Editor's note: Song Yuehong is deputy director and research fellow at the Institute of Contemporary China Studies of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

Northeast China covers more than one million square kilometers with a population of over 100 million and also the cradle of New China's industrial sectors. It is one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilization, as well as an agricultural base of the New China. The region holds a strategic position in maintaining the security of national defense, food, ecology, energy and industrial development for the nation, and is a big part of the country's development puzzle. The revitalization of Northeast China in the new era is daunting, but it holds enormous promise.

Since the 18th National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, Chinese President Xi Jinping has supported the revitalization of Northeast China, especially its old industrial bases. He has inspected Northeast China often. 

Recently, President Xi visited Liaoning Province and said, "implementing the decisions and arrangements of the CPC Central Committee; adhering to the general principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability; coordinating the COVID-19 response with economic and social development; balancing development and security imperatives; fully and faithfully implementing the new development philosophy; firmly promoting high-quality development; taking steady steps towards common prosperity; advancing the modernization of China's system and capacity for governance; and deepening the Party's full and rigorous self-governance." 

He called for local officials to break new ground over its development to set the stage for the 20th National Congress of the CPC. 

This is President Xi's  first inspection tour following a study session on the gist of President Xi's  speech to welcome the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China which was attended by senior officials at the provincial and ministerial levels. 

This country is its people; the people are the country

This is a major political vision put forward by General Secretary Xi Jinping when speaking at the Party History Study and Education Mobilization Conference. 

He cited the history of the Northeast Liberation War (1945~1948) and the path to victory in the Liaoshen Campaign, to expound upon the flesh-and-blood ties between the Party and the people, the Party's ruling foundation and governing philosophy. 

He also added, "all the Party's struggles are meant for seeking happiness for the Chinese people, and the Party is always by the side of the people, always with their hearts beating together, sharing the same breath and destiny. Put the development of the country and the nation on the basis of our own strength. This is the basic process and important experience of the historical development of New China, and it is the fundamental foothold and pivot of China's strategy of 'going our own way'."

In New China's industrial drive, the old industrial bases in Northeast China used to be the cradle of China's modern industry, and Liaoning played a pivotal role in this process.  

President Xi paid close attention to the innovation-driven development strategy of the region and highlighted the contemporary meaning and distinctive features of "going our own way" from the new starting point, saying that special attention should be directed at independent innovations and the creativity of young people. 

He stressed the need for self-reliance on the road of independent innovations, in order to secure the country's grip on China's transformation from a major economy to a strong economic power and a manufacturer of quality. 

President Xi said young people are the hope for the development of enterprises. He encouraged young people to scale new heights in various fields.

Chinese-style modernization is one featuring common prosperity

Common prosperity is an essential requirement of socialism and a key feature of Chinese-style modernization. The CPC Central Committee with General Secretary Xi Jinping at its core regards to the promotion of common prosperity for all people as the focus of its efforts to seek happiness for the people, puts the gradual realization of common prosperity for all people in a more important position, adapting to the changes in major social contradictions, implements the new development philosophy, safeguards and improves people's livelihoods. 

This leading group has also won the battle against poverty and built a moderately prosperous society in an all-round way, creating favorable conditions for common prosperity. They've taken a balanced approach to promote prosperity, the strength of the country and the beautiful environment of China, thereby getting closer to common prosperity one firm step at a time. 

The Party has reached a historical stage where steadfast efforts can promote common prosperity. During this inspection tour, President Xi met ordinary residents to talk with them about the prospects of a better life. 

He told residents that the Chinese-style modernization is a coordinated development of material and cultural progress to promote the fine traditional Chinese culture, making good use of the CPC revolutionary culture and developing the advanced socialist culture to enrich people's intellectual and cultural lives. 

President Xi highlights the cultural significance and values of common prosperity that can be popularized through a better understanding among the general public, so they will have heightened awareness about related history to take conscientious actions in realizing common prosperity.

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