Xi's inspection tours reflect efforts to steer China's economy toward sustainable future

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, has conducted in-depth research in multiple localities on issues ranging from economic growth and epidemic control to grain and energy security in the first half of the year, and listened to the frontline voices. 

"We have confidence in our ability to coordinate epidemic prevention and control with economic and social development, and to bring the country's economic development this year to a relatively good level," Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said during his inspection tour in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, in late June.

A month later, Xi presided over a meeting of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee to analyze the current economic situation and arrange for economic work in the second half of the year. It was stressed at the meeting that the country should maintain the momentum of the rebounding economy, ensure stable employment and commodity prices, and keep major economic indicators within an appropriate range while striving to achieve the best possible results.

COVID-19 PREVENTION, CONTROL

Since the beginning of the year, the COVID-19 situation has been complex and volatile. On multiple occasions, Xi has given important instructions on coordinating epidemic control and economic and social development.

During his visit to north China's Shanxi Province in January, Xi told local authorities to stay alert, adopt science-based and targeted control measures, and ensure people's safety and necessities.

In March, China saw resurgences of COVID-19 cases caused by the highly contagious Omicron variant. Taking note of the situation, Xi emphasized at a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee that more effective measures should be taken to achieve maximum effect in prevention and control with minimum cost, and to reduce the impact on socioeconomic development as much as possible.

From April 10 to 13, Xi inspected south China's Hainan Province, emphasizing the importance of tenacity in achieving success. "We must not drop our guard, lose drive, take chances, or slacken efforts. We should respond to the new features of virus variants and make our response measures more judicious and targeted," he said.

During his visit to Wuhan, Xi said that if China had adopted the "herd immunity" policy or a hands-off approach, given its large population, the consequences would be unimaginable.

With the leadership of the CPC and the grassroots foundation formed by communities, China has the capability and strength to implement the dynamic zero-COVID policy until the final victory is secured, he said.

Under the strong leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi at its core, China has protected people's lives and health to the greatest extent.

Xi noted that China has secured a victory in the battle against the virus in Shanghai, withstanding the most severe test since the outbreak of the epidemic in Wuhan.

The country has adopted targeted and strict epidemic control measures in virus-hit areas and tried its best to ensure the normal production and life of people in most areas. Both the incidence rate and the death toll in China are the lowest among major countries at present.