This year’s National Disability Day, which is the 33rd one since 1991, falls on May 21. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) in 2012, Chinese President Xi Jinping has earnestly cared for people with disabilities and the development of their cause, and has made important statements on respecting and protecting their rights. Xi is also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission. Edited excerpts from Xi’s speeches on the development of the cause of people with disabilities since 2016 follow:  

Excerpts from Xi’s congratulatory letter to the High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Midpoint Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons With Disabilities, 2013-2022, on November 30, 2017

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at a meeting to review the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and commend outstanding individuals and groups, on April 8, 2022  

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at the National Health Conference on August 19, 2016  

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at the joint group meeting of national political advisors from the sectors of agriculture, welfare and social security at the Fifth Session of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), on March 6, 2022  

Excerpts from Xi’s speech at the joint group meeting of national political advisors from the sectors of agriculture, welfare and social security at the Fifth Session of the 13th CPPCC National Committee, on March 6, 2022  

Excerpts from Xi’s congratulatory letter to the High-Level Intergovernmental Meeting on the Midpoint Review of the Asian and Pacific Decade of Persons With Disabilities, 2013-2022, on November 30, 2017

VOICE 

Sources: Xi Jinping: The Governance of China (II&IV), Xinhua News Agency and CPPCC Daily