President Xi Jinping's New Year address for 2025 has invigorated the Chinese people, instilling renewed confidence, boosting morale, and inspiring a resolute determination to act in the new year.
Delivered through China Media Group (CMG) and online on Tuesday, Xi emphasized confidence in the Chinese economy and the importance of providing a better life for the people while striving to make the world a better place.
Reflecting on 2024, Xi highlighted China's economic rebound, with GDP expected to surpass 130 trillion yuan (about $18.08 trillion). He detailed achievements in fostering new quality productive forces, cultivating new business sectors, and pioneering new forms and models. Notably, China produced over 10 million new energy vehicles in a year for the first time.
\"As an industrial worker, I am very proud of the rapid development of China's new energy vehicle industry,\" said Wang Yun, an employee at Voyah, a high-end electric vehicle brand of Dongfeng.
Cutting-edge technologies like robots, 5G communication, and digital twin technology have significantly boosted work efficiency. \"In 2025, I will continue to work with passion, making high-quality cars for our customers and contributing greater value to our society,\" Wang added.
Looking ahead, Xi announced the completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) and the implementation of proactive and effective policies. He stressed high-quality development, greater self-reliance in science and technology, and maintaining momentum in economic and social development.
Acknowledging challenges such as uncertainties in the external environment and the pressure to transition from old to new growth drivers, Xi encouraged China's second-largest economy to remain confident. \"We can prevail with our hard work. As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident,\" Xi stated.
Entrepreneurs and officials echoed Xi's optimism. Hu Kefei, founder of Zhejiang GBI Intelligent Equipment, found the address inspiring. \"President Xi has an in-depth analysis of the current economic challenges. At the same time, he boosts our morale and strengthens our confidence,\" Hu said, pledging to improve his company's competitiveness and contribute to the low-altitude economy.
Chen Ze, deputy director of the Economic Development Office in Zhongguan Town, Deqing County of Zhejiang Province, described Xi's address as a profound source of motivation and practical guidance. \"With greater enthusiasm, more pragmatic approaches, and stronger measures, we will continue to optimize the business environment, spur market vitality and social creativity, and promote high-quality development of the economy,\" Chen told CMG.
Xi also recalled his 2024 inspection tours across the country, highlighting efforts to improve ordinary people's lives. \"The concerns of the people about jobs and incomes, elderly and child care, education and medical services are always on my mind,\" Xi stated, according to renowned China expert Robert Lawrence Kuhn.
Local voices, like Wu Zhengquan, a farmer, appreciated the focus on local development. \"In the new year, we will focus on refined management, aiming to grow our brand bigger and stronger and increase our income and wealth,\" Wu said.
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President Xi's New Year address boosts confidence, inspires efforts
cgtn.com
