International: In 1974, a young Xi Jinping joined the Communist Party of China (CPC) in Liangjiahe Village of Shaanxi Province and later served as Party secretary of the local production brigade. At the time, the village`s land was barren and agricultural resources were limited. After assuming the post, Xi worked closely with villagers to build sediment-retaining dams to improve irrigation.

Recalling those days, he once remarked: “Once these dams are completed, the amount of irrigated farmland will increase significantly, and generations of Liangjiahe residents will benefit from them.”

During his seven years in Liangjiahe, Xi and the villagers dug wells, built terraces and biogas facilities, established ironworks cooperatives, sales centers, and sewing cooperatives. His efforts brought tangible improvements to local livelihoods and laid the foundation for rural development.

From March 1982 to May 1985, Xi Jinping served first as deputy Party secretary and later Party secretary of Zhengding County in Hebei Province. Reflecting on that period, he said that he had voluntarily requested a transfer from a central government institution back to grassroots work because he wanted to serve ordinary people directly.

"I wanted to love the people as I love my parents," he once said, adding that his deepest realization was that in the most difficult times, the people are the greatest source of strength.

In 1983, while serving as Party secretary of Zhengding, Xi reportedly set up a temporary desk along the roadside to listen directly to the concerns and suggestions of local residents.

Although times have changed, his governing philosophy has remained consistent. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 95th anniversary of the CPC in July 2016, Xi emphasized that Party members and officials should “always maintain a sincere and pure commitment to the people.”

Since the 18th CPC National Congress, Xi has traveled extensively across China’s most impoverished regions, visiting all 14 contiguous poverty-stricken areas and conducting more than 50 inspections related to poverty alleviation. Guided by the principle of identifying and addressing poverty with precision, he repeatedly stressed accountability in improving people`s lives.

"As long as villagers remain poor, I must answer to both the people and history," he said.

Under the leadership of the CPC Central Committee with Xi Jinping at its core, China has lifted nearly 100 million people out of poverty, built a moderately prosperous society in all respects, and established the world`s largest education, social security, healthcare, and urban housing support systems. Living standards across the country have improved significantly.

During a visit to Caosigou Village in Mizhi County, Shaanxi Province, in September 2021, Xi stepped out of his vehicle to inspect crop growth and engage in friendly conversations with farmers working in the fields.

Xi Jinping has repeatedly emphasized that “the people are the foundation of the state.” According to him, the mission of the Communist Party is ultimately to safeguard the trust and support of the people.

In October last year, he again stressed the importance of staying true to the Party`s original aspiration, addressing issues from the people`s perspective, improving public welfare through development, and steadily advancing common prosperity.

The year 2026 marks the launch of China`s 15th Five-Year Plan and the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China. Earlier this year, Xi called on Party officials to cultivate a correct approach to governance and deliver concrete results through practical work.

In April 2024, while participating in a voluntary tree-planting campaign in Beijing, Xi spoke warmly with young students and encouraged them to study diligently, maintain good health, and develop morally, intellectually, physically, aesthetically, and through labor, so that they may become capable contributors to the country`s future.

Reflecting on the responsibilities of governing a nation of more than a billion people, Xi once stated:

"The responsibilities of such a large country are immense, and the tasks are arduous. I am willing to devote myself wholeheartedly to the people. We must think what the people think, fulfill what the people expect, and continuously turn their aspirations for a better life into reality."

These remarks, supporters say, reflect both Xi Jinping`s deep commitment to the people and the people-centered philosophy that has guided the century-old Communist Party of China.

Source: Shishir-Alim-Akash, China Media Group (CMG).