31st December 2024 – (Beijing) Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year address this evening, setting a hopeful tone for the year ahead. He outlined the government’s commitment to fostering high-quality development while addressing the various challenges posed by uncertain external environments and the transition from old to new economic drivers. Despite these hurdles, Xi expressed strong confidence that they can be successfully navigated.
Reflecting on the past year, Xi highlighted a series of notable achievements in 2024. He reported a projected Gross Domestic Product (GDP) exceeding 130 trillion yuan, a clear sign of economic recovery.
Xi pointed to the integration of regional development and the synergy between urbanisation and rural revitalszation as key strategies for economic growth. He emphasised the progress made in green and low-carbon development, painting a picture of a “Beautiful China” that is gradually unfolding.
In the realm of innovation, Xi celebrated the emergence of new industries, business models, and technologies. He noted that the production of new energy vehicles had for the first time surpassed 10 million units, while breakthroughs in fields such as integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and quantum communication were paving the way for future advancements.
The President also took pride in China’s achievements in space exploration, highlighting the successful lunar sample return mission of Chang’e 6 and the ongoing exploration of the ocean depths. These milestones, he stated, reflect the ambitious spirit of the Chinese people as they strive towards their dreams of exploration and discovery.
During his address, Xi paid special attention to the welfare of the citizens. He mentioned ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life through improved employment opportunities, better elderly care services, and accessible education and healthcare. He noted that the basic pension had been raised, mortgage rates lowered, and that the scope of direct settlement for medical expenses had been expanded, making healthcare more accessible for citizens.
As he celebrated the accomplishments of Chinese athletes at the Paris Olympics, where they achieved their best-ever results abroad, Xi highlighted the spirit of youth and the nation’s commitment to sports. He praised the dedication of the armed forces and the resilience of party members and local communities in responding to natural disasters such as floods and typhoons.
Looking forward to 2025, Xi reaffirmed China’s focus on implementing proactive and effective policies to achieve high-quality development. He emphasised the importance of technological self-reliance and innovation as cornerstones for future growth. He acknowledged the new challenges facing the economy but assured the public that these could be overcome through collective effort and determination.
Xi concluded his address by stressing the significance of addressing the people’s needs, from quality education for children to adequate elderly care and ample opportunities for youth development. He called these aspirations fundamental to achieving a better quality of life and urged all citizens to work together to enhance social construction and governance.
As China marks the 25th anniversary of Macau’s return to the motherland, Xi reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to the principle of “one country, two systems,” ensuring long-term stability and prosperity in Hong Kong and Macau. He emphasised the unbreakable bonds between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, affirming that the trend towards national reunification is unstoppable.
Xi’s address concluded with a call for unity in the face of global challenges, encouraging all nations to cooperate for a better future. He reminded the audience that in the journey towards modernisation, every individual plays a crucial role, and every effort is valuable.
With a hopeful outlook, Xi Jinping invited all citizens to embrace the New Year with optimism and determination, wishing for prosperity and happiness for all as China steps confidently into 2025.
