Beginning the "Fifteen Five" era, the time for striving is now · District (City) Committee Secretary Interview | Jimo District Committee Secretary Sun Jie: Look beyond Jimo to see Jimo, reconstructing a new coordinate with the spirit of a "pioneering bull"

Jump out of Jimo to see Jimo anew, and rebuild new coordinates with a “trailblazing ox” mindset

—Interview with Sun Jie, Secretary of the CPC Jimo District Committee

■Only by “jumping out of Jimo to see Jimo” can we clearly discern our own position, and precisely identify the direction and focus of our efforts. We have established the “three-tier positioning”: at the national level, we will build a new high ground for marine economic development across the country; at the provincial level, we will build a new integrated engine for the Jiaodong economic circle; and at the city level, we will build a new core for the Qingdao northern uplift belt.

■To build a modern industrial system, we must achieve “embracing the new without rejecting the old.” We must deeply understand that “the renovation and upgrading of traditional industries can also generate new-quality productive forces.” This is also our core consideration in redefining “traditional industries” as “traditional industries with clear advantages.”

■We liken Jimo to a “trailblazing ox,” and, based on the principles of geographic adjacency, industrial similarity, complementary advantages, and resource coordination, we divide it into six major functional sectors—so that the ox’s head rises, its forelegs leap up, its belly lifts, its back stands straight, its hind legs kick with strength, and its tail swishes—forming a development pattern with no boundaries across the entire area.

■The automotive industry is Jimo’s pillar industry. This year, we will write three articles: “upgrading and adding models, expanding markets overseas, and strengthening the chain and optimizing supporting supply.” We will accelerate the transition and upgrading toward intelligent connected electric vehicles, and make every effort to build a domestically leading demonstration area for automotive industry development.

■The green energy industry is a strategic pillar for Jimo to achieve green and low-carbon development and to cultivate a new growth pole. It is also an important lever for us to serve the “dual carbon” strategy and seize new industrial tracks. With hard-hitting strength, we will inject green momentum, strengthen industrial foundations, and strive for a breakthrough toward a trillion-yuan-level industrial cluster.

■The Blue Valley’s integration into Qingdao’s sci-tech corridor is an opportunity, but also a mission. We will coordinate resources and forces across the whole area, integrate in a fully comprehensive way, provide full-factor support, and ensure full-scenario backing for the construction of the Ocean Science and Technology City. We will accelerate integrated development of “science and technology, industries, cities, and people,” so that marine advantages are transformed into development strengths.

The year 2026 is the first year of the “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan”—a key starting point for deeply implementing the spirit of the Party’s 20th Central Committee Fourth Plenary Session and ensuring a strong beginning in regional development. As the core area that bears Qingdao’s northward expansion of the main urban districts, Jimo District firmly shoulders the mission and responsibility of “being a benchmark, showing as a strong performer, and serving as a model.” Focusing on building an “1234+N” industrial system, promoting coordinated development among six functional sectors, unleashing the innovation momentum of the Blue Valley’s sci-tech sector, and advancing upgrades of traditional industries, we will continue to work with determination, accelerating the building of a new high ground for marine economic development across the country, a new integrated engine for the Jiaodong economic circle, and a new core for the Qingdao northern uplift belt. With great drive, we will draw a high-quality development blueprint for a modern new district that is vibrant, livable, and happy.

Aerial footage along the coastline of Qingdao Blue Valley.

“Jump out of Jimo” to anchor the development coordinates

Reporter: This year is the opening year of the “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan.” Jimo has proposed a five-year overall goal of “basically building a vibrant, livable, happy modern new district.” What considerations does this positioning mainly rely on?

Sun Jie: The “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan” period is a key time when the country will have laid a solid foundation for achieving socialist modernization in an all-round way and will be putting comprehensive efforts into action. It is also an important stage for Jimo to basically build a vibrant, livable, happy modern new district. We set “basically building a vibrant, livable, happy modern new district” as the overall development goal for the coming five years, in continuity with the “Fourteenth Five-Year Plan.” The core is to consistently focus on development with one continuous plan drawn out—one blueprint carried to the end.

Sun Jie, Secretary of the CPC Jimo District Committee

Of course, the meaning of this goal is also evolving dynamically. By aligning with new circumstances, new ideas, new strengths, and new needs, we will continuously push it to refresh and expand its connotation. Among them, “vibrancy” focuses on industrial and production development; its core is to shape a strong modern industrial system driven by innovation, and to guide new-quality productive forces with scientific and technological innovation. “Livability” focuses on ecological development: we will prioritize coordinating ecological protection with environmental improvement, improve infrastructure and public services, and enhance the quality of both urban and rural areas. “Happiness” focuses on improving people’s well-being: the key is to develop inclusive, fundamental, and backstop public livelihood programs, so that the achievements of modernization benefit all citizens in more ways and more fairly. “Modernization” is a clear requirement from the CPC Central Committee—ultimately it must be reflected in every citizen’s real-life sense of gain, and land in the public’s sense of achievement.

A water park bursting with greenery.

Reporter: In 2017, Jimo was reorganized from a city into a district—earning the label of “Qingdao’s youngest district.” Under the overall goals newly set for Jimo, it’s clear that the city’s development connotation has become richer. How will you empower Jimo to “grow again,” so that this label carries even more weight?

Sun Jie: “Qingdao’s youngest district” is not only a label, but also a way of being—a state of having drive, initiative, and boldness to break new ground. Over these years, Jimo has laid a very solid foundation in terms of political ecosystem, industrial base, and development strategy. We are taking up the “baton,” sprinting one leg after another. In terms of working approach, we will focus on combining inheritance with innovation. Inheritance means stabilizing and leveraging achievements such as the transformation of traditional industries, cultivation of key industries, and breakthroughs in space. Innovation means rolling out six functional sectors and placing Jimo’s development into the wider chessboard of the national, provincial, and municipal levels—so that the strength of all parties has a direction, doesn’t idle, and doesn’t do duplicated work.

Reporter: Is the core logic of this plan “jumping out of Jimo to see Jimo”?

Sun Jie: Yes. Only by “jumping out of Jimo to see Jimo” can we clearly see our own position and find the right direction to exert efforts. Based on this overall goal, and in light of our own foundational advantages, we have established the precise “three-tier positioning” coordinates from three dimensions—national, provincial, and municipal:

At the national level, we will build a new high ground for marine economic development across the country. The ocean is Jimo’s biggest advantage—its space and potential. Here, “national-level” research institutions such as the Laoshan Laboratory are clustered together; four marine-related industrial parks attract many leading enterprises, and there are 227 marine-related enterprises above designated size. We have every foundation and the confidence to shoulder this mission;

At the provincial level, we will build a new integrated engine for the Jiaodong economic circle. The Qingdao urban circle covers Qingdao, Weifang, Yantai, and Rizhao, with 4 cities and 16 counties and districts. Within it, Jimo’s economic scale ranks consistently among the top three, and it borders 7 other districts and cities, located in the core area of the Shandong Peninsula where the Jiaodong two major development axes—Qingyanwei and Qingweiji—intersect. We need to leverage our advantages, break administrative boundaries, actively integrate and coordinate efforts, and highlight Jimo’s role within the Jiaodong economic circle;

At the city level, we will build a new core for the Qingdao northern uplift belt. As the main area bearing the northward expansion of Qingdao’s main urban districts, we will do well in the “integration of east and west, blending of north and south, coordinating land and sea, integrating urban and rural areas, and transforming the old into the new” initiatives. We will fully integrate into the main urban areas and contribute strength to Qingdao’s construction of a modern international metropolis.

Six functional sectors activate the “trailblazing ox”

Reporter: The real economy and the marine economy are the strategic directions for Jimo’s development. In your view, what is the most urgent development proposition for Jimo in these areas today? And what practical challenges does it face?

Sun Jie: The real economy and the marine economy are indeed the top priorities for Jimo’s development. Jimo is Qingdao’s major economic area, with prominent advantages in leading industries such as automobiles and textiles, and distinctive marine characteristics. At present, the proposition we care most about is: how to keep the “family assets” of the real economy in good shape, and make the “signature” of the marine economy shine.

During the “Fifteenth Five-Year Plan” period, we will anchor ourselves in directions of intelligentization, greening, integration, and high-end development. We will focus on “the No. 1 project” in the industrial economy, closely connect with Qingdao’s “10+1” innovation-oriented industrial system, and strive to build a new “1234+N” modern industrial system: guided by marine-featured economy; driven by two leading industries—automobiles and green energy; supported by three traditional industries—textiles and apparel, commercial and trade logistics, and intelligent household appliances; expanded by four emerging industries—intelligent manufacturing, new materials, low-altitude economy, and life and health. We will take a forward-looking layout of N future industries, and ultimately achieve “renewal of traditional industries, strengthening of emerging industries, and a future-oriented industrial layout,” building a growth pole for new-quality productive forces across the peninsula.

As for challenges, they mainly lie in how to grasp the pace of converting old and new growth drivers—so that traditional industries don’t fall behind, while emerging industries seize opportunities first; so that the basic “mainstay” platform remains stable, while new growth poles are cultivated. This requires us, when building a modern industrial system, to practice “embracing the new without rejecting the old,” and to deeply recognize that “upgrading and transforming traditional industries can also develop new-quality productive forces.” This is also why we redefined “traditional industries” as “traditional industries with clear advantages”—so that the old foundations regain new vitality, and new-quality productive forces take root in solid ground.

Reporter: Industrial layout ultimately has to land in space. You previously likened Jimo to a “trailblazing ox,” and—based on that—divided it into six functional sectors. What was the original intention of this metaphor? And how will the six sectors achieve value complementarity and coordinated progress?

Sun Jie: Spatial configuration is the carrier of industrial layout and urban functions. To advance high-quality development, we must break through administrative barriers and fixed ways of thinking, and adhere to overall planning across the entire area, functional complementarity, and coordinated efforts. We liken Jimo to a “trailblazing ox” because of multiple factors: Jimo has a historical and cultural background of a “fire-ox formation”; Jimo’s image of a “little ink ox” is deeply ingrained in people’s hearts; and Jimo’s map really does look like a cow—with energy and boldness to break new ground. When these elements stack together, the image takes shape.

In terms of development, based on the principles of geographic adjacency, industrial similarity, complementary advantages, and resource coordination, we divide Jimo into six functional sectors—so that the ox’s head rises, its forelegs leap up, its belly lifts, its back stands straight, its hind legs kick with strength, and its tail swishes—forming a boundary-free development pattern across the whole area.

More specifically, the northeastern “ox head” is the energy sector. With marine wind power, solar PV, and other green energy industries as breakthroughs, we will accelerate the advancement of major projects such as Huadian, Huaneng, Dongfang Electric, and CRRC to form strong momentum for green development. The southeastern “forelegs” are the sci-tech innovation sector, with the Blue Valley’s “Ocean Science and Technology City” at the core; we will deepen integration with Laoshan District and Licang District, fully build a new high ground for marine technology industries. The central-southern “ox belly” is the service sector: as Jimo’s main urban area and the main battlefield of Rongqing integration, it develops services such as industrial innovation and digital enablement, improves urban functions, and enhances quality. The north-central “ox back” is the manufacturing sector, led by the automobile industry, with high-end manufacturing as the foundation, extending northward to build an advanced manufacturing cluster for the entire peninsula. The southwestern “hind legs” are the opening-up sector. Relying on the favorable location of the Qingdao Geometric Center area, near the China–CEEC Expo Demonstration Zone and the Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, we will focus on airport-adjacent opening up and high-end manufacturing, develop hub-oriented economy, and build a western new district with integrated living and working arrangements, talent attraction in population, and well-developed supporting facilities. The northwest “ox tail” is the agriculture sector, focusing on modern agriculture. Relying on national modern agricultural demonstration zones, along the Weighing River (Dagu River) basin and coordinated with neighboring districts and cities, and using featured rural industries as the key lever, we will create a new model of rural revitalization in Shandong characteristics and a county-level exemplar for comprehensive reform of rural areas.

Industrial upgrading to recreate new advantages

Reporter: We just discussed the overall deployment for Jimo’s industrial development. Next, we will “cut up the ox,” and talk about specific industries. The “ox back” led by the automobile industry is the backbone of Jimo’s industrial development. Given the current trend of new energy vehicles, how will Jimo step up its efforts?

Sun Jie: The automobile industry is Jimo’s pillar industry. At present, Jimo has already gathered complete vehicle projects such as FAW Jiefang, FAW–Volkswagen, and Chery, as well as more than 400 supporting parts enterprises, supporting Qingdao’s automotive industry with “half of the country’s share.” Jimo has four complete vehicle bases with designed production capacity of 650k vehicles. Last year, it actually completed 448k vehicles, with capacity utilization of about 70%, which means we still have nearly 30% capacity space that can be further tapped.

The intelligent manufacturing workshop for new energy vehicles at Chery Qingdao base.

Next, we will deliver three articles: “upgrade and add models, expand markets overseas, and strengthen the chain and optimize supporting supply.” We will accelerate the transition and upgrading toward intelligent connected new energy vehicles, and fully build a leading demonstration area for automotive industry development domestically. First, make efforts to break through in industrial scale again: while ensuring stable production by existing complete vehicle enterprises, we will strive for the introduction of new energy models. We will push FAW Jiefang’s new energy micro-trucks to be fully put into production, and Volkswagen’s Bora replacement model to be listed and mass-produced; we will have Chery introduce more new energy models, aiming for annual complete vehicle production of more than 450k vehicles. Second, focus on accelerating the overseas export of complete vehicles: strive for the three complete vehicle enterprises to increase their export share from the Qingdao base, and promote the automobile industry’s deep participation in international competition. Third, focus on strengthening the chain and supplementing the chain for further upgrading: focusing on breakthroughs in key core components such as the “three electrics,” relying on the three complete vehicle “chain leader” enterprises to implement precise招商 (investment attraction), and following up on 18 key projects under discussion, striving to sign and land them as soon as possible—so as to push the industrial chain to climb toward the high end and extend toward both ends.

Reporter: The energy sector in the northeastern “ox head” is another major leading industry for Jimo, especially the female island green energy equipment industrial park, which has already gathered more than 20 green energy projects. While projects are speeding up to be implemented, we are also more concerned about how this area can innovate and break through, achieving integrated development from “production” to “port, energy, production, and cities”?

Sun Jie: The green energy industry is a strategic pillar for Jimo to achieve green and low-carbon development and cultivate a new growth pole. It is also an important tool for us to serve the “dual carbon” strategy and seize a new industrial track. With hard-hitting strength, we will inject green momentum and strengthen industrial foundations, striving hard toward trillion-yuan-level industrial clusters.

Specifically, the female island green energy equipment industrial park is not limited to a single area. It is centered on the female island and extends radiation to nearby areas such as Wangcun and Jinkou. Through coordinated layout of a green power industrial park and a computing power center, it will form a “20-minute supporting circle,” enabling functional complementarity and shared resources. From a higher dimension, we will also closely seize the development strategy of the Dingzijwan new provincial-level energy innovation zone and coordinate with Yantai to jointly build zero-carbon and low-carbon industrial parks.

At present, we have already formed a working task force and set up a command headquarters, and are pushing forward with full effort the construction of an integrated “port-energy-production-city” park. We will focus on “port”: actively seek support from higher-level authorities, realize the official opening of the female island port as soon as possible, speed up the reclamation wharf project, and meet the needs for large wind power equipment to go to sea. Focus on “energy”: concentrate forces to ensure that major offshore wind power projects such as those of Huadian and Huaneng complete approvals and start construction, and simultaneously strengthen the safeguarding of sea-area factors for projects. Focus on “production”: improve the wind power, solar PV, and energy storage full-industry-chain; in particular, track 16 wind power equipment manufacturing projects such as Dongfang Electric; plan a green power direct-connection “compute-and-power coordination” intelligent computing center, to provide green power and carbon-sink support for industrial upgrading not only across the whole district but also across the city. Focus on “city”: drive the park’s functional improvement with industrial development, accelerate improvements in infrastructure supporting facilities, and enhance overall carrying capacity and livability.

An on-site scene of the installation of an offshore photovoltaic project by China Power Construction.

Reporter: The southeastern “forelegs,” with the Blue Valley at the core, aims to build a sci-tech innovation sector. With the construction of the Qingdao Sci-Tech Corridor as an opportunity, how will we convert sci-tech resources into development advantages, achieving a leap from a “science research enclave” to an “urban functional area”?

Sun Jie: The integration of the Blue Valley into Qingdao’s sci-tech corridor is an opportunity, but also a mission. We will coordinate resources and forces across the whole area, integrate comprehensively with full-factor support and full-scenario backing for the construction of the Ocean Science and Technology City. We will strive to build a new high ground for marine economic development across the country, and accelerate integrated development of “science, industries, cities, and people,” so that marine advantages are transformed into development strengths.

Specifically, “science” means enhancing the marine technology innovation source capability, creating a batch of innovation platforms such as concept validation centers, and encouraging research institutes to increase the output and transformation applications of research results. “Industry” means strengthening a “3+2” modern marine industry system, boosting advantageous production capacities of high value-added products such as ships, offshore wind power whole turbines, and marine observation equipment, raising the development level of four four-thousand-mu industrial parks, and building a province-leading marine equipment manufacturing base. “City” means building a distinctive and high-quality coastal new district: deeply carry out the Blue Valley regional quality improvement project, promote the launch of facilities such as the Blue Valley Hospital, Qingdao No. 2 Middle School, and Linghai School, and enrich business formats such as the island experience, hot springs, study tours, and health and wellness. “People” means building a competitive advantage in marine talent: vigorously introduce top talent and high-level research teams, and encourage universities, institutes, and enterprises to jointly set up expert workstations and postdoctoral workstations, attracting all kinds of talent to start businesses and thrive in the Blue Valley.

Of course, as a “pillar” of the Qingdao Sci-Tech Corridor, the Blue Valley’s sci-tech engine momentum will become even more prominent. We will take the two command headquarters of the female island industrial park and the Blue Valley industrial park as our starting points, relying on research forces such as the Laoshan Laboratory and Ocean University of China. We will achieve breakthroughs first in frontier fields such as marine energy and marine wind power, and truly convert the Blue Valley’s sci-tech advantages into industrial advantages across the entire area.

Reporter: You just mentioned “embracing the new without rejecting the old,” redefining “traditional industries” such as textiles and apparel, and commercial and trade logistics, as “traditional industries with clear advantages.” In your view, how can these industries, by leveraging new technologies and new scenarios, reshape their strengths?

Sun Jie: Traditional industries such as textiles and apparel, commercial and trade logistics, and intelligent household appliances are the solid “family assets” accumulated by Jimo over many years. At present, these industries already have a good foundation for upgrading. For example, Jifa is a “runner” enterprise in national industrial carbon peak efforts; its no-water dyeing 10,000-ton new production line has already been put into operation, seizing early opportunities in green manufacturing. Three enterprises such as Xueda have been recognized by the China National Garment Association as “Top 100 Enterprises in the Industry.” Cooltech’s intelligent revenue and profit margin ranks first on the “Top 100 Enterprises” list in the industry. Orient Dingxin’s market has been built into the first imported fruit port in the province; new direct cold-chain routes to Southeast Asia have been opened; Zhongdao Yang Fujian has become Jimo’s first overseas warehouse; and Qingdao Port’s Jimo port area has surpassed a cargo turnover of 1 million tons (over 100k tons).

A busy production line at the Jifa Group for garment embroidery and stitching.

When it comes to reshaping our strength, we will focus on improving the “gold content” and “intelligence content” of these industries. We will work harder on industrial technological transformation, and guide backbone enterprises such as Jifa to achieve green transformation, brand value-added increases, and e-commerce enablement for better efficiency. We will support intelligent household appliance enterprises in strengthening their supporting capabilities toward the directions of smart homes and audio-visual electronics. We will promote innovation in business forms and models: guide commercial and trade logistics enterprises to transform into service integrators, unblock online and offline channels, and support enterprises such as Orient Dingxin in improving quality and efficiency, enhancing the distribution and collection capacity of Qingdao Port’s Jimo port area. We will increase the degree of integration between traditional industries and digital technologies such as artificial intelligence, and promote deep, end-to-end applications of artificial intelligence across the whole industry chain to accelerate “intelligent transformation, digital transformation, and networked connectivity.” We will encourage enterprises to apply industrial internet platforms and support enterprises in creating digital enablement scenarios such as national intelligent manufacturing demonstration factories. (Qingdao Daily / Guanhai News reporter Xifu Chun, Wang Tao, and Yu Ruixin)

Qingdao Daily, April 3, 2026, page 1

Qingdao Daily, April 3, 2026, page 3

Responsible editor: Yue Wenyan