‍New Year speeches delivered by leaders around the globe are a traditional fixture on the night the world turns a new page in its history – and in China, it’s no exception. New Year’s Eve is an occasion for people to assess how they have handled the year that is about to end and plan for the one to come. For leaders, it is an opportunity to share with the nation the festive spirit, review how the country has fared and touch on the highs – and lows – that lie down the road. 

President Xi Jinping will be addressing the nation on Sunday, as Chinese people at home and abroad prepare to bid farewell to 2017 and welcome a brand new year with fresh aspirations, hopes and expectations.

The Chinese leadership began issuing New Year messages in 1949, the year the People’s Republic of China was founded. Addressing the people on New Year’s Eve has become an annual tradition since. 

At first, the address was in the form of a commentary piece published on state newspapers. In 1994, it was broadcast by radio and a year later, people were able to watch it on television. In 2017, the address reached millions of people in China and abroad for the first time via Internet. 

The speech normally sums up and reviews the major events that took place during the year, and tackles what is yet to come, highlighting the country’s top agenda in the next year. 

More importantly, it’s a chance for the president to spread a message of hope, peace and encouragement not just across China, but the whole world.

In his address in 2016, Xi went through an array of topics, from supply-side reforms and crackdown on corruption to Shenzhou-11 manned spaceship and Chinese Women's Volleyball team winning big in the Olympics. 

Xi’s speech touched upon politics, scientific achievements, space and sports endeavors, and economic reforms, among others. He also made a special mention to the victims of natural disasters and industrial accidents in the country, and the Chinese peacekeeping troops who lost their lives defending peace and denouncing violence.

China’s sovereignty over the South China Sea was also raised during the speech, as tensions had reached a boiling point that year following a ruling by an international tribunal which backed Manila’s claims in the maritime body in an arbitration case filed unilaterally by the Philippines. 

“China won't let anyone make a ‘fuss’ about its territorial sovereignty, maritime rights and interests. No matter who seeks to make an issue of this, the Chinese people will never give way,” he said. 

“Poverty alleviation” was another highlight of Xi's 10-minute address. The president noted that no one should be left behind on the way to prosperity, and announced that over 10 million people were lifted out of poverty in 2016 with more children in impoverished areas receiving education opportunities. He stressed, however, that more needs to be done. 

The year 2016 also marked the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Long March – two occasions that were also addressed in the speech.

In his speech last year, President Xi described 2016 as “not only outstanding but also unforgettable”. The year 2017 has been eventful and exceptional, to say the least. 

China officially entered a new era, and the "Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era" was added to the CPC Constitution. 

How will Xi describe 2017? And more importantly, what topics will he single out in his speech? 

Looking ahead to 2018, next year marks the 40th anniversary of China’s reform and opening-up policy proposed by former leader Deng Xiaoping in 1978. 

On many occasions, China reiterated its willingness to engage more with countries around the world, bear more responsibility on the international stage, and further open its financial markets to foreign investors, acting on its proposed concept of building a community of shared future for mankind.

President Xi’s New Year Address will be broadcast at 19:00 local time on Sunday, December 31, 2017, on CGTN. 

We will livestream the event on our APP and social media platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and Weibo.

The address will also be transmitted by other national radio and television broadcasters including China Radio International (CRI), China National Radio (CNR), and China Central Television (CCTV).