What does 'Half a Quilt' tell us about China's new Long March?

In the winter of 1934, three female Red Army soldiers arrived at the home of Xu Jiexiu, a poor villager in Shazhou Village, Hunan Province, during the Long March.

Seeing that Xu's family had little to keep them warm, the soldiers cut their only quilt in half and left a portion with her before departing.

The gesture became known as the story of "Half a Quilt," a lasting symbol of the bond between the Communist Party of China (CPC) and the people.

Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday recalled the story at a gathering commemorating the 90th anniversary of the Red Army's Long March victory.

"Only by remembering history can we create a brighter future," said Xi.

He stressed that the people's support was crucial to the victory of the Long March and called for new achievements on China's journey toward modernization.

From half a quilt to better lives When Xi visited the "half a quilt"-themed exhibition hall in September 2020, he called for standing together with the people on the Long March of the new era.

Today, that commitment is reflected in efforts to improve livelihoods.

The village provides monthly subsidies for residents aged 60 and above and covers half of villagers' basic medical insurance contributions.

A child-friendly service program also extends across nine neighboring villages.

For Xu's descendants, the changes are tangible.

Her grandson, Zhu Xiaohong, once lived in poverty.

With support from local CPC authorities, he received culinary training and opened a restaurant.

"In the past, the Red Army gave us half a quilt; now the Party has brought us happy lives," Zhu has said.