Recently, Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party, President of China, and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, issued significant directives regarding civil affairs work. He underscored the importance of enhancing basic social welfare systems that cater to the public and emphasized the need for proactive efforts to assist the people effectively.
During the 15th National Civil Affairs Conference held in Beijing on October 25-26, Premier Li Qiang delivered a speech reflecting on Xi’s directives, which acknowledged the remarkable achievements in civil affairs over recent years. He expressed a strong expectation for continued progress in this field, emphasizing the essential role of civil affairs in the broader context of China’s modernization.
Li highlighted that civil affairs embody the essence of humanity, showcase societal conscience, uphold moral standards, and reflect cultural continuity. He stressed that promoting China’s unique modernization requires elevating civil affairs to protect and advance the interests of various groups, including marginalized communities and people with disabilities, fostering unity and collective effort toward shared goals.
In his address, Li called for a profound commitment to serving the people, ensuring that policies are not only formulated based on diverse community needs but also effectively implemented. He urged a balance between rigid policy enforcement and flexible operational approaches, advocating for mechanisms to evaluate and refine these policies continuously.
Li’s speech also emphasized the importance of political responsibility in advancing civil affairs, urging officials to think strategically about how to improve the sector. He called for an active approach, engaging directly with grassroots communities to enhance insight and ensure that local needs are met.
Commissioner Chen Yiqin further reiterated the importance of embodying Xi Jinping’s directives within civil affairs work. She stressed the need to bolster the social assistance system, improve eldercare services, and promote reforms in various areas, including funeral services and charitable initiatives.
The conference recognized outstanding collectives and individuals from the national civil affairs system, with representatives from provinces and related sectors sharing their experiences. In attendance were officials from various governmental levels and organizations, all committed to advancing civil affairs for a new era in China.
