Xi's New Year Message

Chinese President Xi has delivered his New Year message, so I’ll include a short, purely informational segment here. My takeaway is brief: China’s economic breakthroughs in 2025 are placed at the very beginning of the “achievements” section of the address. To me, that suggests that—through the lens of Chinese policymakers—technological progress is positioned as the starting point of a “driver narrative,” rather than simply one accomplishment among many. Moreover, the message does not merely celebrate technological sophistication; it highlights the deep integration of technology with domestic industry and emphasizes more practical, on-the-ground results.

Below is the full text:

Greetings to everyone!

As the year turns and a new chapter begins, I extend my warmest wishes to you all from Beijing on the occasion of the New Year.

2025 marks the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan. Over the past five years, we have pressed ahead with determination and courage, overcoming numerous challenges and successfully completing our goals and tasks. We have taken steady steps forward on the new journey of Chinese modernization. China’s total economic output has continued to reach new milestones and is expected to hit RMB 140 trillion this year. Our economic strength, scientific and technological capacity, national defense capabilities, and overall national power have all risen to new levels. Clear waters and green mountains have become a defining feature, and people’s sense of gain, happiness, and security has continued to grow. These five years have been anything but ordinary, and these achievements did not come easily. Through hard work, perseverance, and dedication, you have helped build a thriving China. I pay tribute to every individual who has worked tirelessly toward this progress.

This year has been especially memorable as we solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and established Taiwan Retrocession Day. These national commemorations were powerful and inspiring. The glory of victory will be forever etched in history, motivating the Chinese people to remember the past, honor the martyrs, cherish peace, and create a better future—uniting immense strength for the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

We have empowered high-quality development through innovation.
With deeper integration of science, technology, and industry, innovation outcomes have emerged in rapid succession. Large AI models have advanced at remarkable speed, breakthroughs have been made in indigenous chip development, and China has become one of the fastest-rising economies in terms of innovation capacity. The Tianwen-2 mission embarked on its journey of space exploration, construction began on the Yarlung Zangbo River hydropower project, and China’s first electromagnetic catapult aircraft carrier officially entered service. Humanoid robots demonstrated martial arts routines, and drones lit up the skies with spectacular displays. Innovation has given rise to new productive forces and has also made everyday life more colorful.

We have nurtured our spiritual home through culture. Enthusiasm for museums, cultural heritage, and intangible cultural assets has continued to grow, with new additions to the list of world heritage sites. Characters like Wukong and Nezha have gained global popularity, while traditional Chinese aesthetics have become a top trend among young people. The cultural and tourism market has been vibrant, with city leagues and village tournaments drawing crowds, and winter sports igniting seasonal excitement. As tradition blends with modernity, Chinese culture is shining more brilliantly than ever.

We have worked together to create and share a better life. I visited Tibet and Xinjiang to attend celebratory events, where people of all ethnic groups—from the snow-covered plateau to the foothills of the Tianshan Mountains—stood united like the tightly bound seeds of a pomegranate. With white ceremonial scarves and joyful songs and dances, they expressed their love for the motherland and their praise for a happy life. Livelihood matters are never trivial. Over the past year, protections for workers in new forms of employment have been strengthened, age-friendly renovations have made life easier for seniors, and families with young children now receive an additional RMB 300 per month in subsidies. When every household is warm and thriving, the nation as a whole prospers.

We have continued to open our arms to the world. Major events such as the SCO Tianjin Summit and the Global Women’s Summit were successfully held, and the Hainan Free Trade Port entered full island-wide customs operations. To better address climate change, China announced a new round of nationally determined contributions. Following the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, and the Global Civilization Initiative, I proposed the Global Governance Initiative, aiming to promote a more just and equitable system of global governance. In a world marked by turbulence and conflict, with wars still raging in some regions, China remains firmly on the right side of history. We stand ready to work with all countries to promote world peace and development and to build a community with a shared future for mankind.

Not long ago, I attended the opening ceremony of the National Games, where Guangdong, Hong Kong, and Macao moved forward together in unity—a heartening sight. We must remain committed to the principle of “one country, two systems,” support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into national development, and safeguard their long-term prosperity and stability. Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share the same blood, and the historical trend toward national reunification is unstoppable.

Only when the Party thrives can the nation be strong. We have carried out in-depth education on implementing the spirit of the Central Eight-Point Regulation, strengthened discipline and governance within the Party, fought corruption with determination, and advanced self-reform. Party conduct and governance have continued to improve. We must remain true to our original aspirations and mission, persevere over the long term, and continue to answer the historic question of governance posed in Yan’an—delivering an era-worthy answer to the people.

2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Those who begin decisively plan for the end; those who succeed plan ahead. We must stay focused on our goals, strengthen confidence, seize momentum, and steadily advance high-quality development. We will further deepen reform and opening up, promote common prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China’s development.

Dreams pursued across mountains and seas never feel distant; though the road ahead is long, we stride forward with confidence. Let us summon the courage to spur our horses onward, unleash the vitality of collective endeavor, and maintain unwavering momentum—working together for our dreams and striving for a better life, turning grand visions into reality.

As the first rays of the New Year’s sun rise,may our motherland be blessed with magnificent landscapes and abundant harvests. May the dawn shine upon our land, and may each of you find joy in your hearts, success in your work, and hope in all that lies ahead.