On April 29th, the eve of May Fourth Youth Day, Yuan Jiajun—a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Chongqing Municipal Committee—visited both Sichuan International Studies University and Chongqing Medical University. During his visit, he met with young teachers and students, exchanging views and extending a warm holiday greetings to the city’s youth.
He stressed the need to fully embrace President Xi Jinping’s educational directives—emphasising the importance of instilling strong moral values and accelerating the qualitative development of higher education. He urged universities to nurture a new generation of young people who are idealistic, responsible, resilient, and determined, so that their energy can help drive Chongqing’s modernisation with Chinese characteristics.
Deputy Party Secretary Li Mingqing and Vice-Mayor Ma Zhen were also in attendance.
At Sichuan International Studies University, Yuan toured the school’s history museum and the Gele College to gain insight into the university’s growth, academic development, and efforts in nurturing talent. He was heartened by the energy and ambition he observed among students and staff. Noting that 2025 marks SISU’s 75th anniversary—a time of fresh beginnings—he urged the university to pioneer innovative education models. He also encouraged them to seize new opportunities, such as Chongqing’s emergence as a major inland open hub, and to nurture versatile, high-calibre professionals to better support the construction of a modern Chongqing.
At Chongqing Medical University, Yuan visited an exhibition on the institution’s founding history and its strides in scientific innovation. He also toured the Innovation Centre and the State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound Medical Engineering. During his visit, he underscored the importance of advancing new diagnostic and treatment technologies, enhancing the real-world impact of research outcomes, forging high-level international partnerships, and invigorating the university’s overall development. Later, in a roundtable discussion, Professor Zhang Zemin—an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and President of CQMU—outlined the university’s progress, while young representatives presented their views. Yuan listened attentively and engaged in lively discussion.
Yuan highlighted CQMU’s exceptional academic and research strengths as well as its unique characteristics. He called for the university to align itself with the national ‘Double First-Class’ initiative by achieving breakthroughs in its academic disciplines—particularly by elevating clinical medicine to world-class standards, forging leadership in key fields, and nurturing emerging interdisciplinary areas. Moreover, he emphasised the need to develop both moral character and professional competence, to cultivate top-tier medical talent with exemplary clinical skills and a strong ethical foundation, ultimately enhancing graduate employability.
Yuan stressed that CQMU must drive continuous reform and innovation to enhance its research capability. Under its '416' technology strategy, the university should build a robust network of high-tech innovation platforms, intensify research into key technologies, and accelerate the practical application of research findings. He also urged CQMU to contribute to the development of a state-of-the-art medical centre in Western China, create a high-calibre healthcare system, strengthen its biomedical industry clusters, and further open up higher education. Finally, he called on the university to embrace CPC leadership in its governance reforms, ensuring that management practices align with central government directives, and to foster a secure and harmonious campus environment.
Yuan urged the youth of Chongqing to heed President Xi’s strong encouragements to remain determined, ambitious, and to contribute their energy to the modernisation of their city.
They must embrace lofty ideals by fully engaging with Xi Jinping’s Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, developing a deep sense of patriotism and carrying forward the Hongyan Spirit. In doing so, young people will help steer our nation towards rejuvenation and emerge as capable leaders of socialist development.
They should pursue excellence boldly, foster an innovative mindset, champion the spirit of scientific inquiry, and make a significant impact amid the technological and industrial transformations of our era.
Chongqing’s youth must accept the responsibilities of our time by actively participating in initiatives that drive industrial progress, rural revival, and community service, thereby contributing to a modernised Chongqing.
At the same time, they should uphold a disciplined, pragmatic work ethic inspired by the May Fourth spirit—persevere in the face of challenges, work diligently, and remain steadfast in their commitment to building a better future.
Yuan stressed that party committees and municipal authorities must actively support and listen to the youth. He also called on all levels of the Communist Youth League to unite and mobilise young people, so that they can take a leading role in the modernisation of Chongqing.
Representatives from district authorities, municipal departments, various organisations, and youth delegates were present during the visit.
