President Xi stresses rehabilitation in quake-hit Lushan

習近平考察蘆山地震災區 親吻受災兒童臉頰

President Xi Jinping has personally visited the affected areas and residents during a three-day visit to Southwest China’s Lushan County, which was struck by a 7.0-magnitude earthquake in April. He has urged local governments to carefully evaluate the damage and draft a rehabilitation plan.

After his arrival, President Xi Jinping visited people who were still living in makeshift tents, to inquire about health conditions in the area.

"The CPC Central Committee is very concerned about the lives of quake-survivors. One month has passed, and we came here to visit you. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee and State Council, I express my sincere greetings to you," Chinese President Xi Jinping said.

Xi Jinping said local governments should create preferential rehabilitation policies targeting investment, taxation, land use, employment and social security.

He added that plans should also include the participation of the private sector and local residents.

“I hope we can continue to pull together in times of difficulty and work hard. We should rebuild our safe, beautiful and worry-free homeland on the support of the government and the party and by relying on our own hands,” Xi said.

Schooling in quake-hit zones was one particular concern of the president.

During his tour, he spoke to primary school students in Lushan. “I am very happy seeing you are happy. Don’t let our next generation, our children be hurt by any natural disaster or man-made disaster. Let them to be happy forever. It is our responsibility.”

Xi Jinping has asked students to be strong, brave, united and fraternal.

During an evening meeting, the President stressed that efforts should be made to get schools up and running again and to provide psychological counselling to those in need.

During his trip to the quake zone, President Xi also met officers from the People’s Liberation Army, military pilots, armed police, and paramilitary rescuers, praising them for their rescue and relief efforts.

Many local farmers lost both their homes and crops in the earthquake. During a visit to corn farms, Xi Jinping asked farmers to focus on agricultural production and to make the best use of their land.