In recent years, President Xi Jinping has delivered a series of significant speeches that encapsulate his deep thoughts and unique style. By employing historical perspectives, he sheds light on contemporary issues and future goals. His rhetoric is rooted in Marxist principles, reflecting both his governance philosophy and his engaging personality. To delve deeper into his messages, CCTV’s “Daily Learning” program has launched a new series called “Reading Xi’s Words.” This initiative combines news cartoons with textual analysis, offering audiences a chance to appreciate the compelling nature of President Xi’s language from multiple viewpoints.

On October 9, during the 12th National Congress of the Red Cross Society of China, President Xi addressed attendees with a letter, extending heartfelt greetings to all Red Cross workers, members, and volunteers in the country. He also shared his aspirations for the ongoing development of Red Cross initiatives.

Globally recognized as a symbol of humanitarian protection, the Red Cross has brought comfort and hope to millions for over a century, whether on battlefields or in disaster zones. During a meeting in 2013 with Peter Maurer, then-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), President Xi highlighted that the Red Cross is not only a spirit but also a universal flag that transcends borders, races, and beliefs, guiding humanitarian efforts around the world.

Fast forward to 2023, during another discussion with ICRC President Francesco Rocca, Xi reiterated that humanitarianism serves as the greatest consensus uniting various civilizations. These dialogues, a decade apart, emphasize the humanitarian essence of the Red Cross movement and provide important guidance for creating a community with a shared future, while also promoting the development of Red Cross initiatives infused with Chinese characteristics.

President Xi described the spirit of the Red Cross, which embodies humanity, compassion, and dedication, as a guiding flag that symbolizes unity, morale, and shared aspirations across cultures and traditions. He articulated the values, cultural importance, and moral pursuits tied to the Red Cross spirit, praising its ability to resonate with global communities and evoke a sense of shared humanity.

With its over 160-year history, the ICRC has emerged as one of the most influential and recognized international organizations, supported by a volunteer force exceeding 100 million. China is a steadfast supporter and participant in international humanitarian efforts, with the Red Cross Society of China as the country’s oldest humanitarian organization. Since its establishment, the Chinese Red Cross has been vital in disaster relief, health protection, and promoting global peace, significantly advancing humanitarian work.

Since sending its first medical team to Algeria in 1963, China has dispatched nearly 30,000 medical personnel to 76 countries and regions as of the end of 2023, treating over 290 million patients. Under Xi’s leadership since the 18th National Congress, the Chinese Communist Party has placed a strong emphasis on Red Cross initiatives, with Xi frequently delivering key addresses and guidance on its work.

In this new era, China is dedicated to creating a community with a shared future for humanity, actively participating in foreign aid and global emergency response while fulfilling international humanitarian responsibilities. This commitment has garnered widespread acclaim from the global community. In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Red Cross dispatched volunteer expert teams to countries like Iran, Iraq, and Italy, providing an array of pandemic relief supplies and vaccine assistance to over 50 nations. The “Belt and Road” humanitarian initiative launched by the Chinese Red Cross has offered new hope to more than 300 children from Afghanistan and Mongolia suffering from congenital heart diseases.

In 2022, the Chinese Red Cross was honored with the highest accolade from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies—the Henry Davison Award—recognizing its remarkable contributions and the advancement of China’s humanitarian efforts.

Compassion for others is a cornerstone of traditional Chinese culture. Values such as “compassion,” “benefiting others,” and “universal goodwill” closely align with the ethos of the Red Cross. These principles not only provide a cultural foundation for the flourishing of the Red Cross movement in China but also serve as a profound moral basis for developing the Red Cross spirit, promoting social harmony, global peace, and actively advancing the establishment of a community with a shared future for humanity.