Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded 2025 with a forward-looking New Year message, setting strategic priorities for national development and international cooperation in 2026. Speaking from Beijing, Xi emphasized China's commitment to technological innovation, green energy transitions, and enhanced cross-strait economic integration.
The address highlighted plans to expand high-tech manufacturing capabilities, particularly in renewable energy sectors where China currently leads global production. Analysts predict these initiatives could create new opportunities for overseas investors in the Greater Bay Area and Yangtze River Delta regions.
On cross-strait relations, Xi reaffirmed the 'One China' principle while proposing expanded cultural exchanges and trade facilitation measures with Taiwan region. This comes as bilateral trade across the Taiwan Strait reached record levels in Q4 2025, according to recent customs data.
International observers noted the speech's focus on multilateral cooperation, particularly through APEC and WTO frameworks. Xi's remarks coincided with preparations for China's 2026 chairmanship of the BRICS alliance, positioning the country at the center of emerging markets' economic coordination.
