President Xi Jinping Engages with Jiangsu Delegation During National People's Congress

On March 5, 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping, in his capacity as General Secretary of the Communist Party and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, participated in a deliberation session with the Jiangsu delegation during the ongoing 14th National People's Congress (NPC) in Beijing. This marks Xi's commitment for three consecutive years in engaging with this delegation, highlighting the increasing significance placed on regional discussion in national governance.

Significance of Social Governance

The deliberation sessions served to underscore the importance of social governance as part of China's modernization efforts. During the discussions, President Xi posed a compelling question to the lawmakers regarding community demographics, particularly inquiring about the population numbers in their respective areas. The encouraging response came from Li Xiaona, an NPC deputy from Lianyungang, who reported a growth in residents from 3,000 to 7,266 over her 12 years in the community. This growth, she noted, shows the vitality and expansion of grassroots engagement in community settings, something Xi fondly recalled from his past when neighborhood committees were much lower in numbers and resources.

Xi further stressed the need for cohesive community support systems, expressing concern for the welfare of both the elderly and children within these populous units. He acknowledged that while senior centers are common, there's a risk of becoming overly dependent on welfare models, suggesting a more sustainable approach tailored to community needs. This includes expanding both volunteer services and healthcare professions focused on elderly care, as well as improving daycare services for children to ensure they receive safe and enriched environments.

Addressing New Employment Forms

A notable highlight from the deliberation was the acknowledgment of the evolving workforce landscape within China. President Xi noted, based on recent data, that 84 million individuals are employed in new forms of work, which constitutes 21% of the national workforce. This aligns with the CPC's objectives aiming for robust and adaptable methods of governance tailored to these new job markets. Xi made it clear that as the social dynamics grow more complex, so too must the management solutions that accompany these emerging employment opportunities.

Innovations in Medical and Technological Fields

One of the standout moments of the gathering was an inspiring exchange with Zhang Junjie, an NPC deputy and cardiologist, who shared remarkable stories of innovation in medical technology. Zhang depicted the advancement in surgical techniques, particularly concerning a domestically produced mitral valve clip which enabled groundbreaking minimally invasive heart surgery on a 92-year-old patient. His pride in the domestic production rate of cardiovascular materials was palpable, and Xi's affirmation of these advances reflected a national push toward self-sufficiency in technological innovations.

Xi emphasized the necessity for Jiangsu, known for its economic prowess, to spearhead initiatives integrating technology and industry innovations, reiterating how critical innovation is as a growth driver. Jiangsu's significant budgetary increase in technological investments serves as a benchmark for other regions aiming for similar transformative aspirations.

Conclusion

The deliberation underscored a holistic governance strategy aimed at elevating social welfare and embracing technological advancements. President Xi's interactions with Jiangsu deputies during the NPC epitomized a government deeply invested in grassroots concerns, progressive mindsets, and innovative spirits, as officials commit to enhancing public welfare and technological capabilities across China's vast landscape. Xi left the delegates with a clear directive: to make actionable steps that solidify the foundations of people's livelihoods while adapting governance to meet evolving demands. His call to prioritize people-centric governance echoed strongly throughout the session, reinforcing a clear path towards a brighter future grounded in unity and innovation.