Chinese modernization to embrace broader prospects through reform, opening up: Xi

China will embrace even broader prospects in pursuing Chinese modernization in the course of reform and opening up, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

In his 2025 New Year message, Xi said that at its third plenary session, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sounded a clarion call for further deepening all-round reform.

"We will march forward in great strides to advance reform and opening up as the trend of our times," Xi said.

Xi reviewed the country's achievements in 2024 and extended best wishes for the coming year.

"Time flies fast, and the new year will be with us shortly. I extend my best wishes to you all from Beijing. In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had," he said.

Noting that the year 2024 saw the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xi said the 5,000-year-old civilization nurtures China, which is engraved in both the ancient bronze ritual wine vessel of He Zun and the heart of every Chinese.

Xi gave the top priority of the government to ensure a happy life for the people. He acknowledged that every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities.

"We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts," said Xi.

Xi also recognized individual efforts in China's modernization journey.

"Dreams and wishes may be far, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit. On the new journey of Chinese modernization, everyone is a key actor, every effort counts, and every ray of light shines," said Xi.

Xi concluded his speech with best wishes for the country and the people in the new year.

"Splendor adorns our motherland, and starlight graces every home. Let us greet the new year with hope. May our great country enjoy harmony and prosperity! May all your dreams come true! May you all have a new year of happiness and peace!" he said.

Chinese modernization to embrace broader prospects through reform, opening up: Xi

Chinese modernization to embrace broader prospects through reform, opening up: Xi

Beijing City is intensifying its efforts to enhance public well-being in response to the growing demand from residents for more flexible services.

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, the Beijing Government Service Center will offer select high-demand personal services on weekends and most public holidays, including vehicle and driver's license processing, certificate applications, passport services, and other frequently used services.

"This year, we received feedback from residents and made targeted adjustments, including setting up a 24-hour self-service area and reorganizing service counters, to make the process simpler and more efficient," said Yan Dongdong, director of Beijing Municipal Government Service Center.

Most services can now be handled online, with offline assistance also available, significantly reducing waiting time at service counters.

"There used to be long lines. Now, once we arrive, things are handled very quickly," said a Beijing resident.

"I made an appointment online. Everything was done smoothly and quickly when I arrived here," said another Beijing resident.

The center now brings together 60 government departments, offering more than 2,300 services in one location, making public services more accessible and efficient.

The center has also introduced reading services and exhibition areas for cultural displays, expanding its role as a more open and people-centered public space.

Beijing expands government service hours to meet public demand