During his recent inspection in Fujian, General Secretary Xi Jinping traveled north to continue his tour in Anhui, marking his third visit since the 18th National Congress. From October 17 to 18, he visited Anqing and Hefei, engaging in deep discussions in historic cultural districts and technology innovation parks. What key themes did the General Secretary focus on during this visit?
In his exploration of Liu Chi Alley in Tongcheng, Anqing, Xi Jinping began his journey with a cultural emphasis. This narrow alley, just two meters wide and a hundred meters long, is renowned worldwide for its story of “deference” and the philosophy of “harmony is precious.” The alley is steeped in history, dating back to the Qing Dynasty, when a dispute arose between neighbors over land. Instead of demanding strict boundaries, the family reached out to scholar Zhang Ying for mediation, who suggested that small concessions could result in greater harmony. This inspired both families to willingly yield their claims, transforming Liu Chi Alley into a lasting symbol of neighborly goodwill.
Xi emphasized the importance of promoting traditional Chinese virtues during his visit, urging that such historical wisdom be applied to contemporary social issues to foster a more harmonious society. He highlighted the significance of concepts like mutual respect and addressing community concerns.
Later, Xi visited Hefei’s Binhu Science City, a hub for technological innovation that has cultivated significant achievements in fields such as quantum information and fusion energy. He engaged with researchers and entrepreneurs, underscoring the critical role that science and technology must play in driving modernization in China.
His calls for Anhui to leverage its geographical advantages to align with multiple national development strategies were particularly noteworthy. He encouraged the province to actively participate in high-quality developments like the Belt and Road Initiative and to serve as a model for coordinated regional growth.
This series of inspections highlights Xi’s ongoing commitment to cultural heritage and scientific advancement as twin pillars supporting China’s modernization efforts. Throughout his visits, he emphasized the importance of fostering a culture of innovation, urging local leaders to embrace pioneering reforms and cultivate a new, holistic approach to governance and development.
As Xi Jinping continues his tour in Anhui, local officials are keenly aware of the responsibilities that come with the opportunity to showcase their province’s potential in contributing to national goals.
