Xi Jinping hails China's 'creators of miracles'

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Chinese President Xi Jinping has credited the "self-reliant" and "diligent" people of China for creating "miracles that the world has marveled at" in his annual New Year address, vowing to "always closely rely on the people" to overcome difficulties down the road.

"Our people are the solid foundation of the country and our main source of confidence to govern," Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, said in a televised speech on Monday.

Reviewing the past year and looking ahead to 2019, Xi hailed the contributions made by Chinese workers in all sectors and pledged to respect talents "of all kinds" and "stimulate their creative energy."

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Key quotes from Xi Jinping's New Year Address

'Trail-blazers'

In 2018, China intensified efforts to promote high-quality economic growth and kept major economic indicators "within a reasonable range," he said, adding that strategies of regional integration were well implemented.

China's economy expanded 6.7 percent year-on-year in the first three quarters, above the government's target of around 6.5 percent set for the year. In November, the surveyed unemployment rate in urban areas was 4.8 percent, and consumer inflation was kept at a mild level of 2.2 percent.

The year also witnessed the release of the master plan for Xiongan New Area, established in 2017 to promote the coordinated development of the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region.

Aerial photo taken in June shows the 55-kilometer-long Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in Zhuhai, southern China's Guangdong Province. The bridge officially opened to traffic, October 24, 2018. /VCG Photo

Two signature projects of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, namely the Hong Kong section the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, were put into operation in September and October respectively, further integrating Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions into the national development.

Xi attributed the achievements to the "hard work of people from all of China's ethnic groups," calling them the "trail-blazers of the new era."

The president went on to salute "every scientist, every engineer, and every nation builder" for the country's technological advancements during the past year, including the launch of the Chang'e-4 lunar probe, the first sea trials of China's second aircraft carrier, the first water takeoff and landing of China's independently-developed large amphibious aircraft AG600, and the launch of the global service of the BeiDou Satellite Navigation System.

China launches Chang'e-4 lunar probe in the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in southwest China's Sichuan Province, December 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

This year, another 125 counties and 10 million villagers were lifted out of poverty, according to Xi. "My heart goes out to the people living in hardship," he said.

Meanwhile, more than 100 million people from China's rural areas are gradually becoming permanent urban residents, and 13 million people found jobs in cities and towns this year, he noted.

"China, as a country of people on the move, is energetically pursuing prosperity," Xi said. "We are running at full speed towards the realization of our dreams."

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'Most admirable people'

The president underscored the names of several deceased professionals who had made significant contributions, describing them as the "leading lights" of the nation.

Xi first mentioned Nan Rendong, the founding scientist of China's Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope. An asteroid was named after Nan a few months ago.

Xi then praised two new role models of the People's Liberation Army, explosion mechanics scientist Lin Junde and fighter jet pilot Zhang Chao, as well as former militia member Wang Jicai who had served on a border island for 32 years.

Chinese scientist Nan Rendong, who devoted 22 years to the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope project, died of cancer in 2017 at the age of 72. /Photo via China Daily

Other names mentioned by Xi included Huang Qun, Song Yuecai and Jiang Kaibin, who worked for the 760 Research Institute of the China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation. They sacrificed their lives to protect a national experimental platform during Typhoon Rumbia in August.

"They are the most admirable people in China's new era, and we should remember their names forever and learn from their deeds," Xi stressed.

2018 marked the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up, a landmark policy that has transformed China from a poor nation to the world's second-largest economy.

The newly-formed Ministry of Culture and Tourism is inaugurated in Beijing as part of a massive restructuring of the State Council, China's cabinet, April 8, 2018. /VCG Photo

The country launched a comprehensive overhaul of Party and state institutions and launched over 100 major reform measures in 2018, Xi said. The first China International Import Expo was also held this year, and the construction of a pilot free trade zone in the southern island province of Hainan began, he added.

"The world has seen China's accelerating reform and opening-up and its determination to carry it forward," Xi said. "China's reforms will never stop, and its doors will only open ever wider."

The president also briefly reviewed China's diplomatic activities during the year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (R4) and other leaders of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member states pose for a group photo during a restricted session of the 18th SCO Summit in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

"We hosted the annual Boao Forum for Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Qingdao, as well as the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation," he noted, adding that he visited five continents in 2018.

These events have enhanced mutual trust between China and other countries and enlarged China's "circle of friends," he said.

'Rely on the people'

Looking ahead, Xi noted that the country faces both opportunities and challenges in 2019, which is also the year marking the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

"Despite the complexities and difficulties we may face on the road ahead, we shall always closely rely on the people and stick to self-reliance and hard work," he stressed.

Chinese President Xi Jinping (L, front), also general secretary of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, talks with private entrepreneurs during a symposium on private enterprises at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, November 1, 2018. /Xinhua Photo

In 2019, China will cut taxes and fees to ease the burden on enterprises, show its "sincere appreciation of talent of all kinds," and encourage creativity and innovation, Xi said.

He pledged that the voice of officials at the grassroots will be heard, more than 10 million rural residents will be lifted out of poverty, and military veterans will be taken better care of in the coming year.

The Chinese leader then paid tribute to ordinary workers in different fields.

"Even as we speak, there are deliverymen, street cleaners, taxi drivers and countless others who are hard at work," he said. "We should thank these workers who contribute to the creation of our beautiful society."

Ending his speech, Xi underlined China's resolution and confidence in defending its national sovereignty and security, as well as its "sincerity and goodwill" to safeguard world peace.

China will "work tirelessly for a more prosperous and beautiful world," he said.

President Xi's New Year speeches in previous years:

Xi vows to press ahead with reform to reach 'ultimate triumph'

President Xi highlights China's achievements in 2016