President Xi champions children's health, education and all-round development on Int'l Children's Day

BEIJING: As China marked International Children’s Day on June 1, the well-being, education and healthy development of children continue to occupy a central place in the vision of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has consistently emphasized that the future strength and prosperity of the nation depend upon nurturing a healthy, capable and well-rounded younger generation.

Over the years, President Xi has repeatedly highlighted the importance of ensuring that children grow up with strong moral character, sound intellectual abilities and robust physical health. His remarks and actions have reflected a long-standing commitment to creating an environment where young people can thrive academically, physically and socially while preparing themselves to contribute to China’s long-term development and national rejuvenation.

Xi has often stressed that children represent the future of the country and the hope of the nation. He has encouraged young students to study diligently, cultivate good values, maintain healthy lifestyles and develop a sense of responsibility toward society and the nation.

A key aspect of President Xi’s concern has been the physical well-being of children, particularly in response to growing concerns over declining fitness levels and increasing rates of myopia among students.

During an inspection tour of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province in April 2020, Xi visited a primary school in Laoxian Township of Pingli County in Ankang City. While interacting with fifth-grade students, he inquired about their studies, daily routines and health conditions.

Noticing that only a limited number of students were wearing glasses, Xi expressed satisfaction and described the issue of children’s eyesight as a matter of significant concern. He noted that rising rates of myopia among young people had troubled him for a long time and warned that insufficient physical activity was contributing to declining fitness among children and adolescents.

The Chinese president emphasized that children should focus not only on academic achievement but also on building strong and healthy bodies. He observed that physical fitness serves as the foundation for healthy growth and future success.

His concern for children's health was once again evident during a visit to Beijing Yuying School on the eve of International Children’s Day in 2023. During the visit, Xi observed students participating in a variety of physical activities, including basketball, rope skipping and organized physical education classes.

Watching the students exercise enthusiastically on the school playground, Xi remarked that physical development should be a priority during childhood and adolescence. He underscored the vital role of sports and exercise in strengthening the bodies of young people and helping them develop healthy habits that would benefit them throughout their lives.

President Xi also stressed the importance of ensuring that schools are equipped with qualified physical education teachers and adequate sports facilities. He called upon families, schools and society at large to work together in creating favorable conditions that encourage children to engage in regular exercise and outdoor activities.

His emphasis on physical fitness has coincided with a series of nationwide educational reforms aimed at promoting healthier lifestyles among students.

In 2024, Chinese education authorities introduced new measures requiring primary and secondary schools to encourage students to leave classrooms during breaks and participate in appropriate physical activities. The policy also mandated a daily 30-minute physical exercise session during an extended recess period to help reduce eye strain, combat sedentary behavior and improve overall physical fitness.

As part of these efforts, many schools across China extended recess periods from 10 minutes to 15 minutes, providing students with additional opportunities for outdoor recreation and exercise throughout the school day.

These measures have already shown encouraging results. According to a 2024 survey conducted by China’s Ministry of Education, the national myopia rate among students declined for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 50.3 percent in 2024 and successfully meeting the government’s annual reduction target.

Beyond physical health, President Xi has consistently advocated for the holistic development of children, emphasizing the importance of cultivating morality, intellect, physical fitness, aesthetic appreciation and practical skills.

He has encouraged young people to nurture strong values, broaden their knowledge, develop creativity and maintain a spirit of hard work and perseverance. According to Xi, education should not only equip students with academic knowledge but also help them become responsible citizens capable of contributing positively to society.

President Xi has frequently expressed his hope that Chinese children will develop ambitions aligned with the country’s long-term goals and strive to contribute to the realization of national rejuvenation.

Ahead of International Children’s Day in 2014, while interacting with students at Beijing Haidian Minzu Primary School, Xi quoted a traditional Chinese saying: “Since antiquity, it is from adolescents that heroes emerge.”

The remark reflected his belief that the younger generation will play a decisive role in shaping China’s future and carrying forward the country’s development achievements.

As China celebrates International Children’s Day, President Xi’s longstanding focus on children’s health, education and all-round development continues to guide national policies aimed at creating a brighter future for millions of young people.

Through enhanced educational opportunities, improved health initiatives and expanded support for physical fitness, China is seeking to ensure that its next generation grows into capable, confident and responsible citizens prepared to contribute to the nation’s continued progress and prosperity.