President Xi Jinping has recently emphasized the importance of enhancing civil affairs as part of China’s broader goal to tackle pressing public concerns and support high-quality development. Speaking at the 15th National Civil Affairs Conference held in Beijing, Xi articulated the need for inclusive and effective initiatives to improve the livelihoods of the people. This directive is part of his wider vision for the modernization of China, which is intricately linked to addressing the needs of the populace.
At the conference, Xi highlighted the government’s obligation to adopt a people-centered approach when resolving practical issues affecting the daily lives of citizens. With nearly one-fourth of the population projected to be seniors by 2050, the conversation surrounding issues like elderly care has become increasingly pressing. Specifically, as of 2023, around 300 million individuals aged 60 and above reside in China, necessitating urgent attention to the country’s elder care services.
Premier Li Qiang also noted during the conference the significance of civil affairs work. He mentioned the need for continuous enhancement of this sector to sustain the modernization process, along with safeguarding the interests of various groups, including disadvantaged individuals and those with disabilities. This attention to diverse demographics reflects the government’s acknowledgment of the various needs across the population.
The civil affairs sector encompasses multiple services, including child welfare, elderly care, social welfare, and assistance programs, and is integral to the country’s modernization efforts. According to experts, this modernization endeavor, particularly influenced by the nation’s large population, poses unique challenges compared to other industrialized countries historically.
One of the notable advancements highlighted was the increase in elderly care facilities. The Ministry of Civil Affairs reports a significant boost, indicating the number of elderly care centers has risen to over 410,000, with community-based facilities doubling since 2019. Nonetheless, even with the growth of institutions, there remains a stark shortage of caregivers, prompting authorities to find alternative solutions, such as promoting home-based care.
Home-based care has gained traction as it enables seniors to continue residing within their homes, receiving help from community workers and medical professionals. This model has reportedly benefited around 350,000 seniors since its inception. To bolster the caregiver workforce, educational programs have been introduced to encourage students to pursue caregiving majors. Each year, roughly 100,000 students have enrolled, aiming to fill the gap.
Meanwhile, on the health front, the publication of Xi Jinping’s discourses on the Healthy China initiative marks another significant step toward improving public health. Released by the Central Party Literature Press, the book compiles excerpts addressing health sector development and aims to create a solid health foundation for the country. It features insights from speeches and written works spanning from 2012 to September 2024, providing valuable guidance for advancing the health industry.
This initiative is part of Xi’s broader vision of transforming China, through health improvements, thereby laying groundwork for building the nation as strong and prosperous. With over 140 important speeches included, the publication aims to engage health professionals and policymakers, equipping them with insights necessary for the nation’s health developments.
Xi's discourse encourages stakeholders involved to implement proactive strategies to tackle health-related issues. This resonates well with China’s aspirations to develop its health sector comprehensively, signifying the fundamental connection between health and overall national strength.
Strikingly, the combination of civil affairs development and health initiatives exemplifies the Chinese government's extensive focus on social welfare aspects. By addressing the varied needs through policies and strategic initiatives, the leaders aim to promote equitable and sustainable growth.
With the population aging and health needs rising, it’s clear the Chinese government is gearing up for the future. The commitment shown by Xi and Premier Li toward civil affairs and health not only sets the tone for the current administration’s priorities but also signals to the populace the importance of welfare. Understanding and tackling these challenges will be pivotal as China continues its path toward modernization.
