China.org.cn | November 2, 2024
Speakers:
Mr. Pei Jinjia, minister of the Ministry of Veteran Affairs (MVA)
Mr. Ma Feixiong, vice minister of the MVA
Mr. Wang Zhongcheng, director general of the Department of Support and Preferential Treatment of the MVA
Mr. Gao Haibin, deputy director general of the Department of Ideology and Rights Protection of the MVA
Chairperson:
Ms. Xing Huina, deputy director general of the Press Bureau of the State Council Information Office (SCIO) and spokesperson of the SCIO
Date:
Sept. 13, 2024
Xing Huina:
Ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon! Welcome to this press conference hosted by the State Council Information Office (SCIO). Today's event is part of the "Promoting High-Quality Development" series. We have invited Mr. Pei Jinjia, minister of the Ministry of Veteran Affairs (MVA), to brief you on relevant developments and to answer your questions. Also present today are Mr. Ma Feixiong, vice minister of the MVA; Mr. Wang Zhongcheng, director general of the Department of Support and Preferential Treatment of the MVA; and Mr. Gao Haibin, deputy director general of the Department of Ideology and Rights Protection of the MVA.
Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Pei for his briefing.
Pei Jinjia:
Thank you, Ms. Xing. Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, hello everyone! I am delighted to meet you all. On behalf of the Ministry of Veterans Affairs, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for your continued attention and support for veterans' affairs.
General Secretary Xi Jinping highly values the work related to veterans' affairs, making a series of important discourses. On the eve of this year's national conference on work related to veterans' affairs, the general secretary issued important instructions, emphasizing that veterans are a precious asset to the Party and the nation, and an important force in advancing Chinese modernization. The work related to veterans' affairs is crucial to reform, development and stability, as well as the goals of building a strong military. We have earnestly studied and implemented General Secretary Xi Jinping's important discourses, have thoroughly implemented the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the second and third plenary sessions of the 20th CPC Central Committee. Our focus is on contributing to economic and social development and supporting national defense and military development. Our aim is to make military service a profession that is respected by society and ensure that veterans are honored by all. We continue to promote reform and innovation, driving high-quality development in veterans' affairs.
First, we have strengthened ideological and political leadership and guidance. Adhering to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, we have educated and led veterans to firmly support the establishment of Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, as well as the establishment of the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. We have also upheld Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and upheld the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. We have carried out national commendations for model veterans and other exemplary figures, along with activities such as "Veterans Always Follow the Party," encouraging veterans to remain true to their revolutionary military nature, strengthen their convictions, exhibit patriotic dedication, and strive for more achievements. We have solemnly welcomed home and laid to rest the remains of the martyrs of the Chinese People's Volunteers from South Korea, and have strengthened the construction, management and protection of memorial facilities for martyrs both domestically and abroad. This has fostered admiration for heroism, promoted the spirit of the martyrs and cultivated a sense of patriotism and national pride among the public.
Second, we have deepened the reforms of institutions and mechanisms. We have advanced the standardization and normalization of the service guarantee system and launched pilot projects for the new profession of veterans' affairs specialists. Synergy mechanisms, such as departmental consultations and the "dual list" system of mutual support between the military and local governments, have been improved to continuously shape a work pattern of military-local coordination, inter-departmental cooperation, top-down linkage, and joint efforts. We have deepened policy and system research, pushed forward the formulation of a set of regulations on the settlement of veterans, and revised the regulations on pensions and preferential treatment for servicemen, as well as the regulations on commending martyrs, improving various laws and policies. These efforts have comprehensively strengthened and advanced the organizational management system, operational work system, and policy and institutional frameworks.
Third, we have vigorously served the goal of building a strong country with a strong military. We have aligned ourselves with major national strategies, introduced measures to encourage and support veterans, boosted the brand of volunteer services, and guided veterans to actively participate in tasks such as rural revitalization, ecological protection, border stabilization and development, and emergency rescue and disaster relief. Keeping pace with national defense and military reforms, we have actively supported the armed forces' combat readiness, optimized the emergency and war response mechanisms for promoting mutual support between the military and civilians, and strengthened frontline support capacities, including special care hospitals, halls of honor, and military supply stations. We have facilitated the smooth transition of veterans and military personnel with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities, continuously carried out activities to promote mutual support between the military and civilians, and helped alleviate concerns for military officers, personnel, and their families.
Fourth, we have focused on optimizing service guarantees. Emphasizing fairness and justice, we have adopted various methods such as exams, assessments, and direct settlements to properly place veterans. We have innovated and optimized education and training, broaden employment channels, and improved entrepreneurial support policies such as tax and financial incentives, striving to build a broad stage for veterans to use their talents and to assist in the transformation of military human resources. We have strengthened the construction of service centers (stations), focusing on the urgent needs of veterans and striving to clear the "last mile" in service delivery. We continue to raise the standards for pensions and subsidies, enrich preferential treatment scenarios, and promote new models of smart elderly care as well as the integration of medical and elderly care to provide better guarantees and higher-quality services. We have improved mechanisms to assist those in difficulty, launched the "Warmth for Veterans" initiative, and strived to do more meaningful work for veterans, like providing timely help when it is most needed, ensuring that the benefits of development are shared more equitably.
Ladies and gentlemen, friends from the media, our veterans have made significant contributions to national defense and military development. Even after retiring, they remain dedicated, carrying forward their mission as they take on new roles and pursuing their dreams. We will always use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to cultivate unity and bolster morale. We will also fully implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC Central Committee's third plenary session, further deepening reforms comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. We will take on new responsibilities and demonstrate greater initiative in supporting a strong nation and military, enhancing service guarantees, and strengthening education and management. We aim to lead our veterans to actively engage in modernization efforts, creating new prospects for the high-quality development of veterans' affairs.
As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, on behalf of the MVA, I sincerely wish all veterans and their families happiness, peace, good health, and success in their endeavors. I also wish our media friends a joyful Mid-Autumn Festival. Thank you all.
Xing Huina:
You may now raise your hands to ask questions. Please state your news organization before asking.