International Children's Day: President Xi's time with children

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President Xi Jinping waters a tree with children during a voluntary tree planting activity in Fengtai District, Beijing, China, April 3, 2025. /Xinhua

President Xi talks with students at a classroom in Beijing Yuying School, Beijing, May 31, 2023. /Xinhua

President Xi talks with students at a primary school in Zhongyi Township of Shizhu Tujia Autonomous County, southwest China's Chongqing, April 15, 2019. /Xinhua

President Xi visits Chinese youth footballers from Zhidan County, northwest China's Shaanxi Province, undergoing training in Berlin, Germany, March 29, 2014. /Xinhua

President Xi (R) learns the sign language for "thanks" from Wang Yani (C) and Yan Zhijing at the Children Welfare House of Hohhot City, north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, January 28, 2014. /Xinhua

President Xi poses for a group photo with children during an event in Beijing, China, May 29, 2013. Ahead of International Children's Day, Xi attended the event with more than 1,600 kids from 56 ethnic groups, rural areas and disaster-hit zones, urging efforts in children's well-being. Those suffering congenital heart diseases and children of migrant workers were also invited. /Xinhua

Children are the future of the country and the hope of the Chinese nation. The growth and well-being of children always weigh heavily on the mind of President Xi Jinping.

Sending greetings to children across China on June 1, International Children's Day, since 2013, Xi has called himself a friend to youths.

Despite a very tight schedule, he has managed to find time to talk to children, visit schools, participate in children-focused events and respond to letters from the children.

Some of the moments the president shared with them offer insight into his high hopes for youngsters – pursuing all-round development and growing into talent for society.

The Chinese leader also took time to join activities with children inside and outside the classroom.

For years, Xi has joined the annual tree-planting events in Beijing, telling the children to cultivate an appreciation of work, environmental protection and thriftiness.

Noting "when the young people are strong, the country will be strong," Xi put emphasis on children's well-rounded development and expressed care about their health and growth in particular.

Highlighting the importance of children's sound moral grounding, intellectual ability, physical vigor, aesthetic sensibility and work skills, he urged Chinese children in the new era to have high aspirations and dreams, enjoy studying and working, be grateful and friendly, and have the courage to innovate and strive.