Xi urges Beijing to take lead in achieving socialist modernization

Chinese President Xi Jinping has urged Beijing to advance its economic and social development to strive to serve as an exemplary model for the entire country in achieving socialist modernization.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, visited primary-level officials and residents in Beijing during an inspection tour from Monday to Tuesday, prior to the Spring Festival.

During the trip, Xi heard a work report by Beijing municipal authorities and gave his approval for the city's progress across the board.

Describing the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030) as key in China's efforts to basically realize socialist modernization, Xi said Beijing must take the lead and make sure "decisive progress" is achieved.

He asked the Chinese capital to seize the opportunity of enlarging the Beijing (Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region) international sci-tech innovation center to strengthen its innovation coordination and industrial cooperation with Tianjin and Hebei.

It is essential to integrate the development of education, science, technology, and talent, strengthen the deep integration of scientific and technological innovation with industrial innovation, and vigorously develop new quality productive forces, he said.

Xi also asked Beijing to actively develop the modern services sector and move further to comprehensively deepen reform and expand institutional opening up, in a bid to create experience that can be applied elsewhere across the nation.

Xi said that as Beijing strives to build a world-class city that is harmonious and desirable to live in, it must advance urban governance with the highest standards.

This includes strengthening disaster and emergency response capabilities, improving the public service system, promoting green and low-carbon lifestyle, and leveraging technological empowerment to make urban governance more efficient and refined, Xi said.

Xi demanded efforts to further exercise full and rigorous Party self-governance by adopting higher standards and more concrete measures. He also demanded that officials further enhance their ability to advance modernization.

Xi urges Beijing to take lead in achieving socialist modernization

Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the renovated Longfusi commercial area in Beijing's Dongcheng District on Tuesday, extending Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese people.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, paid an inspection tour of the Chinese capital from Monday to Tuesday. Arriving at the Longfusi commercial area on Tuesday, Xi was briefed on urban renewal efforts.

He stopped by a store of the traditional bakery brand Daoxiangcun, where he watched pastry-making.

At a Spring Festival market, he visited various stalls selling festive goods and talked with people there, sharing memories of his visits to the area when he was young. He also bought some specialty food and culture-themed products.

Xi said he was very pleased to see the bustling, vibrant festive scene and well-stocked holiday goods.

The Spring Festival is an important occasion for the people, Xi said, urging officials at all levels to make solid efforts in ensuring people's wellbeing and strengthening workplace safety so that everyone can enjoy a joyful Chinese New Year.

Xi wished all Chinese people good health, career success, and family happiness. He also wished the country peace and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.

Xi visits Longfusi commercial area in Beijing, extending Spring Festival greetings to all Chinese