The third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) opened on the morning of March 5 at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Nearly 3,000 NPC deputies, entrusted by the people, attended the session to fulfill their sacred duties endowed by the Constitution and laws. The atmosphere in the Great Hall of the People was solemn and enthusiastic, with the national emblem in the center of the rostrum's curtain reflecting the five-star lamp on the ceiling of the venue. Zhao Leji, a member of the Standing Committee of the Presidium of the session and its executive chairman, presided over the meeting. Li Hongzhong, Wang Dongming, Xiao Jie, Zheng Jianbang, Ding Zhongli, Hao Mingjin, Cai Dafeng, He Wei, Wu Weihua, Tie Ning, Peng Qinghua, Zhang Qingwei, Losang Jamcan, Shohrat Zakir, and Liu Qi, also members of the Standing Committee of the Presidium and executive chairmen, were seated at the executive chairman's table on the rostrum. Xi Jinping, Li Qiang, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, Han Zheng, and members of the Presidium of the session were seated on the rostrum. The third session of the 14th NPC was expected to have 2,929 deputies in attendance. On the morning of March 5, 2,880 deputies were present, with 49 absent, meeting the quorum. At 9:00 AM, Zhao Leji announced: "The third session of the 14th National People's Congress of the People's Republic of China is now open." Everyone in the hall stood up and sang the national anthem. According to the agenda, Premier Li Qiang delivered the Government Work Report on behalf of the State Council. The report was divided into three parts: I. Review of Work in 2024; II. Overall Requirements and Policy Orientations for Economic and Social Development in 2025; III. Government Work Tasks for 2025. Li Qiang stated in his report that the past year has been an extraordinary one for China's development. Facing a complex and challenging situation with increasing external pressures and internal difficulties, under the strong leadership of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, people of all ethnic groups across the country have forged ahead and overcome difficulties. The economy has maintained overall stable and progressive operation, with the main goals and tasks for economic and social development throughout the year successfully completed. High-quality development has made solid progress, new productive forces have steadily developed, China's economic strength, scientific and technological strength, and overall national strength have continued to increase, and Chinese modernization has taken new solid steps, further strengthening our determination and confidence in comprehensively building a modern socialist country in the new era and on the new journey. Li Qiang pointed out in the report that over the past year, "we have thoroughly studied and implemented Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, firmly upheld the authority of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core and its centralized, unified leadership, integrated Party leadership throughout all aspects and processes of government work, fully implemented the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Second and Third Plenums of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and, in accordance with the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, primarily carried out the following work: First, strengthening and innovating macro-regulation in response to changes in circumstances, promoting economic recovery and improvement; second, unswervingly deepening reform and expanding opening-up across the board, enhancing the endogenous driving force for development; third, vigorously promoting innovation-driven development, facilitating the optimization and upgrading of industrial structure; fourth, coordinating urban-rural and regional coordinated development, optimizing economic layout; fifth, actively developing social undertakings, improving people's livelihoods and well-being; sixth, continuously strengthening ecological environmental protection, raising the level of green and low-carbon development; seventh, strengthening government building and governance innovation, maintaining social harmony and stability." Li Qiang noted in the report that while acknowledging achievements, "we are also keenly aware of the problems and challenges we face. We must face up to difficulties and problems, but also firm up our confidence in development." Li Qiang stated in the report that this year is the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan." The main expected development targets for this year are: GDP growth of around 5%; surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5%, with over 12 million new urban jobs created; consumer price index (CPI) increase of around 2%; synchronous growth of residents' income and economic growth; basic balance in the balance of payments; grain output of around 1.4 trillion jin (700 billion kg); energy consumption per unit of GDP to decrease by about 3%, and continuous improvement in ecological environmental quality. Li Qiang stressed in the report that to successfully achieve this year's goals and tasks, it is essential to deeply implement Xi Jinping's economic thought, seize high-quality development as the primary task, adhere to the principle of winning by quality and leveraging scale effects, and achieve an effective improvement in quality and a reasonable increase in quantity. Li Qiang proposed in the report that this year's economic and social development tasks are very arduous. "We must prioritize key areas, grasp crucial points, and focus on the following aspects of work: vigorously boosting consumption and improving investment efficiency, expanding domestic demand in an all-round way; developing new productive forces based on local conditions, accelerating the construction of a modern industrial system; deeply implementing the strategy of invigorating China through science and education, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the national innovation system; promoting the rapid implementation of landmark reform measures, better leveraging the leading role of economic system reform; expanding high-level opening-up, actively stabilizing foreign trade and foreign investment; effectively preventing and defusing risks in key areas, firmly holding the bottom line of preventing systemic risks; focusing on 'San Nong' (agriculture, rural areas, and farmers) work, deeply promoting comprehensive rural revitalization; advancing new urbanization and regional coordinated development, further optimizing the development spatial layout; coordinating efforts to reduce carbon emissions, pollution, and increase greenery and growth, accelerating the comprehensive green transformation of economic and social development; increasing efforts to ensure and improve people's livelihoods, and enhancing social governance effectiveness." In the report, Li Qiang also elaborated on strengthening government self-building, ethnic, religious, and overseas Chinese affairs, national defense and military construction, Hong Kong and Macao development and cross-Strait relations, as well as China's foreign policy. According to the agenda, the session reviewed the State Council's Report on the Implementation of the 2024 National Economic and Social Development Plan and the Draft 2025 National Economic and Social Development Plan, and the State Council's Report on the Execution of the Central and Local Budgets in 2024 and the Draft Central and Local Budgets for 2025. Entrusted by the NPC Standing Committee, Li Hongzhong, Vice Chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, delivered an explanation on the draft amendment to the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses at Various Levels. The explanation on the draft amendment to the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress and Local People's Congresses at Various Levels stated that the Law on Deputies is a basic law that regulates and guarantees NPC deputies' exercise of their functions and powers, fulfillment of their obligations, and their role in accordance with the law. The promulgation and implementation of this law have played an important role in regulating and ensuring deputies' performance of their duties in accordance with the law, giving full play to their role, ensuring that the people are masters of the country. To comprehensively implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, deeply implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important thought on adhering to and improving the system of people's congresses, and implement the major decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, it is necessary to amend and improve the Law on Deputies in a timely manner to guarantee and promote the high-quality development of NPC deputies' work and give fuller play to the notable advantages of the system of people's congresses. Amending the Law on Deputies is an inevitable requirement for upholding the Party's overall leadership and unswervingly following the path of socialist political development with Chinese characteristics; it is an important guarantee for promoting high-quality development of NPC work and for adhering to, improving, and effectively operating the system of people's congresses; it is an objective requirement for developing whole-process people's democracy and making people's congresses at all levels and their standing committees representative organs that maintain close ties with the people. The draft amendment to the Law on Deputies consists of 34 articles, with main revisions including: enriching provisions in the general principles section, expanding and deepening the institutional mechanisms of "two connections," improving provisions related to the capacity building of NPC deputies, improving provisions related to deputies' work during the sessions of the people's congresses at their respective levels, improving provisions related to deputies' activities during the inter-sessional periods of the people's congresses at their respective levels, improving provisions related to the guarantee of deputies' performance of their duties, improving mechanisms for handling deputies' motions and suggestions, improving provisions related to the management and supervision of deputies' performance of duties, and supplementing relevant content to adapt to the needs of the supervisory system reform. Also seated on the rostrum were: Ma Xingrui, Wang Yi, Yin Li, Shi Taifeng, Liu Guozhong, Li Ganjie, Li Shulei, He Weidong, He Lifeng, Zhang Youxia, Zhang Guoqing, Chen Wenqing, Chen Jining, Chen Min'er, Yuan Jiajun, Huang Kunming, Liu Jinguo, Wang Xiaohong, Wu Zhenglong, Chen Yiqin, Zhang Jun, Ying Yong, Hu Chunhua, Shen Yueyue, Wang Yong, Zhou Qiang, Pagbalha Geleg Namgyai, Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Leung Chun-ying, Batuur, Su Hui, Shao Hong, Gao Yunlong, Chen Wu, Mu Hong, Xian Hui, Wang Dongfeng, Jiang Xinzhi, Jiang Zuojun, He Baoxiang, Wang Guangqian, Qin Boyong, Zhu Yongxin, Yang Zhen, as well as members of the Central Military Commission Liu Zhenli, Zhang Shengmin, and others. John Lee Ka-chiu, Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and Ho Iat Seng, Chief Executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, attended the session as observers and were seated on the rostrum. Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) attending the third session of the CPPCC also attended the NPC session as observers. Responsible persons from relevant departments of the central and state organs, relevant units of the People's Liberation Army and the People's Armed Police Force, and various people's organizations attended or observed the session. Foreign envoys to China observed the session.
Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President of the People's Republic of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, emphasized on the afternoon of March 5, during his participation in a deliberation with the Jiangsu delegation to the third session of the 14th National People's Congress, that economic powerhouses must shoulder heavy responsibilities to successfully achieve the "14th Five-Year Plan" development goals. Jiangsu should grasp the key points of shouldering heavy responsibilities, taking the lead in promoting the integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, striving for excellence in advancing deep-seated reforms and high-level opening-up, leading the way in implementing major national development strategies, and setting an example in promoting common prosperity for all people. The deliberation by the Jiangsu delegation was serious and lively. Six deputies, including Zhao Jianjun, Xu Guanghui, Zhang Junjie, Li Xiaona, Miao Hangen, and Ke Jun, spoke respectively on accelerating green and low-carbon transformation and development, building an industrial technology innovation center, promoting the construction of translational medicine, building beautiful and harmonious communities, promoting the development of traditional industries, and protecting and inheriting traditional opera. After listening to their speeches, Xi Jinping delivered a speech. He first expressed his approval of the Government Work Report and affirmed Jiangsu's work, expressing hope that Jiangsu would fulfill its responsibility of shouldering heavy burdens and strive for new and greater achievements. Xi Jinping pointed out that scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation are the basic paths for developing new productive forces. When grasping scientific and technological innovation, it is necessary to focus on building a modern industrial system, insist on simultaneously addressing education, science and technology, and talent, so as to produce more scientific and technological achievements and transform them into tangible productive forces. When grasping industrial innovation, it is necessary to firmly hold on to the foundation of the real economy, and insist on simultaneously promoting the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries and opening up new tracks for strategic emerging industries and future industries. To grasp the integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, it is necessary to build platforms, improve institutional mechanisms, strengthen the dominant position of enterprises in innovation, and seamlessly connect the innovation chain and the industrial chain. Xi Jinping emphasized that with a large economic volume, greater impetus is needed for forward development. Jiangsu should take the lead in pilot reforms, and cultivate both internal and external strengths, constantly removing obstacles and increasing momentum through deepening reform and opening-up. It is necessary to fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, coordinate domestic and international efforts, grasp urban-rural integration and regional linkage, optimize the layout of productive forces, and strive to promote high-quality development. It is necessary to deepen the reform of market-based allocation of factors, and actively break down local protection, market segmentation, and "involution-style" competition. It is necessary to fully implement the spirit of the symposium on private enterprises, treat enterprises of all ownership types equally, and continuously optimize the business environment. It is necessary to steadily expand institutional opening-up and continuously expand space for international cooperation. Xi Jinping pointed out that economic powerhouses should assume greater responsibility in implementing major national development strategies. Jiangsu should actively take action and coordinate efforts in development strategies such as the integrated development of the Yangtze River Delta and the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. It is necessary to strengthen alignment with strategies such as the coordinated development of Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, deeply integrate into the high-quality joint construction of the "Belt and Road" initiative, and do a good job in pairing assistance work such as aid to Tibet and Xinjiang. It is necessary to diligently fulfill responsibilities in adhering to the red line of cultivated land, ensuring food security, protecting the ecological environment, and ensuring the safety of the South-to-North Water Diversion Project's water sources. Xi Jinping emphasized that economic powerhouses, developing faster, should actively explore experience and play a leading and示范 role in promoting common prosperity for all people. Jiangsu should continue to exert efforts in comprehensively revitalizing rural areas and promoting integrated urban-rural development, consolidating and expanding achievements in poverty alleviation, do more practical things in strengthening basic, inclusive, and bottom-line livelihood construction and resolving urgent and difficult issues for the people, and reach a new level in improving the social security system and enhancing the balanced accessibility of basic public services. In particular, it is necessary to focus on employment, the most basic livelihood. It is necessary to deepen urban and rural spiritual civilization construction, optimize the supply of cultural products and services, and empower economic and social development through culture. Xi Jinping pointed out that for economic powerhouses to shoulder heavy responsibilities, they must uphold the Party's overall leadership and lead high-quality development with high-quality Party building. Party organizations at all levels should enhance their political and organizational functions, and the vast number of Party members and cadres should bravely take on heavy burdens, forge ahead, and, with a pragmatic and down-to-earth work style and an image of abiding by rules and disciplines, being clean and honest, unite and lead the people to continuously create new situations in economic and social development. Cai Qi, 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, participated. Mu Hong and others also participated.
Li Qiang, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Premier of the State Council, attended a deliberation with the Yunnan delegation on the Government Work Report on the afternoon of March 5. After listening to the deputies' speeches, Li Qiang said that the past year has been an extraordinary period for China's development. Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, people of all ethnic groups across the country have forged ahead and overcome difficulties, successfully completing the main goals and tasks for economic and social development throughout the year, and Chinese modernization has taken new solid steps. The vast number of cadres and people in Yunnan have thoroughly implemented the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on Yunnan's work and the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, achieving new results in building a demonstration zone for ethnic unity and progress, striving to be a pioneer in ecological civilization construction, and building a radiating center facing South and Southeast Asia, showing many new highlights in economic and social development. Li Qiang emphasized that this year is the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan," and it is essential to further strengthen confidence and broaden thinking, promote sustained economic recovery and improvement, continuously enhance people's well-being, and maintain social harmony and stability with stronger commitment and more active actions. Yunnan holds an important position and role in the overall development of the country. It is necessary to adhere to Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as guidance, fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, implement the specific arrangements in the Government Work Report, leverage unique advantages, accelerate transformation and upgrading, and forge a new path of high-quality development through deepening reform and opening up. It is necessary to upgrade the tourism consumption sector to create new economic growth points. It is necessary to open up new spaces for green development, promote deep integration of "green electricity + advanced manufacturing," and develop green agriculture. It is necessary to strengthen the gateway for opening up to the southwest, and enhance the function of connecting internally and externally. It is necessary to follow the path of rural revitalization and prosperity, and effectively consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation. It is necessary to forge a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and safeguard ethnic unity and border stability.
Zhao Leji, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, participated in the deliberation of the Sichuan delegation on the afternoon of March 5. After listening to the deputies' speeches, he said that Premier Li Qiang's Government Work Report comprehensively implemented the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Second and Third Plenums of the 20th CPC Central Committee, objectively summarized achievements, and scientifically and reasonably arranged expected goals and key tasks. It is a good report with a clear theme, a sense of responsibility and enterprise, and encouraging and unifying content. Zhao Leji pointed out that over the past year, facing a complex and challenging situation with increasing external pressures and internal difficulties, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core united and led the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups across the country to forge ahead and overcome difficulties, successfully completing the main goals and tasks for economic and social development, and Chinese modernization has taken new solid steps. The achievements are hard-won and inspiring, making us more profoundly understand the decisive significance of "two establishments" and further strengthening our determination and confidence in comprehensively building a modern socialist country in the new era and on the new journey. We must unify our thoughts and actions with the CPC Central Committee's analysis and judgment of the situation and its decisions and arrangements, strengthen confidence, work diligently, reform and innovate, seek truth and be pragmatic, conscientiously carry out various tasks, and complete the "14th Five-Year Plan" goals and tasks with high quality, laying a solid foundation for a good start to the "15th Five-Year Plan." Zhao Leji fully affirmed Sichuan's achievements in economic and social development and expressed hope that Sichuan would thoroughly study and implement the important instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping on Sichuan's work and the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, implement them in light of Sichuan's actual conditions, promote the development of governing and revitalizing Sichuan in the new era to a new level, and contribute Sichuan's share to the comprehensive advancement of Chinese modernization. He also expressed hope that people's congresses at all levels in Sichuan Province would thoroughly study and implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speech at the conference celebrating the 70th anniversary of the founding of the National People's Congress, adhere to the Party's overall leadership over people's congress work, conscientiously perform all duties endowed by the Constitution and laws, and continuously improve the quality and level of people's congress work.
Wang Huning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, visited the Guizhou delegation on the afternoon of March 5 to deliberate on the Government Work Report with the deputies. After listening to the deputies' speeches, Wang Huning stated that Premier Li Qiang's Government Work Report embodies Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, and the spirit of the 20th CPC National Congress and the Second and Third Plenums of the 20th CPC Central Committee, and he fully endorsed the report. Wang Huning said that over the past year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, the main goals and tasks for economic and social development were successfully completed, and Chinese modernization has taken new solid steps. "We must profoundly understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishments' and resolutely uphold the 'Two Safeguards,' further strengthening our determination and confidence in advancing Chinese modernization." Wang Huning expressed hope that Guizhou would thoroughly study and implement Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, unswervingly implement General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions on Guizhou's work and the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, adhere to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, adhere to high-quality development as the overarching principle, fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the new development philosophy, serve and integrate into the new development paradigm, further deepen reform across the board, and earnestly complete the goals and tasks of the "14th Five-Year Plan." It is necessary to coordinate the transformation of traditional industries, the expansion of advantageous industries, and the cultivation of new productive forces, promote the healthy and high-quality development of the private economy, promote comprehensive rural revitalization, and promote green and low-carbon development. It is necessary to steadily improve the level of livelihood security in development, and earnestly promote the building of the community for the Chinese nation. It is necessary to comprehensively strengthen the Party's leadership and Party building, and promote cadres and the masses to enhance confidence, work diligently, and grasp implementation.
Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, attended a deliberation with the Liaoning delegation on the Government Work Report on the afternoon of March 5. After listening to the deputies' speeches, Ding Xuexiang said that he fully agreed with Premier Li Qiang's Government Work Report. He stated that over the past year, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, China's development has gone through an extraordinary journey and achieved significant accomplishments, with Chinese modernization taking new solid steps. The encouraging achievements under complex and challenging circumstances fundamentally stem from General Secretary Xi Jinping's navigation and guidance, and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. "We must more profoundly understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishments' from the extraordinary course of the development of the Party and state undertakings, strengthen our 'Four Consciousnesses,' firm up our 'Four Self-Confidences,' and achieve 'Two Safeguards,' always maintaining a high degree of consistency with the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core in thought, politics, and action." Ding Xuexiang emphasized that to successfully complete this year's development goals and tasks, it is essential to study and apply Xi Jinping's economic thought well. It is necessary to focus on the primary task of high-quality development, organically integrating effective qualitative improvement with reasonable quantitative growth. Efforts should be made to expand domestic demand, especially consumer demand, making domestic demand the primary driving force and stable anchor for economic growth. It is necessary to focus on scientific and technological innovation as the key, accelerating the development of new productive forces. It is necessary to focus on strengthening the construction of a unified national market, promoting the efficient allocation of factor resources. It is necessary to focus on safeguarding the bottom line of security, promoting the unity of high-quality development and high-level security. Ding Xuexiang expressed hope that Liaoning would thoroughly implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches, accelerate comprehensive revitalization, and make greater contributions to advancing Chinese modernization.
Li Xi, Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, participated in a deliberation with the Fujian delegation on the afternoon of March 5. After listening to the deputies' speeches, Li Xi stated that he fully agreed with Premier Li Qiang's Government Work Report. Over the past year, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has taken a holistic approach, calmly responded to changes, and united and led the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups across the country to successfully complete the main goals and tasks for economic and social development, promoting new major achievements in the Party and state undertakings. "We must firmly uphold the 'Two Establishments' and resolutely achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' further unifying our thoughts and actions with General Secretary Xi Jinping and the CPC Central Committee's decisions and arrangements, and working together with one heart and mind to forge ahead and strive for the Party's mission and tasks in the new era and on the new journey." Li Xi pointed out that the current period is crucial for comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization. He expressed hope that Fujian would bear in mind General Secretary Xi Jinping's earnest expectations, steadfastly pursue the goal of building a new Fujian with flexible mechanisms, excellent industries, prosperous people, and a beautiful ecology, develop new productive forces based on local conditions, accelerate the construction of a modern economic system, vigorously promote coordinated regional development and integrated urban-rural development, continuously explore new paths for integrated development across the Taiwan Strait, and bravely strive for excellence in the construction of Chinese modernization. Li Xi emphasized that high-quality development requires high-quality Party building to lead it. Discipline inspection and supervision organs should focus on the central tasks and serve the overall situation, adhere to managing the Party strictly with a spirit of reform and high standards, continuously promote the concretization, precision, and normalization of political supervision, constantly consolidate and deepen the achievements of Party discipline education, deeply advance the synchronized investigation and treatment of corruption and misconduct, persistently implement the spirit of the central eight-point frugality rules, deepen the rectification of misconduct and corruption issues around the people, and promote integrated efforts to ensure that officials do not dare to, are not able to, and do not want to be corrupt, providing strong guarantees for advancing Chinese modernization with new achievements in comprehensive strict Party governance.
Han Zheng, Vice President of the People's Republic of China, visited the Shandong delegation on the afternoon of March 5 to deliberate on the Government Work Report with the deputies. After listening to the deputies' speeches, Han Zheng stated that he fully agreed with Premier Li Qiang's Government Work Report. Han Zheng said that in 2024, facing a complex and challenging situation with increasing external pressures and internal difficulties, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core united and led the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups across the country to calmly respond and take comprehensive measures. The economy operated steadily and progressed, high-quality development was solidly promoted, the main goals and tasks for economic and social development were successfully completed, China's economic strength, scientific and technological strength, and overall national strength continued to increase, and Chinese modernization has taken new solid steps. These hard-won achievements fundamentally stem from General Secretary Xi Jinping's navigation and guidance, and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Han Zheng emphasized that this year is the final year of the "14th Five-Year Plan" and also an important year for further deepening reform across the board. "We must profoundly understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishments,' resolutely achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' unify our thoughts and actions with the CPC Central Committee's scientific judgment of the situation and its decisions and arrangements, and diligently implement various tasks to successfully complete the annual goals and tasks." It is necessary to coordinate the relationship between aggregate supply and aggregate demand, expand domestic demand in an all-round way, promote high-level self-reliance and strength in science and technology, lead the development of new productive forces through scientific and technological innovation, further deepen reform and opening-up across the board, and promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. Han Zheng expressed hope that Shandong would earnestly study and implement the spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important speeches during his inspection tour in Shandong, firmly shoulder the mission and responsibility of "leading the way and bearing the heavy burden," and strive to write a new chapter of Chinese modernization in Shandong.
National People's Congress (NPC) deputies attending the third session of the 14th NPC began deliberating the Government Work Report in groups this afternoon (March 5). Ma Xingrui, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regional Committee, said during his deliberation with the Xinjiang delegation that over the past year, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has been far-sighted, strategically planned, and overcome difficulties, steering the Chinese economy steadily and injecting strong momentum, leading Chinese modernization to take new solid steps. "We must earnestly study and implement the spirit of the 'Two Sessions,' fully, accurately, and comprehensively implement the Party's strategy for governing Xinjiang in the new era, and greet the 70th anniversary of the founding of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region with excellent achievements." Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, said during his deliberation with the Guangxi delegation that he fully agreed with the Government Work Report. The diplomatic and foreign affairs front will firmly uphold the "Two Establishments" and resolutely achieve the "Two Safeguards," and under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, will spare no effort to prevent and defuse external risks and challenges, creating a favorable external environment for the high-quality completion of the "14th Five-Year Plan" goals and tasks and a good start to the "15th Five-Year Plan." Yin Li, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Beijing Municipal Committee, said during his deliberation with the Beijing delegation that he agreed with the Government Work Report. Beijing will firmly uphold the "Two Establishments" and resolutely achieve the "Two Safeguards," fully implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee, establish a strong capital consciousness, adhere to the highest standards, and coordinate efforts in optimizing functions, promoting innovation, strengthening governance, improving people's well-being, fostering new trends, and ensuring safety, striving to write a Beijing chapter of Chinese modernization. Shi Taifeng, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Head of the United Front Work Department of the CPC Central Committee, said during his deliberation with the Hunan delegation that in 2024, facing a complex and challenging situation, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core calmly responded and took comprehensive measures, and Chinese modernization has taken new solid steps. "We must profoundly understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishments' and resolutely achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' leveraging the political role of the united front in uniting hearts and gathering strength, and contributing to the achievement of economic and social development goals and tasks." Liu Guozhong, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Vice Premier of the State Council, said during his deliberation with the Henan delegation that he fully agreed with Premier Li Qiang's Government Work Report. "We must profoundly understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishments,' resolutely achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' unify our thoughts and actions with the CPC Central Committee's scientific judgment of the situation and its decisions and arrangements, learn and apply the experience of the 'Thousands of Villages Demonstration and Renovation Project,' promote comprehensive rural revitalization; and strengthen basic medical services to enhance the health and well-being of the people." Li Ganjie, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Head of the Organization Department of the CPC Central Committee, said during his deliberation with the Shaanxi delegation that last year's achievements were extraordinary, fundamentally due to General Secretary Xi Jinping's navigation and guidance, and the scientific guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. "I fully agree with the Government Work Report. We must firmly uphold the 'Two Establishments' and resolutely achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' and do a good job in organizational work with a spirit of reform and strict standards, providing strong organizational guarantees for the successful conclusion of the '14th Five-Year Plan.'"
Members of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) held group deliberations on the CPPCC Standing Committee's Work Report and the Report on Proposals Handling this afternoon (March 5). They believed that the CPPCC should rally more closely around the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, firm up confidence in victory, gather the strength to forge ahead, and promote the work of the CPPCC in the new era and on the new journey to a new level. Hu Chunhua, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a discussion with the CPC sector members' group that he fully agreed with the Government Work Report and the CPPCC National Committee's Work Report. General Secretary Xi Jinping has led the Party and the country to achieve new great accomplishments. "We must profoundly understand the decisive significance of the 'Two Establishments' and achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' actively engaging in consultation and deliberation." Shen Yueyue, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a discussion with the CPC sector members' group that under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, Chinese modernization has achieved new major accomplishments. "We must firmly uphold the 'Two Establishments' and resolutely achieve the 'Two Safeguards,' strengthen confidence, work diligently, and strive together to complete the annual goals and tasks." Wang Yong, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a discussion with the economic sector members' group that significant achievements were made in the Party and state undertakings over the past year, and the achievements are inspiring. "We must resolutely implement the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, fulfill our duties and responsibilities around the Party's central tasks, and contribute to advancing Chinese modernization." Edmund Ho Hau Wah, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a discussion with the Macao Special Administrative Region invited personages sector members' group that CPPCC members from Macao must deeply study Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, actively participate in the construction of Hengqin, do a good job in internal connections and external communication, assist Macao's appropriate economic diversification, and make greater contributions to Chinese modernization. Batuur, Vice Chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, said during a discussion with the ethnic minority sector members' group that it is necessary to better leverage the role of the CPPCC as a specialized consultative body, focus on promoting the building of the community for the Chinese nation, and broadly gather hearts, consensus, wisdom, and strength for comprehensively advancing the building of a strong country and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese modernization.
The first "Deputies' Passage" of the third session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC) opened today (March 5), with six NPC deputies walking onto the "Deputies' Passage" to meet and interact with media reporters. The first NPC deputy to walk onto the passage was Lei Jun, who attended a symposium for private enterprises on February 17 and deeply felt the care and support of the CPC Central Committee for private enterprises. Over the past five years, his company has invested over 100 billion yuan in core technology research and development, and the company will continue to increase investment in scientific and technological innovation in the future. Scientific and technological innovation is the core competitiveness for Chinese brands to stand firm in the world. NPC deputy Zhou Yunjie recounted the inspiring story of his company's "ten years of sharpening a sword," establishing international standards with original technology and earning global respect. Currently, the company has established ten research and development centers globally, launched over 200 original products, and its overseas market share has reached 53%. With over 300 million people aged 60 and above in China, how can we ensure that the elderly are cared for? Geshi Wangmu, an NPC deputy from Ngawa Tibetan and Qiang Autonomous Prefecture in Sichuan, who grew up from an orphan to an NPC deputy, most deeply felt that with the support of the Party and the government, the grassroots elder care service system is continuously improving. Common prosperity is the essential characteristic of socialism. Zhang Tianren, an NPC deputy from Zhejiang, the first common prosperity demonstration zone in the country, shared the successful exploration of his village in pairing up with and jointly building villages in central and western provinces for common prosperity. On today's Deputies' Passage, NPC deputies Zhang Junjie and Zhang Dongxu also answered reporters' questions on topics such as promoting mutual recognition of medical examinations and enhancing the effectiveness of synthetic operations.
The first "Ministers' Passage" of the "Two Sessions" opened today (March 5), with four officials from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Education, the State Administration for Market Regulation, and the National Financial Regulatory Administration responding to hot topics of concern to media reporters. Liu Wei, Minister of Transport, introduced that China's comprehensive three-dimensional transportation network has now exceeded 6 million kilometers, and the world's largest high-speed rail network, expressway network, postal and express delivery network, and world-class port clusters have been built. In terms of reducing logistics costs, in 2024, the total social logistics costs nationwide were reduced by approximately 400 billion yuan, of which transportation costs were reduced by 280 billion yuan. Huai Jinpeng, Minister of Education, said that this year, a strategic action will be launched to better accelerate and strengthen talent cultivation in serving national strategies and scientific and technological development. The "Strong Base Plan" will be strengthened, and investment in cultivating basic disciplinary talents will continue to be increased, accelerating the layout in fields such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and new energy. Luo Wen, Director of the State Administration for Market Regulation, introduced that last year, China investigated and punished 3,042 cases of illegal corporate fee charges, ordering the fee collection entities to refund 1.36 billion yuan to enterprises. This year, "both symptom and root cause" approaches will be adopted to address illegal corporate fee charges. Li Yunze, Director of the National Financial Regulatory Administration, introduced that in 2024, China's banking capital adequacy ratio increased to 16%, insurance solvency rose to 200%, and the non-performing loan ratio decreased to 1.5%, with key financial regulatory indicators all within a healthy range. Last year, the banking and insurance industries added over 30 trillion yuan in new funds. This year, financial support for consumption promotion and people's well-being will also be increased. In addition, the four ministers also answered reporters' questions on hot topics such as the construction of a strong transportation nation, basic education, platform economy, and financial support for scientific and technological innovation.
Today (March 5), the State Council Information Office held a briefing, inviting relevant officials from the State Council Research Office to interpret the "Government Work Report." In response to the question "Why has China set this year's economic growth target at around 5%?", the relevant official stated that this was formulated after comprehensively considering domestic and international situations and various factors, balancing needs and possibilities, and fully embodying the clear orientation of rising to challenges and striving for progress. Currently, the momentum of China's sustained economic recovery and improvement is continuously being consolidated and expanded, and a package of incremental and existing policies are continuing to play their roles. In particular, the more proactive and effective macro-policy mix implemented this year is bound to provide strong policy support for economic growth. The relevant official stated that this year's "Government Work Report" particularly emphasizes promoting high-quality development, further deepening reform across the board, and embodying "people's well-being first," proposing a series of practical and people-concerned livelihood measures. At the briefing, the relevant official also answered reporters' questions on hot topics such as boosting consumption, building a unified national market, and boosting the confidence of enterprises, especially private enterprises.
The China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing announced today (March 5) that the China Bulk Commodity Price Index in February was 112.6 points, an increase of 1.3% month-on-month. As enterprise production quickly recovered after the Spring Festival and downstream consumption rebounded, the bulk commodity price index rose month-on-month, and was better than in previous years. Among the 50 major bulk commodities monitored by the China Federation of Logistics & Purchasing, 25 saw price increases month-on-month in February. By industry, the price indices for agricultural products, non-ferrous metals, ferrous metals, and chemicals increased. Among them, the agricultural product price index rose by 3.5% month-on-month, increasing for two consecutive months, indicating a relatively strong growth momentum in the consumer market. In addition, with the positive development of manufacturing industries such as automobiles and home appliances, and accelerated infrastructure investment, demand in the steel market increased, providing support for steel prices and driving the ferrous metal price index to rebound from its decline.
As the 62nd Lei Feng Day approaches, various regions and departments have organized a variety of activities to inherit and practice the Lei Feng spirit in the new era. In recent days, the Central Committee of the Communist Youth League has organized youth organizations at all levels to widely carry out diverse Lei Feng volunteer service activities. Various regions have held "Learn from Lei Feng Role Model Ideological and Political Classes," leading young people to deeply study Lei Feng's deeds and allowing the Lei Feng spirit to shine brightly in the new era. Young volunteers are active in various corners of urban and rural areas, meticulously organizing volunteer service markets, patiently teaching the elderly how to use smartphones, and popularizing anti-fraud knowledge. In the fields, volunteers provide professional agricultural technology training to growers, delivering practical agricultural knowledge to farmers and adding bricks to rural revitalization. In paired rural primary schools, caring teaching support activities are warmly ongoing, with young volunteers opening "AI Dream Classrooms" to light up children's technological dreams. In Fushun, Liaoning, the birthplace of the Lei Feng spirit, a continuous stream of tourists visited the Lei Feng Memorial Hall, where people viewed precious exhibits and reviewed Lei Feng's ordinary yet great life. Primary and secondary schools in many parts of Henan held various forms of themed class meetings to inherit the Lei Feng spirit. In Harbin, Heilongjiang, Lei Feng service teams shared their experiences of helping others with students. In Hangzhou, Zhejiang, children listened to national labor models tell stories of volunteer service. At the Lei Feng Cultural Museum in Pingxiang, Jiangxi, people listened to explanations and viewed physical objects, appreciating the Lei Feng spirit. Various regions also promoted the normalization of volunteer services through practical actions of learning from Lei Feng. In Beijing, Tianjin, and Chongqing, "Learn from Lei Feng" volunteers from all walks of life went into construction sites, communities, and other grassroots areas to carry out public welfare activities such as "respecting and caring for the elderly." In Changsha, Hunan, Lei Feng's hometown, "Civilized Practice I Act" brought services such as safety lectures and home appliance repairs to people's doorsteps. In Taiyuan, Shanxi, Nanning, Guangxi, and Fushong, Jilin, young volunteers provided convenient services for the public through their personal efforts. In Lei Feng's former unit, the "Learn from Lei Feng at Work, Be a Pioneer in Overcoming Difficulties" activity was carried out. Many military medical workers went deep into communities and old revolutionary base areas to carry out free health clinics, deliver medicines, and other activities, conveying warmth and strength.
Today (March 5), over 1,000 primary and secondary schools in Xigaze City, Tibet, opened for the new semester. At 9:30 AM, more than 200 teachers and student representatives from Dingri County Middle School and Quluo Township and Cuoguo Township Complete Primary Schools participated in the new semester opening ceremony. They also held video connections with students in Beijing and Chengdu for activities such as joint choir performances. Affected by the magnitude 6.8 earthquake in Dingri, Tibet, 79 schools in Dingri County were damaged to varying degrees. After hazard elimination, repair, and reinforcement, 76 schools reopened at their original sites. More than 1,400 students from 3 primary schools in Changsuo Township, Quluo Township, and Cuoguo Township were properly arranged in 4 resettlement sites in Dingri County seat for nearby enrollment. Today, schools in many parts of Tibet, including those in the earthquake-stricken areas, conducted "first lesson of the semester" activities by integrating vivid cases that emerged during the earthquake relief efforts.
Today (March 5) marks Jingzhe (Awakening of Insects), the third solar term of the twenty-four solar terms, signaling the beginning of mid-spring. "Light rain nourishes new plants, the first thunder awakens insects." During Jingzhe, the spring thunder begins to rumble, announcing the departure of cold winter. At this time, temperatures rise, rainfall increases, and all things on Earth, having accumulated strength throughout the winter, stir and flourish in response to the season. "When Jingzhe arrives, the hoe never rests." In many regions, people consider Jingzhe the start of spring plowing, with fields bustling with activity as people work diligently in the early spring.
The emergency summit of Arab nations concluded in Egypt's new administrative capital on March 4. The declaration issued at the meeting expressed opposition to any form of expulsion of the Palestinian people and supported Egypt's plan for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. According to the plan, a non-factional committee will be established under the supervision of the Palestinian National Authority to manage the Gaza Strip for at least six months. Hamas welcomed the plan on the same day, stating its rejection of external forces determining the future of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement opposing the plan, claiming that the Palestinian National Authority's involvement in leading the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip lacks a realistic basis.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reiterated on March 4 measures to impose retaliatory tariffs on US goods, and Canada will file a complaint with the World Trade Organization. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated on March 4 that Mexico does not accept any form of hegemony, and Mexico will announce measures to respond to US and Canadian tariffs on March 9.
The earth is warming, rivers are surging, and life is flourishing. To conclude the program, let's enter "China in Spring."
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