An innovative society

A skillful approach

In his report to the 20th National Congress of the CPC on Oct 16, Xi stressed innovation as being at the heart of China's modernization drive.

"We must regard science and technology as our primary productive force, talent as our primary resource, and innovation as our primary driver of growth," Xi said.

Xi emphasized that education, science and technology, and human resources are the foundational and strategic pillars for building a modern socialist country in all respects.

"We will better establish vocational education as a category in the educational system," Xi said.

In the WorldSkills Competition 2022 Special Edition which ended in Austria at the end of November, the Chinese delegation made a breakthrough, topping the medal tally by winning 21 golds and three silvers.

The competition hosted special sessions to replace the canceled WorldSkills Shanghai 2022, with 62 events staged in 15 countries and regions from September to November.

Wang Pei, 23, won China's first beauty therapy title, which has been dominated by European competitors for years. "It was a dream come true as I grew from a spectator to a competitor and kept the Chinese flag flying on the world stage. All the hardships and my efforts have paid off," she says.

Wang Pei recalls on the third day of the competition there was an event called sports massage. She had learned from a professor of traditional Chinese medicine and integrated that knowledge into her massage.

"When I was doing it, all the judges came over to watch me and take videos. I felt proud," she says.

"Traditional Chinese medicine helped me to win the gold medal, and I realize that our own traditions can go global."

She plans to be a teacher and pass on her skills to young people, as well as continue to learn more about traditional Chinese culture to share with her students.