Xi Jinping Sends Children’s Day Message to Young Generation

On the eve of International Children’s Day, President Xi Jinping sent a message of care and encouragement to China’s young generation, reaffirming the leadership’s commitment to nurturing the nation’s children as the “little saplings” of the country’s future. The message was published by Xinhua News Agency on May 31, 2026, under the title “Learning New Words | The ‘Big Friend’s’ Concern, Lighting the ‘Little Saplings’ Growth Path.”

A Tradition of Care

President Xi Jinping has a well-established history of engaging with young people around International Children’s Day. Since assuming office, he has consistently used the occasion to visit schools, exchange letters with students, and emphasize the importance of education, moral development, and physical health. The affectionate term “big friend” (大朋友) has been used by Chinese state media for years to describe Xi’s relationship with children, projecting a warm and paternal image of the leadership.

This year’s message continues that tradition, arriving just days after a coordinated national effort to prepare Children’s Day celebrations across the country.

National Celebrations Underway

The president’s message comes amid a broader nationwide push to celebrate Children’s Day. On May 26, the All-China Women’s Federation, together with 10 other government departments, jointly issued a notice outlining nationwide celebration activities. According to Xinhua, the celebrations are centered around several key themes:

• Patriotic Education: Activities tied to the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 90th anniversary of the Long March.
• Cultural Heritage: Reading classics, singing patriotic songs, and exploring revolutionary sites.
• Health and Safety: Mental health education, legal awareness programs, and safety training.
• Child Welfare: Support for migrant and left-behind children through “loving mother” pairing initiatives.
• Parental Guidance: Workshops and counseling services for parents.

A Multimedia Presentation

The Xinhua article carrying Xi’s message is notable for its format. Produced by Xinhua’s New Media Center, it is a multimedia design piece featuring visual elements rather than traditional text-heavy reporting. The production credits include copywriters Guo Jieyu and Zhang Hailei, and designers Zhao Danyang and Fan Xinyi, reflecting an intentional effort by state media to make political messaging more visually engaging and accessible to younger audiences.

CCTV Children’s Day Gala

Adding to the festive atmosphere, China Central Television completed recording of its annual Children’s Day Gala on May 29 at Studio No. 1. As reported by CCTV News, the gala features animated characters, classic children’s songs performed by beloved hosts like Sister Juping (鞠萍姐姐), and a labor-themed segment where children reenact historical work scenes. The program is scheduled to air on the evening of June 1 on CCTV-1 and CCTV-14, with simultaneous streaming on digital platforms including Yangshipin and CCTV.com.

Analysis: Coordinated Messaging and Soft Power

The convergence of Xi’s message, the multi-department celebration notice, and the CCTV gala creates a coordinated national narrative around Children’s Day, with the president’s words serving as the centerpiece. The “big friend” and “little saplings” metaphor emphasizes nurturing, growth, and the intergenerational responsibility of the Party leadership toward children.

This messaging aligns with broader Communist Party messaging about “cultivating successors for the socialist cause” and the importance of early childhood development. The 2026 celebrations occur against the backdrop of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CCP and the 90th anniversary of the Long March, providing additional historical resonance to the patriotic education components of the festivities.

What to Watch For

As Children’s Day unfolds across China, observers will be watching for any in-person engagements by President Xi with children or schools, which would add a further dimension to this year’s message. Additionally, the evolving format of state media presentations — moving toward more visually rich, multimedia content — signals a broader shift in how Chinese authorities communicate with and engage younger generations.

The coordinated efforts across government departments, state media, and cultural institutions underscore the priority placed on youth development and ideological education in China’s domestic policy agenda.