From October 15 to 18, General Secretary Xi Jinping conducted visits to Fujian and Anhui provinces, focusing on further deepening reforms and promoting high-quality development.
In Fujian, the General Secretary explored various sites including rural areas in Zhangzhou and Xiamen, red education bases, cultural preservation units, and free trade pilot zones. He emphasized the need to “stay committed to the goal of building a new Fujian characterized by vibrant mechanisms, superior industries, prosperous citizens, and ecological beauty, advancing with a consistent vision as we lead in the construction of modern Chinese society.”
During his trip to Anhui, he visited historical and cultural districts in cities like Anqing and Hefei. He highlighted the importance of “leveraging the advantages of multiple national development strategies to forge impactful hubs for technological innovation, emerging industries, and comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development.”
A key theme throughout the visits was “integration,” with the General Secretary outlining various forms of integration and their importance. Let’s explore these concepts further.
**Urban-Rural Integration Development**
In Aojiang Village, a small fishing village in Dongshan County, Fujian, the surroundings embody a picturesque scene with golden sandy beaches, bustling fishermen, and thriving fishing boats. In 2023, the village collectively earned 1.73 million yuan, with an average disposable income of 58,000 yuan per farmer.
On October 15, General Secretary Xi visited Aojiang Village, observing the environmental conditions of Aojiang Bay and the local community. He expressed delight upon learning about the rising incomes from thriving seafood sales.
“I remember visiting your village 23 years ago, and I’m pleasantly surprised at the significant changes since then,” he stated. “In this new era, rural areas will surely witness a brighter future, and farmers will enjoy more prosperous lives.” He urged the village’s party organization to capitalize on their coastal resources as they advance towards rural revitalization and shared prosperity.
Promoting urban-rural integration development is crucial for comprehensive rural revitalization and fostering common prosperity. Xi emphasized that as we strive for the comprehensive construction of a modern socialist nation and enhance common prosperity, the most daunting tasks remain in rural areas. To effectively implement the rural revitalization strategy, we must prioritize integrated urban-rural development.
During his inspections in Fujian, he pointed out the need to demonstrate coordinated development in regions, urging a more integrated approach between comprehensive rural revitalization and new urbanization. In Anhui, he reiterated the importance of establishing a new framework for urban-rural integration, emphasizing the need for industry upgrades that benefit rural communities.
Urban-rural integration is an essential requirement for Chinese-style modernization. In recent years, China has embraced this approach, actively promoting new urbanization centered around county towns and encouraging equitable exchanges and dual flows of resources between urban and rural areas, ultimately benefiting all residents.
**Deep Integration of Technological and Industrial Innovation**
Innovation remains a consistent focus during Xi’s visits, particularly to Anhui. In 2016, he explored the University of Science and Technology of China, assessing the province’s implementation of innovation-driven development strategies.
On this recent trip to Anhui on October 17, Xi visited the Hefei Binhu Science City, stopping to appreciate advancements in smart vehicles, telecommunications, renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and health technologies. He underscored that scientific and technological innovations must lead the charge in realizing China’s modernization.
He emphasized the need for a robust fusion of technological and industrial innovation to drive the growth of strategic emerging industries and future sectors. Xi stated, “Strengthening major technological breakthroughs and enhancing the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation is essential for nurturing new models and driving new productivity.”
In his discussions across both provinces, he issued specific directives aimed at accelerating the integration of technological and industrial innovation, stressing the importance of building a cohesive system that supports all aspects of innovation.
**Cultural and Tourism Integration Development**
Exploring and preserving cultural heritage is a pivotal aspect of Xi’s local research endeavors. On October 15, he visited the Guandi Cultural Industry Park in Dongshan County, where he learned about local initiatives for cultural preservation and cross-strait cultural exchanges. He reinforced the importance of safeguarding and inheriting cultural heritage.
In his overview of Fujian’s provincial progress, he urged continued efforts to elevate cultural influence, showcasing the province’s new image while promoting the deep integration of cultural and tourism sectors, aiming to cultivate the tourism industry into a pillar of the economy.
On October 17, during his visit to Liuchixiang in Anhui, he emphasized the need for effective historical culture protection and highlighted the importance of fostering a harmonious community spirit, advocating for collaborative efforts to develop a rich socialist cultural identity.
Xi’s visits to Fujian and Anhui reflect a vision for greater integration at regional levels, encouraging contributions to national development while suggesting that these efforts will lead to new heights in the broader narrative of Chinese-style modernization.
