The Central Committee of the China Association for Promoting Democracy (CAPD) held a symposium on basic education reform on Dec 22 in Beijing. 

Liu Xincheng, vice-chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and executive vice-chairman of the CAPD Central Committee, delivered a speech at the symposium themed on promoting the healthy development of senior high school education in counties across China. 

Liu said that senior high school education, as an important part of the national education system, is of great significance in cementing achievements in compulsory education promotion, higher education development, and overall social improvement. 

The development of senior high school education in counties is important to the strategic layout of the country's education future and equality, as well as the implementation of poverty alleviation and rural revitalization strategies, said Liu, adding that it is not only an education issue, but also has an important influence on economic and social development in counties. 

Liu also stressed that rural education in regions below the county level carries the responsibility of disseminating knowledge and shaping civilization in rural areas, and provides talent support for rural development. 

In addition, Liu called for joint efforts by relevant parties in dealing with complex problems facing senior high school education in counties, and said that the CAPD will continue to offer suggestions on promoting the healthy development of senior high school education through active participation of its members in education reform. 

The symposium was presided over by Zhu Yongxin, vice-chairman of the CAPD Central Committee.