During a visit to CRRC Qiqihar Rolling Stock Co. Ltd., a freight train producer, Xi heard reports on its production and sales and watched fatigue and vibration tests of freight trains. The president recognized the company's achievements and encouraged it to achieve new successes by further exploring global markets and better serving the Belt and Road Initiative.

Equipment manufacturing is a pillar of the nation, as well as a significant component of the real economy, Xi said, asking the company to make greater efforts to step up indigenous innovation and develop new technologies and products.

Xi also went to the workshops of China First Heavy Industries Co. Ltd. and learned about its world-class, self-developed 15,000-tonne hydraulic press.

High quality development of the manufacturing sector, in particular that of equipment manufacturing, plays a major role in China's drive toward high-quality development of economy and is indispensable for a modernized nation, Xi said.

China must stick with the path of self-reliance amid rising unilateralism and protectionism in the present world, Xi said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Xi inspected the ecological protection of Chagan Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the country.

The sound environment is a precious resource for the economic and social development of the northeastern region, serving as an advantage for its revitalization, Xi said, asking local authorities to give priority to environmental protection and remain steadfast in green development.

In the city of Liaoyang, Xi visited a local branch of state-owned oil giant PetroChina Thursday, stressing that state-owned enterprises (SOEs) hold an important position and play a key and irreplaceable role as a significant strength for the Party and the nation to count on.