**Interview with a Visionary on People-Centric Development in New China**
As we celebrate 75 remarkable years since the founding of New China, the commitment to meeting the people’s aspirations for a better life is as strong as ever. How do you perceive the significance of this enduring value in the governance of the nation?
**Interviewee:** Over the decades, prioritizing the people has been our foundational principle. It’s not merely a policy; it’s both our starting point and our ultimate goal in modernization. The deep-seated belief that “the people come first” has been a guiding light on our path to prosperity.
Can you provide a specific example that highlights this transformation in the lives of everyday citizens?
**Interviewee:** Certainly! Consider the neighboring villages in the Dehang Grand Canyon, located in Hunan’s Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. One village is called “Family,” and the other “Happiness.” For a long time, they struggled due to lack of connectivity. However, with the opening of the Xiaozhai Bridge, this gap was bridged, leading villagers to seize the opportunity to develop cultural tourism. Local agricultural products are now reaching markets far and wide. Both villages successfully eradicated poverty, greatly improving residents’ livelihoods.
That’s truly inspiring! How does infrastructure development impact the daily lives of people across various regions?
**Interviewee:** Infrastructure is crucial for enhancing connectivity and access. For example, in Wuhan, the J202 bus route has become a “vegetable basket” line that enables over a hundred farmers each day to bring their produce to the city. This reflects not only logistical improvements but also our dedication to meeting farmers’ needs and promoting urban-rural integration.
You mentioned President Xi Jinping’s powerful statement that the people’s pursuit of a better life is our core objective. How has this vision evolved over the years?
**Interviewee:** The aspirations of our population have been our guiding force. Reflecting on the early days of New China in 1949, we faced incredible challenges. Today, with over 950 million 5G mobile subscribers and an average urban resident enjoying over 40 square meters of living space, our progress is remarkable. The desires that were once simple have become tangible realities for our citizens.
What does it mean to create a nation centered around its people after 75 years of development?
**Interviewee:** It signifies acknowledging that our achievements are rooted in the hard work and dedication of our people. From constructing the Hongqi Canal in Linzhou to pioneering reforms initiated by farmers in Fengyang, each story reminds us that the true heroes of our nation are its citizens.
How are contemporary policies being aligned with the changing needs of the populace?
**Interviewee:** Our approach is increasingly holistic. We must ensure that development benefits every member of society by focusing on key areas like employment, education, healthcare, housing, and environmental sustainability. Addressing the urgent needs of our people is paramount, and we’re dedicated to translating these needs into actionable policies.
Looking ahead, what do you envision for the next phase of development in China?
**Interviewee:** I envision a society where every citizen feels empowered in their aspirations and where the promise of modernization is equitably shared. As someone recently reflected during our 75th anniversary, “My hometown is thriving.” This sentiment captures our goal beautifully: to continuously improve our people’s living standards, ensuring that the benefits of our progress reach every corner of society. This is at the heart of our mission.
