Xi Jinping calls for making the benefits of China's modernization more accessible to all citizens
A country's modernization is measured not only by economic indicators and technological achievements, but also by how clearly its results are reflected in people's daily lives. Better employment, education, healthcare, elderly care and environmental conditions are becoming important elements of China's long-term development.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for efforts to effectively protect and improve people's livelihoods so that the fruits of China's modernization can benefit all citizens more fairly.
Xi Jinping, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has repeatedly emphasized the importance of people's well-being since the beginning of 2026. This year marks the start of China's 15th Five-Year Plan, covering the period from 2026 to 2030.
During inspection tours across the country, Xi has repeatedly visited residential communities and people's homes, speaking with residents and learning about their everyday concerns.
On July 15, he visited a residential complex in Shanghai's Huangpu District, where four buildings constructed in the 1950s had been renovated and upgraded. The improvements significantly enhanced living conditions. Xi called for continued efforts to address people's concerns step by step and steadily improve their well-being.
On June 24, during an inspection tour of Dezhou in east China's Shandong Province, Xi visited the home of villager Yu Xinhui. He asked about the family's daily life, work and income, the health of elderly family members and the education of children.
Special attention is also being given to elderly care. On February 10, ahead of the 2026 Spring Festival, Xi visited an elderly care facility in Beijing's Xicheng District. He said caring for and supporting the elderly is a shared responsibility of society and called for better conditions to help older people enjoy happy and fulfilling later years.
During the same visit, he spoke with three delivery couriers resting in a canteen and asked about their work and daily lives, highlighting the importance of employment and protecting workers' interests.
Among the 20 major indicators set out in the 15th Five-Year Plan, a significant share concerns people's well-being and quality of life. These indicators cover employment, income, education, healthcare, and elderly and childcare services.
Education and the development of young people are also part of this agenda. On March 23, during an inspection tour of Xiong'an New Area in north China's Hebei Province, Xi visited Beijing No. 4 High School in Xiong'an. He encouraged students to remain motivated and develop alongside the new area and China's modernization.
Environmental protection is another important component of improving quality of life. Xi has called for expanding channels for turning ecological advantages into economic and social benefits, while promoting coordinated greening efforts in urban and rural areas.
On March 30, he took part in a voluntary tree-planting activity in Beijing's Changping District and called on society as a whole to participate more actively in forest restoration. He stressed that a healthy ecological environment is a shared asset that requires joint efforts.
Public health is regarded as a key indicator of socialist modernization. During China's annual "two sessions," Xi emphasized the need to develop a healthcare system suited to China's national conditions and consistently implement the Healthy China strategy.
Public safety also remains an important part of the agenda. In April, the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee held a group study session on strengthening the country's capacity to prevent and respond to natural disasters. Xi has repeatedly called for effective disaster prevention, emergency response and relief efforts to protect people's lives and property.
During the first half of the year, China's employment situation remained generally stable, household incomes continued to rise, rural revitalization advanced, access to basic public services expanded, and measures to safeguard people's livelihoods continued to strengthen.
As reported by CCTV+, improving people's quality of life and ensuring broader access to the benefits of development remain key priorities of China's modernization during the new Five-Year Plan period.
