize the implementation of key tasks, rigorously intensify self-improvement, and accomplish with high quality all tasks assigned by the CPC Central Committee.

It was noted at the meeting that ecological conservation and high-quality development in the Yellow River basin is a matter of profound significance for the great rejuvenation and sustainable development of the Chinese nation. It is imperative to thoroughly understand the strategic intentions of the CPC Central Committee and firmly adhere to the strategic requirements of prioritizing conservation and governance. Taking further deepening reform comprehensively as a driving force, we must promote the full enforcement of the Yellow River Protection Law, respect the laws of nature, effectively manage the interconnections between water and population, food and energy, and advance the comprehensive transition to a model of green development.

The meeting highlighted the need to continue to improve the well-coordinated ecological conservation in the Yellow River basin, systemically improve water source conservation capacity in the upper reaches, strengthen water and soil conservation in the middle reaches, and promote wetland protection and ecological governance in the lower reaches. Water resources should be taken as the biggest constraint, and the potential of saving water should be explored. Relentless efforts are needed to ensure the long-term stability of the Yellow River and guarantee the safety of important dikes, reservoirs and other infrastructure. It is essential to comprehensively deepen reform and expand opening up, strengthen the synergy of the Yellow River basin's development with such regional strategies as the large-scale development of the western region and the rise of the central region, and continuously achieve new progress in high-quality development. It is a must to preserve, inherit and promote Yellow River culture, enhance the holistic and systematic protection of cultural heritage, preserve historical and cultural legacy to nourish the roots of the nation, and promote the integrated development of the culture and tourism. The Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development must strengthen coordination, supervision and guidance, while relevant central government departments must intensify their support. Party committees and local governments at all levels in the provincial-level regions along the Yellow River must shoulder their principal responsibilities, resolutely put into motion the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, and promote the implementation of key tasks and major reform measures.

Other matters were also discussed at the meeting.■

Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting to hear work reports of state and Party institutions

BEIJING, Jan. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Jan. 9 to hear work reports from the leading Party members' groups of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, as well as a work report of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.

It was noted at the meeting that upholding the Party's overall leadership is our greatest political strength and that upholding the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee is the fundamental reason why we have achieved continuous victories. The central Party leadership's annual hearing of work reports from the five leading Party members' groups and the work report of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee is an important institutional arrangement for upholding and strengthening the overall leadership of the Party and the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee. It has been proven through practice that this important institutional arrangement is essential for giving full play to the Party's core role of exercising overall leadership and coordinating the efforts of all sides, for ensuring that the Party's leadership is exercised in all aspects and stages of the Party and the country's cause, and for guaranteeing unity of purpose and action to forge synergy. Such an arrangement must be adhered to for a long time.

Last year, the five leading Party members' groups followed the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, resolutely upheld the authority of the CPC Central Committee and its centralized, unified leadership, and earnestly implemented the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the meeting noted. Giving priority to solid work, the leading Party members' groups showed a stronger sense of mission and responsibility, faithfully fulfilled their duties, strengthened self-improvement, and assumed their principal responsibilities for full and rigorous Party self-governance. Consequently, they achieved new advancements in various fields and made fresh contributions to building China into a strong country and advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

According to the meeting, the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, under the leadership of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, performed its duties diligently and proactively last year. It did a lot of work in implementing the decisions and plans of the central Party leadership, improving Party regulations, guiding the development and reform of people's organizations, and addressing unnecessary formalities to reduce burdens at the primary level.

It was stressed at the meeting that 2025 is the final year for implementing the 14th Five-Year Plan and also a crucial year for further deepening reform comprehensively. The five leading Party members' groups must follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and gain a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. They must maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership. They must strengthen their confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics. They must uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. They must adhere to the highest political principle of upholding the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, make it a priority to get things done, strive for progress and overcome challenges, ensure that all decisions and plans of the central Party leadership are fully implemented, and take on new responsibilities and make new achievements on the new journey of advancing Chinese modernization on all fronts.

It was stressed at the meeting that in the year ahead, the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee must focus on the plans and requirements of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, center on its duties, enhance political competence, and prioritize the implementation of key tasks such as improving Party regulations, promoting the development and reform of people's organizations, and addressing unnecessary formalities to reduce burdens at the primary level. It must intensify self-improvement rigorously and accomplish with high quality all tasks assigned by the CPC Central Committee. ■

Xi chairs CPC leadership meeting on Xizang quake relief

BEIJING, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Jan. 9 to study and arrange quake relief in Dingri County, Xizang Autonomous Region. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, presided over the meeting and delivered an important speech.

It was pointed out at the meeting that, since the 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Dingri County, Xizang Autonomous Region, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, local authorities and relevant departments have responded swiftly and organized rescue and relief work effectively. Party members, officials, and the general public have united in their efforts, with rescue teams including the national comprehensive fire and rescue team, the People's Liberation Army, the Armed Police Force, and state-owned enterprises playing a critical role.

Despite the challenges posed by high-altitude, freezing temperatures and low oxygen levels, these forces raced against time to search for survivors, minimize casualties, and ensure the overall smooth progress of relief efforts.

It was stressed at the meeting that the earthquake disaster relief work is now at a critical stage and there must be no slackening. It is a must to do more detailed work to resolutely win the tough battle against this disaster. Continued efforts should be made for rescue and post-quake recovery. Medical experts should be organized to provide medical consultations and treat the injured with all-out efforts. Wholehearted work must be done to ensure the basic living conditions of the affected residents, make good arrangements for their temporary and transitional-period settlement, and ensure they stay warm in the winter.

Post-disaster recovery and reconstruction must be sped up. Efforts should be dedicated to the repair of infrastructure, and the clearing of debris to swiftly restore production and daily life order in the earthquake-stricken areas. Solid work must be done to maintain social stability, promptly investigate and resolve arising conflicts or disputes, and make public authoritative information. Additionally, efforts should be made to strengthen the earthquake resistance of buildings and infrastructure and disaster response capabilities in key areas, as well as to ensure preparation for emergency.

Local Party committees and governments were required to earnestly shoulder their political responsibilities, according to the meeting. All relevant parties should closely cooperate, officials at all levels should stay at their posts at the frontline and go all out to perform their duties, and primary-level Party organizations and all Party members should play an exemplary and vanguard role.

Other matters were also discussed at the meeting. ■ 

Xi stresses winning tough, protracted, all-around battle against corruption

BEIJING, Jan. 9 (Xinhua) -- On the morning of Jan. 6, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech at the fourth plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI). He emphasized that unprecedented efforts have been made to advance full and rigorous Party self-governance and promote the fight against corruption since the beginning of the new era, yielding widely recognized results. It is essential to remain steadfast in the ongoing fight against corruption and to maintain strategic resolve and a tough stance. We must press forward without pause or compromise, coordinate efforts to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to become corrupt, and resolutely win this tough, protracted and all-around battle.

Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi and Ding Xuexiang, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, attended the meeting. Li Xi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and secretary of the CCDI, presided over the meeting.

Xi pointed out that in 2024, the CPC Central Committee continued to use the Party's self-reform to steer social transformation and persevered with full and rigorous self-governance, securing new progress and achievements. The entire Party has gained a clearer understanding and stronger resolve in action regarding the crucial issue of self-reform. Party discipline education has been thoroughly implemented, greatly raising awareness of rules and discipline among all Party members. Efforts to combat corruption have been intensified to eradicate the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption. Concrete actions have been taken to address misconduct and corruption at the primary level, resolving many of the most pressing issues that cause grave public concerns. Additionally, the deepening efforts to run the Party based on its systems and regulations have further strengthened the Party's capacity to lead the fight against corruption and advance full and rigorous Party self-governance.

Xi emphasized that corruption is the greatest threat to the Party, and combating corruption represents the most thorough kind of self-reform. Entering the new era and confronted with prominent issues in improving conduct, upholding integrity and fighting corruption within the Party, we have remained committed to investigating and addressing all corruption cases to preserve the integrity of officials. By doing so, we have burnished the Party's image, consolidated the socialist foundation, gained the historical initiative to ensure that the Party remains true to its nature, conviction and character, and also secured the historical initiative for the Party to unite and lead all the people in the pursuit of building a strong nation and achieving national rejuvenation.

Xi said the current anti-corruption situation remains grave and complex. The backlog of corruption has not yet been eradicated, and new cases continue to arise. The task of eliminating the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption remains arduous. To understand the fight against corruption, we must have a historical perspective and strategic vision, and focus on the Party's mission and tasks. We must remain steadfast in combating corruption. Any hesitation, laxity or abandonment will lead to catastrophic mistakes. We must resolutely dispel all misconceptions, clear away ideological confusion, and further strengthen our determination and confidence in the fight against corruption.

Xi emphasized that on the new journey of the new era, we must uphold the spirit of reform and exercise strict Party self-governance to strive for greater results. This will ensure the implementation of the decisions made at the 20th CPC National Congress and the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, ensure that the Party is always the firm leadership core guiding the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and guarantee the steady and long-term advancement of Chinese modernization.

Xi pointed out that we should conduct concrete, targeted and regular political oversight. It is essential to closely follow the CPC Central Committee with firm actions. Ideologically, we must persistently strengthen efforts to equip members with the Party's new theories. This will enable them to accurately grasp the CPC Central Committee's goals and requirements for reform and development in their respective regions, departments and fields, and will ensure unity in thinking and action. Politically, it is a must to uphold the centralized, unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee, enforce strict political discipline and rules, and never allow the seven types of misconduct, so as to match our deeds with words and fully comply with the CPC Central Committee's directives and prohibitions. In action, it is imperative to take the implementation of the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee as the focus of political oversight, thereby jointly pressing ahead with critical reform tasks and promoting high-quality development.

Xi stressed that strengthening Party discipline is a regular practice, and it is necessary to guide Party members and officials to transform Party discipline into self-discipline and internalize it into an everyday code of words and deeds. Efforts are needed to build a regular and long-term discipline education mechanism so that discipline education lasts throughout the whole cycle of officials' growth and integrates into the entire process of organizational management. It is also necessary to strictly implement Party discipline, accurately exercise four forms of oversight over discipline compliance, seek truth from facts, protect the innocent while holding wrongdoers accountable, identify problems early and correct them while they are nascent. Thus, we can enforce strict management and supervision while encouraging officials to take on responsibilities, and enable them to engage in reform and innovation and show great enterprise in compliance with the rules and discipline.

Xi pointed out that it is necessary to further investigate and address instances of both misconduct and corruption. It is a must to always show zero tolerance for malpractices, strictly implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct, rigidly investigate and punish those who intentionally violate Party discipline, and address the more hidden problems of pointless formalities, bureaucratism, hedonism and extravagance. We must urge Party members and officials to resolutely oppose privilege-seeking mindsets and practices and to develop a firm and correct attitude toward power, performance evaluation and our cause. It is necessary to always maintain a tough stance against corruption, focus on and investigate key issues, areas and targets, investigate those who take bribes and also those who offer them, and resolutely eliminate the hidden risks of institutional corruption. Cases should be studied and used to promote rectification and improve governance, and efforts must be made to improve the mechanisms for regulating and supervising the allocation and exercise of power and increase the effective methods for combating new types and disguised forms of corruption. It is necessary to improve conduct and enforce discipline while combating corruption, investigate and severely punish those involved in misconduct intertwined with corruption, and eradicate the common root causes of both misconduct and corruption.

Xi emphasized the need to ensure that principal and oversight responsibilities for full and rigorous Party self-governance are assumed. Party committees must take the initiative in oversight and management, while disciplinary inspection commissions should fulfill their specialized supervisory duties, focusing on their core responsibilities and fulfilling their primary tasks. All responsible entities must be aware of, shoulder and fulfill their respective responsibilities. The mechanism for evaluating the fulfillment of responsibilities should be optimized, and work must be done to ensure accurate and well-founded accountability for those who fail to perform their duties and responsibilities.

Xi pointed out the need to continuously extend full and rigorous Party self-governance to the grassroots level. Party committees at all levels, especially those at the city and county levels, must make it a regular task to address misconduct and corruption that occur at people's doorsteps, ensuring tangible and perceptible results for the public. We should deepen reforms in grassroots supervision systems and mechanisms, integrating disciplinary inspection and supervision with inspections at the grassroots level and with other forms of oversight. Long-term mechanisms for rectifying pointless formalities to reduce burdens at the grassroots level should be implemented to enable primary-level officials to concentrate more on delivering results.

Xi emphasized that disciplinary inspection and supervision bodies are a vital force in advancing the Party's self-reform, and the Party and the people have full trust in and high expectations for this team. We should deepen the reform of the disciplinary inspection and supervision system, judiciously integrating the delegation of power with oversight to confine power to an institutional cage. It is necessary to ensure that disciplinary inspection and supervision work is carried out in a more standardized, law-based and professional manner, and to continuously enhance the ability to improve conduct, enforce discipline and combat corruption. We must consolidate and expand the achievements of theoretical study programs and education, adhere to the principle that it takes a good blacksmith to forge good steel, and strengthen strict management and oversight to build a loyal, clean and responsible disciplinary inspection and supervision team that has the courage and capability to engage in struggle.

Presiding over the meeting, Li Xi said that General Secretary Xi's important speech fully recognized the new progress and achievements in advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance over the past year. With a farsighted historical perspective, the speech showed a profound understanding of the fundamental principles governing the anti-corruption campaign and deeply analyzed the current anti-corruption situation. It outlined clear requirements for resolutely winning this tough, protracted and all-around battle against corruption, and presented a strategic plan for further advancing full and rigorous Party self-governance. The visionary speech is profound in thought, direct in addressing problems, and highly enlightening, providing important guidance for promoting full and rigorous Party self-governance and for combating corruption. We must thoroughly study and implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi's speech, and gain a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. It is necessary to be more conscious of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; to strengthen confidence in the path, theory, system and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and to uphold General Secretary Xi Jinping's core position on the CPC Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and uphold the CPC Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. We must strengthen confidence, have the courage to fight, fulfill the political responsibility of full and rigorous Party self-governance, advance the coordinated efforts to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to become corrupt, and unwaveringly push the fight against corruption to a deeper level.

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

Members of the CCDI, leading officials of central Party and government departments as well as people's organizations, and leading officials of relevant units in the military also participated in the meeting. The meeting was held via video and telephone, with sub-venues set up in various provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and relevant military units.

The fourth plenary session of the 20th CCDI opened in Beijing on Jan. 6. The Standing Committee of the CCDI presided over the session. On the afternoon of Jan. 6, Li Xi, on behalf of the Standing Committee of the CCDI, delivered a work report titled "Further Promoting Efforts to Improve Party Conduct, Uphold Integrity and Combat Corruption, Providing Strong Guarantee for Advancing Chinese Modernization Through New Achievements in Full and Rigorous Party Self-Governance."■

CPPCC National Committee holds gathering to ring in new year, Xi Jinping delivers important speech

BEIJING, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- The National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held a New Year gathering in its auditorium in Beijing on the morning of Dec. 31, 2024. Party and state leaders Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the gathering to ring in the year 2025. Also present at the gathering were leading officials of China's non-Communist parties' central committees and the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce (ACFIC), representatives of personages without party affiliation, leading officials of central Party and state departments, and individuals from various ethnic groups and all walks of life in Beijing.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. He stressed that on the journey of Chinese modernization, we will not only enjoy clear skies and gentle breezes, but also encounter high winds, heavy rains, and even dangerous storms. We must maintain strategic resolve, pool the powerful collective force of all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation striving in unity to brave winds and waves, and advance the great cause of building a strong country and realizing the national rejuvenation.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and the Central Military Commission, Xi extended New Year greetings to the non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation, to the Chinese people of all ethnic groups, to compatriots in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, and to friends from all over the world who have shown understanding and support for China's modernization drive.

Xi pointed out that 2024 was a crucial year for achieving the objectives and tasks laid down in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). Over the past year, in the face of challenges posed by evolving dynamics at home and abroad, we responded calmly with a full range of steps to successfully accomplish the main targets and tasks of economic and social development for the year, and took new solid strides in advancing Chinese modernization. Our development in the past year has been extraordinary, and the achievements are encouraging. They have strengthened our resolve and confidence in advancing Chinese modernization.

Xi stressed that over the past year, the CPPCC has earnestly implemented the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee, performed its duties closely in line with the central tasks, strengthened self-improvement, and made new contributions to the development of the cause of the Party and the country.

Xi pointed out that 2025 will see the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan. We shall adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, fully and faithfully implement the new development philosophy on all fronts, accelerate the building of a new development paradigm, firmly promote high-quality development, further deepen reform comprehensively, and expand high-standard opening up. We shall better ensure both development and security, implement more proactive and impactful macro policies, promote sustained economic recovery and improvement, continuously improve people's livelihood, maintain social harmony and stability, fulfill the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality, and lay a solid foundation for getting the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) off to a good start, he said.

Xi emphasized that the CPPCC must ensure the integration of Party leadership, the united front and consultative democracy. He urged that the CPPCC should focus on central tasks while serving the country's overall development, and fully leverage its role as a specialized consultative body. It should also strengthen ideological and political guidance, actively offer suggestions and proposals, garner broader public support, build consensus, draw on collective wisdom and pool strengths.

Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, presided over the gathering. He pointed out that it is imperative to earnestly study and implement the guiding principles of General Secretary Xi's important speech, unswervingly uphold the Party's overall leadership, have a good command of the nature of the CPPCC, focus on the central tasks, serve the country's overall development, and build the CPPCC's capacity for performing its duties in the spirit of reform and innovation. He also called for efforts to strive in unity with greater confidence, pool collective wisdom and strength for achieving China's economic and social development goals and tasks in 2025 in an all-round manner, and work tirelessly to build China into a strong country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

Hao Mingjin, chairman of the Central Committee of the China National Democratic Construction Association, delivered a speech on behalf of the central committees of all non-CPC political parties, the ACFIC and personages without party affiliation. He expressed their commitment to rallying more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, working together with unity and dedication, and unwaveringly striving toward the great goals of building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation.

At the gathering, Xi and other leaders met with representatives from various sectors, shaking hands and exchanging warm greetings. Members of the CPPCC National Committee and literary and art workers presented wonderful performances. The gathering concluded with a collective singing of the song "Unity is Strength." The hall was filled with a joyous and harmonious festive atmosphere.

Among those attending the gathering were members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and members of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee who were in Beijing; some leaders from the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress and the State Council; and leaders and former vice chairpersons of the CPPCC National Committee who were in Beijing. ■

Full text of President Xi Jinping's 2025 New Year message

BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- On New Year's eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year message through China Media Group and the Internet. The following is the full text of the message:

Greetings to everybody! Time flies fast, and the new year will be with us shortly. I extend my best wishes to you all from Beijing.

In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had.

We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development. China's economy has rebounded and is on an upward trajectory, with its GDP for the year expected to pass the 130 trillion yuan mark. Grain output has surpassed 700 million tons, and China's bowls are now filled with more Chinese grain. Coordinated development across regions has gained stronger momentum, and mutually reinforcing advances have been made in both new urbanization and rural revitalization. Green and low-carbon development has been further enhanced. Indeed, a more beautiful China is unfolding before us.

We have fostered new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions. New business sectors, forms and models have kept emerging. For the first time, China has produced more than 10 million new energy vehicles in a year. Breakthroughs have been made in integrated circuit, artificial intelligence, quantum communications and many other fields. Also for the first time, the Chang'e-6 lunar probe collected samples from the far side of the moon. The Mengxiang drilling vessel explored the mystery of the deep ocean. The Shenzhen-Zhongshan Link now connects the two cities across the sea. The Antarctic Qinling Station is now in operation on the frozen continent. All this epitomizes the lofty spirit and dreams of the Chinese people to explore stars and oceans.

This year, I have visited many places across the country and seen how our people enjoy their enriching lives. I saw the big, red Huaniu apples in Tianshui, Gansu and the fishing boats in Aojiao Village, Fujian loaded with their catches. I watched the millenium-old "Eastern Smile" in the Maiji Mountain Grottoes, and I learned more about good-neighborliness passed from generation to generation in Liuchixiang Alley. I enjoyed the hustle and bustle in Tianjin's Ancient Culture Street, and I saw how the people in Yinchuan's mixed-ethnic residential communities live together as one family. The concerns of the people about jobs and incomes, elderly and child care, education and medical services are always on my mind. This year, basic pension has been raised, and mortgage rates have dropped. Cross-province direct settlement of medical bills has been expanded, making it easier for people to seek medical treatment across the country. And consumer goods trade-in programs have improved people's lives... All these are real benefits to our people.

In the Paris Olympics, Chinese athletes raced to the top and achieved their best performance in Olympic Games held overseas, fully demonstrating the vigor and confidence of young Chinese. The PLA Navy and Air Force celebrated their 75th birthdays, and our servicemen and women are full of drive. When floods, typhoons and other natural disasters struck, members of the Communist Party of China and officials stepped forward to lead disaster relief efforts, and our people were of one mind and reached out to each other. People in all fields -- workers, builders and entrepreneurs, among others -- are working hard to fulfill their dreams. I presented awards to recipients of national medals and honorary titles. The honor belongs to them; it also belongs to every hard-working person who has lived up to their responsibilities.

In a world of both transformation and turbulence, China, as a responsible major country, is actively promoting global governance reform and deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. We are making deeper and more substantive advances in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation was a full success. We put forward China's vision at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, BRICS, APEC, G20 and other bilateral and multilateral forums. We have contributed greatly to the maintenance of world peace and stability.

We celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of New China. With deep affection, we looked back at the sea change that has taken place across China since the birth of the People's Republic. Nurtured by our 5,000-plus years of continuous civilization, our country, China, is engraved not only on the bottom of the ancient bronze ritual wine vessel of He Zun, but also in the heart of every Chinese. At its Third Plenary Session, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sounded a clarion call for further deepening all-round reform. We will march forward in great strides to advance reform and opening up as the trend of our times. We will surely embrace even broader prospects in pursuing Chinese modernization in the course of reform and opening up.

In 2025, we will fully complete the 14th Five-Year Plan. We will implement more proactive and effective policies, pursue high-quality development as a top priority, promote greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, and maintain sound momentum in economic and social development. The Chinese economy now faces some new conditions, including challenges of uncertainties in the external environment and pressure of transformation from old growth drivers into new ones. But we can prevail with our hard work. As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident.

Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people. Every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities. These simple wishes are our people's aspirations for a better life. We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts.

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland, I visited the city again, and I was gratified to see the new progress and changes there. We will unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems to maintain long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao. We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait belong to one and the same family. No one can ever sever the bond of kinship between us, and no one can ever stop China's reunification, a trend of the times.

As changes unseen in a century accelerate across the world, it is important to rise above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision, and care for the future of humanity with great passion. China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must jointly create a better future for the world.

Dreams and wishes may be far, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit. On the new journey of Chinese modernization, everyone is a key actor, every effort counts, and every ray of light shines.

Splendor adorns our motherland, and starlight graces every home. Let us greet the new year with hope. May our great country enjoy harmony and prosperity! May all your dreams come true! May you all have a new year of happiness and peace! ■

CPC leadership convenes criticism and self-criticism meeting

BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a criticism and self-criticism meeting from Thursday to Friday to thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. The meeting focused on consolidating and building on the achievements of the Party discipline education campaign, and comprehensively leveraging the role of Party discipline in education and constraint, as well as in providing guarantees and incentives. Examining the efforts in studying and implementing the Party's regulations on disciplinary action and enforcing the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct was an important aspect for the review. The meeting also included conducting self-examinations, analyzing Party consciousness, and carrying out criticism and self-criticism, in light of personal thoughts and actual work.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting and delivered an important speech.

Thorough preparations were made before the meeting. Members of the Political Bureau had discussions with leading officials of relevant departments, listened to their opinions and suggestions and thereby prepared speech outlines. Reports were presented on how the Political Bureau has implemented the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving conduct in 2024, as well as on the progress made in reducing burdens on grassroots levels by combating pointless formalities throughout the year. Members of the Political Bureau spoke one by one. Focusing on the theme of the meeting, they conducted a thorough self-examination and deep analysis in accordance with the Regulations on CPC Disciplinary Action, the Regulations of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Strengthening and Upholding the Centralized and Unified Leadership of the CPC Central Committee, and the Detailed Rules of the Political Bureau for Enforcing the CPC Central Committee's Eight-Point Decision on Conduct. The atmosphere was serious yet lively, with serious self-examination, in-depth analysis and open and frank discussions. The meeting had achieved the desired effects.

Members of the Political Bureau focused on five key areas. First, they have become firmer in upholding the Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. Second, they have strengthened their commitment to serving and bringing benefit to the people. Third, they have grown more resolute in implementing the decisions and plans made by the Party Central Committee. Fourth, they have become more determined to lead in studying, understanding and observing Party discipline. Fifth, they have become firmer in fulfilling their political responsibilities of exercising strict governance over the Party.

It was noted at the meeting that since the beginning of 2024, in the face of challenges emerging both in and outside China, the Party Central Committee has united and led the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups in responding with calm and comprehensive measures, and achieved the major goals and tasks set for economic and social development, marking solid progress in advancing Chinese modernization. Notably, robust and effective measures were taken to safeguard the people's wellbeing and maintain social stability. New progress was made in advancing socialist democracy and rule of law, breaking new ground in major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, and deepening full and rigorous Party self-governance. These accomplishments did not come easily.

Members of the Political Bureau unanimously believed that the centralized, unified leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core is a fundamental guarantee for success across all areas, and it ensures that the ship of Chinese modernization navigates through winds and waves, sailing steadily into the future. The entire Party must gain a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, become more conscious of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership, stay confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics, uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership, and resolutely implement the policies and plans of the Party Central Committee. The coming year marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan. It is imperative to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, thoroughly implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, fully and faithfully applied the new development philosophy on all fronts, and accelerate the creation of a new development pattern. Efforts need to be made to achieve tangible progress in high-quality development, deepen reform comprehensively, expand high-standard opening up, and drive constant economic recovery and growth. It is crucial to improve the lives of the people, maintain social harmony and stability, and firmly exercise full and rigorous Party self-governance. The Party must achieve the goals and tasks outlined in the 14th Five-Year Plan, thus laying a solid foundation for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Xi commented on the self-examination of the members of the Political Bureau, put forward requirements, and delivered a concluding speech. He noted that this criticism and self-criticism meeting had been successful, achieving its objectives of facilitating the exchange of thoughts, identifying problems, and clarifying the way forward. The process would be helpful for the Political Bureau to enhance unity, improve work and shoulder the Party's founding mission.

Xi stressed that the Party discipline education campaign has effectively addressed issues that some Party members and officials are either indifferent to, lack knowledge of, or have failed to master Party rules and discipline. It has pushed Party organizations at all levels and their leadership teams to rigorously tighten Party discipline, while motivating Party members and officials to commit themselves to being loyal, clean and responsible, thus achieving remarkable progress. Party members and officials have shown a heightened awareness of discipline, rules, integrity and self-discipline, along with a renewed motivation to take on responsibilities and forge ahead in their undertakings. The principle, measures and atmosphere have become even more stringent. Efforts to combat pointless formalities have proved effective in reducing burdens at grassroots levels.

Xi stressed that sound, robust Party consciousness leads to a deeper awareness of observing Party discipline. Leading officials should regard enhancing their Party consciousness and theoretical consciousness as a lifelong endeavor, continuously learning and improving throughout their lives. It is essential to prioritize political integrity in their efforts to enhance Party consciousness, draw inspiration from the Party's new theories, and view the study, observance and implementation of the Party Constitution, rules and discipline as a key means. Members of the Political Bureau should continue to hold themselves to rigorous standards befitting Marxist statesmen and take the lead in studying the Party's new theories, exercising democratic centralism, practicing criticism and self-criticism, strictly observing Party discipline and rules, and carrying forward the Party's fine traditions and conduct. They must ensure that they remain rock-solid in their ideals and convictions, stay loyal to the Party with body and soul, and selflessly dedicate themselves to the cause of the Party and the people.

Xi noted that Party discipline functions as an educational and constraining force, and it also provides guarantees and incentives. It conforms with efforts to advance undertakings, as discipline not only clarifies the line that must not be crossed but also offers guidelines that enable Party members and officials to work with integrity and courage. By observing discipline, one will enjoy ample freedom and a broad space to advance initiatives. Members of the Political Bureau are expected to lead by example, becoming models in observing rules and discipline, as well as in advancing their work. They are also expected to set a clear orientation and support and encourage those who dare to take on responsibilities and act, fostering a dynamic environment where everyone is enterprising and strives for excellence.

Xi stressed that Party discipline delineates the boundaries for the proper exercise of power and establishes no-go zones to prevent its abuse. It serves as safety barriers, helping Party members and officials maintain clean and honest. Holding discipline in reverence and observing it grant Party members immunity from erosion. As long as the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption still exist, the fight will continue. Xi emphasized the importance of remaining exceptionally clear-headed about the fight against corruption and maintain an exceptionally resolute stance, with no room for complacency or leniency. With a heavy responsibility on their shoulders, members of the Political Bureau should apply stricter requirements to themselves, exercising greater prudence in the use of the power entrusted to them. They must effectively improve Party conduct and uphold integrity in the domains they oversee or in the provinces or regions they hold leadership posts, take decisive actions to address misconduct and corruption in any form, and strengthen the education and discipline of their family members and staff.

Xi emphasized that strictly observing and safeguarding Party discipline are shared responsibilities of all Party members. Party committees (and leading Party members groups) at all levels must assume their principal responsibilities. Secretaries of Party organizations serve as chief responsible persons, while other leadership members take on "one position, two responsibilities." With each level overseeing the one directly beneath it, the Party can ensure consistent progress in tightening discipline. Members of the Political Bureau must earnestly shoulder their political responsibilities in this aspect, stay fully informed about the developments in the domains they oversee or in the provinces or regions they hold leadership posts, and tackle issues with courage, resolve and rigor. It is their duty to lead, implement and promote efforts to tighten Party discipline.

Finally, Xi emphasized that the tasks of advancing reform and development and maintaining stability are expected to be onerous in the coming year, urging leading officials at all levels to stay engaged with the people and their communities, conduct in-depth research to identify pressing concerns and prominent issues, and address them with targeted measures. ■

Xi stresses progress in advancing "one country, two systems" at Macao SAR anniversary celebration, new gov't inauguration

MACAO, Dec. 21 (Xinhua) -- A meeting to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) was held at the Macao East Asian Games Dome Friday morning. Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, attended the meeting and delivered an important speech.

Over the past 25 years since Macao's return to the motherland, an enormous success has been achieved in advancing the cause of "one country, two systems" with distinctive Macao features, Xi noted, stressing that Macao has undergone earthshaking transformation, and its international standing has increased significantly. He expressed expectations for the new government of the SAR to rally and lead the people of all walks of life in Macao in seizing opportunities, pressing ahead with reform, shouldering responsibilities and making greater contributions. This entails further leveraging the institutional strength of "one country, two systems," and making new achievements in the high-quality advancement of the cause of "one country, two systems," he said.

Inside the venue, the atmosphere was solemn and warm. On the podium, the national flag and national emblem of the People's Republic of China (PRC), and the regional flag of the Macao SAR were particularly eye-catching. When Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, entered the venue accompanied by Sam Hou Fai, the sixth chief executive of the Macao SAR, and his wife, Wong Ho Peng, the audience stood up and gave a warm round of applause.

At 10:00 a.m., the celebration and inauguration ceremony began. All rose to their feet and sang the national anthem of the PRC.

Xi ascended the podium to administer the oaths. Sam took the oath of office first. Facing the national flag, the national emblem, and the regional flag of the Macao SAR, he raised his right hand and solemnly took the oath in accordance with the Macao SAR Basic Law. After the oath, Xi and Sam shook hands firmly.

Next, Xi administered the oath of office to the principal officials of the sixth-term government of the Macao SAR, led by Sam. After the oath was completed, Xi shook hands with each of them.

Then, Sam administered the oath of office to the members of the Executive Council of the Macao SAR.

Amid warm applause, Xi delivered an important speech. At the outset, on behalf of the central government and people of all ethnic groups across China, he extended cordial greetings to all Macao residents. He extended warm congratulations to Mr. Sam Hou Fai, the newly inaugurated sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR, and to principal officials of the sixth-term Macao SAR government and members of the Executive Council of the Macao SAR. He also expressed heartfelt appreciation to all fellow Chinese, both at home and overseas, and foreign friends for their longstanding commitment to and support for the cause of "one country, two systems" and Macao's prosperity, stability and development.

He stressed that over the past 25 years since Macao's return to the motherland, the systems for implementing the policy of "one country, two systems" have kept improving in the special administrative region, and national sovereignty, security and development interests have been effectively safeguarded; economic and social development has seen a historic leap, and residents in the region enjoy a much stronger sense of gain, happiness and security; external cooperation has continued to expand, and the SAR's position as "One Center, One Platform, One Base" has grown steadily.

The great achievements of Macao since its return to the motherland have proven to the world that the cause of "one country, two systems," with its distinctive institutional strengths and strong vitality, is a good system that sustains the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao, he said, adding it is a good system that facilitates endeavors to build China into a great country and achieve national rejuvenation, and it is a good system for ensuring peaceful coexistence and mutual benefit between different social systems.

"So we must stay committed to this cause. The values embodied in the cause of 'one country, two systems,' namely, peace, inclusiveness, openness and sharing, are relevant to not only China but also the whole world. These values should be cherished by us all," Xi said.

He emphasized that developments in Hong Kong and Macao since their return to the motherland tell us that to sustain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao and further advance the cause of "one country, two systems," it is imperative to observe the following four principles. First, we should stay committed to the fundamental policy of one country and fully deliver the benefits of two systems. We should place our country's sovereignty, security and development interests above everything else; we should implement the overall jurisdiction of the central authorities; and we should not deviate from this commitment under any circumstance. At the same time, we should respect the differences between the two systems, fully ensure a high degree of autonomy of the two SARs of Hong Kong and Macao, and continue to fully, faithfully and resolutely implement the policy of "one country, two systems," under which the people of Hong Kong administer Hong Kong and the people of Macao administer Macao, both with a high degree of autonomy. We should see that this policy is not changed, deviated from, bent or distorted.

Second, we should ensure high-standard security and pursue high-quality development. Security underpins development, and development, in turn, ensures security. We must remain firm in both safeguarding security and promoting development. We should cherish the hard-won peace and stability we enjoy today, focus our energy on growing the economy and pursuing development, and continue to create new growth drivers and build new strengths. Third, we should leverage the unique strengths of Hong Kong and Macao and reinforce their connectivity with both the mainland and the world. Hong Kong and Macao should be more open and inclusive, expand international linkages, and raise their global standing and appeal. Hong Kong and Macao should fully align themselves with the national development strategies, accelerate integration into China's overall national development, and better play their role as bridges in ushering in a new development paradigm. Fourth, we should carry forward our core values and boost inclusiveness and harmony. It is imperative to live by the core values of loving the country and Hong Kong and of loving the country and Macao, enhance exchanges and integration of diverse cultures, and rally full public support at home and abroad to create the greatest synergy in advancing the cause of "one country, two systems."

Xi expressed four hopes for the newly inaugurated government of the Macao SAR -- first, Macao should endeavor to promote appropriate economic diversification; second, Macao should endeavor to enhance governance as a special administrative region; third, Macao should endeavor to build itself into a platform for higher-standard opening up; and fourth, Macao should endeavor to maintain social harmony and stability.

The young people are the hope and future of Macao, Xi said, stressing that they are also a vibrant force in building Macao and building China. He expressed the hope that the young people in Macao will keep the SAR and the motherland close to their heart, set ambitious goals, take solid steps, advance and carry forward the cause of "one country, two systems," and thus realize their potentials by fully engaging in endeavors to build a great motherland and a beautiful Macao.

Xi pointed out that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. At its Third Plenary Session, the 20th Central Committee of the CPC made a systematic decision to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. The cause of building China into a great country is being advanced across the board, with bright prospects unfolding. The Chinese nation is marching toward its great rejuvenation in unstoppable strides. I am convinced that with the full, faithful and resolute implementation of the policy of "one country, two systems," with the concerted effort of the Macao SAR Government and all sectors of its society, and with the strong support of the great motherland, Macao will surely open up a new horizon and achieve new advances in development, and make even greater contribution to building a great country and moving toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

While delivering remarks, Sam said as the sixth-term chief executive of the Macao SAR, he understands well the immense responsibility that comes with this glorious mission. "We will take the proclamation 'Striving Together, Upholding Integrity and Innovating' as our philosophy of administration. With our collective efforts, we will remain committed to upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground. We will fully, faithfully, and resolutely implement the 'one country, two systems' policy," he said. "We will spare no effort to maintain constitutional order in the SAR as stipulated in the Constitution and the Basic Law, resolutely safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, faithfully implement the principle of "patriots administering Macao," and continue to make new advances for the implementation of the 'one country, two systems' policy enriched with Macao characteristics," he said. He stressed that with the staunch support of the motherland and the united efforts of all Macao residents to forge ahead, the SAR government is confident and capable of making Macao, "the apple of the eye" of the motherland, become more lustrous, thus playing a better role and making greater contribution to advancing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

Senior officials including Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Xiaohong, Wang Dongfeng and Xia Baolong attended the event.

Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Ho Hau Wah, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong SAR John Lee, former chief executives of the Macao SAR -- Chui Sai On and Ho Iat Seng, as well as representatives from various sectors of Macao and special guests also participated in the event. ■

Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping's address at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao SAR

MACAO, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday delivered an address at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR).

Please find the full text of the translation of the address in the attachment.  Enditem

Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping's address at the meeting celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland and the inaugural ceremony of the sixth-term government of the Macao SAR

Xi visits Macau University of Science and Technology

BEIJING, Dec. 20 (Xinhua) -- On Thursday morning, Chinese President Xi Jinping, accompanied by Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) Ho Iat Seng, visited the Macau University of Science and Technology (MUST), where he had a cordial exchange with faculty, students and researchers.

MUST is a young university established after Macao's return to the motherland. It closely aligns its development with the needs of Macao and the country, emphasizing distinctive and advantageous research fields. It has become Macao's largest comprehensive university in terms of student enrollment. Xi visited the university's academic complex, where he gained a detailed understanding of the development of the university and higher education in Macao. He commended the SAR's commitment to using education to support economic and social development and its achievements in advancing the strategy of invigorating Macao through education and strengthening Macao with talent. Xi was briefed on the development of two state-level key laboratories on the quality of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and lunar and planetary science, respectively, learning about their latest scientific achievements. He remarked that TCM is the gem of the Chinese civilization, and its inheritance, innovation and development are of great significance. He emphasized the importance of inheriting, developing, and utilizing this valuable legacy to promote TCM to the rest of the world. Regarding lunar exploration, Xi noted that the achievements represent the wisdom and dedication of generations of Chinese space scientists, showcasing the remarkable progress China has made in building self-reliance and strength in science and technology. He told the researchers that their work had shown Macao's capability of conducting cutting-edge world-class scientific research.

In May 2023, Xi responded to a letter from faculty and students involved in the development of "Macao Science 1" satellites, offering them warm encouragement, which generated widespread enthusiasm across Macao. Visiting the data center for science and application of the satellites, Xi viewed the real-time operation of the satellites on monitor screens and learned about the project's scientific progress and application prospects. He had a friendly exchange with researchers and student representatives present. Xi said the satellite project is a successful example of deepened high-tech cooperation between Macao and the mainland, demonstrating Macao's exceptional innovation and creativity in science and technology. He expressed the hope that they would continue striving for excellence, achieving even greater results to better serve Macao and the country and make contributions to humanity.

At his next stop, Xi visited the university library, where he explored ancient maps featuring Macao and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area at the Global Mapping of Macao exhibition and examined the library's rare book collections. Students conducting research in the library were very excited to see the arrival of Xi. Xi asked in detail about their academic majors, research areas and daily lives. He encouraged them to make the most of their time, immerse themselves in learning, and make good use of online resources for study and research. The library hall resonated with applause as researchers, faculty and students warmly greeted Xi. I am very happy to see that Macao's education is thriving and you are full of vitality and confidence, Xi said. He stressed the importance of maintaining a strategic focus on education, aligning academic disciplines and talent cultivation with the needs of Macao and the country. Xi encouraged the students to aim high, share the same future with the country, keep pace with the times, and realize their potential. He extended his best wishes and expressed confidence in a brighter future for MUST and Macao.

As Xi left the university, faculty and students lined the road, waving and cheering enthusiastically to see him off.

Cai Qi, Li Hongzhong, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Wang Dongfeng and Xia Baolong attended the activities.

On the same morning, Xi's wife Peng Liyuan visited the Macao Museum, accompanied by Cheng Soo Ching, wife of Ho Iat Seng. Peng carefully examined the museum's cultural relics collections, delving into Macao's history and its blend of Chinese and Western influences in architecture, industries and cultural life. She also engaged in a warm exchange with local inheritors of intangible cultural heritage, such as tile painting and wood carving.

In the lobby on the museum's third floor, Peng discussed the exhibitions with children who had just finished exploring the museum. She then visited a fair showcasing creative cultural products, where she viewed the demonstrations and joined in making almond cookies. Peng encouraged everyone present to carry forward fine traditional culture, nurture a love for the country and Macao, acquire knowledge and skills, and actively contribute to the development of Macao and the country. ■

Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at welcoming dinner hosted by Macao SAR government on eve of 25th anniversary of Macao's return to motherland

MACAO, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday delivered a speech at a welcoming dinner hosted by the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on the eve of the 25th anniversary of Macao's return to the motherland.

Full text: Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech at welcoming dinner hosted by Macao SAR government on eve of 25th anniversary of Macao's return to motherland

Central Rural Work Conference held in Beijing, Xi delivers important instructions on rural work

BEIJING, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Central Rural Work Conference was held in Beijing from December 17 to 18. Guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, the conference thoroughly implemented the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) as well as the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. It also fully followed General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions and instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers, and the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference. At this conference, the current situation and challenges facing work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers were analyzed, and arrangements were made for work in this regard for 2025.

The CPC Central Committee attached great importance to the conference, before which the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a meeting and put forward clear requirements for making the conference a success and advancing work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

Xi, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered important instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers. Xi pointed out that in 2024, China's grain output has reached a new level, farmers' incomes have steadily increased, and rural areas have been harmonious and stable, providing a solid foundation for promoting high-quality economic and social development.

To do a good job on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers in 2025, we must follow the guidance of the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. We must also promote integrated urban-rural development, further deepen rural reform, improve the support system for strengthening agriculture, bringing benefits to farmers and increasing their incomes, and comprehensively promote rural revitalization. It is a must to never cross the red line when it comes to the protection of arable land, promote the development of high-standard farmland with high quality, strengthen support for agricultural science and technology and equipment, and ensure stable production and supply of grain and major agricultural products. It is imperative to actively develop rural industries for the benefits of villagers, raise overall agricultural returns, strengthen county economies, expand channels for farmers to increase their incomes, continue to consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, and resolutely ensure that no large number of rural residents falling back into poverty. It is necessary to draw on the experience of the Green Rural Revival Program to steadily promote rural development, boost cultural development in rural areas, promote the transformation of outdated customs and habits, and build a beautiful and harmonious countryside for people to live and work in. It is necessary to strengthen the building of primary-level Party organizations in rural areas, and improve the effectiveness of guiding primary-level governance through Party building.

Xi stressed that Party committees and governments at all levels should give priority to the development of agriculture and rural areas, consolidate the political responsibility of secretaries of CPC committees at five levels in advancing rural revitalization, fully mobilize the enthusiasm of Party members and officials as well as farmers, work hard with persistent efforts and accelerate the modernization of agriculture and rural areas, so as to consolidate further the foundation of agriculture, make rural areas and villagers' life more prosperous, and move towards the goal of building the country's strength in agriculture.

Xi's important instructions were delivered and studied at the conference, and the Guidelines of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council on Further Deepening Rural Reforms and Advancing All-Round Rural Revitalization (Draft) was discussed. Liu Guozhong, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chinese vice premier, attended the conference and delivered a speech.

It was noted at the conference that in his important instructions, Xi fully affirmed the progress made in work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers this year, put forward clear requirements for the work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers in 2025, and provided scientific guidance to this work from a strategic viewpoint and with a focus on key areas, which hold great political, ideological, guiding and pertinent significance. Efforts must be dedicated to studying and implementing Xi's important expositions and instructions on work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers. These directives must be resolutely carried out with a strong sense of political consciousness and translated into concrete actions with practical circumstances considered.

It was noted at the conference that focus should be given to studying and applying the experience gained from the Green Rural Revival Program and advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. Efforts should be concentrated on accomplishing some major practical matters to enhance the economic performance of agriculture, infuse new impetus to the development of rural areas and increase farmers' incomes. It is imperative to safeguard and ensure national food security through continuously improving the supply of key agricultural products such as grains, keeping the total grain acreage stable, increasing per unit yields of grain and oil crops on a large scale, enhancing the capacity to prevent and mitigate agricultural disasters, and ensuring stable and high grain production output. In addition, efforts must also be made to strengthen the protection of the country's farmland and improve its quality. This includes strictly offsetting cultivated land that has been put to other uses, establishing a monitoring network for the use of cultivated land, and guaranteeing regulation of the projects quality and capital security in the construction of high-standard farmland.

It is essential to coordinate all strengths in agricultural science and technology to make breakthroughs, speed up promoting the broad application of scientific and technological advances, and develop new quality productive forces in agriculture according to local conditions. It is imperative to refine the supportive policy system for grain production, and launch and implement the inter-provincial program under the coordination of the central government for major grain consumption areas to compensate major grain production areas. It is essential to optimize the coordination mechanism between trade and production of agricultural products, and ensure that the prices of key agricultural products including grain remain at a reasonable range. It is imperative to build a diversified food supply system, ensure stable development of the livestock industry, and improve the long-term mechanisms for the conservation of grain and other types of food. It is essential to unswervingly consolidate and expand the achievements in poverty alleviation, improve the efficiency of monitoring and assistance mechanisms to prevent people from slipping back to poverty, and coordinate efforts to establish the mechanism of preventing rural residents from lapsing or relapsing into poverty, and the system of multi-tiered and categorized support for low-income residents and underdeveloped areas. It is imperative to improve the quality and efficiency of rural industries, deliver good results in promoting local specialties, foster new industries and models, improve the mechanism for rural industries of all kinds to help villagers in different ways, and thus help increase their incomes.

It is essential to upgrade rural planning and development, keep up with the trends of demographic change, promote the integration of rural revitalization and new urbanization, coordinate urban and rural planning at the county level, extend endeavors for infrastructure construction to rural areas, improve basic public services there, continuously enhance rural living conditions, and strengthen rural ecological governance. Efforts must focus on refining rural governance systems, advancing Party building to drive rural revitalization, and tackling pointless formalities to alleviate burdens on primary level governments. It is imperative to implement the program to cultivate civilized rural customs, promote progress in rural culture and ethics in the new era and make efforts to change outdated social customs and habits. It is important to apply and further develop the "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in the new era, so as to identify and settle rural conflicts and disputes and maintain stability and harmony in rural areas. It is imperative to implement the task of comprehensively furthering rural reform, orderly advance the pilot program for villagers to contract their land for another 30 years after the second round of land contract expires. Effective models should be explored for villagers to make the best use of their idle rural housing through leasing, equity participation, or cooperative arrangements. Furthermore, investment and financing mechanisms for rural revitalization should be innovated to unleash the potential and dynamism of initiatives in this regard.

The need was emphasized at the conference to strengthen the Party's overall leadership over work related to agriculture, rural areas, and farmers. It is essential to take profound and effective measures to promote the study and application of experience gained from the Green Rural Revival Program and to improve the long-term mechanism for advancing comprehensive rural revitalization. It is crucial to uphold the Party's mass line in the new era, take into consideration the realities of rural areas, respect the will of farmers, and give full play to their principal role in rural development. It is also imperative to improve approaches and work style, and encourage local explorations, reforms, and innovations, so as to continuously create new prospects for comprehensive rural revitalization.

The first plenary meeting was chaired by Wu Zhenglong, state councilor and secretary-general of the State Council.

Those who attended the conference included members of the Central Rural Work Leading Group, leading officials from provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the Central Government, municipalities specifically designated in the state plan, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, along with leading officials from central Party and State departments. Also present at the conference were leaders of relevant people's organizations, financial institutions and enterprises, and those from relevant departments of the Central Military Commission. ■

Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the annual central rural work conference and delivers a speech at the event in Beijing, capital of China. The annual central rural work conference was held in Beijing from Dec. 17 to 18. (Xinhua/Liu Bin)

Xi makes important instructions on Hainan Free Trade Port development

SANYA, Dec. 18 (Xinhua) -- Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, after listening to the work report from the CPC Hainan provincial committee and the provincial government, urged Hainan to fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, earnestly implement the arrangements of the CPC Central Committee regarding the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Port, focus closely on its strategic positioning as a pilot zone for the comprehensive deepening of reform and opening up, as a national pilot zone for ecological conservation, as an international tourism and consumption destination and as a service zone for major national strategies, and scientifically plan work on reforms, opening up and high-quality development before and after the launch of independent customs operation on the island province. Xi stressed that Hainan should continue to free the mind, explore new ground with innovation, overcome difficulties and make steady progress in its strive to build the Hainan Free Trade Port into an important gateway driving China's opening up in the new era and write the Hainan chapter of Chinese modernization.

On the afternoon of Dec. 17, Xi listened to the work report of the CPC Hainan provincial committee and the provincial government in Sanya, Hainan Province. Feng Fei, secretary of CPC Hainan provincial committee, presented the report. Governor of Hainan Province Liu Xiaoming and other officials attended the meeting.

After listening to the report, Xi delivered an important speech, affirming the various work achievements in Hainan and putting forward requirements for work in the next stage.

Xi pointed out that efforts should be made to build a modern industrial system featuring Hainan's characteristics and advantages. He urged Hainan to promote the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, promote the strengthening and extension of industrial chains of as well as the optimization and upgrading of leading industries such as tourism, modern services, high-tech industry and tropical high-efficiency agriculture. He called on Hainan to actively align with national strategic scientific and technological strength, enhance international scientific and technological cooperation, construct a more open talent introduction mechanism, build a multi-tiered scientific and technological innovation system, intensify efforts to make breakthroughs in core technologies, strengthen the application of scientific and technological achievements and develop new quality productive forces in line with local conditions. Xi called for continued efforts in prioritizing ecological protection, pursuing green development, addressing prominent environmental problems, and safeguarding green mountains, clear waters as well as blue seas and skies. Work should be done to promote the integrated development of industries such as culture, sports, tourism and health care, boost opening up and cooperation in the tourism industry, nurture new types of consumption, and promote the transformation and upgrading of consumption. The province should also continuously pursue coordinated land and marine development, promote interplay between mountainous and coastal areas and integrate various resources, and focus on marine development to boost productivity and seek new growth drivers with the aim of building up the province's strength in marine economy.

Xi emphasized the need to steadily promote reform in key areas. He called for focusing on the full implementation of the system of free trade port policies and institutions, and coordinating the pace and rhythm of opening up. He stressed focusing on liberalizing and facilitating trade, investment, cross-border fund flow, personnel entry and exit, and transportation, as well as ensuring secure and orderly flow of data. Xi urged benchmarking against international high-standard economic and trade rules, vigorously promoting institutional opening up, and creating a first-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based, and internationalized. He demanded improving various opening-up platforms with concrete efforts, strengthening exchanges, cooperation, and functional integration with free trade zones in countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road cooperation. Xi stressed enhancing interconnected development between the province and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and strengthening its cooperation with the Yangtze River Economic Belt, the Yangtze River Delta, and other regions. Efforts should be made to accelerate the implementation of core policies for the Hainan Free Trade Port and carefully prepare for smooth and orderly independent customs operation.

Xi pointed out that it is necessary to continuously improve civility among residents and throughout society. He urged persistently using the Party's innovative theories to enhance cohesion and forge the soul, cultivating and promoting core socialist values, extensively carrying out initiatives to raise the public's cultural-ethical standards, and striving to achieve both material and cultural-ethical advancement. Xi called for protecting, utilizing, and inheriting historical culture, revolutionary culture, marine culture, and folk culture resources, enhancing cultural innovation and creativity, and developing and strengthening the cultural industry. He stressed improving the public cultural service system in urban and rural areas, enriching the intellectual and cultural lives of urban and rural residents, and continuously pushing for the change of outdated social mores.

Xi stressed that it's essential to comprehensively improve people's livelihood and social governance. He called for strengthening public services that meet essential needs, are inclusive, and ensure basic living standards for people in difficulty. He urged improving urban and rural public service systems and social security systems, and solving pressing difficulties and problems that concern the people most. Support should be strengthened for employment and entrepreneurship of key groups and maintaining overall employment stability. He called for coordinating the layout of urban and rural infrastructure and public services, steadily advancing urbanization, enhancing the effectiveness of assistance for the population lifted out of poverty, and ensuring that no large-scale lapsing or relapsing into poverty occurs. Xi emphasized coordinating development and security, improving the risk prevention and control system, strengthening disaster prevention, mitigation, and relief capacity building, and enhancing the ability to respond to major risks and challenges. He called for improving the urban and rural community governance system, combating organized crime and rooting out local criminal gangs on an ongoing basis, and cracking down on illegal activities of all types in accordance with the law.

Xi pointed out that it is necessary to set strengthening the Party politically as the overarching guide for all other initiatives of Party building, and further promote the full and rigorous Party self-governance. Efforts should be made to consolidate and expand what has been achieved in the theoretical study program, promote regular and long-term studies of Party discipline, and continuously implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving work conduct. Work should be done to encourage officials to continue to uphold the pioneering, courageous and hardworking spirit demonstrated in developing special economic zones, and see that they have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well. Xi said it is imperative to work ceaselessly to push forward the anti-corruption campaign and eradicate the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption. The checks and oversight on the exercise of power should be strengthened, with education and guidance provided to bolster officials' resistance to corruption and moral decline.

Xi stressed that with the approaching New Year and Spring Festival holidays, CPC committees and governments at all levels should ensure people's livelihood, including securing the "rice bag" and "vegetable basket," guarantee the supply of materials and energy, and carry out in-depth workplace safety inspections, in a bid to maintain overall social stability. He called for carefully implementing the guiding principles of the Central Economic Work Conference, scientifically planning economic and social development work for next year, and striving to achieve a good start to the new year.

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, attended the meeting.

He Lifeng and leading officials of relevant central Party and government departments participated in the meeting. ■

Xi urges new achievements in modernization on centenary of Qiao Shi's birth

BEIJING, Dec. 17 (Xinhua) -- The Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a symposium on the morning of Dec. 16 at the Great Hall of the People to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Comrade Qiao Shi. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, delivered an important speech. He emphasized that the entire Party, along with the people of all ethnic groups across the country, is now confidently building China into a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. The beautiful ideals for which generations of Chinese communists have strived are gradually being realized. He urged the nation to uphold the great banner of socialism with Chinese characteristics, remain true to the Party's original aspiration and founding mission, work in unity, forge ahead with determination, and continuously achieve new accomplishments that will stand the test of history and time, and fulfill the expectations of the people.

Zhao Leji presided over the symposium. Cai Qi and Li Xi also attended the event. They were members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.

In his speech, Xi pointed out that in the grand processes of China's revolution, construction and reform, generations of outstanding communists have emerged, among whom Qiao stood as an exemplary figure. His life was one of revolution, struggle and brilliance. He devoted his life to the pursuit of truth, progress, and the communist cause. His achievements for the Party and the people are worth remembering, and his revolutionary spirit and noble character are worth learning from.

Xi stressed that commemorating Qiao means learning from his noble character of steadfast belief and dedication to ideals. Strengthening one's ideals and convictions should be a lifelong endeavor, requiring regular self-reflection and advancement. It is essential to remain committed to the lofty ideal of communism and the common ideal of socialism with Chinese characteristics, and stand the tests of time and challenges.

Xi highlighted that commemorating Qiao means learning from his strong Party consciousness, exemplified by improving Party conduct and upholding Party discipline. It is crucial to consistently uphold the Party's overall leadership and the centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee. This requires unwavering commitment to full and rigorous self-governance of the Party, further improving Party conduct, upholding integrity, and combating corruption to maintain the Party's advanced nature and purity.

Xi emphasized that commemorating Qiao means learning from his traits of staying true to the Party's original aspiration and working diligently for the people. Always adhering to the fundamental principle of wholeheartedly serving the people, we should adopt a people-centered development philosophy, genuinely safeguard the fundamental interests of the people, and strive to bring benefits to them. This will ensure that the fruits of modernization are shared more broadly and equitably by all.

Xi said that commemorating Qiao means learning from his determination to carry out reforms and political courage to take action. It is necessary to unwaveringly hold high the banner of reform and opening up, uphold fundamental principles while breaking new ground, further deepen reform comprehensively and advance high-level opening-up with a focus on the path of Chinese modernization, and strive to write a new chapter of reform and opening up.

Xi emphasized that commemorating Qiao means learning from his steadfast pursuit of respecting and promoting the rule of law. He called for consistent adherence to the path of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics as well as all-round efforts to ensure sound legislation, strict law enforcement, impartial administration of justice, and society-wide observance of the law to see that a modern socialist country is built in all respects under the rule of law.

Xi pointed out that commemorating Qiao means learning from his work style which features seeking truth from facts with a pragmatic approach. It is essential to always integrate theory with practice, resolutely oppose pointless formalities and bureaucratism, concentrate efforts on promoting development, and steadily advance Chinese modernization.

Zhao Leji, while presiding over the symposium, said that Xi's important speech highly praised Comrade Qiao Shi's outstanding contributions to the cause of the Party and the country and set clear requirements for learning from his revolutionary spirit and noble character. The speech is of great significance for passing on and advancing the cause pioneered by generations of Chinese communists, as well as for realizing the goals of the Party and the people on the new journey in the new era. It is important to earnestly study, comprehend and implement the spirit of the speech, closely rally around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at the core, comprehensively implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and strive to build China into a great country and advance national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization.

During the symposium, Qu Qingshan, head of the Institute of Party History and Literature of the CPC Central Committee, Sun Xinyang, deputy secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, Liu Qi, secretary general of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, and Gong Zheng, mayor of Shanghai, delivered speeches successively.

Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, Li Hongzhong, Chen Wenqing, Wang Xiaohong, Hao Mingjin and Su Hui attended the symposium.

Leading officials from relevant departments of the central and state organs, Shanghai Municipality and Zhejiang Province, along with Qiao's relatives, friends, staff, and representatives from his hometown, attended the symposium. ■

Xi delivers important speech at Central Economic Work Conference

BEIJING, Dec. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Central Economic Work Conference was held in Beijing from Dec. 11 to 12. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), attended the conference and delivered an important speech. Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang and Li Xi, all members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, also attended the conference.

In his speech, Xi summarized the economic work in 2024, analyzed the current economic situation and arranged the economic work for 2025. Li Qiang delivered a summary speech, in which he laid out requirements for implementing the guiding principles of Xi's speech and doing a good job in economic work next year.

This year marks a crucial year for achieving the objectives and tasks laid down in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), said the conference. In the face of a complicated and challenging environment of increasing external pressure and growing internal difficulties, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has united and led the entire Party and the Chinese people of all ethnic groups to respond calmly and implement comprehensive measures. As a result, the economy has maintained overall stability and made steady progress, the high-quality development has been solidly promoted, and the main goals and tasks of economic and social development are expected to be successfully completed. The country has steadily developed new quality productive forces, continued to deepen reform and opening up, orderly and effectively defused risks in key areas, safeguarded people's livelihood in a solid and vigorous manner, and made new solid strides forward in advancing Chinese modernization. The development journey over the past year has been extraordinary, with encouraging achievements. Notably, the decisive deployment of a package of incremental policies at the meeting held by the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee on Sept. 26 has effectively boosted social confidence and led to a remarkable economic recovery.

It was pointed out at the meeting that the adverse impacts brought about by changes in the external environment have deepened, and the country's economy still faces many difficulties and challenges, primarily including the insufficient domestic demand, operational difficulties in some enterprises, pressures on people's employment and income growth, and many hidden risks. At the same time, it must be recognized that Chinese economy is underpinned by a stable foundation, multiple advantages, strong resilience, and great potential, and the supporting conditions and fundamental trends for long-term sound economic development have not changed. We must face up to the difficulties, strengthen our confidence, and strive to transform all positive factors into actual achievements in development.

The meeting pointed out that, through practice, we have continuously deepened our understanding of the laws governing economic work. The centralized and unified leadership of the CPC Central Committee is the fundamental guarantee for carrying out economic work well. At critical moments and important junctures, the CPC Central Committee promptly assesses the situation and makes decisions and arrangements to ensure that China's economy braves the wind and the waves and sails steadily into the future. It is necessary to coordinate the relationship between an efficient market and an effective government to form an economic order that is both dynamic and well-regulated. The relationship between aggregate supply and demand must be properly managed to ensure the smooth circulation of the national economy. It is necessary to coordinate the relationship between fostering new drivers and upgrading old ones, and promote the development of new quality productive forces in light of local conditions. It is imperative to coordinate the relationship between optimizing incremental resources and making good use of existing resources to comprehensively improve the efficiency of resource allocation. The relationship between enhancing quality and expanding total output must be coordinated to lay a solid material foundation for Chinese modernization.

It was emphasized at the meeting that to do a good job in the economic work next year, it is necessary to follow the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, adhere to the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, as well as fully and accurately implement the new development philosophy on all fronts. It is also essential to accelerate the forging of a new development paradigm, solidly promote high-quality development, further deepen reform comprehensively, expand high-standard opening up, build a modern industrial system, better coordinate development and security, implement more proactive and impactful macro policies, expand domestic demand, promote the integrated development of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, stabilize the real estate and stock markets, prevent and resolve risks in key areas and external shocks, stabilize expectations and stimulate vitality, promote sustained economic recovery, continuously improve people's living standards, maintain social harmony and stability, and fulfill the goals and tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan with high quality and lay a solid foundation for a good start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030).

For next year, it is a must to maintain steady economic growth, keep employment and prices generally stable, ensure a basic equilibrium in the balance of payments, and increase residents' income in step with economic growth, the meeting noted.

It was required at the meeting that next year, the country should continue to seek progress while maintaining stability, promote stability through progress, uphold fundamental principles and break new ground, establish the new before abolishing the old, pay attention to integrated reforms, and strengthen coordination. The policy toolkit should be enriched and improved, and macro regulation should be more forward-looking, targeted and effective.

The country should adopt a more proactive fiscal policy. It should set a higher deficit-to-GDP ratio and ensure that its fiscal policy is continuously forceful and more impactful. Efforts will be made to increase the intensity of fiscal spending and strengthen support for key areas. The country will increase the issuance of ultra-long special treasury bonds and continue to support projects for implementing major national strategies and building security capacity in key areas, as well as implementation of large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs. It will also increase the issuance of local government special-purpose bonds, and expand the areas of their investment and use as project capital. It is also required to optimize the structure of fiscal expenditure, use government funds to greater effect, pay more attention to improving people's lives, promoting consumption, and sustaining growth momentum, and see that basic living needs are met, salaries are paid, and governments function smoothly at the primary level. Party and government departments should keep their belts tightened.

A moderately loose monetary policy should be implemented, the meeting noted, calling for efforts to leverage the function of monetary policy tools in both quantity and structural terms. It said the reserve requirement ratio and interest rates should be reduced at an appropriate timing, noting that ample liquidity should be maintained and that the growth of social financing and money supply should match the expected targets for economic growth and price levels. The RMB exchange rate should be kept basically stable at a reasonable and balanced level. Explorations will be made to expand the central bank's function in macroprudential regulation and financial stability, innovate financial instruments, and keep the financial market stable.

The meeting called for better policy coordination. It demanded strengthening coordination between fiscal, monetary, employment, industrial, regional, trade, environmental and regulatory policies and the country's reform and opening up measures, improving inter-departmental mechanisms for effective communication and consultation and feedback, and increasing policy synergy. It is imperative to include economic and non-economic policies in the evaluation of the consistency of macroeconomic policy orientation, coordinate the whole process of policy formulation and implementation, and improve the overall effectiveness of policies.

The meeting outlined the following key tasks for 2025.

First, efforts should be made to vigorously boost consumption, improve investment efficiency, and expand domestic demand on all fronts. A special campaign dedicated to stimulating consumption should be implemented, and efforts should be made to increase the incomes, alleviate the burdens of low- and middle-income groups, and increase the ability, willingness and level of consumption. Work should be done to appropriately raise the basic pensions for retirees and increase basic old-age benefits and government subsidies for medical insurance for rural and non-working urban residents. The large-scale equipment upgrades and consumer goods trade-in programs should be promoted with greater intensity and scope. Work is needed to innovate diversified consumption scenarios, expand service consumption, and promote the development of cultural tourism. Active efforts should be made to develop debut economy, ice and snow economy and silver economy. The meeting called for better top-down organization and coordination to provide stronger support for implementing major national strategies and building security capacity in key areas. Investment from the central government budget should be appropriately increased. Work should also be done to strengthen fiscal and financial coordination to enable government investment to effectively drive nongovernmental investment. Major projects under the 15th Five-Year Plan should be planned early, urban renewal projects should be vigorously carried out, and special actions should be conducted to cut logistics costs throughout society.

Second, efforts should be made to drive the development of new quality productive forces through scientific and technological innovation and build a modernized industrial system. It is necessary to strengthen basic research and strive for breakthroughs in key and core technologies, adopt forward-thinking arrangements for major technological projects, conduct large-scale demonstration for the application of new technologies, products, and scenarios, launch an AI Plus initiative, nurture industries of the future, and boost China's strategic scientific and technological strength. The country should improve the multi-tiered financial service system, nurture patient capital, attract greater nongovernmental capital participation in venture capital, and cultivate innovative enterprises through tiered support. The meeting also underscored addressing rat-race irrational competition and regulating behaviors of local governments and enterprises. Digital and green technologies should be actively used to transform and upgrade traditional industries, it noted.

Third, efforts should be made to give full play to the driving role of economic system reform and ensure that landmark reform measures are effectively implemented. The initiative to deepen and upgrade the reform of state-owned enterprises should be completed in a high-quality manner, a private sector promotion law should be rolled out, and a specific campaign to standardize law enforcement involving enterprises should be conducted. Work will be done to formulate a guideline for building a unified national market, and enhance regulation and promote the healthy development of the platform economy. The meeting also called for reforming the fiscal and tax systems in a coordinated manner and placing more fiscal resources at the disposal of local governments. The comprehensive reform of investment and financing in the capital market should be deepened, the bottlenecks for the entry of medium- and long-term capital into the market should be resolved, and the capital market system's inclusiveness and adaptability should be improved.

Fourth, efforts should be made to expand high-standard opening up while keeping foreign trade and foreign investment stable. Work should be done to expand voluntary and unilateral opening up in an orderly manner, steadily enhance institutional opening up, improve the quality and efficiency of pilot free trade zones and expand mandate for reform tasks, and accelerate the implementation of core policies of the Hainan Free Trade Port. Work should be done to actively develop service trade, green trade and digital trade, further reform the institutions and mechanisms for promoting foreign investment, steadily open up the service sector, expand the pilot programs in opening up such fields as telecom, healthcare and education, and continue to make China a favored destination for foreign investment. The meeting also urged solid progress in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation and improvement in the overseas comprehensive service system.

Fifth, efforts should be made to effectively prevent and defuse risks in key areas to ensure that no systemic risks occur. It is essential to continuously ratchet up work to reverse the downturn of and stabilize the real estate market, further advance the renovation of shanty towns in cities and dilapidated houses, and fully unleash the potential in people's demand for buying their first homes or improving their housing conditions. Work will be done to reasonably control the supply of newly added real estate land, make good use of existing land resources as well as commercial and office properties, and advance the disposal of existing commodity housing. The meeting also urged fostering a new development model for the real estate sector and establishing relevant foundational systems in an orderly manner. Meanwhile, it called for work to address risks in local small and medium-sized financial institutions in a prudent manner, and joint and coordinated efforts by central and local governments to crack down on illegal financial activities.

Sixth, efforts should be made to pursue coordinated progress in new urbanization and all-around rural revitalization and promote integrated urban-rural development. The meeting urged ensuring that the total area of China's farmland remains above the specified red line, while demanding stringent management on offsetting cultivated land that has been put to other uses. Work should be done to ensure stable production and supply of grain and other key farm produce, increase agriculture's overall efficiency and competitiveness, keep grain farmers and major grain-producing areas motivated and optimize the grain pricing mechanism. It also called for developing industries, empowering counties and enriching people in an integrated manner according to local conditions, and doing everything possible to expand channels for farmers to increase incomes. Modern metropolitan areas should be developed, while the governance of super-large and mega cities should be more modernized and county economies should be vigorously boosted.

Seventh, efforts should be made to strengthen the implementation of regional strategies and boost regional development vitality. The meeting called for giving full play to the synergy of the coordinated regional development strategy, major regional strategies, and the functional zoning strategy, while actively fostering new growth poles. It urged enhancing the innovation capabilities and leading role of areas with economic development advantages, supporting major economically developed provinces to play major roles, and encouraging other regions to leverage their local conditions and advantages. Industrial collaboration between the eastern, central, western and northeastern regions should be deepened, while maritime economy and bay area economy should be actively boosted.

Eighth, efforts should be made to cut carbon emissions, reduce pollution, pursue green development and boost economic growth in a concerted manner, and ramp up the green transition in economic and social development. The meeting urged further deepening institutional reform for ecological conservation, creating an ecosystem for healthy development of green and low-carbon industries and cultivating new growth drivers including eco-friendly buildings. Work should be done to push for major progress in the landmark projects of the Three-North Shelterbelt Forest Program and promote faster construction of new energy bases in sandy areas, rocky areas and deserts. It also called for the construction of a group of zero-carbon industrial parks, the development of a national carbon market, the establishment of a product carbon footprint management system and a carbon labeling and certification system. Constant efforts should be made to keep the skies blue, waters clear and lands clean, an action plan should be formulated for the comprehensive treatment of solid waste, major biodiversity conservation programs should be carried out, and the construction of a natural disaster prevention and control system should be strengthened.

Ninth, efforts should be made to ensure and improve the people's wellbeing, and give the people a growing sense of fulfillment, happiness, and security. It demanded implementing employment support plans for key sectors and industries, urban and rural communities, and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as facilitating employment among key groups. Work should be done to better protect the rights and interests of groups in flexible and new forms of employment, implement policies to strengthen assistance for industrial development and employment, and ensure that no large-scale lapsing or relapsing into poverty occurs and the basic needs of people in difficulty are met. Work should be done to promote the high-quality and balanced development of compulsory education and make solid progress in expanding quality undergraduate education. The meeting also called for implementing the project of strengthening the foundation for medical and health care, formulating pro-childbirth policies, developing community-supported at-home elderly care, and expanding universally beneficial elderly care services. The "Fengqiao model" for promoting community-level governance in the new era should be applied and further developed, and the systemic public security governance should be strengthened.

The meeting urged using the scientific assessment of the CPC Central Committee on the situation to achieve unity in thinking, will and action, and grasping the overall trend and firming up confidence while facing up to difficulties and staying clear-headed. It called for comprehensively implementing the overall requirements and policy orientation for next year's economic work, taking a target-oriented approach, and achieving an optimized mix of stable growth, stable employment and reasonable price rebounds. It urged ensuring sound policy orientation and proper timing and intensity, and doing work in a prompt and effective manner with sufficient intensity. Systemic thinking should be strengthened to coordinate various policies and reform and opening up measures to see that together they deliver greater outcomes. More endeavors should be focused on the accomplishment of major tasks for next year in key links, the meeting noted. In response to the prominent problem of insufficient demand, the country should boost domestic demand, especially consumer demand; in response to the deep-seated obstacles and external challenges that hinder development, it should unswervingly deepen reform and expand opening up; in view of the bottlenecks in industrial transformation and upgrading, it should promote the steady replacement of old growth drivers with new ones; to address the concerns and demands of enterprises in their operations, the country should strengthen policy support and optimize regulation and services; in order to address risks and hidden dangers in key areas, it should make persistent efforts in risk disposal. It is crucial to enhance the effectiveness of policy implementation, fully mobilize primary-level initiative and creativity, continuously improve the business environment, and better pool efforts to promote high-quality development.

It was stressed at the meeting that it is necessary to strengthen the Party's leadership over economic work, make it a priority to get things done, strengthen confidence, face difficulties head-on, and work hard to ensure that all decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee are fully implemented. It is a must to intensify positive incentives and stimulate the enterprising spirit. Effective measures should be taken to ease the burden for governments at the primary level and enable willing and capable officials to act and deliver. Efforts must be made to resolutely combat corruption and maintain a fair and just market environment and a clean business environment. It is necessary to take a realistic and pragmatic approach, and resolutely oppose pointless formalities and bureaucratism that feature eagerness to impress superiors but neglect of responsibilities for the people. Efforts should be made to ensure both development and security, improve workplace safety, and effectively prevent and respond to social security incidents in a timely manner. It is also imperative to enhance coordination and interaction, oppose parochialism, and form synergy to ensure implementation. Efforts should also be made to strengthen expectation management and coordinate policy implementation with expectation guiding, thereby enhancing policy guidance and influence. Meanwhile, it is important to accurately understand developments globally, nationally, within the Party and in society, strengthen strategic planning, and well formulate the CPC Central Committee's proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan.

The meeting demanded efforts to ensure people's livelihood, security and stability at the turn of the year, and thoroughly identify and resolve all kinds of conflicts and disputes as well as risks and hidden dangers, in a bid to guarantee overall social stability.

The meeting called on the whole Party, the whole country and all sectors of society to closely unite around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, earnestly implement various arrangements of the conference, comprehensively fulfill the goals and tasks of economic and social development, and advance the building of a great country and the great cause of national rejuvenation on all fronts through practical achievements in high-quality development.

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

Also present at the meeting were leading officials of provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities directly under the central government, municipalities with independent budgetary status, and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, as well as leading officials from relevant central Party and government departments, people's organizations, some financial institutions and enterprises under central management, and relevant departments of the CMC. ■

Xi stresses enhancing governance, boosting high-quality development in China's border areas

BEIJING, Dec. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held its 18th group study session on the afternoon of Dec. 9, focusing on the governance of China's border areas in history. While presiding over the session, Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, stressed that modernizing the system and capacity for governance in border areas is an integral part of Chinese modernization. It is imperative to earnestly implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and the CPC Central Committee's decisions and plans regarding border governance, enhance governance in border areas, and boost high-quality development in border areas.

Li Guoqiang, a member of the Academic Divisions of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) and deputy director of the Chinese Academy of History under the CASS, gave a lecture on this issue and put forward suggestions. Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee listened attentively to the lecture and held discussions.

Xi delivered an important speech after listening to the lecture and discussions. He pointed out that since the 18th CPC National Congress, the CPC Central Committee, keeping in mind the overall picture for the governance of the country, has proposed a series of important propositions and major measures such as "to govern the country well we must first govern the frontiers well," "vigorously boosting development in border areas and improving the living standards and maintaining stability and security," upheld and improved the coordinated regional development strategy and major regional strategies, accelerated the high-quality development of border areas, pushed the border areas to work with the rest of the country to win the battle against absolute poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and embarked on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in an all-round way. Historic achievements and changes have been made in border governance.

Xi emphasized the need to uphold the CPC's overall leadership in all aspects and throughout the entire process of governance in border areas. It is imperative to strengthen strategic planning and coordination, and integrate border governance into all aspects of development initiatives. Relevant departments should fulfill their responsibilities and work together to generate greater synergy, and Party organizations at all levels in border areas should consistently align with the guiding principles of the CPC Central Committee and ensure that these principles are reflected in the formulation and implementation of their plans, regulations, policies and projects.

Xi said that in the course of advancing Chinese modernization, no border areas should be left behind. The development of border areas should be integrated into the overall strategy of Chinese modernization, the coordinated regional development strategy and major regional strategies. The new development philosophy should be comprehensively and accurately implemented, and border areas should be supported to achieve high-quality development by leveraging their own conditions and advantages to integrate themselves into the new development pattern and the unified national market. He urged border areas to increase the momentum and vitality of development through reform and opening up, take advantage of their coastal and frontier locations to build themselves into pacesetters for opening up, and form a new pattern of all-round opening up that coordinates the coastal and inland areas and connects the eastern and western regions. Integrated development of urban and rural areas should be pursued, new urbanization that is centered on county seats should be steadily pushed forward, all-round rural revitalization should be promoted, and the achievements in poverty alleviation should be consolidated and expanded to forestall any large-scale relapse into poverty. People's livelihood should be safeguarded and improved through development, the working and living conditions in border areas should be continuously improved, and the weaknesses in infrastructure and basic public services should be addressed at a quicker pace.

Xi stressed the need to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation regarding the work for border areas with large ethnic minority populations, extensively promote core socialist values, and guide people of all ethnic minority groups in border areas to strengthen their sense of identity with the great motherland, the Chinese nation, Chinese culture, the CPC, and socialism with Chinese characteristics, thereby constructing a shared spiritual home for all Chinese people. The system of regional ethnic autonomy should be upheld and improved, while the legitimate rights and interests of all ethnic minority groups should be safeguarded. Standard spoken and written Chinese should be comprehensively promoted, with unified state-compiled textbooks widely applied. Initiatives to foster ethnic unity and progress should be advanced, while an integrated social structure and community environment should be vigorously constructed to ensure all ethnic minority groups are closely united like the seeds of a pomegranate that stick together.

Xi underscored the importance of safeguarding national security and social stability, noting that this is a bottom-line requirement for border area governance. The social governance system based on collaboration, participation, and shared benefits should be improved, with a more consolidated foundation and elevated governance efficiency in border areas. Efforts should be made to advance infrastructure construction, and raise the overall capability to guard the border and defend the country through intensified technology empowerment.

Xi emphasized the need for theoretical support in advancing border area governance. Multi-disciplinary research on border area history and governance should be furthered, and the construction of China's indigenous intellectual system for border area studies should be accelerated. The research on significant theoretical and practical issues of border area governance should be deepened, and more influential and convincing research outcomes should be produced. The results of border area research should be applied to better present the stories of China's border governance in the new era. A team of border area governance researchers featuring a firm political stance, a thorough understanding and good command of theories and all-around capabilities should be nurtured. ■