Xi calls for decisive progress in Healthy China Initiative during 15th Five-Year Plan

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for accelerated efforts to advance the Healthy China Initiative during the 15th Five-Year Plan period from 2026 to 2030, emphasizing the need to strengthen public health systems and healthcare services across the country.

Xi, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) 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), the country’s top political advisory body.

Addressing political advisors at the meeting, Xi said building a “Healthy China” by 2035 remains a key national objective set by the CPC leadership. He described the upcoming five-year plan period as a critical stage for achieving substantial progress toward that goal.

Xi said health development policies must reflect China’s national conditions, noting that the country continues to face challenges associated with its large population and disparities between urban and rural areas as well as between regions.

Focus on healthcare systems and reform

Xi called for coordinated planning and stronger implementation of health policies, including improvements to the public health system and the development of a more efficient healthcare service network.

He also emphasized the importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and strengthening institutional frameworks for health governance.

According to Xi, reforms and technological innovation should play a larger role in improving health services and supporting long-term healthcare development.

Role of policy consultation and social participation

Xi said advancing the Healthy China Initiative requires participation from across society and highlighted the role of the CPPCC in providing policy advice and recommendations to support national health strategies.

The meeting included political advisors from several sectors, including the Chinese Peasants and Workers Democratic Party, the Jiusan Society, and representatives from the medicine, health, welfare and social security sectors.

Six advisors addressed the meeting before Xi delivered his remarks.

Greetings ahead of International Women’s Day

Ahead of International Women’s Day, Xi extended greetings to female lawmakers, political advisors and staff members participating in the “two sessions,” China’s annual legislative meetings.

He also conveyed greetings to women across the country, including those in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese women.

Xi was accompanied at the meeting by senior Chinese officials including Wang Huning, chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, and Cai Qi, director of the General Office of the CPC Central Committee.