Forging New Chapters in Chinese Modernization — Xi Jinping's Governance Record This Year: Chinese Modernization Prioritizes People's Livelihoods
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that modernization should not only be judged by statistical indicators on paper, but more importantly, by the happiness and well-being of the people. Since the beginning of this year, the General Secretary has been planning and deploying work to ensure and improve people's livelihoods from the strategic height of advancing Chinese modernization, always adhering to a people-centered approach, so that the achievements of modernization will benefit all people more extensively and equitably. The series of reports, "Striving to Write a New Chapter in Chinese Modernization - A Record of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Governance Since the Beginning of This Year," broadcast today (August 5th) features "Chinese Modernization: People's Livelihood is Paramount." The Minzhu Village Community in Xiejiawan Sub-district, Jiulongpo District, Chongqing Municipality, is an old residential area that began its renovation project in early 2022 and was included in relevant national pilot programs. Today, the Minzhu Village Community has a brand-new appearance. In April this year, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the community. He walked into the community reception hall, Party-Masses Service Center, and community canteen, engaging in cordial conversations with everyone. The renovation of old residential areas, convenient services, and the prices of meals – these everyday concerns of the people were all on the General Secretary's mind. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Over the past 75 years, from a state of poverty and backwardness to the world's second-largest economy, from insufficient food and clothing to achieving moderate prosperity in all respects and moving towards common prosperity, "the people" have always been the starting point and ultimate goal of all the Party and the country's work. The current and coming period is a critical one for comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the rejuvenation of the nation through Chinese modernization. From this historical perspective, understanding "Chinese modernization, with people's livelihood as paramount" allows us to better appreciate the heavy weight of people's livelihood on the new journey and the deep affection of a great leader for his people. "Chinese modernization, with people's livelihood as paramount" means "always placing the people in the highest position in our hearts." In February, the General Secretary made his first domestic inspection tour of the year to Tianjin. The car drove along the frozen Ziya River into Liububu Village, Xiqing District. The General Secretary was concerned about whether the villagers, who had suffered from last year's floods, could have a good Chinese New Year. At the home of villager Du Honggang, the General Secretary held the elder's hand and said: "National stability and prosperity depend on the people's well-being. The Party Central Committee and Party committees and governments at all levels are always concerned about your safety and well-being." When leaving the village, the General Secretary told the villagers: "The people's affairs are the most important affairs. I wish you good health, a happy family, and a better life." This year, China has experienced numerous and prolonged heavy rainfall events. In response to road collapses, dike breaches, and bridge collapses in some areas, General Secretary Xi Jinping immediately issued important instructions, demanding maximum reduction of casualties and effective protection of the people's lives and property. On July 25, a meeting of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee was held to study and deploy flood control and disaster relief work, requiring a firm grip on the initiative in the work and resolutely winning the tough battle of flood control and disaster relief. "Chinese modernization, with people's livelihood as paramount" means "conscientiously addressing the urgent difficulties and concerns of the masses." Since the beginning of this year, during domestic inspection tours and important meetings, the General Secretary has repeatedly emphasized the need to do more practical things that conform to public opinion, benefit people's livelihoods, and warm people's hearts, and to earnestly address the urgent difficulties and concerns of the masses. Employment is the most fundamental livelihood issue. In May, the Political Bureau of the Central Committee held its 14th collective study session on promoting high-quality and full employment. The General Secretary, when presiding over the study, emphasized that Party committees and governments at all levels must treat employment as the top priority for people's livelihoods, continuously promote the effective improvement in the quality of employment and reasonable growth in quantity, and constantly enhance the sense of gain, happiness, and security among the vast number of workers. In June, during his inspection tour in Ningxia, the General Secretary once again emphasized the need to prioritize employment and earnestly do a good job in the employment of key groups such as college graduates, migrant workers, and demobilized soldiers. Reducing burdens on primary-level organizations is crucial for people's well-being and is also a matter that General Secretary Xi Jinping has focused on. In Hunan, the General Secretary emphasized the need to continue to deepen the rectification of formalism to reduce burdens on primary-level organizations. He said that in all work and in handling any matters for the masses, it is essential to be pragmatic. In Chongqing, the General Secretary pointed out that not everything should be pushed down to the primary level, and the responsibilities that primary-level organizations should undertake must be clearly defined. When the people have a call, reforms must respond. The urgent difficulties and concerns of the people are precisely the leverage points and breakthroughs for reform. At the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, a series of reform measures with a "people-centered warmth" were introduced. From promoting the expansion and downward movement of high-quality medical resources and building a fertility-friendly society, to improving policies and mechanisms for the development of elder care services and industries, and better meeting the public's need for "good education." What the people care about and what they expect, further comprehensive deepening of reforms will grasp and advance. "Chinese modernization, with people's livelihood as paramount" means "allowing the achievements of modernization to benefit all people more extensively and equitably." Guoluo Xining Ethnic Middle School, located in Xining, has students from Guoluo. This boarding school, invested in and aided by Shanghai, brings together the strengths of East-West collaboration, allowing children from Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture to enjoy high-quality educational resources. In June, the General Secretary visited the school. He entered classrooms, observed ideological and political lessons, and also went into dormitories and canteens to check on student dining and accommodation conditions. Striving to ensure that every child can enjoy fair and high-quality education is a concern of the General Secretary. In the school square, the General Secretary told the children to cherish these good conditions and strive to seize opportunities for a brilliant life. Entering the new era, the people's aspirations for a better life have shifted from "having something" to "having something good." The public's demand for a good ecological environment, the most inclusive well-being, is becoming increasingly strong. In May, during his inspection tour in Shandong, the General Secretary visited the Rizhao Sunshine Coast Greenway. The previously damaged coastline and bare wasteland, through ecological restoration, have been transformed into a winding greenway stretching over 20 kilometers, which is a vivid illustration of green and shared development. The General Secretary said that building greenways in response to citizens' needs is a matter that wins the hearts of the people. A good ecological environment brings a tangible sense of happiness to the people. He emphasized that promoting Chinese modernization is about making the people's lives better and better. The next day of the inspection tour, General Secretary Xi Jinping presided over a symposium with enterprises and experts in Jinan. He once again emphasized at the meeting that the people's aspiration for a better life is our奋斗 objective, and that grasping reform and promoting development are, in the final analysis, for the purpose of enabling the people to live better lives. Chinese modernization, with people's livelihood as paramount. On the new journey of advancing the building of a strong country and the rejuvenation of the nation through Chinese modernization, by always remembering that the people's happiness is "the nation's utmost concern" and thinking and working together with the people, we will have the most solid reliance, the strongest confidence, and the most powerful force.
Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee: Central Lecture Group Delivers Speeches Nationwide
Members of the Central Lecturing Group for Studying and Implementing the Spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China have been giving lectures in various regions and departments, going deep into primary-level units, and interacting with cadres and the masses. Yin Bai, a member of the Central Lecturing Group and Secretary-General of the Central Political and Legal Affairs Commission, recently delivered a lecture report in Nanning. The report closely focused on the theme of comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization, providing a comprehensive interpretation and in-depth elaboration on the overall situation of the plenary session, thoroughly studying and understanding the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, comprehensively and accurately understanding the major measures proposed in the "Decision," and effectively implementing the spirit of the plenary session. Yin Bai also visited construction sites and interacted with primary-level cadres and the masses. Wang Jiang, a member of the Central Lecturing Group and Deputy Director in charge of daily work of the Central Financial Office and Deputy Secretary in charge of daily work of the Central Financial Work Committee, delivered a lecture report in the financial system. Wang Jiang systematically expounded and lectured on the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech, focusing on interpreting the content related to deepening financial system reform. Wang Jiang also visited the Beijing Branch of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and interacted with front-line staff to deeply study and publicize the spirit of the plenary session. Zheng Shanjie, a member of the Central Lecturing Group and Secretary of the Party Leadership Group and Director of the National Development and Reform Commission, recently delivered a lecture report in Taiyuan. The report systematically lectured and deeply expounded on studying and implementing General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, as well as the major reform measures proposed in the "Decision" of the plenary session. Zheng Shanjie also visited enterprise production workshops and interacted with cadres and employees to publicize the spirit of the plenary session on site.
33rd Summer Olympic Games: China Secures 5 More Gold Medals, Men's 4x100m Medley Relay Wins Gold, Making History
From last night (August 4th) Beijing time until now, the Chinese Sports Delegation at the Paris Olympics has won five more gold medals, with the men's 4x100m medley relay victory making history. In the Paris Olympics men's 4x100m medley relay final, the Chinese team fielded Xu Jiayu, Qin Haiyang, Sun Jiajun, and Pan Zhanle. In the first half, Xu Jiayu and Qin Haiyang helped China maintain a slight lead, but after the third leg butterfly exchange, the Chinese team was temporarily in third place. In the last leg, Pan Zhanle swam a split of 45.92 seconds, overtaking the United States and France. Ultimately, the Chinese team won the championship with a time of 3 minutes and 27.46 seconds. This gold medal also broke the United States' 40-year monopoly in this event. In the table tennis men's singles final, Chinese player Fan Zhendong came back from one game down to win four consecutive games, defeating Sweden's Truls Möregårdh 4:1, securing his first Olympic men's singles gold medal and achieving a Grand Slam. In gymnastics, Chinese athlete Liu Yang successfully defended his men's rings title, winning the Chinese gymnastics team's first gold medal at these Olympics, while Zou Jingyuan won silver. Zou Jingyuan then edged out his opponents in the men's parallel bars final, claiming another gold medal. In the earlier men's 25m rapid fire pistol final, Chinese athlete Li Yuehong won gold with 32 points, and Wang Xinjie won bronze. In the women's 50m freestyle final, Zhang Yufei won a bronze medal. She also, along with her teammates, secured a bronze medal in the women's 4x100m medley relay. The Chinese swimming team concluded its campaign with two golds, three silvers, and seven bronzes. Additionally, Chinese athlete Qiu Qiyuan won a silver medal in the gymnastics women's uneven bars final. In badminton, Chinese player He Bingjiao won a silver medal in the women's singles, and the Chinese duo Liang Weikeng/Wang Chang won a silver medal in the men's doubles. In boxing, Chang Yuan defeated her opponent in the women's 54kg category to enter the final. Li Qian advanced to the semifinals of the women's 75kg boxing event. So far, the Chinese boxing team has secured five medals. Early this morning Beijing time, the Chinese women's volleyball team defeated the World Champions Serbia 3:1, advancing to the quarterfinals as group leaders.
Promoting High-Quality Development Series Press Conference: China's Macroeconomic Governance System Continues to Improve
The State Council Information Office held a series of press conferences on "Promoting High-Quality Development" on August 1st. The National Development and Reform Commission stated that China's macroeconomic governance system has been continuously improved. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the foresight, targeting, and effectiveness of China's macro-control have continuously improved, pushing economic strength to new heights. The annual GDP has exceeded 126 trillion yuan, and for many years, China has been the largest driving force for world economic growth. The scientific and technological innovation system and mechanisms have been continuously improved, and China has become the first country to exceed 4 million valid invention patents. The modern industrial system has continuously developed and grown, with the added value of high-tech manufacturing above designated size in China growing at an average annual rate of 10.3% from 2013 to 2023. The capacity for safeguarding people's well-being has continuously improved, and China has built the world's largest education system, social security system, and healthcare system. Green and low-carbon development has accelerated, with new installed capacity of renewable energy generation in China accounting for over 50% of the world's total new renewable energy installed capacity. New achievements have been made in market system construction, continuously stimulating the vitality of various market entities. Currently, the number of items on China's negative list for market access has been reduced from 151 in 2018 to the current 117, the basic system for data elements has been continuously improved and perfected, and the unified market for goods and services is moving towards a higher level.
Cultural and Tourism Consumption Boom Unleashes New Vitality in Summer Economy
The current summer vacation is a peak tourist season, with tourist flows to scenic spots across the country remaining robust. New consumption formats, models, and scenarios are constantly emerging, and cultural tourism consumption continues to climb. The Beijing Central Axis, recently inscribed on the World Heritage List, has attracted numerous domestic and foreign tourists these days, with an average of about 3,700 tour groups visiting along the Central Axis daily, and an average daily tourist flow of about 2.26 million people. Beijing has deeply explored and integrated historical and cultural resources such as scenic spots along the route, and has released "Strolling the Central Axis" themed tour routes to the public. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the archaeological excavation of the Terracotta Warriors. During the summer, the Museum of Qin Shihuang's Mausoleum has received over 1.8 million tourists, and a cooling spray system installed at the ticket gates enhances the comfort of visitors. Dunhuang cultural tourism in Gansu continues to be popular, with the number of tourists increasing by over 200% year-on-year; the Mogao Grottoes have activated an emergency mechanism for super-large tourist flows to ensure safe and smooth visiting order. The Shandong Museum has launched several special exhibitions during the summer, including an exhibition of殷商 oracle bone inscriptions, presenting over a thousand cultural treasures, attracting 400,000 visitors in July. Along the ancient Grand Canal in Wuxi, Jiangsu, it has been bustling with activity since the summer. It received over 4 million tourists in July, and historical and cultural blocks have added performance interactions and created new consumption scenarios, becoming a popular destination for student tours and family parent-child tours. Summer retreats in nature have also become a popular choice. In Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Tropical Botanical Garden has launched popular science activities such as jungle exploration and elephant tracking in Wild Elephant Valley; Liupanshui, Guizhou, relying on its unique resources and cool climate, promotes the summer retreat economy through sports activities and public fitness, attracting tourists to participate and check in; Chongqing has launched summer retreat projects such as ancient town tours and rafting in stream valleys and gorges, allowing people to enjoy the coolness; in Gao'an, Jiangxi, various tourist attractions have introduced new water amusement projects such as children's water parks and thrilling water challenges, and simultaneously launched a series of preferential measures; in Mohe Beiji Village, Heilongjiang, with an average daily temperature of 18 degrees Celsius, the local area has introduced a series of new tourism scenarios and ways to play, such as rural campsites and handmade cultural and creative products, attracting tourists from all directions.
Domestic News Snippets
China's Logistics Prosperity Index remained in expansion in July. The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing announced today (August 5th) that China's Logistics Prosperity Index for July was 51%, continuing to be in the expansion range. From the sub-indices, new demand remained generally stable, and logistics investment continued to grow. By industry, the business volume indices for railway transportation, air transportation, and postal express delivery were all in the expansion range. China's futures market trading scale steadily expanded in July. The latest data released by the China Futures Association today (August 5th) shows that the national futures market's trading volume in July was 711 million lots, with a turnover of 52.42 trillion yuan, increasing by 23.94% and 16.43% month-on-month, respectively. Trading in futures varieties such as silver, soybean meal, and industrial silicon was active, and the trading scale of the futures market steadily expanded. The commodity market continued to recover steadily. The China Commodity Price Index announced today (August 5th) for July was 114.5 points, achieving year-on-year growth for three consecutive months. Among them, the agricultural product price index stopped falling and rebounded, ending a continuous 10-month decline. Prices of most grain crops rebounded. The 37th Hundred Flowers Awards for Popular Films announced. The 37th Hundred Flowers Awards for Popular Films were announced last night (August 4th) in Chengdu, Sichuan. 101 public judges from all over the country, from various industries and age groups, voted on site. Six films, including "The Battle at Lake Changjin II," "Chang'an San Wan Li," and "Article 20," won nine awards including Best Picture.
CPC Delegation Visits Indonesia, Timor-Leste
Recently, a delegation of the Communist Party of China visited Indonesia and Timor-Leste, meeting and exchanging views with local major political party leaders and media representatives, deeply publicizing the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, and exchanging views on bilateral relations and cooperation in various fields. Participants expressed their belief that Chinese modernization will achieve new accomplishments and bring new opportunities for regional development.
"China's New Era of Deepening Reforms and Global Opportunities" Global Dialogue Held 68 Special Events Worldwide
The "China's New Era: World Opportunities in Deepening Reforms" Global Dialogue hosted by China Media Group recently held special events in various countries in Asia and Europe, including Laos and Serbia, to comprehensively explain the spirit of the Third Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China to the international community and showcase the development opportunities brought by China's further comprehensive deepening of reforms to the world. As of now, China Media Group has held 68 "China's New Era: World Opportunities in Deepening Reforms" Global Dialogue events across five continents worldwide.
Iranian President Says Israel Made Huge Mistake, Israeli Defense Minister Says Ready to Respond
Iranian President Pezeshkian stated on August 4th in Tehran, during a meeting with visiting Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Safadi, that Israel's assassination of Hamas leader Haniyeh was a grave mistake and that Israel would certainly face a response. Iranian Parliament Speaker Ghalibaf said on the same day that Iran would teach Israel and its supporter, the United States, a "historic lesson." The commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, Hossein Salami, said today (August 5th) that Israel's continuous aggressive actions are digging its own grave, and Israel will face a strong response. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Kanaani stated today that Israel's assassination of Haniyeh gravely violates international law. Iran will take "decisive and firm" action to punish the aggressors and defend Iran's national security and dignity. According to a statement issued by the Iraqi Prime Minister's media office, Iraqi Prime Minister Sudani stated on August 4th that preventing regional escalation depends on stopping Israel's aggression against the Gaza Strip. Israeli Defense Minister Gallant said on August 4th that Israel is fully prepared to respond, and those who attack Israel will pay a heavy price. Israeli media reported today that if Israeli intelligence agencies obtain concrete evidence that Iran will launch a military operation against Israel, Israel may carry out a preemptive strike. According to American and Israeli media reports, US Central Command Commander Michael Kurilla will arrive in Israel today to prepare for a possible Israeli strike. Israeli military launches airstrikes and shelling on multiple locations in southern Lebanon; Hezbollah claims drone attack on northern Israel. According to Lebanese military sources, the Israel Defense Forces carried out airstrikes and shelling on several locations in southern Lebanon on August 4th, killing two Hezbollah members. Hezbollah claimed today that it used multiple drones to attack Israeli military targets in northern Israel. The Israeli military stated that Hezbollah's attack injured two Israeli soldiers. France, Italy, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and other countries issued warnings on August 4th, advising their citizens not to travel to Lebanon, and urging their citizens already in Lebanon to evacuate as soon as possible. Palestinian media reports Israeli military attack on two schools in Gaza City kills at least 30. Palestinian media reported on August 4th that the Israeli military bombed two schools sheltering displaced people in Gaza City, killing at least 30 people and injuring many. The Israeli military claimed on the same day that the targets of the attacks were Hamas command and control centers within the schools.
International News Snippets
Ukraine claims F-16s are operational; Russia says it won't change situation. Ukrainian President Zelensky stated on August 4th that F-16 fighter jets provided by other countries have arrived in Ukraine and are in service, though he did not disclose the number of aircraft received by Ukraine. Russian presidential press secretary Peskov recently stated that Western countries delivering F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will not significantly impact the front-line situation, and these aircraft will be destroyed. Major stock indices in Asia and Europe fell significantly today. Japan's Tokyo stock market's two main indices both closed sharply down by over 12% today (August 5th), with the Nikkei index falling over 4451 points, a record drop. South Korea's KOSPI also plummeted nearly 9% at closing today. Europe's three major stock indices also opened with losses exceeding 2% today. Foreign media reported that recent weaker-than-expected economic data from the United States has increased investor concerns about a US economic recession, leading to a spread of market panic. Protests continue across the UK, with ongoing violent clashes. On August 4th, protests against the government's immigration policy continued across the UK. In some parts of England, police and protesters clashed again. There were also clashes between protesters and counter-protesters. According to British police, 147 people have been arrested since the night of August 3rd. During the protest clashes, smashing and looting occurred in many parts of the UK, some vehicles were set on fire, and hotels housing immigrants, as well as some residents' homes, had their doors and windows smashed. Weekend shootings in Chicago, USA, leave 3 dead and 37 injured. According to US media reports on August 4th, multiple shootings occurred in Chicago, Illinois, over the weekend, resulting in 3 deaths and 37 injuries. The victims ranged in age from 15 to 75. The report stated that there were more than 20 shooting incidents, and no suspects have been arrested so far.