Xi Jinping Engages with Flood-Affected Family in Liaoning Ahead of Spring Festival

On Wednesday, President Xi Jinping took time to meet with a family impacted by last year's devastating floods in Zhujiagou Village, located in northeastern Liaoning Province. His visit coincided with an inspection tour just before the Spring Festival, highlighting his commitment to connect with ordinary citizens, especially those facing challenges. Xi entered the home of Wang Baowei, whose house had recently undergone reconstruction after being damaged in the floods, and assessed its quality and structural integrity.

Zhujiagou Village fell under the jurisdiction of Huludao, which was one of the regions hardest hit by the flooding. The natural disaster wreaked havoc, affecting over 400,000 residents, destroying farmland, houses, agricultural tools, and transportation systems. Despite the cold weather, Xi undertook a challenging hour-long journey on mountainous roads to see the advances made in the restoration process.

During his visit, Xi engaged with Wang's family, inquiring about the financial impact of the floods, the assistance received from the government for their new home, and issues related to employment for the younger generation. Wang expressed surprise at how quickly they were able to move into a new, well-lit home after the calamity. Reinforcing the principle that people should always be prioritized, Xi reiterated the government's responsibility to assist those affected by disasters, stating that restoring hope and rebuilding lives is essential.

When Wang shared his aspirations for an improved quality of life, Xi assured him that the hopes of the citizens resonate with the Party's objectives. He assured the villagers that they could rely on governmental support during their most challenging times, acknowledging his concern for those who suffered during last year's flooding.

As the Spring Festival approaches on January 29, a significant occasion for family gatherings in Chinese culture, Xi’s tradition of spending time with those in need reflects his deep-seated values. He shared his continuous worry about how citizens are faring, particularly as the New Year arrives. At the conclusion of his visit, Xi expressed his optimism about the resilience of the affected communities, emphasizing that despite the numerous natural disasters endured nationwide, he believes in the potential for successful recovery and restoration efforts.