Xi calls for advancing Chinese modernization in the New Year
Chinese President Xi Jinping yesterday urged efforts to steadfastly advance Chinese modernization, deliver a better life for the people, and strive to make the world a better place for all in 2024.
Delivering his New Year message in his office in Beijing, Xi summarized 2023 as a year when the country marched forward with solid and robust steps, in high spirits and with great confidence.
“In 2023, we have continued to forge ahead with resolve and tenacity. We have gone through the test of winds and rains, have seen beautiful scenes unfolding on the way, and have made plenty real achievements. We will remember this year as one of hard work and perseverance. Going forward, we have full confidence in the future,” he said in the nationally televised and livestreamed speech.
Xi noted that in the past year, some enterprises had a tough time, some people had difficulty finding jobs and meeting basic needs, and some places were hit by floods, typhoons, earthquakes or other natural disasters. “When I see people rising to the occasion, reaching out to each other in adversity, meeting challenges head-on and overcoming difficulties, I am deeply moved.”
The president lauded the extraordinary contribution made by each and every ordinary Chinese and praised the people as the ones the country looks to when it fights to prevail over all difficulties or challenges. “Our goal is both inspiring and simple. Ultimately, it is about delivering a better life for the people.”
Citing a smooth transition in COVID-19 response efforts first, Xi stressed that the Chinese economy has sustained the momentum of recovery.
Steady progress has been made in pursuing highquality development, with modernized industrial system further upgraded, a number of advanced, smart and green industries rapidly emerging, a bumper harvest secured for the 20th year in a row, waters becoming clearer, mountains greener, and new advances made in pursuing rural revitalization, the president said.
He also noted that new progress has been made in fully revitalizing northeast
China, the Xiong’an New Area is growing fast, the Yangtze River Economic Belt is full of vitality, and the GuangdongHong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area is embracing new development opportunities.
“Having weathered the storm, the Chinese economy is more resilient and dynamic than before,” he said.
Xi highlighted the country’s innovation-driven development, recalling that the C919 large passenger airliner entered commercial service, the Chinese-built large cruise ship completed its trial voyage, the Shenzhou spaceships continue their missions in space, and the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe reached the deepest ocean trench.
He noted that products designed and made in China, especially trendy brands, are highly popular with consumers and the latest models of
Chinese-made mobile phones are an instant market success, while new energy vehicles and photovoltaic products are a new testimony to the country’s manufacturing prowess.
Next year will mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, Xi said.
He called for efforts to steadfastly advance Chinese modernization, fully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, promote high-quality development, and both pursue development and safeguard security.
Xi stressed the needs to deepen reform and opening up across the board, further enhance people’s confidence in development, promote vibrant development of the economy, and redouble efforts to boost education, advance science and cultivate talents.
It is imperative to continue to support Hong Kong and Macau in harnessing their distinctive strengths, better integrating themselves into China’s overall development, and securing long-term prosperity and stability, he said.
“China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.”
Xi stressed that our ultimate goal is to deliver a better life for the people.