Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday visited Jilin Province, which has broken new ground in the full revitalization of northeast China in the new era.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged Jilin Province to further implement the CPC Central Committee's strategic arrangements for the full revitalization of northeast China in the new era and to play a bigger role in advancing Chinese modernization after hearing the work report from provincial officials of Jilin in Changchun, the capital city of the province, on Saturday morning.
Covering an area of 187,400 square kilometers, Jilin Province has a population of 23,394,100 by the end of 2023.
The gross domestic product (GDP) of Jilin Province topped 1.4 trillion yuan (about 197.0 billion U.S. dollars) in 2024, up 4.3 percent year on year.
As one of the China's significant corn and rice production bases, Jilin plays a crucial role in China's agricultural landscape.
In 2024, the province achieved a historic milestone with its total grain production surpassing 42.5 billion kilograms for the first time, boasting the highest average grain yield per mu (approximately 0.067 hectares) among the major grain-producing provinces in China.
To ensure national food security, Jilin has prioritized the development of modern large-scale agriculture, using its vast plain landscape, fertile black soil, and science and technology to accelerate the building of a leading agricultural powerhouse in China.
The province is promoting industrial transformation through scientific and technological innovations and striving to modernize the industrial system to revitalize the old industrial base.
As one of the pilot provinces for ecological construction in China, Jilin is consolidating its ecological advantages to build a Beautiful Jilin.
The province is also taking the opportunity to develop itself into a highland of China's ice and snow economy with its unique ice and snow resources and the charm of folk culture.
People of Jilin are carrying forward the torch of revolutionary culture, striving for a brighter future.
Jilin stands out in full revitalization of northeast China in new era
Jilin stands out in full revitalization of northeast China in new era
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
