Xi Jinping, General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC), called for continued efforts to build the new Xiong'an area in northern China's Hebei province as an innovation center for a new era and a model for high-quality development.

Xi, who is also the President of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited the area on Monday and presided over a symposium on the further development and construction of the zone.

He emphasized the need to consistently maintain Xiong'an's primary function as a key recipient of functions being moved from Beijing that are not essential for its role as the capital.

According to him, the new area should strengthen its own development dynamism through reforms and innovation, and unleash its potential through the effective concentration of productive factors and resources.

On Monday morning, Xi arrived in Xiong'an and inspected the progress of construction in the initial zone. He then visited China Huaneng Group Co., Ltd., which relocated more than 1,000 employees to Xiong'an in October 2025, and listened to briefings on the relocation, industrial layout, and innovation development of the company.

During the visit, he met with representatives of employees and staff of organizations that are already operating in the area or are in the construction phase, and inquired about their working and living conditions.

Xi also visited the campus of Beijing No. 4 Middle School in Xiong'an, where he spoke with teachers and students about education. In the school cafeteria, he inquired about the environment and the food offerings.

In the afternoon, Xi presided over the symposium and delivered an important speech, in which he praised the significant progress made in the construction and development of the new area.

He emphasized that the decision by the CPC Central Committee to build Xiong'an has proven to be entirely correct, and that all related work is proceeding steadily and effectively.

He called for the continued systematic transfer of functions from Beijing that are not essential for its role as the capital, and for the gradual construction of projects involving the relocation of state-owned enterprises, universities, and hospitals.

He also emphasized the importance of systematic planning, coordinated development, and effective management, including improving public services and the living standards of residents, and supporting modern models of smart city governance.

According to Xi, Xiong'an must build a modern industrial system that is appropriate for its conditions and accelerate the use of scientific and technological achievements through the development of science parks.

The area should develop cluster structures of emerging and future industries, implement innovative policies in the fields of science, technology, and finance, and create a market-oriented and internationally competitive business environment.

Xi also called for strengthening the leading role of the party and building party structures, while emphasizing the importance of a correct understanding of public administration. During his visit, Xi was accompanied by Premier Li Qiang, Cai Qi, Director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee, and Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, who are members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee. CMG