China stepped into 2024 with a clear mission: putting its people front and center in every aspect of modernization. But what sets Chinese-style modernization apart from other developed nations? For President Xi Jinping, it's all about prioritizing people over capital. 🙌
\"As far as Chinese modernization is concerned, the people's well-being matters the most,\" President Xi emphasized during his visit to Chongqing Municipality in April.
Serving the People First
Throughout the year, President Xi stressed that every issue affecting citizens, big or small, deserves utmost care. On his nationwide tours, he connected with everyday folks, chatting about their incomes, housing, healthcare, kids' education, and care for the elderly.
\"The Communist Party of China is dedicated to serving the people, and the well-being of people of all ethnic groups and every household is my concern,\" Xi shared while visiting a vibrant community in Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, in June.
In 2024, about 70% of the government's spending—over 28.55 trillion yuan ($3.91 trillion)—went straight to enhancing people's well-being. Big investments were made in education, social insurance, and employment, each surpassing 4 trillion yuan.
Bumper Harvest Feeds the Nation 🌾
Grain security and boosting rural life have been top priorities. President Xi often rolled up his sleeves in the countryside, meeting farmers in fields, greenhouses, and orchards. He asked about everything from crop production to income levels.
While visiting Hunan Province in March, Xi checked on spring farming preparations. He highlighted that with over 1.4 billion mouths to feed, securing the nation's grain supply is crucial.
He pushed for not just more grain, but better quality too, ensuring farmers thrive through cultivation.
And the hard work paid off! China's total grain output in 2024 exceeded 706 million tonnes—a 1.6% increase and a new record! 🌟 With more land dedicated to farming and higher yields, the future looks bright.
Plus, China's new food security law, aimed at guaranteeing grain supplies, kicked in this June.
Revitalizing the Countryside 🌄
Since declaring victory over absolute poverty in 2021, China's focus shifted to energizing rural areas. During his November visit to Hubei Province, Xi urged efforts to accelerate rural revitalization as a key step toward modernization.
This year, China identified 160 key counties for rural support, pouring over 177 billion yuan into their development.
Rural residents felt the impact, with per capita disposable incomes reaching 16,740 yuan in the first three quarters—a real-term increase of 6.3%!
The government also invested 7.4 billion yuan to enhance life in ethnic minority villages. Programs were launched to prevent people from slipping back into poverty, and as of September, around 60% of at-risk individuals had stabilized their lives.
Work-relief programs created 2.45 million jobs, distributing 31 billion yuan in wages—a big boost for local economies. By October's end, employment numbers soared, exceeding annual targets and strengthening poverty alleviation achievements.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
