On the afternoon of March 6, the Beijing delegation to the third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress held an open group meeting that was covered by 84 journalists from 41 domestic and foreign media outlets. Eight deputies, including Yin Yong, Deputy Secretary of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Mayor of Beijing; Xia Linmao, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Beijing Municipal Committee and Executive Vice Mayor of Beijing; Xing Weibing, Party Branch Secretary and Village Committee Director of Tanchang Village, Miaofengshan Town, Mentougou District; and Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group, responded to media inquiries. They delved into key issues and responded to public concerns such as the development of new quality productive forces, the provision of high-quality healthcare resources, the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and post-disaster recovery and reconstruction. The face-to-face communication demonstrated their commitment to fulfilling duties and reflected Beijing’s dynamic growth, openness, and confidence.
The open group meeting of the Beijing delegation to the third Session of the 14th National People’s Congress, covered by domestic and foreign media outlets yesterday afternoon (Photo by Dai Bing from Beijing Daily)
Yin Yong:
Driving Industrial Innovation Through Technological Innovation to Develop New Quality Productive Forces
The first question was asked by a CCTV journalist from China Media Group (CMG): What specific considerations does Beijing have in developing new quality productive forces and strengthening its high-end, precision, and cutting-edge industries? How will the city scale up the capacity of industries where it excels and lay the groundwork for the industries of the future? Yin Yong stated that in recent years, in alignment with the instructions of General Secretary Xi Jinping in his speeches on Beijing, Beijing has stepped up efforts to establish itself as an international center for innovation and developed high-end, precision, and cutting-edge industries, to create key drivers of new quality productive forces. We took it as our mission to support national efforts to achieve greater self-reliance and strength in science and technology, striving to leverage the leading role of sci-tech innovation. Focusing on innovation at the source, we advanced action plans to sustain the city’s leadership in basic research, with an R&D investment accounting for over 6% of the city’s GDP for six consecutive years, the highest in the country. To address technological bottlenecks, Beijing has launched initiatives to achieve breakthroughs in key and core technologies across nine key fields, including biomedicine, with 160 targeted research areas. As a result, a series of groundbreaking achievements have emerged. In terms of institutions and mechanisms, Beijing reformed and innovated research paradigms, supporting state laboratories in Beijing to lead or undertake major national science and technology projects. In addition, the city encouraged the sharing of big-science facilities, ensuring that “super platforms” deliver “super results”.
We took supply-demand alignment as a key driver to vigorously promote the commercialization of research findings. On one hand, we broke down institutional and systemic barriers to formulate and implement regulations on the commercialization of research findings, deepen the pioneering reforms in Zhongguancun, and open up channels for talent to realize their value, thereby fully mobilizing innovators. On the other hand, we actively built service platforms and fostered a thriving commercialization ecosystem, becoming the first in the country to establish 25 benchmark incubators, which have successfully nurtured a group of little giants and unicorn companies. Anchored in key industries, Beijing aimed to develop a modern industrial system with stronger global competitiveness. As the city works to grow its high-end, precision and cutting-edge industries, it has fostered three trillion-yuan industrial clusters centered on the new generation of information technology, scientific and technological services, and pharmaceuticals and health, as well as seven hundred-billion-yuan industrial clusters in sectors such as intelligent manufacturing and equipment, and artificial intelligence. We worked to lay the groundwork for the industries of the future, prioritizing 20 future-oriented sectors, including commercial aerospace and bio-manufacturing. By leveraging the critical role of “chain master” enterprises and laying out dedicated plans for the extension of each industrial chain, we strove to build a more advanced and complete industrial ecosystem. Each district in Beijing competed to become a leader in emerging industries and sectors, continuously optimizing the industrial layout.
Yin emphasized the importance of providing stronger support in production factors, driven by enterprise demands. Efforts were being made to enhance services for various types of talent, fostering a favorable innovation and entrepreneurship environment, particularly for young talent. Financial support is also a priority. Eight new government investment funds were established, totaling RMB 14 billion and driving RMB 36 billion in private investment. In terms of industrial parks, Beijing fully leveraged Zhongguancun as a testing ground for innovation, advancing its sub-parks with customized plans. We enhanced services for enterprises by adhering to the principle of “no unnecessary disturbance, but immediate response when needed”. Systematic reforms are advancing across all stages and processes, with service package and steward service mechanisms and the 12345 service hotline being fully utilized. Moving forward, Beijing will continue to strengthen its capacity for independent innovation, drive industrial advancements through technological innovation, and develop new quality productive forces. The aim is to elevate the city’s high-quality development to new heights for greater progress.
Yin Yong:
Delivering More Accessible and High-Quality Medical Services to Meet Public Needs
Access to medical services is a vital issue concerning countless households. A journalist from Beijing Daily asked what stronger measures Beijing would implement to address the healthcare needs of its residents. In response, Yin Yong stated that Beijing will continue to prioritize public demands, delivering more convenient and high-quality medical services with a focus on the following three aspects: expanding the availability of quality medical resources and ensuring they are better distributed among regions; enhancing primary medical services; and increasing the accessibility of medical services.
Beijing has made significant progress in more balanced distribution of hospitals among regions, with new campuses of Anzhen Hospital, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, and Beijing Friendship Hospital already opened. Its newly planned projects are primarily located in areas accommodating the population and functions removed from the central areas, such as the new towns in flatlands, as well as eco-conservation areas. These efforts have effectively ended the historical shortage of Grade III A general hospitals and high-quality medical resources in several districts. Additionally, the upgrades of the wards of older hospital campuses such as Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Anzhen Hospital, and Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital are progressing steadily. Beijing has seen a better distribution of medical specialties, with all 73 Grade II and above general hospitals now offering pediatric outpatient services. In the coming years, the city plans to establish a children’s hospital medical center in each of its eastern, western, southern, and northern regions.
Yin stated that, to enhance primary medical services, Beijing has established 62 medical consortium in urban areas, putting in place a comprehensive network of service. In suburban areas, efforts have focused on integrating the management of personnel, finances, and materials at township- and village-level medical institutions, effectively improving service quality and meeting residents’ healthcare needs. Regarding the accessibility of medical services, Beijing’s citywide platform for hospital outpatient appointments now covers all Grade II and above medical institutions. This year, outpatient appointment slots across all departments of municipal hospitals will be made available to primary-level facilities two weeks in advance, in addition to the regular appointment schedule. For other Grade III public hospitals, 50% of outpatient appointment slots will be allocated to the primary level in advance. Continuous efforts will be made to achieve the sharing of electronic health records and mutual recognition of lab test and examination results in another 60 hospitals, covering 97% of outpatient services in medical institutions at Grade II and above. This will significantly reduce redundant examinations for patients. Furthermore, mobile payment using medical insurance reimbursement accounts will be expanded to cover the entire process, including registration, consultation, online follow-up consultation, prescription purchases and other online settlement scenarios. These improvements will enable instant payments, eliminate the need for queuing, and minimize contact, making medical consultations and prescription purchases more convenient for patients.
Xia Linmao:
Striving for More Refined Governance, Warmer Services, and Greater Public Satisfaction in the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center (BMC)
In response to a question from a Xinhua News Agency journalist on how to further enhance the livability and business environment of the BMC, Xia Linmao said that guided by the BMC’s development control plan, we remain committed to advancing its planning and construction with the most advanced concepts, highest standards, and best quality. The BMC’s role in accommodating the population and functions relocated from the central areas is becoming increasingly evident. Its development focus is shifting from “laying the foundation, addressing deficiencies, and establishing the urban framework” to “long-term planning, strengthening capacity, and comprehensive upgrades”.
According to Xia, four key areas were outlined to highlight the BMC’s development achievements and future plans. First, striving to enhance the BMC’s appeal and capacity by planning and implementing major projects in key areas such as ecology, industries, and public well-being. Beijing will maintain an annual investment of over 100 billion yuan to accelerate the construction of key projects, such as the integrated transport hub at the BMC station, while planning the advancement of Phase II and III of the Universal Studios theme park, with the aim of making the BMC more attractive.
Second, building an innovation-driven modern industrial system. Currently, over 170 central and municipal state-owned enterprises have established presence in the BMC, with the added value of the financial sector accounting for more than 10% of its GDP. The BMC will prioritize the cultivation of six major industrial clusters, including digital economy, modern finance, and advanced manufacturing, while making continued efforts to foster a market-oriented, law-based, and world-class business environment.
Third, creating a beautiful eco-environment characterized by lucid waters and lush greenery. Last year, the annual average PM2.5 concentration in the BMC decreased to 33.9 µg/m3, reaching Grade II of the ambient air quality standards for the first time in history. Beautiful and pleasant ecological environment has become a hallmark of the BMC. Greater efforts will be made to fight the battle against pollution, promote the development of a garden city, and improve the landscape on both sides of the Grand Canal. Through green development, we aim to deliver greater satisfaction to the people.
Fourth, bolstering urban governance and public well-being. This includes accelerating the development of a smooth and convenient transportation network, while delivering more high-quality public services in areas such as education and healthcare. Focusing on seven aspects and five areas, we will further improve people’s well-being, striving for more refined governance, warmer services, and greater public satisfaction.
Wang Shaofeng:
Developing the southern section of the Central Axis into an axis of culture, development and ecology
When asked by a journalist from People’s Daily about Fengtai District’s plans to accelerate efforts to reshape functions, enhance quality, and upgrade growth drivers of the southern section of the Central Axis, Wang Shaofeng, Secretary of the CPC Fengtai District Committee, stated that the southern section of the Central Axis serves as both a historical axis embodying the Chinese cultural legacy and a future-oriented axis extending Beijing’s capacity as a capital. The southern section of the Central Axis has been designated as a primary area for showcasing China’s national image and cultural confidence. Aligned with the capital’s development in the new era, Fengtai District is committed to transforming the southern section into a cultural axis driving the rise of the southern region, a development axis for emerging industries, and an ecological axis brimming with natural beauty and vitality.
Wang further elaborated that, on the cultural front, the district is working faster to establish a cultural hub for a major country. The construction of a museum cluster will be accelerated, with smooth progress already made in key projects, including the new venue of Natural History Museum of China, the Cultural Park of National Museum of China, the Geological Museum of China, and the “Wings of Ballet” of National Ballet of China, are all progressing steadily. Regarding the development aspect, significant strides are being made in building a new business area in the capital. The clothing wholesale business in the southern section has undergone a complete transformation, with the former Dahongmen Clothing Wholesale Market repurposed as the Beijing South Central Axis International Culture and Technology Park. In addition, the Fengtai Legal Affairs Area has been inaugurated, and the International Talent Port has been established, contributing to the development of a market-oriented and law-based business environment in line with international standards. On the ecological front, the establishment of an urban ecological green hub is advancing at a fast pace. The largest park cluster in southern Beijing is under development, including Nanyuan Forest and Wetland Park, which creates a large-scale, contiguous green open space spanning thousands of acres, and the Phase I Waterfront Space of Liangshui River’s South Central Axis Section, which has completed its landscape improvements. Focusing on garden city development, the district will continue to expand greenery, plant diverse flora for vibrant hues, and restore water systems, promoting the harmonious coexistence between humans and nature.
Lei Jun:
Pursuing technological innovation and high-end development with greater determination
When asked by a journalist from Beijing Radio & Television Station about how Xiaomi Group will further drive high-quality development through new quality productive forces, Lei Jun said that with the “Human x Car x Home” smart ecosystem as its long-term development strategy, Xiaomi will continue to make large-scale investments in underlying core technologies and strive to become a global leader in next-generation hardcore technology.
Lei highlighted the immense domestic and global popularity of Xiaomi’s products, such as automobiles and smartphones. He was deeply impressed that “a new era has begun - the era of China’s new energy vehicles, and the era of the rise of domestic brands.” He said that the global influence of Chinese products is growing significantly. Xiaomi will continue to introduce more innovative made-in-China products to global markets, contributing its share to building China into a technology and manufacturing powerhouse.
When asked what has driven Xiaomi’s achievements, Lei attributed them to breakthroughs in core technologies. Over the past five years, the company has invested more than 105 billion yuan in research and development, leading to significant changes at Xiaomi. As a homegrown tech innovator, Xiaomi is grateful to Beijing, this fertile ground for startups. Without the city’s first-class business environment, the company would not have registered such rapid growth and development over the past 15 years.
Lei said, “I participated in the symposium on private enterprises and was deeply impressed by how much General Secretary Xi Jinping cared for our private enterprises, which has greatly boosted our confidence!” Going forward, Xiaomi will be more steadfast in advancing technological innovation and high-end development, enabling consumers to enjoy a better life through innovative technology.
Xing Weibing:
Tanchang Village has been revitalized through post-disaster recovery and reconstruction
The flash flood in July, 2023 hit Mentougou District hard. In response to a question from a BJNews journalist about the recovery and reconstruction in the affected areas, Xing Weibing was pleased to share that Tanchang Village has incorporated the vision of “building a poetic and picturesque countryside” into its post-disaster reconstruction efforts. Measures have been taken to strengthen safety and resilience while promoting green development, breathing new life into the village. “For over a year, my hometown has been changing every single day, and with each of these small changes, the villagers are renewing their hopes for a better life,” said Xing.
“The flash flood was the most destructive, widespread, and economically devastating natural disaster in Tanchang Village’s history” recalled Xing, who still vividly remembers the relief efforts. He said that as early as August 2, 2023, emergency relief supplies arrived. Later, emergency roads were cleared, and mobile generator sets and emergency liquefied gas were delivered. By August 5, most sludge had been cleared in streets and homes. “Locals asked me when power would return and I said at least 20 days. But it was restored in just 10 days, which excited everyone.”
During the post-disaster reconstruction, all damaged roads and public toilets in the village were repaired, and sewage pipelines, small reservoirs, and drainage channels were dredged. Housing insurance and various welfare measures ensured timely repair or replacements of damaged houses and coal-to-clean-energy heating systems. After more than a year of efforts, the infrastructure in Mentougou District, including water, electricity, gas, heating, roads, and communications, has been fully restored to pre-disaster condition. Repairs and reconstruction of houses on their original sites have all been completed, while relocation and rebuilding in new areas have been launched across the board.
He Shaohua:
Delivering wholehearted service to passengers is my hospitality creed
This year marks the 17th year since He Shaohua, a driver on Line 103 of the Trolley Bus Branch of Beijing Public Transport Group, began her career in public transportation. When asked by a journalist from Beijing Youth Daily about how to enhance convenience and comfort for passengers, she shared a personal story.
Once, He failed to help a passenger board the bus because she couldn’t understand the passenger’s dialect. The disappointment in the passenger’s eyes left her feeling disheartened—so she made up her mind to learn some dialects. Soon after, when an elderly woman addressed her in dialect, she felt prepared. “The old lady asked me in Shaanxi dialect where the bus was. I quickly replied in her hometown dialect, ‘You’ve missed your stop. But don’t worry. My bus loops back, and I’ll get you there on the return trip’,” He said. Her lively retelling, peppered with Shaanxi dialect, brought the moment to life, sparking laughter throughout the room.
She continued, “I’ve always seen the bus as my second home, and passengers as family. Offering wholehearted service is my way of showing hospitality.” To better assist passengers with hearing and speech impairments, He also learned basic sign language. She demonstrated, signing, “Welcome aboard Beijing Bus. I’ll be here for you on Line 103.”
The school bus line shields children from harsh weather, the medical bus line eases the worries of seniors heading to hospitals, and the tourist bus line helps visitors explore Beijing’s beauty. Inspired by the city’s public transport boom, He said, “As a bus driver, my heart is with the passengers; as a NPC deputy, I keep the public’s concerns in mind. Every passenger carries a voice. My duty is not just to guarantee their safety but also to ensure their voices are heard.”
