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Huai Jinpeng Discusses Educational Power in Qiushi Article

In a recent article published in Qiushi, Huai Jinpeng emphasized the significance of advancing educational reforms in China. This discussion comes in the wake of the National Education Conference convened by the Party Central Committee in September 2024, where General Secretary Xi Jinping highlighted the historic transformations in the educational landscape. He laid out strategic initiatives aimed at propelling the nation towards becoming a leading educational powerhouse.

Following the establishment of the 'Outline Plan for Building a Strong Education Country (2024-2035)' in January 2025, it becomes imperative to internalize the lessons from Xi Jinping's addresses. The 'Outline' affirms the necessity of aligning educational development with the principles of Chinese-style modernization. The integration of educational practices with local economic growth is pivotal in fostering regional competitiveness.

A primary focus of educational advancement is the cultivation of a skilled workforce that mirrors national rejuvenation objectives. With approximately 290 million students in the country, their perspectives and values are instrumental in perpetuating the Party's mission. The challenge lies in addressing ideological influences within educational institutions, which play a crucial role in nurturing loyalty towards the Party and the socialistic framework.

Furthermore, emphasizing education as a cornerstone for economic resilience and competitive advantage is vital, especially as global dynamics evolve. The role of education in developing talent in emerging fields is critical as nations grapple with unprecedented changes occurring over the last century. This talent pool is essential not just for national development but also for maintaining strategic autonomy in an increasingly interconnected world.

The article also stresses the necessity of enhancing educational quality to align with the demand for innovative productivity. With rapid advancements in industry and technology, there is a pressing need for educational institutions, particularly universities, to spearhead initiatives that foster research and technological breakthroughs. Education must act as a catalyst for both economic growth and societal progress.

Addressing the quality and equity of education is equally paramount. China has developed a robust educational system, yet there remains a growing demand for quality and inclusivity, especially in the wake of demographic shifts such as aging populations and declining birth rates. An unbalanced distribution of educational resources exacerbates disparities, necessitating a commitment to resolve these inequities and ensure equal access to quality education.

Huai Jinpeng proposed a broad strategy that encompasses the 'three attributes' of education and how they serve national and individual needs. A focus on political, people-centric, and strategic attributes defines the educational framework necessary to meet contemporary challenges. Such an approach must address the needs of students while aligning educational objectives with broader societal goals.

The systematic arrangement laid out by Xi Jinping regarding the 'six characteristics' and 'eight major systems' provides a comprehensive framework to evaluate the effectiveness of educational initiatives. This includes strong ideological leadership, a talented workforce, and reliable systems supporting both educational equity and quality.

Additionally, establishing educational systems that foster innovation and international collaboration is critical for enhancing China's global standing in education. Facilitating exchanges with international institutions and fostering a culture of global cooperation could position China as a leader in educational excellence.

In conclusion, Huai Jinpeng's insights reflect a compelling vision for China’s educational future, focusing on the intersection of educational development, cultural values, and national strategy. As China aspires to bolster its educational power, the commitment to reform and quality education will be paramount in shaping a prosperous and resilient nation.