Xi Jinping Advocates Deepening Reform for Chinese Modernization During Shandong Visit

Chinese President Xi Jinping recently concluded a three-day inspection trip to Shandong Province, where he emphasized the critical role of deepening reform in driving Chinese modernization. From May 22 to May 24, 2024, Xi urged the province to focus on high-quality development and transform itself into a hub of high-level opening up.

During his visit, Xi Jinping, who also serves as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited key sites such as Rizhao Port. At the port, he observed automated container terminal operations and toured a coastal greenway to understand local efforts in ecological restoration.

Xi's trip to Shandong is his first local inspection since the CPC Central Committee Political Bureau meeting on April 30, which resolved to hold the third plenary session of the 20th CPC Central Committee in Beijing this July. The upcoming session will primarily address issues related to further comprehensively deepening reform and advancing Chinese modernization.

Why this matters: Xi Jinping's emphasis on deepening reform in Shandong Province has significant implications for China's economic growth and global integration. The success of this reform could lead to increased economic cooperation and influence for China on the world stage.

Shandong Province, with a population of 100 million, is a significant industrial base and a major grain producer. It ranked third in GDP among all provincial-level regions in China last year. The province is also historically notable as the birthplace of Confucius.

During his visit, Xi highlighted the importance of improving people's lives through modernization. *'The goal of advancing Chinese modernization is to make people's lives better and better,'* he stated, underscoring the human-centric focus of his vision for reform.

Rizhao Port, one of the sites Xi visited, has developed significantly since China's reform and opening-up drive began in the late 1970s. The port has evolved into a modern facility, gaining valuable experience in upgrading and transforming traditional industries to foster new quality productive forces.

Xi's emphasis on Shandong's role in China's broader modernization efforts reflects the province's strategic importance. By focusing on high-quality development and opening up, Shandong is expected to contribute significantly to China's economic growth and global integration.

As Xi Jinping concluded his inspection trip, the anticipation for the upcoming CPC plenary session in July grows. This session is set to further outline and implement comprehensive reforms aimed at advancing Chinese modernization, with Shandong Province playing a central role.

Key Takeaways

• Xi Jinping emphasizes deepening reform in Shandong Province for Chinese modernization.
• Shandong aims to become a hub of high-level opening up and high-quality development.
• Xi's visit focuses on improving people's lives through modernization and economic growth.
• Rizhao Port's transformation is a model for upgrading traditional industries.
• Upcoming CPC plenary session in July will outline comprehensive reforms for Chinese modernization.