Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed the importance of learning, innovation and unity as 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and it will also be a decisive year before China becomes a moderately prosperous society. 

President Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks on Saturday at the New Year gathering held in Beijing by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

Review of 2018 

As the first year of implementing the guideline principles delivered at the 19th CPC National Congress, 2018 represents a remarkable year for both the Party and the nation, Xi emphasized. 

He said significant progress has been made in the fields including economy, politics, culture, society, ecology, national defense and military building. 

Work related to Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, along with that on the diplomatic front has also led to significant fruition, according to Xi.  

"People have enjoyed a consistently stronger sense of gain, of happiness and of security," Xi said. 

He also pointed out that a predominant victory has been achieved in the anti-corruption campaign, further cleansing the inter-Party political environment.  

The year 2018 marks the 40th anniversary of the implementation of China's reform and opening-up to the world. The Chinese president reiterated the country's determination in carrying forward the reform and opening-up in the new era. 

He revealed that 78 key reform tasks initiated by the Central Committee for Deepening Overall Reform have been accomplished, adding that central and state departments have finished 171 reform tasks and worked out 329 reform plans. 

Outlook for 2019

Looking into the new year, President Xi outlined the priority of pushing forward the supply-side structural reform and the three critical battles against potential risk, poverty, and pollution.

Xi also emphasized the need to coordinate all work to maintain stable growth, promote reform, make structural adjustments, improve living standards, and guard against risk. 

He also noted the importance of maintaining prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, and promoting peaceful development and exchanges across the Taiwan Strait. 

Xi called for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

The work of the CPPCC

On the role played by the CPPCC, President Xi confirmed that in 2018, basing its work on unity and democracy, the CPPCC has made new contributions to the Party and the nation through making proposals on political issues, as well as forging consensus.

"Winning public support is the biggest political task, and gaining consensus is the driving force for marching forward," Xi pointed out. 

He mentioned that 2019 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the CPPCC, noting that it should make seeking wide-ranging consensus as its core task, further unite different non-Communist parties and personage from different fields or ethnic groups, in order to contribute to achieving the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.  

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, State Council and the CMC, Xi extended New Year greetings to non-Communist parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, personages with no party affiliation, people's organizations, as well as people from all walks of life, including workers, farmers, intellectuals, soldiers and police officers.

His greetings were also extended to compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese, as well as international friends.