Speaking with representatives from the sectors of agriculture and welfare and social security on March 6, President Xi underlined the need for a continued effort to upgrade the conditions in the countryside to achieve the goals of rural revitalization and common prosperity, watchwords at this year’s National People’s Congress. Fundamental to this is securing the food supply. “Despite China’s industrialization, food supply should never be considered an insignificant issue, and we cannot rely solely on the international market to solve it,” Xi said.
China should be well-prepared, remain vigilant on food security, and adhere to the principle of self-sufficiency based on domestic grain production, guaranteed production capacity, moderate food imports and technological support, he said.
“We must also make efforts to build stronger primary-level Party organizations in rural areas, and attach high importance to raising farmers’ intellectual and moral standards. We must pay special attention to promoting the rule of law in rural areas, improve rural governance, and enhance self-governance by villagers.”
He called for rooting out local gangs in rural areas, and cracking down on organized and clan criminals. “We should shore up weak links in social welfare in rural areas, and give particular attention and care to disadvantaged groups such as elderly people and children, especially elderly people, children, and women left behind in rural areas,” Xi stated. “"The measurement for moderate prosperity lies in the rural areas.”
