Xi Jinping calls for accelerated push toward 'Healthy China 2035' during key CPPCC session

BEIJING: Xi Jinping on Friday stressed the need to steadfastly pursue a path of health development with Chinese characteristics, calling for stronger and more coordinated efforts to advance the Healthy China Initiative during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period.

Xi, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks while attending a joint group meeting during the fourth session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), China’s top political advisory body.

The meeting brought together national political advisors from the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party the Jiusan Society, as well as representatives from the medicine and health sector and the welfare and social security sector.

During the meeting, six political advisors delivered speeches outlining proposals and recommendations related to healthcare reform, medical services, and social welfare improvements. After listening to their views, Xi delivered a keynote address highlighting the strategic importance of building a healthier population as a foundation for national development.

Xi said that the goal of building a Healthy China by 2035 is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee. He noted that the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030) would be a crucial stage for achieving this objective and called for enhanced policy coordination, scientific planning and faster implementation of health-related initiatives.

He emphasised that China must advance health development in accordance with its national conditions. As a socialist country and a developing nation with a vast population, China still faces notable urban-rural and regional disparities in healthcare access and services, he said.

Xi stressed that policy planning must reflect these realities while ensuring that healthcare reforms benefit all segments of society. He also pointed out that as circumstances evolve, certain health-related policies and measures should be adjusted and optimised to meet emerging challenges.

At the same time, he urged policymakers to maintain strategic focus on fundamental principles in the country’s health development strategy and avoid short-term approaches that could undermine long-term objectives.

Xi also commended the CPPCC for actively fulfilling its advisory role over the past year, noting that the body had contributed valuable insights on major national issues, including the formulation of the 15th Five-Year Plan and broader socio-economic development policies.

Separately, the Chinese president visited national political advisors participating in the CPPCC session and joined discussions with representatives from healthcare, welfare and social security sectors. During the interaction, he listened carefully to their comments and suggestions on improving China’s medical services, strengthening public health systems and enhancing social protection mechanisms.

The discussions are part of the broader deliberations taking place during China’s annual political gatherings, commonly known as the Two Sessions, where national lawmakers and political advisors review policy priorities and development strategies for the country’s future.

Chinese leadership has placed increasing emphasis on healthcare reform, public health preparedness and social welfare improvements in recent years, viewing them as essential components of high-quality development and social stability.

Officials say that strengthening healthcare infrastructure, improving medical accessibility and advancing preventive health services will remain central priorities as China moves forward with the implementation of its new five-year development blueprint.