On Tuesday, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year address, emphasizing the well-being of the people, confidence in the nation’s economy, and a vision for global cooperation. In his speech, President Xi reflected on the achievements of the past year and outlined the priorities for the year ahead.
Placing People’s Welfare at the Heart of Development
“The concerns of the people about jobs and incomes, elderly and child care, education, and medical services are always on my mind,” President Xi declared. He highlighted tangible improvements made over the past year, including raised basic pensions, lowered mortgage rates, and expanded cross-provincial direct settlement of medical bills, making healthcare more accessible nationwide.
President Xi also mentioned consumer goods trade-in programs that have enhanced the quality of life for many. “All these are real benefits to our people,” he noted, recalling his visits across the Chinese mainland in 2024.
“Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts,” he added, reaffirming the government’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of its citizens.
Confidence Amid Economic Challenges
Addressing the economic outlook, President Xi acknowledged the new conditions and challenges facing the Chinese economy, such as uncertainties in the external environment and the transition from old growth drivers to new ones. However, he expressed steadfast confidence in overcoming these obstacles through hard work.
“As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident,” he urged, emphasizing the importance of resilience. He vowed to fully complete the objectives set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan by 2025.
President Xi revealed that China’s economy rebounded in 2024 and is on an upward trajectory, with the GDP for the year expected to surpass 130 trillion yuan (approximately $17.8 trillion). “We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development,” he said, highlighting advances in coordinated regional development and fostering new, high-quality productive forces.
A Vision for Global Cooperation and Peace
In his address, President Xi spoke about the accelerating changes unseen in a century occurring worldwide. He stressed the importance of rising above estrangement and conflict, adopting a broad vision, and caring passionately about the future of humanity.
“China has contributed greatly to maintaining world peace and stability as a responsible major country,” he stated. President Xi highlighted China’s active role in promoting global governance reform, deepening solidarity and cooperation among countries of the Global South, and participating in multiple bilateral and multilateral forums.
“China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind,” he affirmed. “We must jointly create a better future for the world.”
The 2025 New Year address reflects China’s commitment to domestic welfare and its readiness to collaborate with the international community to address common challenges and build a harmonious global future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
