By hannover-web.com During a mid-spring visit to Fujian in 2021, General Secretary Xi Jinping expressed a heartfelt connection to the region, stating, “I have deep feelings for every mountain and river, every plant and tree here.” Three years later, from October 15 to 16, he returned to Fujian for the first inspection in a coastal area after the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party. What important messages did he convey during his visit from the banks of the Zhang River to the shores of the East China Sea? Let’s explore the key insights.
First Stop: Aokou Village – Emphasizing the Importance of “Sea-Based” Development
Xi Jinping’s first stop was Aokou Village in Dongshan County, Zhangzhou. This fishing village was re-visited by the General Secretary, who had come here back in 2001 while working in Fujian. Aokou Village, located on the southeastern coast of Dongshan, is surrounded by the sea on three sides, with its crescent-shaped bays reminiscent of butterfly wings, showcasing the village’s stunning transformation.
Once a place where residents struggled to afford newspaper subscriptions, phones, or even kerosene lamps, Aokou Village has now harnessed its coastal advantages to develop five key industries: marine fishing, aquaculture, seafood processing, e-commerce, and rural tourism.
Walking along the village’s golden beaches reveals bustling fishing rafts, boats returning with full catches, hardworking fishermen, and a vibrant scene of rural revitalization. The shift towards “sea view homestays” and “seafood e-commerce” has revitalized the local fishing economy, expanding its reach and potential. In 2023, Aokou Village reported a collective revenue of 1.73 million yuan, with farmers having an average disposable income of 58,000 yuan.
After witnessing so much change in Aokou Village since his last visit, Xi felt a sense of relief and expressed to the local residents that to achieve rural revitalization, they should capitalize on their strengths and continue to develop marine-focused initiatives. He reassured them that the new era promises an even brighter future for rural communities and improved livelihoods for farmers.
The formula for Aokou Village’s success lies in strengthening local specialty industries through appropriate strategies. Three years ago, during a previous visit, Xi had focused on local specialties like Wuyishan tea and Shaxian snacks, emphasizing the importance of leveraging agricultural resources to develop unique advantages. This time, he continued to highlight the significance of local industries.
Second Stop: Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall – “Building a Monument in the Hearts of the People”
Dongshan Island not only boasts a rich fishing culture but also deep-seated revolutionary heritage. At the Dajushan Mountain, Xi visited the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall, dedicated to the exemplary leader who pioneered afforestation in the region, creating a green legacy that residents remember fondly.
Xi has often referenced Gu Wenchang and his significant contributions during his various addresses. He stated, “Fujian has nurtured many outstanding figures, one of whom is Gu Wenchang. His story reflects the strong party spirit, lofty ideals, and noble character of an exemplary member of the Communist Party.”
The memorial hall showcases Gu’s incredible efforts to transform Dongshan from a “sand-blown isolation” to an “oasis in the East China Sea.” Xi affirmed Gu’s legacy in environmental restoration and community development, encouraging current and future leaders to embody Gu’s commitment to public service and integrity.
In addition, during a meeting in Xiamen with party officials, Xi highlighted the importance of passing down the noble traditions and innovative spirit of fearless dedication found in leaders like Gu. He urged local officials to continue to safeguard cultural heritage, promote cross-strait cultural exchanges, and contribute to a more robust cultural economy.
Third Stop: Xiamen Area – Developing an “Open High Ground”
After visiting Zhangzhou, Xi headed to Xiamen to inspect the China (Fujian) Pilot Free Trade Zone. Established in April 2015, this area has introduced 606 innovative measures, with 142 being nationally pioneering initiatives.
Fujian is recognized as a land of reform and openness. Three years ago, Xi visited the Pingtan Comprehensive Experimental Zone, advocating for deeper integration into the Belt and Road Initiative. This time, he noted the impressive transformation Xiamen has witnessed over 40 years and urged the region to elevate its reform efforts to meet new challenges and enhance its global competitiveness.
Xi reinforced the need for deeper engagement in free trade and urged the local government to pursue institutional advancements and high-quality development strategies, ensuring Xiamen remains a crucial passageway for international trade.
Final Messages: Staying Focused on the Goals
Reflecting back, Xi recalled his visit ten years ago, highlighting a vision for a new Fujian characterized by vitality, industry, affluence, and a beautiful ecology. He reiterated this vision during his latest visit, emphasizing the importance of commitment to these goals and urging local governments to continue pushing for innovation in technology and industry, deepening reforms, and enhancing cultural influence.
In his remarks, Xi pointed out that his visit is set against a backdrop of a strong commitment to deepening reforms, aligned with the overall strategies of China’s modernization. Stressing the importance of remaining focused on these objectives, he inspired residents to channel their energy into realizing a dynamic and prosperous future for Fujian.
In Xi Jinping’s own words from when he worked in Fujian, “Holding the cloud river, washing the azure sky,” he reminds us that observing a specific region enriches our understanding of national development strategies. With a spirit of urgency and perseverance, Fujian is positioned to lead the way in this journey toward modernization.
