Xi calls for high-quality development and reform in Jilin

Xi calls for high-quality development and reform in Jilin while reviewing the work report.

While reviewing the work report of the Jilin Provincial Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the provincial government, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the CPC Central Committee, President of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, stressed the need for Jilin to fully implement the CPC Central Committee’s strategic plan for revitalizing northeast China. He highlighted the region’s critical role in ensuring national defense, food security, ecological balance, energy resources, and industrial stability. Jilin must prioritize high-quality development, apply the new development philosophy comprehensively, integrate into the national development framework, and advance reform and opening-up in all areas. The province should capitalize on opportunities, sustain its progress, encourage innovation, and take practical steps to contribute to China’s modernization.

On the morning of February 8, Xi attended the meeting in Changchun, Jilin’s capital, where he listened to the work report presented by Huang Qiang, Secretary of the provincial Party committee. The meeting was also attended by Governor Hu Yuting and other officials.

Following the briefing, Xi delivered a speech acknowledging Jilin’s achievements and outlining the next steps for its development.

He emphasized that high-quality development relies on innovation and a strong industrial base. It is crucial to focus on the real economy, modernize traditional industries, strengthen competitive sectors, and cultivate new productive forces to establish an advanced industrial system with Jilin’s distinct characteristics. Scientific and technological innovation must be integrated with industrial progress by consolidating research resources, promoting enterprise-led innovation, and refining the innovation ecosystem. Jilin should strive for breakthroughs in major technological projects and ensure scientific advancements are translated into economic productivity. Additionally, ecological conservation, green development, and low-carbon initiatives must be balanced with economic growth. The province should leverage its ice and snow tourism, natural landscapes, and cultural diversity to boost the tourism sector. Moreover, regional development must be coordinated, including the development of the Changchun metropolitan area and collaboration with other northeast provinces for integrated progress.

Xi underscored that comprehensive reform and opening-up are essential for the revitalization of northeast China. It is necessary to address bottlenecks hindering the formation of a new development pattern and resolve challenges affecting people’s well-being. Reform efforts should tackle deep-rooted issues and remove institutional barriers. Policies for state-owned enterprise reforms and private sector growth must be fully implemented, and best practices should be adopted to address common and sector-specific challenges. Jilin should actively participate in establishing a unified national market, foster a market-driven, law-based, and international business environment, and develop mechanisms for high-standard economic openness.

Xi highlighted that ensuring national food security is a fundamental responsibility for key agricultural provinces like Jilin. The province must prioritize large-scale, modern agricultural development, strengthen agricultural support systems, and promote green and sustainable practices. It should enhance technology use in farming, improve product quality, and develop strong agricultural brands. Eco-friendly breeding, advanced processing of agricultural and food products, and optimizing the entire value chain from farming to food production are crucial. To promote balanced urban and rural development, Jilin should align spatial planning, industrial growth, public services, and infrastructure projects. Strengthening county economies, improving people’s livelihoods, consolidating poverty alleviation efforts, and enhancing rural governance are also vital. The province must encourage social and cultural development in rural areas while fostering a safe, law-governed, and prosperous countryside.

As a multiethnic province, Jilin must implement the CPC’s policies on ethnic and religious affairs, promote national unity, and enhance cross-cultural integration. The province should guide all ethnic groups in developing a shared understanding of China’s history, culture, and national identity while fostering ethnic harmony and progress. Additionally, Jilin should focus on the development of border areas by leveraging local resources to promote trade and specialized industries that improve people’s livelihoods.

Xi also emphasized the importance of maintaining security while pursuing development. Jilin must strengthen risk prevention measures in key sectors, enhance natural disaster monitoring and response systems, conduct workplace safety inspections, and uphold social stability.

High-quality Party governance should lead Jilin’s high-quality development. Xi stressed the importance of selecting capable officials, guiding them to adopt a correct approach to governance, and strengthening their leadership skills. Party discipline must be reinforced through education, ethical conduct, and anti-corruption measures. Efforts should be made to improve mechanisms for overseeing power allocation, reduce unnecessary bureaucratic procedures, and address corruption and malpractices that impact the public. Officials should be encouraged to take proactive roles while maintaining integrity and adhering to regulations.

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. Other senior officials, including He Lifeng and Wang Xiaohong, along with key figures from relevant central Party and state departments, were also present.