On January 20th, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China, Xi Jinping, addressed the Central Party School, delivering what is known as the "first New Year's lecture" to leading cadres at the provincial and ministerial levels. In his speech, he focused on the study and implementation of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee and clearly outlined the key tasks for the 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Xi Jinping emphasized that organizing specialized seminars for leading cadres is an institutional mechanism of the Central Committee to promote key decisions and measures. Focusing on this "core group" creates a demonstration effect of leadership from the top down and allows for the gradual implementation of strategies at all levels.

The 15th Five-Year Plan period is crucial for consolidating the foundations and achieving comprehensive development, and therefore, the study and implementation of the spirit of the Fourth Plenary Session represent an important political task. The development and implementation of five-year plans is an experience and institutional advantage of the Party in governing the state and society, and therefore, it is essential to strengthen confidence in this system.

The General Secretary stressed that China is in a period where strategic opportunities are intertwined with risks and uncertainties. It is necessary to scientifically assess the situation, comprehensively understand the profound changes in the international environment, as well as the new waves of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation, while maintaining strategic balance and initiative.

When outlining the key tasks, Xi Jinping stated that a priority during the 15th Five-Year Plan period is the construction of a modern industrial system. It is necessary to strengthen and expand the foundation of the real economy, maintain the share of the manufacturing industry, develop advanced manufacturing, support the emergence of new productive forces, and promote the deep integration of scientific and technological and industrial innovation.

Furthermore, he emphasized the need to accelerate the development of a new development model based on domestic economic circulation, coordinate consumption with investment, strengthen domestic demand as a stable support for growth, and utilize the stability of the internal circulation to offset external uncertainties. Through high-quality opening up to the world, it is possible to support long-term development dynamics.

Xi Jinping also underscored that economic and social development must proceed hand in hand. It is essential to continuously improve the living standards of the people, enhance the level of social governance, and coordinate development with security. The Party plays a key role in successfully achieving the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan, and therefore, it is necessary to continuously strengthen its ability and level of leadership in the field of economic and social development.

CMG