Chinese President Xi Jinping has extended his New Year wishes to people across the Chinese mainland, compatriots in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), the Macao SAR and Taiwan, along with overseas Chinese and friends in other countries and regions all over the world.
Chinese President Xi Jinping extends New Year wishes in a video speech on December 31, 2016. /CGTN Photo
In a televised address on Saturday evening, Xi recounted major achievements made through the year regarding ongoing comprehensive reform, as well as military and judicial reforms. From China’s progress in aerospace science and technology to improving the quality of people’s lives, Xi pledged that no one should be left behind on the road towards a moderately prosperous society.
The Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope on September 25, 2016. /CFP Photo
Jing Haipeng (L) and Chen Dong, crew members of Shenzhou-11 spacecraft /CFP Photo
In his message he described how the country’s economic growth has been running at the forefront of the world, as China launched its 13th Five-Year Plan with new development theories.
However, “there is no such thing as a free lunch, and only hardwork will make dreams come true,” Xi said, calling for the people to continue to strive towards building a moderately prosperous society, and calling on the government to continue with deepening reforms.
Xi expressed his deep concerns for those who still live in strained circumstances, and whether or not they will have a happy New Year and a good Spring Festival.
Chinese President Xi Jinping visits Jinzhai county, east China’s Anhui Province on April 24, 2016. /Xinhua Photo
In his 10-minute televised speech, the president also highlighted the importance of the strict governance of the Communist Party of China (CPC). Xi said the Party has been continuing to resolutely battle both “tigers” (high-level officials) and “flies” (low-level officials). According to the latest official data, over the past four years of the ongoing anti-corruption drive, more than a million Party members have been issued warnings or punished for their wrongdoings.
A grand gathering celebrating the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China is held at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, on July 1, 2016. /Xinhua Photo
In 2017, the CPC will convene its 19th National Congress, which is expected to decide on measures to further strengthen the rule of law and reinforce Party discipline.
Xi also noted China’s contributions to global governance and inclusive growth. He said China has shared its wisdom and proposals with the world in the 11th G20 Hangzhou Summit. In addition, he mentioned that the Belt and Road Initiative has sped up its progress, and recalled the official launch of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank.
Chinese President Xi Jinping and other leaders of the Group of 20 (G20) members, guest countries and international organizations pose for a group photo ahead of the opening ceremony of the G20 summit in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province, on September 4, 2016. /Xinhua Photo
Reiterating China’s insistence on following a path of peaceful development, the president said the country will resolutely safeguard its territory and sovereignty as well as its maritime rights. “No matter who seeks to make an issue of this, the Chinese people will never give way,” noted the president.
China's first aircraft carrier Liaoning /CFP Photo
“China believes that everyone belongs to one family in a united world,” Xi said in conclusion. The Chinese people wish a good life not only for themselves, but also for people in other countries. He also reflected on people trapped in a nightmare of war and poverty in countries and regions around the world. The president called for the international community to join hands and uphold the vision of a community of common destiny for mankind.
