Xi Jinping Calls for Accelerated Progress Towards Making China a Leading Country in Education

Beijing, The Gulf Observer: Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for concerted efforts to achieve the strategic goal of making China a leading country in education, underscoring its vital role in national rejuvenation and modernization. Xi, who also serves as the general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made these remarks at a national education conference held in Beijing from Monday to Tuesday.

The timing of the meeting was significant, as it coincided with China’s 40th Teachers’ Day on Tuesday. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, Xi extended his greetings to teachers and education workers nationwide, recognizing their crucial contributions to the country’s development.

Xi highlighted that the push to modernize China’s education system accelerated following the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, with the ambitious goal of establishing China as a global leader in education by 2035. This objective, he stated, is integral to China’s broader aim of building a great nation and achieving national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization.

“Building a leading country in education is a complex and systematic endeavor,” Xi said, emphasizing the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education. He outlined the importance of enhancing China’s capacity for innovation in education, particularly through the development of basic and emerging disciplines, interdisciplinary subjects, and the cultivation of top-tier talent.

Xi also stressed the importance of strengthening collaboration between universities and enterprises in scientific research, aiming to drive advancements in both sectors. Additionally, he emphasized improving the inclusiveness, accessibility, and convenience of education as a public service, particularly in narrowing the gaps between urban and rural areas, regions, schools, and different social groups.

Further, Xi underscored the need to develop high-quality and balanced compulsory education, as well as to continue advancing the national education digitalization initiative to broaden access to quality educational resources. He called for the cultivation of a high-caliber teaching workforce, urging improvements in teachers’ status, pay, and welfare, with the goal of making teaching one of the most respected professions in China.

Xi also emphasized the importance of opening China’s education sector to the world, advocating for expanded international academic exchanges and strengthened cooperation in education and scientific research.

The meeting was chaired by Premier Li Qiang and attended by other senior leaders, including Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, and Li Xi. Concluding remarks were delivered by Ding Xuexiang. Prior to the meeting, Xi and other leaders met with representatives at an award ceremony honoring model teachers and outstanding institutions in the education sector.

This national meeting on education underscores the Chinese government’s commitment to advancing education as a pillar of national development and global leadership.