Chinese President Xi Jinping declared in his 2026 New Year address that China has successfully met all targets outlined in its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), marking a pivotal moment in the nation's modernization journey. Speaking on the final day of 2025, Xi emphasized that this year's economic output is projected to reach 140 trillion yuan ($20 trillion), cementing China's position as a global economic powerhouse.
The president highlighted transformative progress in science and technology, with artificial intelligence systems achieving unprecedented sophistication and domestic semiconductor research yielding critical breakthroughs. "Our innovation capabilities now rank among the world's fastest-growing," Xi stated, noting deepened integration between technological development and industrial applications.
Cultural revitalization emerged as another cornerstone of the Five-Year Plan's success. Museums and intangible cultural heritage sites reported record visitation numbers in 2025, while homegrown intellectual properties like the Wukong and Ne Zha franchises gained international acclaim. "Young Chinese now see traditional culture as the pinnacle of aesthetic excellence," Xi observed, underscoring shifting generational attitudes.
Looking ahead, Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to high-quality development and modernization, building on the foundation established through the completed Five-Year Plan. The address comes as analysts worldwide assess the implications of China's technological advancements and cultural influence on global economic and geopolitical landscapes.
