Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, has reaffirmed the people-first principle, emphasizing that the Party and the government serve as reliable pillars for the people during their most challenging times.
On Jan 22, 2025, the traditional Little New Year in northern China, Xi braved freezing temperatures to visit Zhujiagou Village in Huludao City of northeast China's Liaoning Province. The village had been severely affected by torrential rains and devastating floods five months earlier.
During his visit, President Xi inspected post-disaster restoration and reconstruction efforts and met with villagers who had recently moved into their newly built homes.
He carefully inquired about the quality of the rebuilt houses and whether their daily necessities were adequately met.
"Helping those affected by disasters is what the Party and the government should do," Xi said while visiting a local family in their new home.
"We have always put the people first. The people can always rely on the Party and the government in their most challenging times, and we will help them overcome difficulties and rebuild their homes," he added.
Xi says people can always count on Party, gov't in difficult times
Citizens of the Republic of Korea (ROK) have shared their views and expectations for future cooperation with China ahead of President Lee Jae Myung's state visit, which began in Beijing on Sunday.
Lee is making his first visit to China since assuming office in June 2025, with the state visit scheduled to run until Wednesday.
Street food vendor Jang Dong Il said he had high expectations for the visit, hoping it would lead to effective cooperation between the two countries and improvements in the economic environment for mutual benefit.
"More exchanges between the two countries would boost for the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," he said.
"I have high hopes for this meeting between our countries' leaders. President Lee Jae Myung is visiting China between January 4 and January 7, to discuss economic, cultural and tourism exchanges.I understand about 200 to 300 South Korean corporate executives have traveled with him. I have high hopes for this. If this visit helps strengthen relations between two leaders,I believe it could lead to a win-win outcome and bring ROK and China closer together," Yang said.
"The leaders' meeting can spark dynamic exchanges in economy and culture. More exchanges between the two countries would boost the two economies. I am full of hope for a strong cooperation between President Lee Jae-myung and President Xi Jinping," said Noh Yun Ji, a teacher.
"The two can complement each other economically and continue to develop," said Kim Yoon Jung, a Seoul resident.
Dancer Yoon Ji Eun shared her experience of visiting Shanghai, saying that the delicious food suited her taste and that the city’s fashionable, clean urban environment left her with a positive impression of China.
"Last summer, I took a trip to Shanghai, and after seeing it for myself, I found the food was to my taste, and the city was modern and clean. So I came to see China as a captivating country," Yoon said.
"First of all, China is a very large country. And the food is delicious. I enjoy dishes like malatang and hot pot.I love Chinese food," Noh said.
The ROK citizens also expressed hope for strengthened people to people exchanges with China.
Recalling her time studying dance in China, Yoon said her experience highlighted the role of education in fostering cultural understanding.
"Although I don’t know much about this, as I mentioned, I went to Shanghai for dance lessons. It shows education can offer cultural experiences," she said.
South Koreans hope president’s first visit to China will enhance exchanges
