Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the unique positioning and mission of rural credit cooperatives (农信社) in China, highlighting their role in serving the "three rural issues" and small enterprises, distinct from traditional commercial banks [1][5]. Group 1: Historical Context and Current Positioning - Rural credit cooperatives have been operating for over 70 years, making them the only uninterrupted financial institution in New China, contributing significantly to the "three rural issues" [1]. - The central financial work conference in October 2023 stressed the importance of understanding the political and people-oriented nature of financial work, necessitating a deeper analysis of the positioning of rural credit cooperatives [1][6]. Group 2: Operational Resilience and Financial Health - A survey conducted by the National Financial Supervision Administration revealed that 189 quality institutions, including 162 rural cooperative institutions and 27 village banks, showed good operational conditions and resilience despite various pressures [2]. - As of September 2024, the surveyed institutions had total assets of 17 trillion yuan and loans amounting to 9.3 trillion yuan, with an average non-performing loan rate of 1.2% and a capital adequacy ratio of 15.2% [2]. Group 3: Mission and Sustainable Development - The article discusses the need for rural credit cooperatives to maintain their mission of serving the "three rural issues" and small enterprises, emphasizing the importance of resisting the urge to prioritize profit maximization [3][4]. - It is highlighted that commercial sustainability does not equate to profit maximization, and cooperative finance has proven to be more stable and sustainable compared to purely commercial financial entities [4]. Group 4: Governance and Future Direction - The article stresses that rural credit cooperatives should not be viewed as ordinary commercial banks and must adhere to their foundational principles, aligning with the central government's requirements for financial work [5][6]. - The focus should be on deepening local engagement, enhancing service quality, and solidifying their role as a primary force in supporting agriculture and small enterprises [6].

Core Viewpoint - The "three-in-one" cooperative economy model, initiated in Zhejiang, aims to integrate production, supply, and credit services to enhance agricultural efficiency and support farmers, with significant recognition and implementation at the national level [1][2][4]. Group 1: Historical Context and Development - In January 2006, Xi Jinping proposed the "three-in-one" cooperative economy concept, which was piloted in Zhejiang, particularly through the efforts of Chen Lin, who played a crucial role in its development [1]. - The model gained national attention, with the Central Government emphasizing its importance in various policy documents, including the 2017 and 2021 Central No. 1 documents, which called for the strengthening of farmer cooperatives and comprehensive cooperation [1][2]. Group 2: Challenges and Solutions - During the nationwide promotion of the "three-in-one" model, some regions experienced "deformation" and "diminution" of the original concept, prompting Chen Lin to publish a book addressing these issues and proposing solutions [2][4]. - Chen Lin highlighted the importance of focusing on the needs of farmers rather than bureaucratic divisions, advocating for a cooperative approach that integrates various sectors to enhance agricultural productivity [6][8]. Group 3: Financial Implications - The cooperative economy is seen as a mechanism to ensure financial security and support farmers' income, with the potential to address the challenges posed by traditional financial systems that often overlook small farmers [16][27]. - The upcoming implementation of the "Food Security Law" emphasizes the role of new agricultural entities, such as family farms and cooperatives, in enhancing food production capabilities and ensuring farmers' interests [16]. Group 4: International Comparisons and Lessons - International examples, such as the success of agricultural cooperatives in the U.S. and Japan, illustrate the effectiveness of cooperative models in maintaining market stability and supporting farmers' interests [22][23]. - The cooperative model is essential for creating a robust agricultural sector in China, enabling farmers to negotiate better terms with larger market players and ensuring food security [23].