A lasting foundation rests on talent. The report to the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China emphasizes the need to implement the strategy of building a country strong in talent. Cultivating and nurturing a large pool of high-caliber personnel who possess both moral integrity and outstanding competence is a long-term strategic priority for the nation and its people. On this new journey, talent work has been elevated to an even more prominent position alongside the New-Era Strategy for Building a Country Strong in Talent, providing powerful impetus and strategic guidance for ushering in a new phase in China’s talent development.

Talent is the core of innovation, the key to development, and the foundation of a strong nation. Since the advent of the new era, China has accomplished the historic tasks of eradicating poverty and building a moderately prosperous society in all respects; its economic strength has achieved a historic leap, absolute poverty has been eradicated, breakthroughs have been made in several critical core technologies, and the country has joined the ranks of innovative nations, embarking on a new journey to advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation through Chinese‑style modernization. Talents across all sectors have played a fundamental and indispensable role in these momentous achievements that have captured the world’s attention. At present, a new round of scientific and technological revolution and industrial transformation is unfolding at breakneck speed, and competition among the world’s major powers in terms of overall national strength and scientific and technological prowess is intensifying, making the demand for talent more urgent than ever. The Chinese nation is closer than at any point in history to realizing the grand goal of national rejuvenation, and it yearns for talent more than ever before.

To accomplish China’s undertakings, the key lies with the Party, with the people, and above all, with talent. Practice has shown that when talent is strong, the nation is strong; when talent flourishes, the Party prospers. Broadly uniting outstanding individuals from all sectors is a fine tradition and a precious experience forged through the Party’s century-long struggle. Without a large‑scale, well‑structured, high‑quality talent pool, it would be impossible to fully build a modern socialist country. On the new journey toward national rejuvenation, rallying outstanding talents from all walks of life to the cause of the Party and the people, comprehensively elevating the quality of independent talent cultivation, and strengthening the cohesion and centripetal force of our talent pool—drawing on the wisdom and capabilities of talented individuals from across the globe—has become a crucial task for the Party in the new era.

Technology is the primary productive force, talent is the primary resource, and innovation is the primary driving force. In the new era, talent development should place greater emphasis on integrated planning with education and science and technology, striving to establish a new mechanism for cultivating and deploying talent that is comprehensive, multidimensional, and highly efficient. On the one hand, education lays the foundation for talent development; only by deeply integrating education with science and technology can we ensure well-rounded growth and sustained innovation. On the other hand, science and technology serve as the core engine of development and the principal arena where talent can fully realize its potential. In this new era, talent work must not only meet the fundamental needs of the economy and society but also vigorously promote technological innovation and industrial upgrading, fostering deep integration and dynamic interaction among talent, technology, and the market.