Accelerate the construction of an educational power through reform and innovation

In a recent address at the National Education Conference, General Secretary Xi Jinping underscored the ambition of developing a robust education system deeply rooted in socialism with Chinese characteristics. He articulated that this educational framework must embody strong guiding ideologies, a competitive talent cultivation system, technological advancements, social welfare considerations, collaborative initiatives, and international influence. Xi highlighted that these components are essential for promoting China’s modernization and achieving national rejuvenation.

“Education is the cornerstone of national prosperity; any strong nation must first prioritize education,” he told the assembled leaders. His remarks were punctuated by historical evidence that no major power has ascended without a commitment to education—countries that lead globally are also those that excel in their educational systems. Xi reiterated the necessity of the Party’s overarching leadership in the educational sector, emphasizing the importance of nurturing generations who support the Communist Party’s leadership and the socialist system, dedicating their lives to this mission. He stressed that the effectiveness of moral education should serve as the primary benchmark for assessing all educational initiatives.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party, Xi has provided insightful answers to pivotal theoretical and practical questions surrounding the development of socialist education. His perspectives have enhanced understanding of the dynamics of socialist construction, the evolution of education, and talent training—guiding modernization efforts and shaping an educational system that meets public expectations.

As China stands on the brink of significant historic rejuvenation, the demand for education, scientific understanding, and skilled professionals is becoming increasingly urgent. The shifting global landscape, driven by a major technological and industrial revolution, calls for innovative strategies to boost the educational system’s capacity to facilitate high-quality development. At this critical juncture, it is imperative to leverage reform and innovation to create new momentum for building a strong education nation.

Transforming from an education giant to a powerhouse requires systemic leaps and qualitative advancements, addressing the public’s desire not only for access to education but also for high-quality educational experiences. Achieving this transformation necessitates targeted and comprehensive reforms, and a strong emphasis on the Party’s leadership in education, the enhancement of moral development systems, and the creation of an interconnected educational ecosystem that integrates various learning stages and combines in-school with extracurricular activities.

Moreover, aligning educational efforts with national strategic goals is crucial. Fostering a healthy synergy among education, technology, and talent will elevate the nation’s overall capacity for innovation. Emphasizing the improvement of life quality for the populace, public satisfaction should be the fundamental metric for educational progress, while ensuring that equity remains a core principle of comprehensive reforms.

By committing to practical reforms and adeptly managing key relationships, we can expedite the development of a high-quality educational system. With the strategic goal of establishing a strong educational nation by 2035, it is essential to align our thoughts and actions with Xi Jinping’s significant discourse on education and the central government’s policies, maintaining unwavering efforts to support China’s modernization.