Beijing, 31 Dec. 2025 (Xinhua)

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2026 New Year message in Beijing on Wednesday evening, reflecting on China’s achievements in 2025 and outlining priorities for the year ahead. He called for steady, determined efforts to continue writing “a new chapter in China’s miracle.”

Xi noted that 2026 marks the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan, emphasizing that success begins with sound planning and clear goals. He urged the nation to stay focused, strengthen confidence, and build momentum to advance high-quality development, deepen reform and opening up, and promote shared prosperity.

Looking back on 2025—the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan—Xi said China met its key targets and made solid progress on the path toward Chinese modernization. He highlighted major gains in economic strength, scientific and technological innovation, national defense, and overall national capacity.

The year, Xi said, was also rich in historic meaning. China commemorated the 80th anniversary of victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and established Taiwan Recovery Day, further uniting the nation around the goal of rejuvenation.

Innovation played a central role in energizing development, with China becoming one of the world’s fastest-growing innovation-driven economies. Cultural life also flourished, as growing enthusiasm for museums, cultural relics, and intangible heritage reflected a renewed confidence in Chinese culture.

Xi stressed that improving people’s lives remained a top priority. “No matter how small, every concern of the people matters,” he said, adding that shared happiness in daily life strengthens the entire nation.

On the global stage, Xi said China continued to engage openly with the world. The country announced new climate commitments and advanced its Global Development, Security, Civilization, and Governance Initiatives to promote a fairer international system. China, he said, stands ready to work with all countries to safeguard peace and promote development.

Addressing national unity, Xi reaffirmed that reunification across the Taiwan Strait is an unstoppable historical trend, while reiterating firm support for “one country, two systems” in Hong Kong and Macao.

Finally, Xi underscored the importance of Party self-governance, noting continued efforts to fight corruption and strengthen discipline. Only a strong Communist Party of China, he said, can ensure a strong country and sustained progress.