Build a strong educational framework has been a longstanding goal for the Chinese nation, serving as a crucial foundation for advancing modernization in a way that reflects China’s unique characteristics. This endeavor is essential for national development and the rejuvenation of the nation. As we pursue our objectives, making tangible progress is imperative.
In September, the National Education Conference took place in Beijing, coinciding with the refreshing autumn breeze and the season of harvest, marking the fortieth Teachers’ Day. General Secretary Xi Jinping participated in the conference and delivered a significant address, offering a strategic overview of the educational achievements and transformations that have emerged in this new era. He elaborated on the scientific underpinnings and essential pathways for establishing a robust educational nation, emphasizing the importance of managing key relationships and presenting a systematic approach for moving this initiative forward. His speech, rich in political and philosophical insights, serves as a guiding document for the education sector as it embarks on this new journey.
“Education is the cornerstone for nation-building and achieving national rejuvenation,” he stated. A flourishing education system is synonymous with a flourishing country. Education shapes national development and is instrumental in determining the future of the nation—no other sector plays a more significant role in selecting future leaders or maintaining stability. In today’s fiercely competitive global landscape, it’s evident that the contest fundamentally revolves around talent, making education increasingly critical for bolstering economic and social growth. Prioritizing educational development not only aligns with the Party’s goals but also addresses public expectations and enhances national strength and international stature, providing essential support for modernization efforts.
“We are advancing modernization and national rejuvenation through a uniquely Chinese pathway, and contemporary youth are at the forefront of this movement. It is our collective duty to improve education and nurture students who will become the cornerstones of modernization,” Xi emphasized during his visit to Hunan First Normal University, marking his first local inspection following the 2024 National Two Sessions, reflecting on the importance of education and expressing hopes for a new generation that will lead the nation’s rejuvenation.
Education has been a guiding principle for a century. General Secretary Xi has placed educational development at the forefront of his agenda—particularly in cultivating the builders and successors of socialism. He has actively initiated and driven significant reform in education. Since the onset of the new era, he has engaged with numerous educational institutions, met with students and teachers, and introduced crucial directives and decisions for educational reform in central leadership meetings. His focus on strengthening political education and enhancing the role of educators in talent cultivation reflects his steadfast commitment to educational advancement.
Over the years, Xi has frequently underscored the significance of education in improving the overall quality of citizens and fostering social progress. He has consistently pointed out the need for equitable access to education, the flexibility to cultivate talent that aligns with societal requirements, and a commitment to developing future leaders who embody socialist values. His discourse and initiatives outline a strategic vision for advancing education in line with modern socialist ideology.
Under Xi Jinping’s leadership, the Chinese Communist Party has elevated education to a national priority, enacting profound reforms and modernization initiatives that have produced historic achievements and transformative changes within the education sector. China now boasts the largest, highest-quality education system in the world, marking significant strides toward the goal of building a strong educational nation by 2035.
However, in the face of intense global competition focused on high-quality talent and technological innovation, there are still challenges in evolving from an important educational entity to a true educational powerhouse. During the National Education Conference, Xi outlined the essential characteristics of a strong educational nation within the framework of socialism with Chinese characteristics, stressing the necessity of a solid political framework that incorporates talent competitiveness, technological support, social welfare, collaborative governance, and international influence.
Building a robust educational nation requires a comprehensive and systemic approach. The recent Party Congress emphasized strategic plans for “providing quality education that meets people’s needs.” At this year’s National Education Conference, Xi reinforced the core objective of developing morally, intellectually, physically, and artistically well-rounded successors of socialism.
The roadmap has been established, and the call to action is clear. Constructing a strong educational nation is a shared commitment across all social strata. Let us unite under Xi Jinping’s leadership, aligning our efforts with the Party’s transformative directives as we implement the insights from the recent National Education Conference. With determination and innovative practices rooted in systematic frameworks, we will advance, ensuring that the principles from this conference resonate deeply and transform into effective actions as we embark on a new chapter in the development of a strong educational nation.
