Beijing's Two Sessions Highlight Commitment to People's Wellbeing and Progress

Focus on People's Wellbeing at China's Two Sessions

The annual "two sessions" in Beijing are drawing global attention as key discussions on the future of Chinese people and their wellbeing take place. This significant event brings together deputies and advisors from across China to articulate their priorities for national development and address the concerns of the population.

President Xi Jinping has actively participated in these meetings consistently from 2013 to 2024, engaging in numerous deliberations aimed at understanding and enhancing the living standards of the nation's 1.4 billion citizens. His commitment underscores a belief in making even the smallest aspects of life impactful – from the necessity for warm homes and proper sanitation to essential services for communities.

Voices of Concern: Xi's Direct Engagement

During the proceedings, Xi highlights the importance of being in touch with the realities facing ordinary citizens. Notably, in 2017, while engaging with the Sichuan deputies, he expressed concern about villagers in Atule'er navigating perilous rattan ladders along steep cliffs. During his visits to various regions, such as Qinghai in 2021, he delved deeper into daily life, asking about restroom facilities, heating infrastructure, and local cultures, showcasing his focus on the minutiae that truly affect people's lives.

Xi emphasizes that development efforts should be centered around improving well-being, fostering a philosophy where the public actively participates in building their own happiness through shared progress. This people-centric approach was echoed in 2022 when Xi engaged with national advisors on agriculture and social security to discuss ongoing improvements in rural areas.

The Transformation of Atule'er

An illustration of these principles is found in Atule'er, where impoverished villagers were once faced with the perilous task of climbing 17 rattan ladders. Government initiatives over the years have transformed their village: a new steel ladder was built for safer access, and a relocation program enabled families to move to new homes with modern amenities. This not only improved their living conditions but also transformed the village into a tourist destination, fostering economic growth through agriculture and tourism supported by government funding.

Continuous Attention to Small Matters

Insights from deputies such as A Shengqing from Qinghai Province reflect Xi's personal investment in the population's wellbeing. When discussing local improvements, A Shengqing recounted Xi’s curiosity about the specifics of life in their communities, from sanitation to economic contributions of local crafts. Such interactions underline the belief that no detail is too small when it comes to governance, and every community voice is valued in the national discourse.

The government’s efforts to uplift areas like Banyan Village have been substantial, with significant investments leading to improved infrastructure, education, and healthcare. Per capita income increases illustrate the success of these initiatives; in Banyan Village alone, it soared to over 23,000 yuan by 2023.

Gansu's Development Boost

Another example of Xi's engagement with local needs can be seen in Gansu, where a deputy proposed a new expressway that would greatly benefit rural economies. After thorough research, the project was realized, culminating in completion in late 2023, which was instrumental in disaster response during a recent earthquake. This expressway stands as a testament to Xi’s philosophy that development should translate directly into improved lives for citizens, underlining a commitment to ensuring that policy leads to concrete benefits.

Conclusion: Modernization for People's Betterment

China's modernization journey is not merely about advancing economically; it is deeply steeped in a philosophy that prioritizes human well-being. Achievements in poverty alleviation, improvements in quality of life with increasing life expectancy, and massive success in social infrastructure reflect a commitment to ensure that the journey to a moderately prosperous society uplifts every citizen. As President Xi encapsulates succinctly, the ultimate objective remains straightforward yet ambitious: to deliver a better life for the people of China.