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Read in Chinese

Speakers:

Mr. Mu Hong, a member of the leading Party members group of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), vice chairperson of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, and deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform

Mr. Han Wenxiu, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs and director of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group

Mr. Shen Chunyao, director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the National People's Congress (NPC) Standing Committee

Mr. Huai Jinpeng, secretary of the leading Party members group of the Ministry of Education and minister of education

Mr. Tang Fangyu, deputy director (ministerial level) of the Policy Research Office of the Central Committee of the CPC

Chairperson:

Mr. Mo Gaoyi, deputy director of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and minister of the State Council Information Office of China

Date:

July 19, 2024

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Mo Gaoyi:

Ladies and gentlemen, comrades, friends from the media, good morning. Welcome to this press conference held by the Central Committee of the CPC.

The 20th CPC Central Committee convened its third plenary session in Beijing from July 15 to 18. The session is significant as the CPC, unswervingly holding high the banner of reform and opening up, further deepens reform comprehensively with a view to advancing Chinese modernization on the new journey of the new era. All agenda items were successfully completed, and the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization was considered and adopted. Today, we have invited leading officials from relevant departments to brief you on the session's guiding principles and answer your questions.

Today, we have here with us:

Mr. Mu Hong, a member of the leading Party members group of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, vice chairperson of the 14th CPPCC National Committee, and deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Central Commission for Comprehensively Deepening Reform;

Mr. Han Wenxiu, deputy director in charge of routine work of the Office of the Central Commission for Financial and Economic Affairs and director of the Office of the Central Rural Work Leading Group;

Mr. Shen Chunyao, director of the Legislative Affairs Commission of the NPC Standing Committee;

Mr. Huai Jinpeng, secretary of the leading Party members group of the Ministry of Education and minister of education;

and Mr. Tang Fangyu, deputy director (ministerial level) of the Policy Research Office of the CPC Central Committee.

Now, I'll give the floor to Mr. Tang Fangyu, who will provide an overview of the session, its theme and the drafting work of related documents.

Tang Fangyu:

Good morning, everyone. I am pleased to brief you about the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

As you know, the 20th CPC Central Committee convened its third plenary session in Beijing from July 15 to 18. The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee presided over the meeting. General Secretary Xi Jinping delivered important addresses. Members and alternate members of the Central Committee attended the session. Members of the Standing Committee of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and leading officials from other relevant departments were present at the meeting in a non-voting capacity. Some of our colleagues working at the primary level and a number of experts and scholars who were delegates to the 20th National Party Congress also attended the meeting in a non-voting capacity. At the session, the Central Committee heard and discussed a report on the work of the Political Bureau, presented by Xi Jinping on behalf of the Political Bureau, and considered and adopted the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization. All the agenda items of the session were successfully completed.

At the session, the Central Committee fully affirmed the work of the Political Bureau since the second plenary session of the 20th Central Committee. It was unanimously agreed that in the face of a grave and complex international environment and the arduous tasks of advancing reform and development and ensuring stability at home, the Political Bureau has earnestly implemented the guiding principles of the 20th National Party Congress and the first and second plenary sessions of the 20th Central Committee, and made firm strides in building a modern socialist country in all respects. Our work during the past year and more demonstrates that as long as we are closely united around the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, use Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era to achieve unity in thinking and action, take concerted and proactive actions, adopt a pragmatic approach and make concrete efforts, we will continue securing new successes in building a modern socialist China in all respects.

The session's most important achievement is the consideration and adoption of the Resolution of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China on Further Deepening Reform Comprehensively to Advance Chinese Modernization. This was made the theme of the session after careful deliberation by the Party Central Committee. First, in the course of advancing Chinese modernization, there are multiple complex contradictories and issues. To overcome these difficulties and hurdles, we must further deepen reform comprehensively to better adapt the relations of production to the productive forces, the superstructure to the economic base, and national governance to social development, hence providing strong impetus and institutional support for Chinese modernization. Second, Chinese modernization is the Party's central task on the new journey of the new era. All the major strategic plans of the Party and the country, including further deepening reform comprehensively, must be designed and implemented to advance Chinese modernization. With further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization as the theme of the session, we have grasped the core and pivotal aspect of our development, which is highly significant.

The drafting of the resolution was conducted under the leadership of the Party Central Committee. General Secretary Xi Jinping was head of the drafting group. He personally steered the process, organized surveys, delivered guidance, and set the directions, playing a decisive role throughout the process. The drafting group meticulously followed General Secretary Xi Jinping's important instructions. They focused on thoroughly summarizing past experiences and maintaining the correct direction, and worked to ensure that the reforms are well-targeted and effective. Upholding the principle of putting the people first and focusing on systematic integration and comprehensive planning, the group conducted in-depth research, surveys, interviews and themed discussions. Various methods and channels were used to promote democracy and gather a wide range of ideas. Such efforts effectively incorporated insights from both within and outside the Party and helped to build broad consensus on reforms. The drafting process of the resolution was not only about planning and advancing reforms but also about inspiring and motivating everyone involved.

The resolution consists of 60 items in 15 parts and is divided into three major sections. The first section is an overview, highlighting the great significance of and the general requirements for further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. The second section presents a detailed account of comprehensive arrangements for reform across all fields and aspects, with economic structural reform as the spearhead. The third section mainly addresses strengthening the Party's leadership over reform and deepening institutional reforms related to Party building. The resolution puts forward over 300 important reform measures, all of which pertain to systems and mechanisms. Some of these measures are designed to improve and enhance past reform practices, while others are new initiatives driven by practical needs and based on pilot efforts and explorations.

During the session, the attendees fully discussed the draft version of the resolution and spoke highly of it. It has been agreed that the resolution carries forward steps for comprehensively deepening reform since the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. It is seen as a new chapter for advancing Chinese modernization on the new journey and another important guiding document in the history of our Party.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you.

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Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Tang. Now, let's give the floor to Mr. Mu Hong. He will walk us through the major achievements in comprehensively deepening reform since the beginning of the new era, as well as the overall objectives and principles of further deepening reform comprehensively.

Mu Hong:

Friends from the media, good morning. I will brief you on the major achievements in comprehensively deepening reform since the beginning of the new era, as well as the overall objectives and principles of further deepening reform comprehensively.

The resolution begins with the following statement: "The third plenary session of the 11th CPC Central Committee was epoch-making, starting a new period of reform and opening up and socialist modernization. The third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee was also epoch-making, ushering in a new journey of comprehensively deepening reform as well as systematically and holistically designing and advancing reform in the new era, and opening new ground for China's reform and opening up." This is an important assessment made by the Party Central Committee on the major achievements of comprehensively deepening reform since the beginning of the new era.

Since the Party's 18th National Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has brought together the entire Party, the military, and the Chinese people, leading them to break the shackles of stale thinking and tearing down barriers erected by vested interests with great historical initiative, tremendous political courage, and a powerful sense of mission. With the courage to brave uncharted waters, take on tough problems, and navigate potential dangers, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has made resolute efforts to remove institutional obstacles in all areas. This has achieved the transition from explorative reform for breakthroughs in individual sectors and areas to more integrated and comprehensively deepening reform, putting in place foundational institutional frameworks in all sectors. All these efforts have provided an effective institutional guarantee for completing the building of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and achieving the Party's first centenary goal, and have taken China on a new journey toward building a modern socialist country in all respects. These achievements are especially evident in the following aspects:

First, the strengths of socialism with Chinese characteristics have been consolidated and developed. Our foundational systems have been increasingly reinforced, basic systems have been continuously improved, and innovations in important systems have yielded fruitful results. Through the development of whole-process people's democracy, the system of institutions through which the people run the country has been improved to be more comprehensive, extensive and well-aligned. Progress has been made in building the system of socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics. This includes improvements to systems and mechanisms for sound legislation, strict law enforcement, impartial administration of justice, and widespread observance of the law throughout society. The guiding role of Marxism in the ideological domain has been upheld, and the system of advanced socialist culture has been continuously improved and developed.

Second, a strong impetus has been injected into economic development, driving China's economy toward high-quality development. Reforms to develop the socialist market economy have continued, the modern market system has been improved. Reforms for the market-based allocation of production factors have been advanced. Reforms of state-owned capital and state-owned enterprises have been deepened. The growth of the private sector has been facilitated, and efforts have been made to build systems and mechanisms to support all-around innovation. Reforms of fiscal, taxation and financial systems have been deepened, and systems and mechanisms for integrated urban and rural development have been improved. Efforts to build a new pattern of development have accelerated, alongside initiatives to build new systems that support a higher-standard open economy. The institutional environment has been continuously improved to ensure effective market mechanisms, dynamic market players, and sound macro regulation.

Third, historic, systemic, and holistic transformations have been achieved in many fields, and China's system and capacity for governance have been further modernized. For example, two rounds of large-scale reform in Party and state institutions have been conducted, and the system for these institutions to perform their duties better in light of new circumstances has been continuously improved. Ecological conservation systems have been established, and an institutional framework for ecological conservation has been put in place. This framework ensures tight prevention at the source, strict management in the process, due compensation for damage, and serious punishments for violations to keep our skies blue and our waters clear. The most extensive and far-reaching reform of national defense and the armed forces since the founding of the People's Republic of China has been carried out, realizing a holistic and groundbreaking transformation of the people's armed forces.

Fourth, the people's sense of fulfillment, happiness and security has continued to improve. Institutional innovation in key sectors such as income distribution, employment, education, medical services and social security has been pushed forward, creating the world's largest education, social security and healthcare systems. Systems and mechanisms for targeted poverty alleviation have been established and improved, helping to win the biggest battle against poverty in human history. The centralized, unified, high-performing, and authoritative leadership system for national security has been enhanced. An emergency management mechanism has been established and improved, and a social governance system based on collaboration, participation, and shared benefits has been implemented.

Fifth, the Party has strengthened itself through revolution and grown stronger. The Party's leadership systems have been continuously improved, and the oversight systems of the Party and the state have been enhanced. Systems and mechanisms for taking coordinated steps to ensure that officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to be corrupt have been established and improved. These measures have ensured the Party Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership and guaranteed that the Party fulfills its core role in providing overall leadership and coordinating the efforts of all sides.

We owe these historic achievements to the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, and to the sound guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era. Since the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, General Secretary Xi Jinping has personally taken charge, made plans and promoted the comprehensive deepening of reform. Aiming to promote innovation in reform through theoretical innovation, he has systematically elaborated on the mission, direction, objectives, strategies, driving forces and approaches of reform, and put forward a series of new ideas, viewpoints, and conclusions on comprehensively deepening reform, scientifically answering major theoretical and practical questions such as what banner to hold and what path to take in the new era, as well as why and how to comprehensively deepen reform. All these demonstrate the charm of truth and the strength of practice in guiding new practices and leading new changes, providing powerful theoretical tools for further deepening reform comprehensively.

At a new historical starting point, the resolution makes it clear that the overall objectives of further deepening reform comprehensively are to continue improving and developing the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics and modernize China’s system and capacity for governance. By 2035, we will have finished building a high-standard socialist market economy in all respects, further improved the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics, generally modernized our system and capacity for governance, and basically realized socialist modernization. All of this will lay a solid foundation for building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects by the middle of this century. These overall objectives build on the overall objectives of comprehensively deepening reform proposed at the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee, and are well aligned with the strategic plans made at the 20th CPC National Congress, so as to set the goals and the direction for further deepening reform comprehensively.

The resolution states that, in order to further deepen reform comprehensively, we must earnestly implement the major principles of upholding the Party's overall leadership, taking a people-centered approach, upholding fundamental principles and breaking new ground, taking institution building as our main task, exercising law-based governance on all fronts, and applying systems thinking. These six principles encapsulate the core essence of General Secretary Xi Jinping's important expositions on comprehensively deepening reform, representing a scientific conclusion drawn from the valuable experience we have gained from our efforts to deepen reform comprehensively since the launch of reform and opening up, particularly in the new era, which we must strictly adhere to over the long term. Thank you.

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Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Mu. Now, I would like to invite Mr. Han Wenxiu to introduce the reform efforts in the areas of the economy and people’s wellbeing. 

Han Wenxiu:

Good morning, everyone. General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that, to further deepen reform comprehensively, we should regard economic structural reform as the spearhead and greater social fairness and justice and improvements in the people's wellbeing as our ultimate objectives. Approved at the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, the resolution insists that high-quality development is the primary task in building China into a modern socialist country in all respects, and makes comprehensive arrangements for reforms in areas of the economy and people’s wellbeing, which carry significant weight. I would like to give my introduction from seven aspects.

First, we will build a high-standard socialist market economy. The resolution stresses that we must better leverage the role of the market, foster a fairer and more dynamic market environment, and unleash the internal driving forces and creativity of our society as a whole. We will work unswervingly both to consolidate and develop the public sector and to encourage, support, and guide the development of the non-public sector, thus enabling entities under different forms of ownership to complement each other and develop side by side. On the one hand, we will deepen reform of state-owned capital and state-owned enterprises (SOEs); work to allow state-owned capital and enterprises to get stronger, do better, and grow bigger; and enhance their core functions, and increase their core competitiveness. We will conduct the accounting work of the added value of the state-owned economy, and build SOEs into a cradle of original technological innovations. We will also encourage industries, such as energy and railways, to promote independent operation in sectors of natural monopoly and advance market-oriented reform in competitive areas. On the other hand, we will create an enabling environment and provide more opportunities for the development of the non-public sector. We will improve the long-term mechanisms for private enterprises to participate in major national projects, support private enterprises with distinctive strengths in leading the development of major national technologies, and regulate administrative inspections involving private enterprises. The most favorable business environment relies on the rule of law. We will formulate and issue a law on promoting the non-public sector. The resolution emphasizes encouraging entrepreneurship, and moving faster to help more Chinese companies become world-class, which is a common requirement for all forms of business entities.

Accelerating the development of a high-standard market system is a major reform task. The resolution has identified three key reform measures. First, it aims to build a unified national market. This includes establishing a unified urban-rural construction land market, building a nationwide integrated technology and data market, developing a standardized and information-sharing platform for bidding and public resource transactions, implementing cohesive circulation rules and standards, and forming an integrated national electricity market. Second, it aims to advance reforms for the market-based allocation of production factors by improving the systems and rules governing labor, capital, land, knowledge, technology, management and data. Third, it seeks to refine the systems underpinning the market economy. This includes improving mechanisms for property rights protection, information disclosure, market access, bankruptcy exit, and credit supervision. The market economy is essentially a law-based economy. The resolution emphasizes preventing and rectifying the use of administrative means or criminal law to interfere with economic disputes. It also stresses that the violations of property rights and legitimate interests across all forms of ownership are subject to equal responsibility, penalties and legal consequences.

Second, we will improve the institutions and mechanisms for promoting high-quality development. General Secretary Xi Jinping has creatively proposed the development of new quality productive forces in light of local conditions. This represents a significant theoretical and practical innovation that will inject new momentum into high-quality development. The resolution calls for accelerating the formation of production relations that are more compatible with new quality productive forces, enhancing mechanisms for optimizing and upgrading traditional industries, refining policies and governance systems for strategic industries, establishing mechanisms to boost funding in future industries, and improving policy frameworks for digital industrialization and industrial digitization. It aims to encourage the concentration of advanced production factors toward developing new quality productive forces and significantly increase total factor productivity. The resolution emphasizes the need to fully integrate the real economy with the digital economy, develop the modern services sector, modernize infrastructure, and enhance the resilience and security of industrial and supply chains. All of these are intrinsic requirements for achieving high-quality development.

Third, we will improve macroeconomic governance. The resolution calls for building planning and implementation mechanisms for national strategies, improving national economic and social development planning system, while also deepening the reform of fiscal, taxation and financial systems and enhancing the consistency of macro policy orientation. It calls for the establishment of new mechanisms for cross-regional cooperation and development. Addressing the financial difficulties of local governments and grassroots levels, the resolution proposes improving the fiscal relationship between central and local governments. This includes boosting local financial autonomy, expanding local tax sources, enhancing the alignment of financial resources and responsibilities at the municipal and county levels, appropriately increasing central responsibilities, raising the proportion of central fiscal expenditure, and prohibiting unjustified demands for local governments to provide matching funds. Additionally, research should be conducted into tax systems that are compatible with new business formats. After more than 40 years of rapid development, our country's social wealth has continuously accumulated. The resolution calls for exploring the implementation of national balance sheet management to optimize the adjustment of various asset structures.

Fourth, we will improve the institutions and mechanisms for promoting integrated urban-rural development. General Secretary Xi Jinping emphasized that we must pursue integrated urban-rural development for the rural revitalization strategy to be successful. Focusing on promoting people-centered new urbanization, the resolution proposes implementing a system where basic public services are provided based on household registration at the place of permanent residence, and accelerating the process of granting urban residency to rural migrants. In order to continuously consolidate and expand the achievements of poverty alleviation, and strengthen agriculture, benefit farmers, and enrich rural areas, the resolution proposes improving the regular mechanism to prevent rural populations from falling back into poverty, establishing a tiered and categorized support system for low-income rural populations and underdeveloped areas, coordinating the establishment of a trans-provincial compensation mechanism between grain-producing and grain-consuming regions, improving the funding mechanism for rural revitalization, and fostering new industries and new business formats in rural areas.

Fifth, we will promote high-standard opening up. The resolution calls for proactively aligning with high-standard international economic and trade rules, steadily expanding institutional opening up, and developing new mechanisms for a higher-standard open economy. It proposes expanding unilateral openness to the least developed countries and increasing independent opening up. It also calls for the orderly expansion of the openness of goods, services, capital and labor markets. Additionally, the resolution proposes improving systems to provide more convenience for people from overseas to live, seek medical services and make payments in China. The resolution also calls for coordinating the advancement of major landmark projects and "small yet impactful" livelihood projects, promoting high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, and turning China's vast market into an excellent opportunity for the world.

Sixth, we will refine the systems to ensure and improve the people's well-being. The resolution emphasizes that reforms should focus on what the people care about and expect. It stresses improving mechanisms for promoting high-quality and full employment, enhancing social security systems for flexible workers, migrant workers and those in new employment forms, promoting the expansion and distribution of high-quality medical resources, advancing the development of a childrearing-friendly society, and refining policies and mechanisms for the development of elderly care services and industries. Effectively implementing these measures will undoubtedly further enhance the public's sense of gain, happiness and security.

Seventh, we will deepen reforms in ecological conservation. Chinese modernization is the modernization of harmony between humanity and nature. The resolution emphasizes the need to accelerate the improvement and implementation of mechanisms and systems that embody the principle that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets," while calling for establishing mechanisms to realize the value of ecological products. The resolution also underscores the planning and construction of a new energy system, and developing a carbon accounting and verification system, a product carbon labeling and certification system, and a product carbon footprint management system. These measures aim to better promote green, low-carbon, and circular development. In summary, the resolution has outlined substantial, practical, and highly valuable reforms in the economic and livelihood sectors. We must ensure these reforms are effectively implemented. Thank you!

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Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Han Wenxiu. Now please, Mr. Huai Jinpeng, introduce the reforms in the fields of education, science and technology, talent, and innovation.

Huai Jinpeng:

Ladies and gentlemen from the media, I will brief you on reforms in the areas of education, science and technology, talent, and innovation.

The 20th CPC National Congress highlighted that innovation remains at the heart of China's modernization drive, emphasizing that education, science and technology, and human resources are the foundational and strategic pillars for building a modern socialist country in all respects. It clearly set the goal for China to become a leading country in education, science and technology, and talent by 2035. The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee further proposed supporting all-around innovation, making coordinated efforts to promote integrated reform of institutions and mechanisms pertaining to education, science and technology, and human resources, and improving the new system for mobilizing resources nationwide to make key technological breakthroughs. These efforts will help boost the overall performance of China's innovation system. This series of new arrangements and instructions fully reflects the profound insights of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core into the nature and laws of innovation.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, our Party has thoroughly implemented the strategy for invigorating China through science and education, the workforce development strategy, and the innovation-driven development strategy. We have promoted the integrated advancement of education, scientific and technological innovation, and talent cultivation, continuously strengthening support for modernization drive. I would like to briefly introduce three points in this regard: First, China has built the world's largest education system, with the prevalence of education at all levels reaching or exceeding the average level of middle- and high-income countries. The gross enrollment rate in higher education institutions has surpassed 60%, entering a universally recognized stage of high popularization. Second, the average years of education received by the new workforce has exceeded 14 years, and the population with higher education has reached 250 million. China has the world's largest number of professionals involved in research and development. Third, China's total R&D expenditure ranks second in the world. It has continuously strengthened basic research and original innovation, achieved major breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields, and further unleashed the vitality of innovation entities and talents. China has joined the ranks of the world's innovators.

You know, in the contemporary era, science and technology is the primary productive force, talent is the primary resource, and innovation is the primary driver of growth. Technological innovation relies on talent, and talent cultivation depends on education. The transformations unseen in a century are accelerating across the world and a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is well under way. The international competition for high-quality talent and the leading position in science and technology has become unprecedentedly intense. This urgently requires us to follow the path of nurturing talent at home and achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology. For this purpose, the resolution of the plenary session made important arrangements for deepening the integrated reform of institutions and mechanisms pertaining to education, science and technology, and human resources.

First, it is to deepen comprehensive reform in education. Developing a large country in education into a leading one in this respect means systemic improvement and qualitative change. The resolution emphasizes accelerating the development of a high-quality education system, coordinating the reform in educational methods, school operation models, management systems, and support mechanisms. It focuses on cultivating a new generation of young people who can shoulder the mission of realizing national rejuvenation, improving the mechanism of fostering virtue through education, exploring new grounds in integrating the political education curriculum across all levels, from elementary schools to universities, and perfecting a comprehensive education system that encompasses sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility, and work skills. With an eye on cultivating top-notch and innovative talents, the resolution urges to promote the reforms in universities and colleges with a category-based approach, establishing a discipline adjustment mechanism and talent nurturing models driven by scientific and technological development and national strategic needs. Adhering to the principle that we must have better teachers first if we are to strengthen education, we shall enhance teachers' capabilities to impart knowledge and educate students, and establish a long-term mechanism for fostering professional ethics and conduct of teachers. By effectively utilizing world-class educational resources and innovative factors, we shall promote the high-level opening up of education.

Second, it is to deepen structural scientific and technological reform. Adhering to the strategic guidance of "setting our sights on the global frontiers of science and technology, national economic development, the major needs of the country, and the health and safety of the people," our focus is on igniting the scientific and technological creativity. The resolution emphasizes the need to optimize the organizational mechanisms for major scientific and technological innovations, to strengthen building our country's strength in strategic science and technology, and to step up coordinated efforts to secure breakthroughs in core technologies in key fields. It calls for improving the management of science and technology initiatives, strengthening the forward-looking and pioneering planning in basic research fields, interdisciplinary frontier areas, and key areas. With an eye on the comprehensive integration of scientific and technological innovation and industrial innovation, the resolution reinforces the principal role of enterprises and promotes closer enterprise-led collaboration between industries, universities, and research institutes. It asks us to deepen the reform of the mechanism for applying scientific and technological achievements and build a technology finance system that is compatible with scientific and technological innovation.

Third, it is to deepen institutional reforms for talent development. Focusing on accelerating the formation of effective mechanisms for talent nurturing, utilization, evaluation, services, support, and incentives, the resolution emphasizes the adoption of more active, open, and effective policies on talent, and the improvement of mechanisms for nurturing talent on our own. We need to speed up efforts to build a contingent of personnel with expertise of strategic importance, cultivate science strategists, first-class scientists and innovation teams, as well as outstanding engineers, master craftsmen, and highly-skilled workers, thereby enhancing the quality of talents in various fields. We must strengthen talent incentive mechanisms, continue to empower employers and free up more space for talents, and develop a personnel evaluation system based on innovation capability, quality, effectiveness, and contribution, creating a favorable environment for talent development.

In conclusion, by further deepening reforms, we aim to accelerate building China into a leading country in education, science and technology, and talent, and to create a multiplier effect that drives high-quality development, and provides support and paves the way for Chinese modernization.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you, everyone!

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Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Huai Jinpeng. Now, I would like to invite Mr. Shen Chunyao to introduce the reforms in the areas of democracy and the rule of law.

Shen Chunyao:

Next, I will provide a brief introduction to the important arrangements regarding democracy and law-based governance as outlined in the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

In the new journey of further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, we must broadly mobilize and effectively organize the people under the leadership of the Party to actively participate in reform and opening up, and pursue Chinese modernization as masters of their own country, and to strive in unity to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation. It is essential and integral to our efforts to further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization under the new circumstances.

The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee set the overall objectives of further deepening reform comprehensively, which include advancing whole-process people's democracy, upholding the unity between the Party leadership, the running of the country by the people and law-based governance. The objectives also include improving the institutions through which the people run the country, promoting extensive, multilevel, and institutionalized development of consultative democracy, and promoting socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, thereby advancing the socialist rule of law in our country to a higher level. Developing whole-process people's democracy means always ensuring the principal position of the people on the path forward, fully leveraging the people's motivation, initiative, and creativity, rallying everyone’s wisdom and strength, and better translating our country's institutional strengths into effective governance.

The plenary session stressed that developing whole-process people's democracy is integral to Chinese modernization. It made important arrangements for "advancing whole-process people's democracy" and put forward reform tasks to strengthen the institutions through which the people run the country, improve the mechanisms for consultative democracy, enhance the institutions of democracy at the primary level, and build a broad united front. The overall requirement is: We must firmly stay on the path of socialist political advancement with Chinese characteristics and uphold and improve our country's foundational, basic, and important political systems. We must diversify the forms of democracy at all levels and ensure that the principle of the people running the country is manifested in concrete and visible ways in all aspects of China's political and social activities.

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has incorporated exercising law-based governance on all fronts into the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy and has advanced it with unprecedented determination, measures and efforts, achieving historic accomplishments. The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee underscored that the rule of law provides an important guarantee for Chinese modernization. It is necessary to exercise law-based governance and deepen reforms to advance Chinese modernization on the track of the rule of law. This entails ensuring the unity of reform and the rule of law, having a legal basis for major reforms, and promptly codifying reform achievements into laws. The plenary session made important arrangements for "promoting socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics." It emphasized focusing on developing the system of the rule of law to systematically advance the rule of law in China. This entails forming a complete set of legal norms, efficient enforcement measures, rigorous oversight mechanisms, effective legal protections, and a complete body of internal Party regulations at a higher level.

On the new journey, to better leverage the role of the rule of law in consolidating foundations, stabilizing expectations, and delivering long-term benefits, we must ensure full implementation of the Constitution and uphold its authority, coordinate the reforms to promote sound legislation, law enforcement, administration of justice, and observance of the law, and improve the mechanisms for ensuring that all are equal before the law, so as to promote socialist rule of law, safeguard social fairness and justice, and see that all work of the state is carried out under the rule of law. The plenary session has outlined reform tasks and requirements in the field of the rule of law, focusing on deepening reforms in legislation, advancing law-based government administration, improving the institutions and mechanisms for impartial law enforcement and administration of justice, refining the mechanisms for building a law-based society, and strengthening the rule of law in foreign-related affairs.

In exercising law-based governance and promoting socialist rule of law with Chinese characteristics, we must follow the following important principles: First, adhere to the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on the Rule of Law and firmly grasp the correct political direction for advancing the rule of law in China. Second, adhere to the Party's overall leadership in advancing the rule of law in China and ensure that the Party's lines, principles, policies, decisions and plans are fully and effectively implemented through the rule of law. Third, the people's principal position in exercising law-based governance on all fronts should be ensured, and a people-centered approach should be taken in all aspects and throughout the whole process of advancing the rule of law in China. Fourth, adhere to the status of the Constitution as the fundamental law of China, strengthen its implementation, fulfill its mission, and safeguard its authority. Fifth, adhere to the unity of promoting reform under the rule of law and perfecting the rule of law in the process of reform, and handle the relationship between reform and the rule of law well. This is all I can provide for now. Thank you.

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Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Shen. Now, let's invite Mr. Tang to introduce the arrangements for upholding the Party's leadership in further deepening reform across the board and deepening institutional reforms related to Party building.

Tang Fangyu:

Okay, I will introduce this issue.

China's success hinges on the Party. To further deepen reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization, it is imperative that we continuously enhance the Party's capacity for leadership and strengthen and improve Party building.

Given the extreme importance of the Party's leadership and Party building, the resolution incorporates the Party's leadership and Party building as key components throughout its summary of experiences, explanation of significance, articulation of principles, and deployment of measures. The resolution emphasizes that we must acquire a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era; be more conscious of the need to maintain political integrity, think in big-picture terms, follow the leadership core, and keep in alignment with the central Party leadership; stay confident in the path, theory, system, and culture of socialism with Chinese characteristics; and uphold Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole and uphold the Central Committee's authority and its centralized, unified leadership. It emphasizes that we must maintain keen awareness of the need to use the Party's own transformation to steer social transformation, thereby enabling our Party to remain the strong leadership core in building socialism with Chinese characteristics. It also emphasizes that we must focus on enhancing the Party's capacity for leadership and long-term governance, innovating and improving its leadership and governance approach, deepening institutional reforms related to Party building, and refining the systems for exercising full and rigorous self-governance.

The resolution dedicates one entire section to the Party's leadership and deepening institutional reforms related to Party building, primarily focusing on three aspects:

The first aspect is to uphold the Party Central Committee's centralized, unified leadership over the endeavor to further deepen reform across the board. The resolution emphasizes the Party Central Committee's leadership in designing reform on an overall basis, arranging and coordinating reforms of different sectors, and pushing forward reforms as a whole, and encourages various regions and departments to innovate with their own realities and create replicable and generalizable new experiences. It proposes to effectively implement the Party's mass line in the new era, fully incorporating social expectations, the wisdom of the masses, expert opinions, and grassroots experience into the design of reform. It proposes to set the reform agenda around solving prominent issues, optimize the mechanism for generating key reform plans, and discover problems and correct deviations promptly.

The second aspect is to deepen institutional reforms related to Party building. The resolution emphasizes the need to focus on mobilizing the enthusiasm, initiative and creativity of the whole Party to carry out reform and promote development. It calls for better arming all Party members with the Party's new theories, deepening reforms to the system for managing officials and personnel, following the right approach to selecting and appointing officials, and comprehensively improving officials' capacity for advancing the modernization drive. It emphasizes the need for officials to have a correct understanding of what it means to perform well, with a focus on addressing issues of misconduct, inaction, timidity and incompetence among officials. It emphasizes the need to apply the "three distinctions" -- the distinction between errors caused by lack of experience in pilot reforms and deliberate violations of discipline and law; the distinction between errors made in conducting experiments that are not explicitly restricted by higher-level authorities and arbitrary violations of discipline and law despite higher-level authorities' explicit prohibition; and the distinction between unwitting errors made in pursuing development and violations of discipline and law for personal gains – so as to encourage officials to exhibit pioneering and entrepreneurial spirit at work. It also proposes to strengthen the political and organizational functions of Party organizations, explore practical ways to enhance Party building in new types of economic and social organizations and among groups in new forms of employment, and improve the mechanisms for educating and managing Party members and maximizing their contributions.

The third aspect is to intensify efforts to improve conduct, build integrity, and combat corruption. The resolution emphasizes the improvement of mechanisms to conduct concrete, targeted, and regular political oversight. It underscores the need to steadfastly implement the central Party leadership's eight-point decision on improving work conduct, resolutely oppose pointless formalities and bureaucratism, and effectively reduce burdens at the grassroots level. It emphasizes deepening the implementation of "four forms" of discipline supervision and enforcement, comprehensively leveraging the Party's discipline's educational, constraining, safeguarding and motivating functions. The resolution aims to perfect an integrated mechanism that ensures officials do not have the audacity, opportunity or desire to be corrupt, focusing on eradicating the breeding grounds and conditions for corruption. It also stresses the improvement of the Party and state oversight mechanisms, ensuring that leadership and oversight responsibilities for strict self-governance are properly assumed. It also highlights the need to strengthen the management of false accusations, among other aspects.

The above plans of the resolution fully reflect the determination and alertness to exercise full and rigorous self-governance. We firmly believe that, under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, further comprehensive deepening of reforms will surely advance at a swift and steady pace, and Chinese modernization will indeed press ahead.

That's all for my introduction. Thank you!

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Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you, Mr. Tang. Now, we will enter the Q&A session. Before asking your questions, please state the name of your news organization.

CCTV:

Further deepening reform comprehensively is a systematic project involving all aspects of economic and social development. This plenary session emphasized that reforms should be both focused and integrated. How will coordination be promoted to ensure that various reform measures are well-coordinated and integrated and form synergy in advancing Chinese modernization? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Let's invite Mr. Mu to answer this question.

Mu Hong:

Thank you for your question. Applying systems thinking is essential for comprehensively deepening reforms and is a crucial method for advancing them. Since the 18th National Congress of the CPC, the CPC Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has coordinated a strategy of national rejuvenation amid global changes of a magnitude not seen in a century, applying the new development philosophy on all fronts and implementing the Five-Sphere Integrated Plan and the Four-Pronged Comprehensive Strategy in a coordinated way to plan and advance reform. Addressing the characteristics of comprehensively deepening reforms in the new era, General Secretary Xi Jinping has particularly emphasized enhancing reforms more systematically, holistically and coordinately to increase their overall effectiveness. A distinct feature of the resolution from this plenary session is its greater emphasis on integrating our reforms. It focuses on the goals, tasks and major issues of advancing Chinese modernization, strengthening overall planning and systematic layout for reforms, introducing a series of major reform measures, and ensuring that reforms are more focused, coordinated and efficient.

General Secretary Xi Jinping made arrangements in his important speech at the plenary session regarding coordinating and promoting reforms to ensure that various reform measures are well-coordinated. Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee, we will perfect the top-down reform promotion mechanism that has been established. The implementation will focus on three main aspects. First, we will promptly refine and categorize the major reform measures proposed in the resolution, scientifically formulate reform task lists, roadmaps and timelines, and reasonably arrange the priorities, sequences, pace and timing of reforms. Second, we will vigorously promote the coordinated advancement of reforms. The focus is on clarifying the division of reform tasks, responsible entities, and collaborating units. This ensures that each party fulfills its duties and responsibilities while aligning with the overall objectives, actively cooperating, ensuring smooth coordination and collaboration, and forming synergy. We must manage major relationships well and establish strong coordination and promotion mechanisms for challenging reforms with intricate interest relationships. Additionally, we need to intensify supervision and effectiveness evaluation, ensuring that reforms are implemented with a persistent spirit. Third, we will integrate top-level design with grassroots exploration. By fully relying on the people and under the premise of clarifying reform principles and ensuring security, we will encourage and support local grassroots organizations to free their minds, boldly experiment and pioneer, and carry out innovation in light of local conditions. We will respect the pioneering spirit of the grassroots and the masses. We will also advance the timely replication, promotion, consolidation and enhancement of successful experiences.

Thank you.

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The Paper:

We have observed that, for some time, China's economy has maintained sound and steady growth according to macroeconomic data. However, there exists a certain "temperature difference" between macroeconomic data and microeconomic entities. In the process of further deepening reform comprehensively, what measures can be taken in macroeconomic policies and institutional reforms to bridge this "temperature difference" and achieve a virtuous economic circle? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi: 

Let's invite Mr. Han to answer this question.

Han Wenxiu: 

China is currently achieving economic recovery and growth while making steady progress in pursuing high-quality development. Major macroeconomic indicators are staying in line with projected targets. However, challenges still exist, such as insufficient effective demand, operational difficulties for some businesses, and fiscal difficulties in certain regions. These challenges indicate that the economic recovery is not yet strong enough. There is also a divergence among different regions, industries and enterprises. Moving forward, it is essential to promote a sustained economic recovery and growth, achieving more balanced and inclusive development that is beneficial to all. Accomplishing these goals relies on strong policy support and effective reforms.

Macroeconomic policies need to be implemented more forcefully and effectively. A proactive fiscal policy should be better leveraged by speeding up the issuance and use of special bonds. This policy should also ensure timely and adequate expenditure at the primary level to guarantee that basic living needs are met, salaries are paid, and governments function smoothly. Furthermore, it is crucial to maximize the leveraging effect of fiscal funds on economic growth and structural adjustment. A prudent monetary policy should be flexible, appropriate, targeted and effective. It should maintain reasonable and adequate liquidity while actively developing technology finance, green finance, inclusive finance, pension finance, and digital finance. These measures will provide an endless source of strength to the real economy. Following the decisions and arrangements, we will implement large-scale equipment renewal and consumer goods trade-in programs. These programs will be supported through more financial investments and policy support. The goal is to provide tangible benefits to businesses and consumers. We will combine long-term growth potential with short-term stability in growth by leveraging ultra-long special treasury bonds. These bonds will be used to enhance major national strategies and build up security capacity in key areas. Both economic and non-economic policies should be evaluated for consistency in macro policy orientation. This approach will create a strong synergy for promoting high-quality development.

We will firmly promote reforms that can bring tangible benefits to individuals and enterprises. Reform and development should be for the people and by the people. The outcomes of reform and development should be shared among the people. According to the arrangements of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee, we will work to provide inclusive public services, meet essential needs, and provide a cushion for those most in need. We will improve mechanisms regarding workers' wage determination, rational wage increases, and secure wage payments. Additionally, we will increase residents' property income through various channels, effectively raise the incomes of low-income groups, and steadily expand the middle-income population. These measures will boost the ability and willingness of residents to consume. We will improve the long-term mechanisms for expanding consumption. We will enhance mechanisms for promoting higher-quality and fuller employment while supporting and regulating the development of new employment forms. We will enhance systems and mechanisms to drive social investment through government investment, forming a market-oriented mechanism that boosts effective investment through endogenous growth capacity. We will improve the systems and mechanisms for promoting equal opportunities. We will ensure that economic entities under all forms of ownership have equal access to factors of production in accordance with the law, compete in the market on an equal footing, and are protected by the law as equals. These measures aim to promote social mobility and encourage people to achieve prosperity through hard work.

We believe that driven by effective policies and reforms, China's economy will become more robust, balanced and sustainable, continuously enhancing individuals and enterprises' sense of gain and benefits. Thank you!

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Phoenix TV:

We noticed that among the 2023 national science and technology awards announced last month, around two-thirds of the three major awards were issued to projects led by higher education institutions. Additionally, the two recipients of the top sci-tech awards, academicians Li Deren and Xue Qikun, both work at universities. Looking ahead, how do you plan to boost the sci-tech innovation capabilities of universities and colleges and independently cultivate high-caliber talent through deeper reforms, thereby better supporting major national strategies? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Huai, please answer this one. 

Huai Jinpeng:

I appreciate your attention to and recognition of sci-tech innovation at higher education institutions. As we know, universities are where educational resources, science and technology and talent come together. They lead in basic research and foster major sci-tech breakthroughs. I believe universities are among the most valuable assets of a country. In recent years, universities have played an important role in China's innovation system. For example, in the fields of quantum technology, life sciences, material science, and space science, we have achieved many major original innovations. Looking ahead, we will optimize the structure of higher education and encourage universities to enhance talent cultivation, sci-tech innovation, and social services by setting clear targets and making well-organized arrangements. We will strengthen institutional innovation and sci-tech innovation as driving forces, with the aim of providing strong support for rapidly developing world-class hubs for talent and innovation.

First, we will advance university reforms across various categories. Socioeconomic development requires different types of universities and talent. Therefore, we need some universities to develop strengths on all fronts while others excel in a single field. We will clarify the development targets of different types of universities, establish a mechanism for category-based management and appraisal, guide various types of universities to develop and exert advantages in different fields and competitions, and encourage them to pursue excellence and demonstrate uniqueness. We will step up efforts to foster world-class universities and strong disciplines with Chinese characteristics. We will launch an initiative to develop first-class disciplines by leveraging advantages to achieve breakthroughs, establishing a batch of model disciplines, and improving discipline development capabilities through the completion of major tasks.

Second, we will intensify our efforts to cultivate innovation capabilities. Innovative education nurtures innovative talent, and innovative talent builds an innovative nation. We will focus on the requirements of major national strategies and the latest sci-tech developments, adjust the setup of disciplines at higher education institutions in a dynamic manner, optimize talent cultivation approaches, and map out new disciplines and majors to address urgent needs. We will thoroughly implement the national strategic initiative to foster top-notch talent in basic disciplines. We will intensify our focus on developing new disciplines of engineering, medical sciences, agricultural sciences, and liberal arts. We will create first-class core curricula, textbooks, hands-on projects and faculties, allowing sci-tech education to reinforce liberal arts education and vice versa. When students' humanistic qualities improve, their innovative thinking in sci-tech will also be taken to the next level. Thus, we will be able to create a system to cultivate high-quality, top-tier innovative talent on our own.

Third, we will improve higher education institutions' sci-tech innovation mechanisms. We will implement plans to make breakthroughs in basic disciplines and interdisciplinary subjects, improve the organization of basic research, drive the integration of science and technology with education through major tasks, and guide the interaction and integration of different disciplines, with the aim to produce more original and disruptive sci-tech innovations. Specifically, we will enhance the cultivation of young sci-tech talent. Through long-term, stable support and long-term appraisal, we will guide and support dedicated and highly innovative young university teachers to make advanced scientific explorations and blaze trails in new frontier areas. We will strengthen the application of universities' sci-tech achievements by building regional technology transfer and transformation centers on campuses, speeding up the planning and development of advanced research institutes, promoting cooperation between universities and enterprises, supporting universities in realizing high-level sci-tech achievements, and enhancing the transformation of these achievements. The efforts will continuously boost the development of new quality productive forces.

That's all I'll say for now. Thank you!

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Xinhua News Agency:

A strong rule of law enables a prosperous and powerful nation. How do you view the role of the rule of law in further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization? How can we align reforms with the rule of law, ensure that major reforms have a legal basis, and promptly translate reform outcomes into legal rules? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Shen, please answer these two questions.

Shen Chunyao:

Reform and the rule of law reinforce each other and go hand in hand. Reform means "breaking" and "changing", while the rule of law indicates "establishing" and "stabilizing". The two, which seem to be contradictory, actually form a dialectical unity of "breaking" and "establishing", and "changing" and "stabilizing". Historically, reforms and new policies have been closely linked to legislation and rules-making. China's reform and opening-up practices also demonstrate that the realization of the rule of law will not be possible without reform, and the deepening of reform also requires the rule of law.

After the 18th CPC National Congress, the third and fourth plenary sessions of the 18th CPC Central Committee made strategic arrangements for comprehensively deepening reform and exercising law-based governance on all fronts, respectively. The resolutions adopted at these two plenary sessions complement each other well. Reform and the rule of law are often likened to the two wings of a bird or the two wheels of a vehicle. Over the years, we have pursued both in tandem, achieving many important outcomes and gaining valuable experiences. Regarding legislative work, out of the 303 laws currently in effect, 78 were newly enacted after the third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee. This includes the Civil Code, which is of great significance. Of the 303 laws, 334 amendments were made to 147, demonstrating substantial efforts in law amendments. On the new journey, further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization should be organically combined with exercising law-based governance on all fronts. This approach will enhance the vital role of the rule of law.

The resolution outlines important measures, tasks and demands involving the enactment, amendment, repeal, interpretation, codification and related authorization and approval of laws. This raises many requirements for legislative work, and we need to respond through deepening reform in the legislative field. The resolution clearly sets out various important tasks concerning legislation and revision. These include enacting a private sector promotion law, finance law, a law to promote ethnic unity and progress, and a law against cross-border bribery; revising the oversight law and the supervision law; and codifying the ecological environment code. We must fully follow through on the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. We must adapt to changing circumstances and new requirements, focusing on properly handling the relationship between reform and the rule of law. We will promptly formulate laws and regulations needed for deepening reforms. For matters that lack sufficient practice and require preliminary trials to accumulate experience, we shall issue authorization decisions in accordance with the law. Existing legal provisions that do not meet reform and development requirements shall be revised, improved or abolished in accordance with the law. For matters where relevant reform decisions have been clearly made and multiple laws need amending, we can adopt a package amendment approach to deal with them in one attempt. A "decision plus legislation" or "decision plus revision" approach can be adopted for institutional innovation measures that need to be advanced step by step. This means adopting the decision in accordance with the law first, then promptly arranging and advancing relevant legislative work.

That's all from me. Thank you!

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CNBC:

How does China plan to balance the slowdown in the real estate sector with supporting new economic growth drivers in the face of rising trade tensions with major trading partners? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

This question goes to Mr. Han.

Han Wenxiu:

China's real estate market is large and interconnected with numerous sectors, exerting a systemic impact on the functioning of the macro economy. Currently, the market is undergoing significant changes in supply and demand dynamics and is in an adjustment phase. We must uphold the principles of seeking progress while maintaining stability, establishing the new before abolishing the old, resolving development-related problems through reform, and accelerating the replacement of old growth drivers with new ones. By doing so, we can provide diverse and strong support for high-quality development. We need to focus our efforts on three key areas:

First, we need to promote the stable and healthy development of the real estate market. Recently, we've observed some positive changes. Looking ahead, we need to make progress in both absorbing existing stock and optimizing new supply. We must further implement and improve new policies for real estate development, ensure the delivery of housing projects, and revitalize existing commercial housing stock and land resources. Going forward, we need to implement the guiding principles of the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. This includes speeding up the development of new models for real estate development and eliminating the drawbacks of past models characterized by high debt, high turnover, and high leverage. Efforts will be made to build better housing that meets people's new expectations and better satisfies both essential housing needs and demands for improved living conditions. We also need to establish corresponding foundational systems in financing, fiscal, taxation, land, sales and other sectors to cope with these demands. It's important to note that as China's new urbanization continues to advance, there is still considerable room for high-quality development in the real estate sector.

Second, we need to accelerate the development of emerging and future industries to cultivate new engines for economic growth. In recent years, China has developed several competitive industries, such as high-end equipment, new energy vehicles and photovoltaics. Emerging industries like new-generation information technology, new materials, the low-altitude economy, and new types of energy storage are also thriving. We have nurtured over 140,000 specialized and sophisticated small- and medium-sized enterprises that produce novel and unique products. In accordance with the deployments made at the third plenary session, we should develop new quality productive forces in light of local conditions. This involves cultivating and strengthening emerging industries, making sound plans for future industries, upgrading traditional sectors, and promoting high-end, intelligent and green development in manufacturing. These efforts will help us form a group of emerging pillar industries and steadily foster new growth drivers and new strengths.

Third, we need to expand domestic demand, especially consumer demand, to enhance the internal momentum and reliability of domestic economic flows. Facing the new international environment, we must ensure the stable performance of foreign trade and investment while continuously expanding the room for China's development. At the same time, we should fully tap into the potential of domestic demand, making the best use of China's super-large market. We must fully leverage the foundational role of consumption and the critical role of investment. This approach will help us effectively pursue high-quality economic growth and properly increase China's economic output. China's economy is large, with strong domestic demand and sound internal circulation. As long as we manage our own affairs well, we will ensure the smooth and stable operation of the national economy. Thank you!

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Lianhe Zaobao:

In a volatile world, China is facing growing external uncertainties. Will this affect China's reform and opening-up endeavors? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

This question goes to Mr. Mu.

Mu Hong:

Thank you for your question. General Secretary Xi Jinping once said, "Strengthening determination, shoring up confidence and focusing on managing our own affairs well are the keys to meeting all kinds of risks and challenges." The reform and opening-up policy is an important instrument that has enabled China to take great strides to catch up with the times, becoming a vivid banner of the Party and a consensus among the people. In the new era, facing severe and complex domestic and international situations, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has held high the banner of reform and opening up. They have used reform-oriented thinking and methods to solve development problems. The third plenary session of the 18th CPC Central Committee launched the deepening of reform and opening up in the new era, and the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made strategic arrangements for further deepening reform comprehensively and advancing Chinese modernization. We progress toward our goal step by step, fearless of any risks and unwavering in the face of any disturbances. We fully demonstrate our Party's firm resolution and iron will to carry the reform further to its ultimate triumph. Experience has fully demonstrated our Party's unwavering commitment to advancing reform and opening up has been crucial. This approach allows us to remain sensitive to changes, respond to them with well-judged actions, adjust our approach when necessary, and actively navigate amid change. As a result, we maintain a firm grasp on the future of development and progress.

We should remain committed to the basic state policy of opening up to the outside world. Reform and opening up are coordinated, and promoting reform and development through opening up is a successful practice of China's reform and opening up. At present, momentous changes not seen in a century are accelerating across the world and external uncertainties mount. However, these challenges will not affect China's firm determination and confidence in deepening reforms and expanding opening up. General Secretary Xi Jinping has stressed on many occasions that "China's door will never be closed. It will only open still wider" and that "China will adhere to its fundamental state policy of opening up and stay committed to opening up to promote reform, development and innovation. This will bring about opening up at an even higher level." The resolution makes specialized arrangements for opening up, including expanding institutional opening up, foreign trade structural reform, management systems for inward and outward investment, improving planning for regional opening up, and refining the mechanisms for high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative. This makes China's determination to expand high-level opening up even clearer. China is now speeding up the creation of a new pattern of development. Relying on the advantages of a super-large domestic market, China will expand the depth and width of opening up while promoting a double development dynamic with the domestic economy as the mainstay and the domestic economy and international engagement providing mutual reinforcement. We shall create new advantages in our increasingly advanced open economy, actively participate in reforming global economic governance, and share development opportunities with countries worldwide to create a better future. Thank you.

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People's Daily:

The third plenary session proposed a series of important reform measures according to the communique released by the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee. The scope of these reform implementation measures is quite massive. We notice that the plenary session emphasized working with relentless persistence to ensure the implementation of reforms. How do we understand and implement this principle? Thank you. 

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Tang, please answer the question. 

Tang Fangyu:

Thank you for your question. The resolution stressed working with relentless persistence to ensure the implementation of reforms. It is the last of the 60 articles in the resolution and carries significant meaning.

We know that implementation is crucial to all work. It is often said that the worth of any plan lies in its implementation, reflecting an important understanding of the regular patterns in the development of causes and leadership activities. General Secretary Xi Jinping insightfully pointed out that without a focus on implementation, even the best goals and blueprints will remain as unattainable as flowers in the mirror or the moon in the water.

Here, I would like to especially mention that the deeper the reform goes, the more complex and acute the conflicts of interest it touches, the harder the challenges become, and the more difficult it is to make progress. Only by making greater efforts in implementation can we overcome all sorts of obstacles, break through the resistance of vested interests, benefit the vast majority of people with more and better achievements in modernization, and achieve ongoing successes in our reform agenda.

Regarding the implementation of the resolution's requirement to work with relentless persistence to ensure the implementation of reforms, I think we should focus on the following aspects:

First, we should fully understand the requirements for reforms. We need to correctly understand the overall planning for further deepening reform across the board, accurately grasp each reform measure's background, positioning, direction and implications, and clarify where the basis and key points of innovation lie, as well as boundaries of content and how it relates to other relevant reform measures. This approach will enable targeted and precise efforts to effectively implement reforms.

Second, we should make meticulous arrangements for implementation. We need to transform the resolution from a general framework into blueprints and concrete projects. We should determine the start and end times for various reform tasks based on their priority and urgency and advance their completion step by step.

Third, we should ensure that duties are delivered. We need to clarify the implementation bodies and responsibilities for each reform and clearly identify the leading units, participating units, responsibilities and responsible persons. For reform measures that span multiple fields and departments and are difficult for one unit to lead, Party committees and governments should directly organize their implementation. We must pursue these reforms deeply and thoroughly to prevent undefined obligations and responsibilities.

Fourth, we should strengthen supervision and oversight. We must continuously carry out specialized, overall and comprehensive inspections, focusing on identifying and solving problems. We will include the implementation status of major reforms in the scope of disciplinary inspections, evaluating reforms based on practical results and public satisfaction.

Fifth, we should make continuous efforts. We need to be fully aware of the complexity and difficulty of reforms, stick to the right direction, strengthen our determination to advance, take forceful steps and deliver tangible results, and keep moving forward until our goal is met through persistent work.

As long as the whole Party works with relentless persistence to ensure the implementation of deepening reforms comprehensively, we can make solid steps to build a great country and move toward national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization.

That's all for my answer. Thank you.

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Guangming Daily:

Currently, there is an increasing demand for quality education. How can we narrow the education gaps between urban and rural areas, regions, schools and groups through deepening reforms so that every child can enjoy equitable and high-quality education? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Huai Jinpeng, please answer the question.

Huai Jinpeng: 

Thank you for your question! Ensuring every child has access to fair and quality education is essential for developing education with a people-centered approach. Since the 18th CPC National Congress, all 2,895 county-level administrative units in China have achieved a basic balance in compulsory education, and the level of education accessibility has seen historic progress. Preschool and compulsory education have reached the average level of high-income countries globally. Looking ahead, we will prioritize high-quality development as the lifeline for all levels and types of education. We will integrate the promotion of fairness into every aspect of comprehensive educational reform. We aim to drive a fundamental shift from simply "having schools to attend" to ensuring children are "attending good schools." We will focus on deepening four major reforms:

First, we will emphasize expanding, optimizing and improving the supply of high-quality educational resources in resource allocation. We will make forward-looking arrangements based on changes in the school-age population, optimize the regional allocation of educational resources, and establish a basic public education service supply mechanism that aligns with population changes. We will improve the mechanism for promoting high-quality and balanced development in compulsory education, deepen school group management and urban-rural paired assistance, and foster the growth of new high-quality schools, creating more "good schools" recognized by the public.

Second, in education and teaching, we will focus on student-centered approaches, strengthen quality education and promote the all-around development of all students. We will carry out the fundamental task of fostering virtue through education. We'll continually improve the relevance and appeal of the political education curriculum. Additionally, we'll enhance students' interest in sports, aesthetic abilities and work habits. Comprehensive mental health education will be widely promoted to support students' healthy growth. We will continue advancing the "double reduction" reform. This initiative aims to relieve students of excessive burdens from homework and off-campus tutoring, enhance classroom teaching quality, improve after-school services and strengthen the cultivation of core competencies. We will improve the collaborative education mechanism among schools, families and society. We'll enhance the care system for children living with their migrant worker parents in cities, left-behind children and children with disabilities. Our goal is to create a supportive environment across society.

Third, in terms of guarantee mechanisms, we will emphasize respecting teachers and valuing education, and build a high-quality, professional teaching force. We will further improve the teacher education system with Chinese characteristics and thoroughly implement the "National Outstanding Primary and Secondary School Teacher Training Plan." By leveraging world-class universities and world-class disciplines, we will expand the scale of high-level primary and secondary school teacher training. We will encourage outstanding principals and teachers to teach in rural and underperforming schools, improve guarantee and incentive mechanisms, and support teachers to teach in these schools effectively and play a leading role.

Fourth, in developing new pathways, we will emphasize digital empowerment and leverage new advantages in smart education. Digitalization of education is an effective approach to narrowing educational gaps and improving education quality. We will thoroughly implement the national strategy for digital education, strengthen and utilize the national smart education public service platform, and promote the widespread sharing of quality educational resources. We will vigorously advance the construction of smart campuses, develop AI-powered educational models tailored for China, and explore large-scale personalized and innovative teaching methods to better meet the public's demand for "good schooling."

That concludes my response. Thank you!

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Mo Gaoyi:

Due to time constraints, we will take one last question.

Market News International:

Since the beginning of this year, foreign direct investment has continued to decrease. But foreign investors' interest in China's capital markets has been rising. What new measures will China take to expand opening and attract foreign investment? Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Mr. Han, please answer this question.

Han Wenxiu:

Opening up is our basic national policy, and foreign-funded enterprises are important participants and contributors to China's economic development. Due to changes in the international environment and other factors, there has been a recent decline in the actual use of foreign investment. This is a temporary phenomenon. As the business environment improves and market opportunities increase, our use of foreign investment will continue to expand. The third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee made necessary arrangements to promote high-standard opening up and expand the use of foreign capital. Here, I will emphasize three points:

First, we will steadily expand institutional opening up. We will actively align with high-standard international economic and trade rules. We aim to achieve compatibility in rules, regulations, management and standards across various areas. These include property rights protection, industrial subsidies, environmental standards, labor protection, government procurement, e-commerce and finance. Additionally, we will establish an efficient, convenient and secure cross-border data flow mechanism. We will create a transparent, stable and predictable institutional environment. Recently, we implemented unilateral visa-free policies for several countries. These policies have been widely welcomed and achieved good results. We will further improve convenience measures for business travelers and tourists coming to China, focusing on areas such as residence, medical care and payments.

Second, we will further relax market access. We will promptly implement the requirement to remove all restrictions on foreign investment access in the manufacturing sector, expand the industry catalog of sectors encouraging foreign investment, and reasonably shorten the negative list for foreign investment access. We will expand the opening up of the service sector, fully implement the negative list for cross-border trade in services, and promote orderly opening in fields such as telecommunications, the internet, education, culture and healthcare. Additionally, we will accelerate the development of offshore trade.

Third, we will effectively ensure national treatment and protect the legitimate rights of foreign-funded enterprises. We will support the development of both domestic and foreign enterprises without discrimination. We'll guarantee national treatment for foreign enterprises in areas such as access to production factors, qualification permits, standards setting and government procurement. In recent years, many good practices have emerged across the country in protecting foreign enterprises' commercial secrets and intellectual property rights, effectively safeguarding their investment interests.

Currently, economic globalization faces significant challenges. Opposing unilateralism and protectionism, as well as maintaining global economic order and the security and stability of industrial and supply chains, are the shared responsibilities of governments and enterprises worldwide. China remains a fertile ground for investment from all countries. We will continue to foster a world-class business environment that is market-oriented, law-based and internationalized. We are willing to share the enormous opportunities presented by the development of China's new quality productive forces and our journey toward Chinese modernization. We look forward to witnessing foreign businesses grow together with the Chinese economy. Thank you.

Mo Gaoyi:

Thank you to all the speakers and members of the press. This concludes today's news conference.

Translated and edited by Guo Yiming, Zhang Jiaqi, Li Xiao, Qin Qi, Zhang Rui, Li Huiru, Mi Xingang, Liu Sitong, Cui Can, Liu Jianing, Wang Yiming, Wang Wei, He Shan, Zhang Lulu, Huang Shan, Yuan Fang, Zhou Jing, Zhang Junmian, Ma Yujia, Wang Qian, David Ball, Daniel Xu, and Jay Birbeck. In case of any discrepancy between the English and Chinese texts, the Chinese version is deemed to prevail.