China's top political advisor Wang Huning on Tuesday called on individuals from the non-public sector of the economy and new social strata to stay committed to serving as builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics and contributors to Chinese modernization.
Wang, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, made the remarks while addressing a ceremony in Beijing, where 100 individuals from the non-public sector and new social strata were honored with the title "Outstanding Builders of Socialism with Chinese Characteristics."
Wang emphasized the importance of giving full play to the exemplary role of the awardees to encourage more people from these sectors to work in unity and strive to achieve success.
Recognizing their contributions in advancing the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era, Wang expressed the hope that people from the non-public sector and new social strata will dedicate themselves to serving the nation, focus on development, abide by the law, and promote common prosperity while pursuing wealth.
Party committees and governments at all levels should earnestly implement policies and measures that support the development of the private sector, and protect the legitimate rights and interests of private enterprises and entrepreneurs in accordance with the law, Wang said.
China honors outstanding builders of socialism with Chinese characteristics in non-public sector
A joint maritime exercise codenamed "Will for Peace 2026," which drew participation of BRICS member states including China, Russia, and South Africa, closed on Friday in the airspace and waters near South Africa.
The exercise, which ran from Jan 9 to 16 in the waters and airspace off Simon's Town, consisted of two main phases.
The port and shore operations phase from Jan 9 to 12 included the opening ceremony, ship tours, cultural and sports events, and professional exchanges.
This was followed by the sea phase from Jan 13 to 15, during which the participating vessels conducted drills on communication, formation maneuver, maritime strike, hijacked vessel rescue, helicopter-borne patient transfer and treatment, and other subjects.
The exercise concluded with a closing ceremony on Friday.
"The waters around Simon's Town is a maritime transportation hub connecting the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, and maritime transport of goods is indispensable in many countries' economic activities. So for the BRICS member states, the better use of military forces to maintain shipping safety in this vital sea area and keep it in a state of peace will not only better guarantee their economic development and social stability, but also make more and greater contributions to the whole world," said Wei Dongxu, a military observer.
The joint maritime exercise went through under the theme of "Joint Actions to Ensure the Safety of Key Shipping Lanes and Maritime Economic Activities."
Selected from the 48th Chinese naval escort taskforce, the Chinese participating force included guided-missile destroyer Tangshan (Hull 122) and comprehensive supply ship Taihu (Hull 889), as well as a ship-borne helicopter and several dozens of special operations troops.
The exercise aimed to further deepen military exchanges and cooperation among participating nations, enhance their collective capacity to address maritime threats, and contribute to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability and building a community with a shared future for humanity and a maritime community with a shared future.
Joint BRICS maritime exercise closes
