Chinese President Xi Jinping called for steadfastly fulfilling the fundamental task of education, which is to cultivate moral values, and opening a new stage of high-quality development in basic education across the country.
Xi Jinping, who is also General Secretary of the Communist Party of China and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in an instruction on work related to basic education.
Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, the Central Committee has regarded basic education as a key and defining area. Through a series of measures, it has supported its extensive development, laying a solid foundation for building China into a leading educational power, Xi said.
He emphasized the need to fully implement the Communist Party of China's education policy and cultivate a new generation of capable young people with strong moral character, intellectual abilities, good physical fitness, aesthetic appreciation, and practical skills. These individuals should contribute to the development of socialism and the continuation of socialist endeavors.
Xi Jinping also stressed that the principle of "health first" must be upheld in education. He called for improving the quality of education and teaching, and supporting the physical and mental health of students, as well as their personal growth and future success.
He also highlighted the importance of building a highly qualified and professional teaching staff, more effective allocation of educational resources, deepening comprehensive reform of education, and coordinated cooperation between schools, families, and society as a whole.
The instruction was released on Wednesday at a national conference on basic education held in Beijing.
Ding Xuexiang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China and Chinese Vice Premier, also attended the meeting and delivered a speech at the conference.
Ding called for adapting basic education to the new situation in economic and social development and responding to the new expectations of the people. At the same time, he emphasized the need to continue supporting its high-quality development.
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