With tides surging and a thousand sails flying, spirits are high.

— A Side Note on the CPC Central Committee and the State Council’s Invitation to Outstanding Experts and Talents to Spend Their Vacation in Beidaihe

Our reporter, Zhang Yang

August 10, 2026, 08:38 AM Source: People’s Daily Online – People’s Daily

　　The azure sea meets the sky, and the vegetation thrives—Beidaihe boasts a truly splendid landscape.

　　From August 1 to 7, at the invitation of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council, 60 outstanding experts and scholars from the fields of basic research, cutting-edge strategic technologies, critical core technologies, and philosophy and the social sciences gathered here to enjoy a carefully curated period of rest and rejuvenation.

　　The CPC Central Committee and the State Council have invited outstanding experts to spend their summer vacation in Beidaihe, an important institutional arrangement for the Party and the state’s talent‑related work. This year’s theme is “Striving Forward into the 15th Five-Year Plan Period.” Over the course of several days, the experts both relaxed and rejuvenated while engaging in scholarly exchanges. They pledged to remain steadfastly guided by Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era, continuing to strive and achieve new accomplishments in their respective fields.

　　The sea breeze gently refreshes the heart.

　　“The moment I received the invitation, I read it word by word, sentence by sentence—it was a solemn invitation from the Party Central Committee and the State Council,” said Huang Hui, a researcher at the China Academy of Engineering Physics and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, unable to conceal his excitement. For decades, he has remained steadfast in his research on energetic materials, making outstanding contributions to equipment development, particularly in significantly enhancing safety.

　　Recognize talent, cherish talent, respect talent, and make the best use of talent.

　　Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core has placed talent development at the forefront of national governance, vigorously implemented the strategy of building a country strong in talent for the new era, and continuously transformed its talent advantages into strengths in innovation, competitiveness, and development.

　　On August 3, entrusted by General Secretary Xi Jinping, Cai Qi, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee, visited experts on summer vacation in Beidaihe. He encouraged these distinguished professionals to carry forward fine traditions, uphold the spirit of scientists, press ahead with determination, pioneer and innovate, achieve new accomplishments in their respective fields, and make greater contributions to securing decisive progress in the basic realization of socialist modernization.

　　Experts were greatly encouraged and promptly conveyed the CPC Central Committee’s care and concern to their colleagues and peers who work alongside them.

　　“I’m usually very busy with work, so I was deeply moved and warmly touched to have the opportunity to be here this time,” said Zhu Kun, Deputy Director of the Science and Technology Commission of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. “As we often say, ‘the times create heroes.’ It is precisely this era that has provided us with a broad stage for growth and success. Having caught up with such a favorable moment, we must devote ourselves wholeheartedly, living up to the times and fulfilling our mission.”

　　Cai Shujun, Chief Scientist of China Electronics Technology Group Corporation, has long been engaged in semiconductor chip research. He stated: “As the cornerstone of modern information society, chips have become a focal point in the strategic competition among major powers—indispensable to every individual and essential to the nation. We must transform the Party Central Committee’s care and support into a powerful driving force for our work, remain steadfast in our confidence, strive unremittingly, and persistently devote ourselves to rigorous research and development in chip manufacturing processes, so as to achieve even greater accomplishments.”

　　During the vacation, it happened to be an expert’s birthday. Even when the vacation roster was being finalized, colleagues from the Talent Work Bureau of the Central Organization Department had quietly marked the date in their minds.

　　That evening, they held a cake and gently knocked on the door, offering their heartfelt wishes. The expert clasped the hand of a responsible official from the Talent Work Bureau, beaming with joy. He spoke of the trials and tribulations he had endured, of the struggles he was currently facing, and, above all, of the unwavering care and support the organization had extended over the years. With emotion, he said, “Right now, I’m giving it my all—working tirelessly to do my job well!”

　　Outside the window, the sea breeze whispers gently, and the waves roll in one after another. In Beidaihe, the surf softly kisses the sandy shore, soothing the hearts of every vacationing expert.

　　The surging waves surge and gleam.

　　Has artificial intelligence truly become a reliable partner in scientific research? And how can we address the pressing issue of China’s low rate of translating scientific and technological achievements into practical applications? Even on vacation, my thoughts have never ceased. Whether commuting, sharing meals, or strolling beneath shady trees in the courtyard or along the beach, there are always lively exchanges.

　　One day, 88-year-old Qian Qihu and 43-year-old Lu Chaoyang shared the stories of their respective fields’ breakthroughs, striking a chord with one another.

　　Qian Qihu, a professor at the PLA Army Engineering University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering. “More than twenty years ago, at a symposium, I put forward a proposal: to build an underwater tunnel beneath the Yangtze River. Back then, our machinery and equipment were entirely dependent on imports. Over the years, we have not only constructed numerous underwater tunnels in the Yangtze River basin but have also independently developed tunnel boring machines. These machines now dominate the domestic market and are exported to Europe, Southeast Asia, and many other countries and regions. And it’s not just tunnel boring machines—China’s automotive and shipbuilding industries have likewise joined the ranks of the world’s most advanced.” He spoke slowly yet with unwavering conviction: “This progress has been remarkably rapid, and the leadership of the Party has been the fundamental guarantee. Today, the CPC Central Committee has set ambitious goals—to build a science-and‑technology powerhouse, a space power, and a transportation powerhouse—and we are fully confident that we can achieve them.” At this point, applause erupted.

　　Lu Chaoyang is the Executive Dean and a professor at the Shanghai Institute of the University of Science and Technology of China. He primarily conducts research in the field of photonic quantum science and, last year, led his team in unveiling China’s latest-generation photonic quantum computer, “Jiuzhang-4.” He stated: “The Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan places quantum technology at the forefront of emerging industries, which serves as both an encouragement and a call to action for researchers. We must devote ourselves to rigorous study and proceed steadily, approaching our work with a spirit of meticulousness and pragmatism, so as to ensure the sustained and far-reaching development of quantum science and technology.” This sense of responsibility was met with resounding applause.

　　The 15th Five-Year Plan period represents a critical phase in the arduous yet decisive effort to build China into a powerhouse of education, science and technology, and talent. Drawing on their own experiences, experts shared their insights and lessons learned, bolstering confidence and inspiring renewed vigor.

　　Cross-disciplinary exchanges often spark unexpected insights. Peng Shige, a professor at Shandong University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, drew on decades of scholarly experience to eloquently underscore the foundational role of fundamental mathematical research in driving national innovation. No sooner had he finished speaking than Huang Dekuan, director of the Center for Research and Preservation of Excavated Texts at Tsinghua University, chimed in: “As science and technology advance, so too must civilization.” He then outlined the progress made in the humanities since the advent of the new era, the growing ranks of scholars in traditionally neglected fields, and the steady implementation of the “Project on Ancient Scripts and the Inheritance and Development of Chinese Civilization,” before remarking with conviction: “As we forge ahead into the 15th Five-Year Plan period, we must sustain this momentum. Only by propelling scientific progress and cultural flourishing in tandem can we better propel China’s distinctive modernization forward.”

　　Immediately afterward, a remark by Feng Junlan, Chief Scientist of China Mobile Group—“Technology must create value within industry; today, AI + X = Y—so what is Y?”—captured widespread attention. Over the years, she and her team have conducted research and tackled key challenges in applied language processing and structured data analytics, profoundly optimizing the construction and operation of China Mobile’s customer service systems and communication networks. They have also developed the “Jiutian” artificial intelligence platform and associated models, empowering production‑oriented applications across dozens of large enterprises and institutions. “Enterprises are the primary drivers of innovation. As we forge ahead into the 15th Five-Year Plan period, we will continue to deepen reform, refine mechanisms for attracting and deploying talent, and more vigorously promote the deep integration of technological and industrial innovation,” said Feng Junlan.

　　The waves tirelessly crash against the rocks, scattering shards of foam like sparks of thought that endlessly ignite. With all the worthy gathered and the wise assembled, this haven of repose burns with a fervor that outshines even the blazing sun.

　　The azure waves surge, broadening the heart and mind.

　　“Closely aligning with the nation’s major strategic needs, we will continuously refine and optimize our academic programs to cultivate more strategic talent and urgently needed specialists.”

　　“Strengthen the integration of industry and education, and cultivate a greater number of high-caliber technical and skilled personnel, master craftsmen of the nation, and highly skilled artisans.”

　　…………

　　To accomplish China’s undertakings, the key lies with the Party, with the people, and above all, with talent. How to cultivate more outstanding talents is a central issue in expert dialogue—and a profound reflection on the future.

　　Westlake University is a new type of research-oriented university established by social forces and receiving key national support. How can such a new‑style institution deliver innovation and uphold high quality? According to Yi‑Gong Shi, President of Westlake University and an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, “We adhere to a ‘small but elite’ institutional positioning and uphold a governance philosophy that places scholarship at the forefront—‘scholars lead academia, administration manages the university, and academic priorities guide administrative decisions.’ We resolutely reject the ‘four‑only’ mindset—valuing only papers, titles, degrees, and awards—and strive to cultivate a campus culture that is diverse, inclusive, free, and forward‑looking. We are the ‘spark,’ the pathfinders, continually exploring new pathways and innovative practices in higher education and scientific and technological innovation.”

　　Drawing on decades of teaching and research experience, Wang Enge, former Vice President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and an academician of the CAS, shared three key insights on mentoring students: “First, I emphasize to students that doing physics and conducting basic research is not difficult; by fostering their interest in scientific inquiry, I help build their confidence. Second, I engage in close discussions and exchanges with my students, gaining a deep understanding of each one’s abilities and tailoring my instruction accordingly. Third, I strive to help students step into broader horizons and more challenging arenas as early as possible, entrusting them with meaningful research tasks.”

　　Focusing on accelerating high‑level scientific and technological self‑reliance and self‑strengthening, as well as on the development of young talent, Xie Xiaoliang, Director of the Changping Laboratory and an Academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, articulated a clear stance: “Research resources should be tilted toward young researchers with the potential for original innovation, encouraging them to take on major responsibilities; moreover, we must further refine and improve the evaluation and assessment system to guide young scientists in patiently pursuing long‑term, challenging research.”

　　When talent flourishes, the nation’s fortunes will rise.

　　During their time off, the experts visited the China Great Wall Museum in Shanhaiguan. In the exhibition halls, artifacts stand quietly on display, their weathered surfaces bearing the indelible marks of years gone by when beacon fires blazed along the frontier. Reflecting on the past and looking to the present, the Great Wall has long ceased to be a mere fortification of bricks and stones; it has become the spiritual backbone of the Chinese nation—resilient, unyielding, and united as one. It stretches deep into history and stands firm in the hearts of generation after generation.

　　“The path of scientific research has always been fraught with the unknown and replete with challenges. Precisely for this reason, we must uphold the spirit of scientists—remaining focused and composed, persisting in tackling tough problems, and pressing forward with unwavering dedication,” said Chen Yuanliu, Vice Dean of the School of Mechanical Engineering at Zhejiang University and a distinguished professor. “As we forge ahead during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, I will stay true to my post, resolutely implement the directives and requirements of the CPC Central Committee, and devote myself wholeheartedly to advancing fundamental research, concentrating on areas such as atomic‑level fabrication and metrology, with the aim of achieving groundbreaking original innovations.”

　　“The starry sky is boundless, and the quest for exploration knows no end. To bring honor to our country is the original aspiration and mission of us astronauts. To step forward whenever the Party and the people call upon us is the highest honor. We are always ready!” said Cai Xuzhe, a top‑class astronaut with the Astronaut Corps of the People’s Liberation Army of China.

　　As the great tide surges forward and thousands of sails race ahead, on the grand journey of building Chinese modernization, one outstanding talent after another will stride boldly into the waves, driven by even greater passion and forging ahead without hesitation.

　　People’s Daily (August 10, 2026, Page 01)

(Editor: Ren Jiahui, Peng Xiaoling)