China.org.cn | November 2, 2024
Xing Huina:
Due to time constraints, we will take two final questions.
National Business Daily:
We understand that a system of veterans service centers and stations covering six levels from the state to the villages and communities has been established nationwide. What measures have been taken to enhance the effectiveness of these service centers and stations? What new plans and initiatives are in place for the service support system moving forward? Additionally, how do you ensure that services reach every veteran, especially those in remote areas and veterans facing difficulties? Thank you.
Gao Haibin:
Thank you for your questions. Service centers and stations for veterans at all levels are bridges to directly connect with veterans, platforms for providing specific services, and crucial fronts for implementing policies at the community level. In recent years, we've focused on enhancing their role by strengthening and optimizing the service and support system. We have improved policies and systems by issuing guiding documents, incorporating service center and station construction into the Veterans Support Law, guiding local governments to refine supporting measures, and promoting standardized operations. We've consolidated the foundation at the community level by adopting the Fengqiao model for promoting community-level governance in the new era, shifting the work priority to the community level, providing proactive services, strengthening community-level platforms, and publishing service lists. We have improved service capacity, achieving "four respects, five cares, and six must-visits" for new recruits, retirees returning home, and daily care. We have worked faster to advance career development for veterans' affairs personnel, strengthening regular training, facilitating exchanges and learning, and continuously improving staff capabilities in policy understanding, public engagement, and dispute resolution. Moving forward, we'll further identify priorities for deepening reform and take practical measures to better serve and support our vast veteran community.
First, we will consolidate the achievements of comprehensive service center coverage. In combination with institutional reform, we'll guide local governments to optimize service station construction and service window settings, coordinate resources from all parties, explore new service models, and encourage nongovernmental actors to participate in the supply of veteran services.
Second, we will extend the reach of service and support. Recognizing that many veterans live and work across different regions, we will explore the establishment of a coordination mechanism for cross-regional services and management. This will help us dynamically track where veterans are, what they're doing, and what they need, allowing timely follow-up on services and support. We'll encourage and support universities, enterprises, and business districts with the resources to voluntarily set up service stations, expanding our service scope and strengthening the service network.
Third, we'll implement "Internet Plus" services. We will promote the application of information technology, optimize service processes, vigorously advance one-stop services, promote a "single-visit" model for in-person requirements, and support mobile app-based services. This will allow veterans to access services with just a few taps on their smartphones, providing them with higher-quality, more convenient services.
Fourth, we will enhance service quality and efficiency. We'll focus on pressing difficulties and problems that concern veterans most, maintaining regular contact, coordinating with civil affairs, human resources and social security departments to implement social assistance and employment support policies, and integrating resources to provide tangible, accessible services for veterans in remote areas through home visits, paired assistance, volunteer services and remote online consultations. In this way, we'll ensure veterans feel that services are readily available. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
One last question, please.
China News Service:
Inheriting revolutionary traditions and carrying forward the spirit of heroes and martyrs is of great significance in strengthening our original aspiration and mission, reinforcing patriotism, and fostering a Chinese ethos. What work has the MVA done in this regard in recent years? Thank you.
Pei Jinjia:
Thank you. This is an excellent question. General Secretary Xi Jinping has stated that a promising nation cannot go without heroes or pioneers. In recent years, the MVA has focused on the Party's and country's central work, promoting the deeds and spirit of heroes and martyrs. We've actively guided the public to honor martyrs' legacies, inherit the revolutionary traditions and gather momentum for advancing in the new era. We've mainly focused on the following tasks:
First, we have deeply honored our fallen heroes and martyrs. We've organized a series of activities focusing on celebrating the centenary of the CPC, the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Chinese People's Volunteers (CPV) entering the Democratic People's Republic of Korea to fight in the War to Resist U.S. Aggression and Aid Korea, honoring our martyrs. At the same time, we have solemnly welcomed back the remains of CPV martyrs buried in South Korea, with a total of 369 remains returned over six consecutive years. We have also set up a national search team for the remains of martyrs and a national laboratory for DNA identification of martyrs' remains. Meanwhile, we have increased financial input for many consecutive years and raised the subsidies and benefits for the families of martyrs, which fully reflects the Party's and state's memory of and high respect for the martyrs. We have actively guided the people to be keenly aware of the hard-earned establishment of the CPC's political power, the People's Republic of China, and our current happy lives.
Second, we have organized initiatives to learn from heroes and martyrs. We have carried out activities such as "Centennial Heroes and Martyrs" and "Veterans Always Follow the Party: Education Events by Veterans." We've also launched distinctive and influential revolutionary literary and artworks. At the same time, we have guided all localities and units to organize themed party day and youth league day activities, as well as recitation activities themed "Inheriting Revolutionary Traditions." We have advocated the social value of paying tribute to heroes and martyrs and learning from them. We aim to guide people in emulating heroes' and martyrs' firm ideals and beliefs, selfless dedication, and strong sense of responsibility.
Third, we have carried forward revolutionary traditions. We have conducted publicity events such as "Paying Respect to Heroes and Martyrs at Qingming Festival" and activities in September for several consecutive years. Focusing on strengthening the education of young people, we have jointly issued opinions on making good use of revolutionary resources to enhance patriotic education. At the same time, we have organized ideological and political theory courses related to revolutionary heritage on campuses and carried out activities such as "red scarf guides" and "junior military academies." Through these efforts, we have guided people to never forget the sacrifice and dedication of the martyrs, draw strength from them, and take their job requirements as a starting point to work hard, maintain a strong will, and forge ahead in the great journey of advancing Chinese modernization. We have encouraged young people to establish lofty ideals, carry forward our revolutionary heritage, and write a vivid chapter of youth.
The Chinese nation is a nation of heroes, and the new era is an era that makes heroes. We will take the revision of the Regulations on Honoring Martyrs as an opportunity to further strengthen the study and publicity of heroes' and martyrs' deeds, improve the system and mechanism for honoring them, continue to carry out activities to pay tribute to heroes and martyrs and care for martyrs' families, and use their deeds and spirits to educate and guide people to strengthen their original aspiration and mission. This is an effort to create a social atmosphere in which people look up to heroes, learn from them, and strive to become pioneers. Thank you.
Xing Huina:
Today's briefing is hereby concluded. Thank you to all the speakers and friends from the media. See you next time.
Translated and edited by Zhang Rui, Liu Qiang, Yan Xiaoqing, Zhou Jing, Yang Xi, Mi Xingang, Zhang Junmian, Liao Jiaxin, Wang Qian, Liu Jianing, Li Huiru, Xu Kailin, Huang Shan, Rochelle Beiersdorfer, David Ball, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.