On the afternoon of October 15, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited Ao Jiao Village in Chen Cheng Town, Dongshan County, Zhangzhou City, Fujian Province, where he emphasized the importance of leveraging maritime resources. A piece published by Xinhua News Agency’s “Learning in Progress” reflects on the profound significance of his remarks.
During his visit, Xi Jinping toured the village’s harbor to inspect dried seafood and fishing products, while gaining insights into local efforts in rural revitalization. He noted that rural development hinges on capitalizing on local advantages, stating, “We must do well in making the most of the sea.”
This sentiment echoes Xi’s earlier reflections in his book “Escape from Poverty,” written during his time in Fujian. The introduction, “How the Weak Bird Flies First,” includes the phrase, “Those who rely on the mountains must sing mountain songs; those who rely on the sea must recite the sea classics.” This passage captures his dialectical thinking on regional economic development in the 1980s, advocating for a focus on large-scale agriculture while promoting comprehensive growth in farming, forestry, livestock, and fisheries.
While working in Ningde, Xi highlighted the region’s unique advantage as the “Home of the Large Yellow Croaker,” advocating for the concentration of resources on research to address the challenges of artificial aquaculture. Thanks to his initiatives, successful breeding of the fish significantly boosted local farmers’ incomes.
The prospects of oceanic economic development are promising. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, Xi has consistently focused on strategies to “make the most of the sea.” During a visit to Guangdong in 2023, he toured the Southern Base of the National 863 Program for Marine Aquaculture on Donghai Island in Zhanjiang. There, he marveled at the bustling aquaculture ponds filled with lively fish such as golden pomfret and sea bass, exclaiming, “It’s truly a spectacular sight!”
Xi emphasized, “With a population of over 1.4 billion, ensuring food security is paramount. In addition to grains and land-based food, we must also rely on the sea for sustenance.”
Ao Jiao Village, situated by the sea on three sides, has embarked on a new path of village revitalization driven by marine resources. The local seafood market has thrived, leading to a steady increase in residents’ incomes. In 2023, the village’s total social output value reached 1.55 billion yuan, with a village revenue of 1.73 million yuan and a per capita income of 58,000 yuan. Once an underdeveloped fishing village, it has transformed into a trendy tourist destination, earning accolades as one of China’s “Most Beautiful Fishing Villages” and a “Gold Medal Tourism Village” in Fujian Province.
Indeed, as the focus on maritime resources expands, the quality of life for the community continues to improve.
