As China enters a pivotal new era of growth, the role of the younger generation is taking center stage in the nation's development strategy. Ahead of China's Youth Day this coming Monday, President Xi Jinping has extended festive greetings and guidance to young people across the country, emphasizing the importance of connecting personal growth with national progress.
The timing of this message is significant, as 2026 marks the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030). President Xi highlighted this period as a key moment for young people to achieve meaningful breakthroughs, urging them to stay rooted in their respective posts and work diligently to contribute to the country's overarching goals.
The President's message comes as a reply to a letter written by 16 young representatives who have received the Chinese Youth May Fourth Medal and the New Era Youth Pioneer Award since the 18th National Congress of the CPC. These individuals shared their first-hand experiences of serving at the grassroots level, illustrating the tangible impact of youth-led initiatives in various sectors of society.
Among these inspiring figures is Yang Na, a recent recipient of the May Fourth Medal and New Era Youth Pioneer Award. After graduating from university, Yang made the conscious decision to forgo opportunities in major metropolitan hubs to return to her roots in Duizhuangshi Village, located in northeast China's Liaoning Province.
Now serving as the deputy secretary of the CPC general branch of her village, Yang has been instrumental in pioneering a development model that integrates local industry, tourism, and cultural heritage. "By staying close to my hometown, I can touch the truest side of rural China," Yang shared. "Every step feels solid."
President Xi's consistent engagement with the youth—through personal letters, face-to-face dialogues, and active participation in youth-oriented activities—underscores a broader national commitment to fostering a generation that is not only professionally skilled but also deeply connected to the needs of the community and the strategic direction of the Chinese mainland.
Reference(s):
How Xi inspires youth to grow with the nation, connect with the world
cgtn.com
