President Xi Jinping emphasized national solidarity and shared aspirations during his Spring Festival reception in Beijing on Saturday, setting a hopeful tone for the Year of the Horse. Speaking at the Great Hall of the People, the Chinese leader extended heartfelt greetings to citizens across the Chinese mainland and all ethnic groups, underscoring unity as the cornerstone of progress.
Xi, who also serves as General Secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chairman of the Central Military Commission, highlighted collective efforts to achieve common prosperity. His address resonated with cultural symbolism tied to the Horse zodiac – a sign traditionally associated with perseverance and vitality in Chinese tradition.
The reception drew over 1,000 attendees from political, business, and cultural sectors, including representatives from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan regions. Analysts note the timing aligns with recent economic stabilization measures, offering reassurance to overseas investors monitoring Asia's largest economy.
For the Asian diaspora, Xi's message reinforced cultural connectivity, while policy experts anticipate strengthened cross-strait exchanges in 2026. The Spring Festival speech has become a key indicator of annual governance priorities, with this year's focus on social cohesion attracting particular attention from APEC members and global markets.
