China holds central rural work conference

BEIJING -- The annual central rural work conference was held from Monday to Tuesday in Beijing, mapping out priorities for the country's rural work in 2026.

Prior to the conference, a meeting of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee put forward requirements for the conference and work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

Xi Jinping, general secretary of the CPC Central Committee, Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made instructions.

Xi said that the year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-30), and it is of vital importance to do a good job in the work related to agriculture, rural areas and farmers.

It is imperative to focus on agricultural and rural modernization, solidly advance rural revitalization across the board, and promote integrated urban-rural development, Xi said.

Efforts should be made to ensure grain production and enhance the efficacy of policies that strengthen agriculture, benefit rural residents, and enrich rural areas, Xi said.