Xi calls on youth to contribute to national progress

President Xi Jinping has encouraged young Chinese to integrate their personal aspirations into the bigger picture of national development. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks in a reply letter to the representatives of the awardees of the China Youth May Fourth Medal and New Era Youth Pioneer ahead of China's Youth Day, which falls on Monday. Xi also extended festive greetings to young people nationwide in the letter. In his letter, Xi commended these exemplary young people, who work in grassroots positions spanning sci-tech innovation, rural revitalisation, social services and border defence. Xi noted that they epitomise the confident, self-reliant and high-spirited outlook of Chinese youth in the new era. Stressing that 2026 marks the opening year of China's 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), Xi said the present time presents a prime opportunity for young people to contribute to the country's development. The president urged young Chinese to stay rooted in their posts, strive for new achievements, and inject their youthful dynamism into advancing the nation's new journey of development. The China Youth May Fourth Medal and New Era Youth Pioneer are designed to honor outstanding young role models who demonstrate political advancement, high moral character, and significant contributions to society. Recently, 16 awardees who have won the titles since 2012 wrote to the president to report on their work and insights from serving at the grassroots level, and reaffirmed their resolve to contribute to national development. (Xinhua) Edited by Edmond Fong