Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday emphasized strengthening the role of education in supporting scientific and technological advancement, as well as talent development.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, called for a deep understanding of the role of education, science and technology, and talent in driving Chinese modernization.
The goal is to cultivate a steady stream of talent, unlock their full potential, and ensure their abilities are fully utilized, Xi said while attending a joint group meeting during the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), the top political advisory body.
The meeting was attended by national political advisors from the China Democratic League, the China Association for Promoting Democracy, and the education sector.
Xi stressed the importance of maintaining the correct orientation in running schools as China works to become a global leader in education, science and technology, and talent development.
He called for nurturing a new generation of capable young people with the moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills needed to contribute to the socialist cause.
He emphasized the need to equip students with the Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.
To develop a high-quality educational system that meets public expectations, the key lies in deepening comprehensive education reforms, Xi said.
It is important to refine the school management system, grant schools greater autonomy in decision-making, and continuously advance law-based school administration, he added.
For independent sci-tech innovation and self-reliant talent training to reinforce each other, education must play a fundamental and leading role, Xi noted.
He stressed the need to refine mechanisms that align talent cultivation with economic and social development to enhance the quality and efficiency of self-reliant talent training.
Noting that advancing education, sci-tech and talent development is a shared responsibility of the entire Party and society, Xi urged the CPPCC to fully leverage its role as a specialized consultative body.
