Chinese President Xi Jinping’s 2024 New Year message has set a clear vision for China’s future, emphasizing people-centric development as the defining theme. With a focus on enhancing citizens’ livelihoods, advancing education, and fostering economic opportunities, Xi’s message resonates with the nation’s commitment to responsible governance and modernization.
“We will continue to act on the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, promoting stability through progress, and establishing the new before abolishing the old,” Xi declared, outlining a roadmap for sustained growth and development.
Education stands at the forefront of China’s agenda, with the number of college graduates in 2024 expected to exceed 11.7 million. This milestone marks a pivotal moment to invigorate the job market and promote quality career progression for the nation’s burgeoning talent pool. The government has implemented over two dozen measures to boost employment and strengthen the connection between education and industry.
As home to nearly 900 million working-age individuals and the largest higher education system globally, China’s prioritization of education and career mobility underscores its investment in its greatest asset—its people. These initiatives aim to harness the talent dividend and propel the nation toward greater innovation and productivity.
Approaching the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, high-quality economic development remains a cornerstone of the country’s rapid modernization. China is poised to meet its 2023 growth targets and is on track to inject continued momentum into the economy in the coming year. The expansion of advanced, smart, and green industries highlights the potential of a rapidly modernizing industrial system.
Xi’s message also highlighted China’s rural revitalization efforts, a key strategy in transforming the agricultural sector and improving livelihoods in rural areas. Significant progress is evident across the northeastern regions, the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and along the Yangtze River Economic Belt. These developments contribute to the diversification of rural industries and drive ongoing poverty alleviation initiatives.
By placing people at the heart of development strategies, China aims to build a more prosperous and equitable society. President Xi’s New Year message reinforces the nation’s dedication to progress that benefits all citizens, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead.
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Xi's New Year message: People-centric development as defining theme
cgtn.com
