Deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province pledged on Thursday to follow President Xi Jinping's instructions and push for new progress in their respective roles at the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), China's national legislature.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, took part in a deliberation with his fellow deputies from the delegation of Jiangsu Province on the day.
As China moves forward with its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), Xi called on Jiangsu, one of the country's most economically dynamic provinces, to play a greater role in advancing common prosperity.
Xi also stressed that Jiangsu should respond to the people's growing expectations for a better quality of life by raising incomes for both urban and rural residents and exploring practical pathways to achieve more balanced and inclusive development.
Yang Hengjun, a village Party secretary from Jiangsu who presented a report at the session, said living conditions in his village have significantly improved over the recent years.
He expressed confidence that the 15th Five-Year Plan will create new opportunities for the further development of his village.
"I want to introduce the 15th Five-Year Plan to the people in my village, so we can better study and apply the national strategy to effectively develop our own village," said Yang.
President Xi also stressed the importance of the integrated development of education, science and technology, and talent.
Zhang Xiaohong, Soochow University's Party Secretary, said his university is actively exploring new ways to foster elites.
"Academic disciplines and majors should be adjusted in line with socio-economic development and industrial development. At Soochow University, we're studying how to achieve synergy between humans and artificial intelligence in higher education curriculum design. We are also making reforms on what to teach and how to teach," said Zhang.
In addition to education, fostering sports talents was also discussed at the deliberation. Olympic Champion Zhang Yufei made a report on carrying forward the sports spirit.
"The general secretary made it clear to us that we should have a long-term plan and take it step by step. After every Olympic Games, the general secretary shows care for us. He has witnessed my growth. I'm truly delighted to have had the chance to speak with him face to face this year," said Zhang.
The fourth session of the 14th NPC is being held in Beijing from March 5 to 12.
NPC deputies from Jiangsu pledge to follow Xi's instructions, push for new progress
