CPC plenum stresses advancing national development goals in critical period

The fourth plenary session convened by the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Beijing from Monday to Thursday has underscored that the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) will be a crucial stage in consolidating the foundation for the basic realization of socialist modernization and making comprehensive progress toward the country's long-term development goals, according to a communique of the session released on Thursday.

The 15th Five-Year Plan period will be critical as the country works to reinforce the foundations and push ahead on all fronts toward basically achieving socialist modernization by 2035, and it will thus serve as a key link between the past and the future, according to the communique.

At present, China is in a phase of development where strategic opportunities exist alongside risks and challenges, while uncertainties and unforeseen factors are rising.

China's economy has a solid foundation, multiple advantages, strong resilience and vast potential, with its long-term positive fundamentals remaining unchanged.

The country's enormous market, complete industrial system and abundant human resources have become even more prominent, providing a solid guarantee for sustained and sound economic growth.

The communique said that all Party members must acquire a deep understanding of the decisive significance of establishing Comrade Xi Jinping's core position on the Party Central Committee and in the Party as a whole, and of establishing the guiding role of Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era.

It called on the entire Party to maintain strategic resolve and firm confidence in victory, while proactively identifying, responding to, and steering changes.

The communique stressed the need for the whole Party to bravely face major tests amid high winds, rough waves and even raging storms, and resolutely uphold the spirit of historical initiative to face risks and overcome difficulties, thus striving to open up new prospects for advancing the modernization drive with Chinese characteristics.

Efforts should focus on building China into a great modern socialist country in all respects and advancing national rejuvenation through Chinese modernization, the communique said.

It underscored the importance of upholding the general principle of pursuing progress while maintaining stability, pursuing high-quality development while focusing on economic work with reform and innovation as the driving force.

It also urged efforts to meet the people's growing aspirations for a better life and to ensure strict governance over the Party as a fundamental guarantee.

The communique said China will strive to make solid progress in promoting all-round human development and common prosperity, and secure decisive progress toward basically realizing socialist modernization.

The Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee presided over the meeting.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, delivered important addresses, according to the communique.

CPC plenum stresses advancing national development goals in critical period

CPC plenum stresses advancing national development goals in critical period

CPC plenum stresses advancing national development goals in critical period

CPC plenum stresses advancing national development goals in critical period

A cultural exchange event in Guangzhou saw teenagers from China and the United States gather to promote mutual understanding and friendship through music and other art forms.

Kicking off the new year, young performers from the American One Voice Children's Choir returned to Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, for another visit, engaging in face-to-face cultural exchanges with local youth.

During their time together, the teenagers visited the top of the city's landmark Canton Tower, and joined their voices in heartfelt rendition of the emotionally rich Cantonese classic "Friends."

"I think music is so powerful and creates such a bond between people. I mean, I'm not really understanding the words of this song, but I just know that it's so powerful to everybody and just music can span gaps that words can't always fill," said Cody, a member of One Voice Children's Choir.

Beyond singing, the young visitors also participated in hands-on cultural experiences including calligraphy and handcrafted fans making with their Guangzhou peers, immersing themselves in the charm of Chinese aesthetics and Eastern civilization.

Teenagers from both countries said that this event gave them a deeper understanding for the power of cultural exchange in strengthening China-U.S. friendship. Many primary school students in Guangzhou shared their hope that such activities would be held more frequently.

"We'd like to have more of these China-U.S. exchange activities," said Li Ziyu, a primary school student.

"In areas like music and sports, which have no borders, we can enhance cooperation," said another student, Zhang Bolun.

Music gathering in Guangzhou deepens friendship between Chinese, US teens