Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization when delivering his New Year message to ring in 2026.
Delivering the message through China Media Group and the Internet, Xi extended his best wishes for the coming year to the people.
Noting that 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, Xi said the country has pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges over the past five years, meeting the targets in the Plan and making solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization.
In the period, China's economic output crossed thresholds one after another, and it is expected to reach 140 trillion yuan in 2025, Xi said, adding that the country's economic strength, scientific and technological abilities, defense capabilities, and composite national strength all reached new heights.
He pointed out that clear waters and lush mountains have become a salient feature of China's landscape, and the Chinese people now enjoy a growing sense of gain, happiness and security.
"The past five years have been a truly remarkable journey, and our accomplishments have not come easily. Your unwavering hard work has made our nation thrive and prosper. I salute you all for your exceptional diligence and invaluable contributions," said Xi.
Recalling the "indelible memories" of the past 12 months, Xi said China 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 the Taiwan Recovery Day.
These efforts are rallying a mighty force for the great rejuvenation of our nation, he added.
China sought to energize high-quality development through innovation in 2025, Xi said.
The country integrated science and technology deeply with industries, and made a stream of new innovations. Many large AI models have been competing in a race to the top, and breakthroughs have been achieved in the research and development of China's own chips.
"All this has turned China into one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities," said Xi.
He also noted breakthroughs in space exploration, major infrastructure projects, aircraft carrier development, as well as humanoid robots and the drone sector.
"The Tianwen-2 probe began its star-chasing journey to explore asteroids and comets. Construction of the hydropower project at the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River started. China's first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system was officially commissioned. Humanoid robots did kung fu kicks, and drones performed spectacular firework shows," said Xi.
"Inventions and innovations have boosted new quality productive forces and added colorful dimensions to our lives," he said.
The Chinese people endeavored to nurture their spiritual home with cultural development, as there was a surging public interest in cultural relics, museums, and intangible cultural heritage, Xi said.
"Cultural IPs such as Wukong and Nezha became global hits. The younger generation came to deem classic Chinese culture as the finest form of aesthetic expression. The cultural and tourism sectors thrived. The 'super league' football games in our cities and villages attracted numerous fans. Ice and snow sports fired up people's passion for the winter season," he said.
"Tradition is now embracing modernity, and the Chinese culture is shining in even greater splendor," said the president.
The Chinese people joined hands to build a better life and enjoyed it together, Xi said.
Recalling his trips to Xizang and Xinjiang, Xi said people of various ethnic groups are united as one "like seeds of a pomegranate sticking together."
"No issue of the people is too small; we care for every leaf and tend every branch in the garden of people's well-being," Xi said, noting the progress made in protecting the workforce's rights and interests, facilitating the life of the elderly, and easing the burden of childcare.
"When the happy hum of daily life fills every home, the big family of our nation will go from strength to strength," said Xi.
China continued to embrace the world with open arms in 2025, said the president.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women were very successful; and island-wide special customs operations were launched in the Hainan Free Trade Port. To better address climate change, China announced new Nationally Determined Contributions, Xi said.
After announcing the three global initiatives on development, security, and civilization respectively, Xi put forward the Global Governance Initiative in 2025 to promote a more just and equitable global governance system.
Pointing out that the world today is undergoing both changes and turbulence, and some regions are still engulfed in war, Xi said China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity.
The president said he was glad to see Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao coming together in unity and acting in unison when attending the opening ceremony of the National Games. He urged efforts to unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, and support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall development of the country and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.
"We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship. The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable!" he said.
Emphasizing the important role of the Communist Party of China in the country's development, Xi said the conduct of the Party and government steadily improved in 2025.
He urged Party members to stay true to their original aspiration and the Party's founding mission, pursue their goals with perseverance and dedication, and prove themselves worthy of the people’s expectation in the new era.
Looking ahead to 2026, Xi called for solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle.
Xi says China makes solid advances on new journey of modernization
Xi says China makes solid advances on new journey of modernization
Xi says China makes solid advances on new journey of modernization
