First Observation·Moment丨These two county party committee secretaries and the general secretary miss each other

On October 15, General Secretary Xi Jinping visited the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall located in Dongshan County, Zhangzhou, Fujian Province. A moment captured by Xinhua reporters shows the leader pausing thoughtfully as he explores an exhibition showcasing Gu Wenchang’s relentless efforts in reforestation and sand control throughout the county, seemingly engaging in a dialogue that transcends decades.

It’s hard not to recall a similar visit from a decade ago to the Comrade Jiao Yulu Memorial Hall in Lankao, where he revisited Jiao’s poignant story of “born in the sand dunes, buried in the sand dunes.” The warmth in the General Secretary’s gaze was likewise deep and passionate.

Both Jiao Yulu and Gu Wenchang, despite their struggles in impoverished counties, hold a special place in Xi Jinping’s heart. He often reflects on Jiao as a role model, stating that one should measure oneself against virtuous leaders like him. He has frequently spoken about Gu Wenchang, emphasizing the need to emulate his spirit in both personal conduct and governance. What is it about these two county leaders that resonates so profoundly with Xi Jinping?

In ancient times, it was said that “the greatest difficulty for officials is to govern a county.” County-level officials play a crucial role within both the Party’s organizational structure and the nation’s governance framework. Despite their comparatively smaller title, county secretaries bear significant responsibilities and pressures.

Xi Jinping himself has experienced this firsthand, having once held the position of a county secretary. He shared the struggles and achievements of the local people, working together to change Zhengding from a “high-yield poor county” to a thriving area through innovative economic development strategies. His empathy and respect for the challenges faced by county leaders like Jiao and Gu run deep.

He has articulated the importance of understanding one’s purpose in public service, questioning “Why join the Party? What does it mean to hold office? What legacy do we leave behind?” Jiao and Gu answered these questions through their lifelong dedication to their communities.

With the Party’s directives in mind, Jiao Yulu in Lankao and Gu Wenchang in Dongshan led their counties in combating sandstorms and expanding tree-planting efforts, devotedly working for the welfare of the people.

The arid land that once plagued Lankao has transformed into fertile fields, while Dongshan, previously known for its constant disasters, has blossomed into a “pearl of the sea.” Both Jiao and Gu remain eternal symbols of dedication, buried in the lands they served their entire lives.

Although both county leaders have passed away decades ago, their legacies endure. As Xi Jinping wrote in “Zhi Jiang Xin Yu,” public opinion often speaks volumes about leaders long after they are gone. During his recent visit to the Gu Wenchang Memorial Hall, he emphasized that the best measure of a leader’s success is how well they are regarded by the people.

Near the memorial hall, tall Casuarinas stand proudly with large characters proclaiming, “Fortune and beauty depend on Casuarinas, happiness is owed to Gu Wenchang.” Over a thousand kilometers away in Lankao, Paulownia trees flourish, creating a picturesque landscape. Locals affectionately refer to Casuarinas as “Gu trees” and Paulownias as “Jiao trees.” These trees, nurtured by the efforts of two dedicated county leaders, represent not just a physical legacy but also the spirit of communist values.

No endeavor is greater than serving the people; no foundation is stronger than being rooted in them; and no reward is more treasured than winning the people’s trust.

During his visit, Xi Jinping warmly engaged with faculty and student representatives from the Gu Wenchang Cadre Academy, poignantly remarking, “To serve one term in office is to bring benefit to one’s jurisdiction.” This fundamental principle, originally penned by Xi in a poem reflecting on Jiao Yulu during his tenure in Fujian back in 1990, remains vital.

At the Central Party School, regarded as the party’s highest educational institution, the half-body sculptures of Jiao Yulu and Gu Wenchang stand together, symbolizing the Party’s aspirations and guiding the path for future learning.

Xi Jinping has portrayed exemplary leaders like Jiao and Gu as embodying four key principles: “Having the Party in mind, caring for the people, accepting responsibility, and maintaining self-discipline.”

“In the world of public service, the emphasis is on action,” he reminds us. As the clarion call for national rejuvenation resonates loudly, exemplary leaders are both inspirations and mirrors for Party members, urging them to prioritize substantial achievements that benefit the people over fleeting accolades.

This report was organized by Jiang Shiqiang, Zhang Xiaosong, and Ju Peng, and composed by Gao Lei and Wu Jianfeng, with visuals from Zhang Huihui and Sun Pengcheng, produced in collaboration with Xinhua’s domestic and Fujian divisions.