Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for unwavering unity and strategic resolve to build a strong China, urging the nation to forge ahead against all odds on the path of Chinese modernization.
Speaking at a New Year’s gathering hosted by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Tuesday, Xi emphasized the importance of collective effort in overcoming challenges. “On the journey of Chinese modernization, we will not only encounter clear skies and gentle breezes but also face high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms,” he said. “We must maintain strategic resolve and pool the great strength of all Chinese people striving in unity to cut through the waves and forge ahead with courage.”
Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, reflected on the achievements of 2024. He noted that despite facing domestic and international challenges, China responded calmly, implementing a range of measures that enabled the country to meet major economic and social development targets.
“The development journey in 2024 has been extraordinary with encouraging achievements,” Xi stated. “This has further strengthened our determination and confidence in advancing Chinese modernization.”
Looking ahead to 2025, which marks the conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), Xi highlighted the need for more proactive macroeconomic policies. “Efforts will be made to promote sustained economic recovery and improvement, continuously enhance people’s living standards, and maintain social harmony and stability,” he said.
Xi stressed the importance of high-quality fulfillment of the goals and tasks set out in the 14th Five-Year Plan to lay a solid foundation for a strong start to the 15th Five-Year Plan. He also praised the CPPCC for its contributions over the past year, calling on it to fully leverage its role as a specialized consultative body in actively offering suggestions, proposals, and garnering broader public support.
The gathering was presided over by Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC. Other Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, were also in attendance.
