(Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday stressed the need to unswervingly pursue the path of health development with Chinese characteristics to ensure decisive progress in implementing the Healthy China Initiative during the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030).
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a joint group meeting as part of the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body.
The meeting brought together national political advisers from the Peasants’ and Workers’ Democratic Party of China, the Jiusan Corporation, the medical and health sector, and the welfare and social security sector.
Building a healthy China by 2035 is a strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee, and the 15th Five-Year Plan period is crucial to achieving this goal, Xi said, stressing the need for coordinated planning and accelerated implementation.
Six political advisors spoke at the meeting. After listening to their remarks, Xi delivered a speech. He noted that over the past year, the CPPCC has faithfully discharged its duties and responsibilities, providing opinions and suggestions in areas such as the 15th Five-Year Plan, thereby making new contributions to the development of the cause of the Party and the country.
China is a socialist country and a developing nation, with a huge population and relatively large gaps between urban and rural areas and between regions, Xi said, adding that it is essential to start from China’s actual conditions to advance the healthy China initiative.
As the situation evolves, some specific policies and measures related to health work need to be optimized and improved, Xi noted. He stressed the need to keep a clear mind and maintain strategic resolve on fundamental issues.
Xi called for efforts to join forces and resources and take effective measures to improve the public health system, build an efficient and high-quality health care system, and promote healthy and positive lifestyles.
He stressed the importance of improving the policy and institutional framework for health promotion, further deepening reforms and advancing the application of scientific and technological innovations.
Noting that promoting the healthy China initiative requires the joint efforts of the whole society, Xi said the CPPCC should fulfill its role as a specialized advisory body and provide practical and effective policy recommendations.
As International Women’s Day approaches, Xi, on behalf of the CPC Central Committee, extended greetings and best wishes to female legislators, political advisors and staff members participating in the “two sessions.” He also extended greetings to women of all ethnic groups and walks of life across the country, including those in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Macao SAR and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese women.
Xi was accompanied by Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee. MM. Both Wang and Cai are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee.
