Greetings to everyone! As a new year unfolds a new chapter, I extend my heartfelt New Year greetings to you all from Beijing.
In 2025, China completed the implementation of its 14th Five-Year Plan. Over the past five years, we have moved forward with firm resolve and perseverance, overcome numerous difficulties and challenges, achieved our goals, and successfully completed our planned tasks. We have taken steady steps on a new journey of Chinese-style modernization. China’s total economic output has continued to reach new milestones and is expected to hit 140 trillion yuan this year. China’s economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense capacity, and overall national strength have all reached new heights. Green mountains and clear waters have become a beautiful backdrop, while people’s sense of gain, happiness, and security has continued to grow. These five years have been extraordinary, and through hard work we have achieved success. A prosperous China is being built through everyone’s dedication and effort. I salute every hardworking individual who has contributed to this progress.
The past year was unforgettable. We commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and designated a memorial day for the recovery of Taiwan. These major national events were solemn and inspiring. The glory of victory will be forever etched in history, inspiring the Chinese people to remember history, honor the martyrs, cherish peace, and build a better future—thus injecting immense strength into the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
We rely on innovation to pursue high-quality development. Through the deep integration of industry with science and technology, innovative achievements have flourished. Large-scale artificial intelligence models are developing rapidly, and progress has been made in independent chip development. China has become one of the fastest-growing economies in terms of innovation. Tianwen-2 has embarked on its “star-chasing” journey; construction of the Yajia hydropower project has begun; and the first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults has officially joined the naval fleet. Humanoid robots are showcasing their “kung fu mode,” while drones present spectacular “fireworks” displays.
Innovation and creativity are fostering new forms of productive forces and enriching lives. We nurture our spiritual home through culture. Enthusiasm for cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage continues to grow; new sites have been added to the World Heritage List; and Chinese cultural icons such as “Wukong” and “Nezha” have gained global popularity. Ancient Chinese aesthetics have become a leading trend among young people. Urban and rural cultural tourism markets are flourishing, while winter sports are igniting seasonal passion. The blend of tradition and modernity continues to add brilliance to Chinese culture.
We build and share a better life together. I attended celebratory events in Xizang and Xinjiang, where I saw people of all ethnic groups standing hand in hand—from snow-covered plateaus to both sides of the Tianshan Mountains—closely united like pomegranate seeds. Through white hada scarves and enthusiastic songs and dances, they expressed their love for the motherland and their happiness.
No matter how small, people’s livelihood matters greatly. Over the past year, the rights and interests of newly employed workers have been better protected; age-friendly renovations have brought convenience to the elderly; and families with children have received an additional monthly subsidy of 300 yuan. Daily needs of every “small family” across all seasons are being met, families are thriving, and thus China’s “big family” continues to prosper.
We continue to embrace the world with open arms. The Tianjin Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Global Women’s Summit were successfully held, and special customs operations were launched at the Hainan Free Trade Port. To better address climate change, China announced a new round of nationally determined contributions. As one of the “three proposals,” I put forward the Global Governance Initiative, aiming to build a more just and orderly global governance system. Today’s world is fraught with turbulence, with some regions still ravaged by war. China has always stood on the right side of history. Hand in hand with other countries, China is ready to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for mankind.
Recently, I attended the opening ceremony of the National Games. It was heartening to see Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao working together in unity and cooperation. We must firmly uphold the principle of “one country, two systems,” support Hong Kong and Macao in integrating into national development, and continue efforts to ensure their long-term prosperity and stability. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share blood ties thicker than water; the historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable.
A strong country requires a strong party. We have carried out in-depth study and education on the spirit of the central leadership’s eight-point code of conduct, governed the Party with rigor through practical actions, and upheld integrity. By eliminating corruption and advancing self-reform, the Party’s conduct and political ethos have continuously improved. We must remain true to our original aspirations and mission, persevere with determination, reap the fruits of perseverance, remember the Party’s founding purpose, and further strengthen governance capacity.
The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Those who wish to start something new must first consider its outcomes, while those who aspire to achieve greatness plan carefully from the outset. We must stay focused on our goals and tasks, strengthen confidence, seize opportunities, resolutely promote high-quality development, deepen reform and opening-up across the board, work for common prosperity for all, and write a new chapter of the Chinese miracle.
The path to realizing our dreams may cross mountains and seas, but with focus and faith it does not feel distant. The road ahead is long and challenging, yet we will move forward with firm and confident steps. We must muster the courage to spur on the galloping horse, unleash the strength of thousands of steeds, persevere tirelessly, and work together for dreams and happiness—turning our grand vision into a beautiful reality.
As the New Year’s sun is about to rise, may our great motherland flourish, may our land prosper, and may our nation be filled with vitality and positive energy. May your hearts be filled with joy, your careers with success, and all your hopes be fulfilled.
Source: Cai, Haiman, Alim, Anandi -China, Media Group (CMG).