Xi extends Spring Festival greetings, expresses confidence for future

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01:11

Chinese President Xi Jinping extended greetings to Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Special Administrative Regions Hong Kong and Macao, Taiwan, and overseas Chinese on Sunday, ahead of the Spring Festival.

While reviewing the achievements made by the Chinese people over the last year, Xi noted the new development opportunities and challenges in 2019.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, extended the greetings on behalf of the CPC Central Committee and the State Council.

In the past year, China has made efforts and achieved a lot, Xi said while addressing a festival reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

Over the past year, the Chinese economy has made steady progress and pushed forward the policy of reform and opening-up. China also made notable achievements in poverty reduction and elimination, Xi said.

Xi emphasized the importance of the people in his speech and attributed China's achievements to its people.

"The Spring Festival is a wonderful moment to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new, always bringing new hope to the people," Xi said while encouraging Chinese people to welcome the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China with greater achievements.

The Chinese leader also called for maintaining social stability and sustainable development, adding it is important to lay a sound foundation for building a moderately prosperous society.

Xi also pointed out that China has become an aging society and the country needs to promote the traditional Chinese value of respecting and caring for senior citizens.