CPC leadership reviews measures on western region's development

BEIJING -- The Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee held a meeting on Friday to review policies and measures to open up a new vista in the large-scale development of China's western region. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, chaired the meeting.

The meeting noted that the large-scale development of the western region is a major strategic decision made by the CPC Central Committee. It is imperative to thoroughly understand the strategic intent of the CPC Central Committee, accurately grasp the positioning and mission of the large-scale development of the western region in promoting Chinese modernization, maintain strategic resolve, consistently implement relevant measures, focus on well-coordinated environmental conservation, large-scale opening-up, and high-quality development, and move faster to create a new pattern of development to elevate overall regional strength and sustainable development capacity.

The meeting stressed that efforts should be made to deepen reform comprehensively, further unleash and develop the productive forces, tap into and boost the vitality of society, and blaze a path of Chinese modernization that suits the realities of the region. The region must take into account the functional positioning and industrial foundation, to develop distinctive and competitive industries that leverage local strengths, enhance scientific and technological innovation capabilities, and promote the transformation and upgrading of traditional industries. Work must be done to promote high-level environmental conservation, build a beautiful western region, coordinate the integrated conservation and systematic management of mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and deserts, thoroughly carry out pollution prevention and control, and advance green and low-carbon development.

The meeting urged the western region to increase the internal driving force for development, enhance the openness of the economy, enhance capacity building for security in key areas, strengthen the guarantee capacity of energy and resources, and promote the construction of clean energy bases. It is necessary to advance the new urbanization in accordance with local conditions, make solid efforts to promote rural revitalization across the board, consolidate and expand the poverty alleviation achievements, and make sure that there will be no falling or relapsing into poverty on a large scale in rural areas. The meeting also noted that a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation should be forged to safeguard ethnic unity and stability in border areas. The Central Leading Group for Coordinated Regional Development should strengthen the overall coordination, make clear specific tasks, and facilitate the fulfillment of the tasks. Relevant departments should conduct research, put forward targeted policies and measures and strive to achieve substantial results. Party committees and governments at all levels in the western region should shoulder their principal responsibilities, strive for better development, and form synergy in work. It is necessary to take steady steps forward with strong determination and persistent efforts and solidly carry out all arrangements to write a new chapter in the large-scale development of the western region.

Some other issues were also discussed at the meeting.