China Daily:

According to the report to the 20th CPC National Congress, we will build a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in. What specific arrangements have been made in this regard in the No. 1 central document for 2023? Thank you.

Liu Huanxin:

Thank you for your question. General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed that building a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in is integral to building China's strength in agriculture. From building a beautiful countryside to a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in, the content and goal of rural development have been further enriched and broadened. It also underlines how rural development should focus on both material elements and the people and work on advancing material and cultural progress to achieve the all-around development of rural areas. The No. 1 central document for 2023 has made specific arrangements concerning building a beautiful and harmonious countryside that is desirable to live and work in, with a focus on advancing both material and cultural development. 

First, we will work to promote material development and ensure modern standards of living in rural areas. The report to the 20th CPC National Congress has taken ensuring modern standards of living in rural areas as one of China's overall development objectives by 2035. Last year, the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council issued the Action Plan on Rural Construction. We will focus on improving rural living environments, rural infrastructure, and basic public services and advance rural development in an effective and orderly manner. We will give priority to establishing three mechanisms. First, we will build the mechanism that gives full play to the guiding role of rural development plans. In response to the changes in urban-rural structure and new forms of the countryside, we will advance the planning and construction of urban and rural infrastructure and public service systems in a coordinated way. We will pool resources to work on projects that are inclusive, meet essential needs, and ensure basic living standards for people in difficulty. We will also give priority to programs that both bring convenience to people’s lives and promote production. Second, we will build a mechanism that improves the features of the countryside. The original features of the countryside will be demonstrated, and elements of modern life will also be incorporated. We will ensure the integrity of the space and modernization of the infrastructure and preserve the history and original features so as to preserve the customs and charms of the countryside and retain its cultural roots. Third, we will build the mechanism for farmers’ participation. We will respect farmers’ aspirations; widely listen to public opinions on what to build, how to build, and how to manage; and guide farmers to participate in the whole process of rural construction.

Second, we will work to promote cultural development in the countryside and foster a prevailing ethos of kindness, friendship, harmony, and peace. Since ancient times, China has valued the idea of harmony. People follow the laws of nature and take local conditions into consideration in agricultural production. In rural living, people pursue kindness and friendship and value peace and harmony. The villages and settlements are in harmony with the environment and nature. The idea of harmony shall be upheld throughout the process of rural construction to nurture people, educate people, and unite people so as to ensure good social morality and peace and stability in the countryside. First, we will integrate carriers to strengthen and improve rural governance. We will improve primary-level social governance platforms featuring grid-based management, meticulous services, and IT support and integrate effective systems, including a points-based system and the list system. We will also pool the strengths of various departments in a coordinated way to improve rural governance efficacy. Second, we will take innovative measures to advance progress in culture and ethics in the countryside. Based on the needs and desires of farmers, we will provide more interesting, farming-related rural cultural products and services that showcase harmonious living, amicable relationships, and beautiful surroundings in the countryside. We will continue to update outmoded and undesirable habits and customs, and prevent unhealthy tendencies and make extensive efforts to promote good habits and customs in the countryside by formulating regulations, improving village rules and regulations, and making party members and officials serve as role models.

Tang Renjian:

From a beautiful countryside to a beautiful and harmonious countryside, with one word – change – our goals have become richer and deeper. Thank you.