As the clock struck midnight, President Xi Jinping delivered his traditional upbeat New Year's Eve address, marking the transition into 2025 with a forward-looking vision for China. Drawing on the metaphor of the four seasons, Xi painted a picture of a year filled with challenges and triumphs, highlighting the nation’s resilience and proactive stance in the face of both domestic and international changes.
Xi emphasized the pursuit of high-quality development as China’s top priority. Highlighting impressive economic indicators, he noted China’s GDP reaching 130 trillion yuan (over 18 trillion U.S. dollars) and grain output soaring to 700 million tonnes. These figures not only signify improved living standards but also indicate reduced dependency on foreign supplies, showcasing China’s self-reliance.
Innovation took center stage in Xi’s address, reflecting the New Concepts of Development. He spotlighted advancements such as over 10 million new energy vehicles, breakthroughs in integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and quantum communications. The successful Chang'e-6 lunar probe mission, which collected samples from the far side of the moon, was also celebrated as a testament to China’s technological prowess.
On the domestic front, Xi detailed his extensive visits across the country, underscoring a commitment to enhancing the lives of ordinary citizens. He addressed key concerns including jobs, incomes, elderly and child care, education, and medical services, signaling a personalized and inclusive approach to governance.
In the realm of international affairs, Xi acknowledged a world characterized by transformation and turbulence. He reaffirmed China’s role as a responsible major country, advocating for global governance reform and strengthening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South. This strategic focus aims to foster deeper ties with developing nations while navigating the complexities of the global landscape.
Throughout his speech, Xi consistently highlighted the theme of quality, whether referring to high-quality development, Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, or new quality productive forces. This repetition underscores a strategic emphasis on sustainable and meaningful growth.
Concluding his address, Xi called for collective hard work and resilience, encouraging every citizen to contribute to the new journey of Chinese modernization. He envisioned a future filled with harmony, prosperity, happiness, and peace, leaving the nation with a message of unity and hope: \"May all your dreams come true.\"
Reference(s):
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