Xi's New Year message inspires national optimism

People from all walks of life across China expressed renewed commitment to their work and the nation following President Xi Jinping's 2026 New Year message, describing it as both inspiring and reassuring.

In the fields of robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced technologies, Xi's remarks sparked a surge of confidence and ambition among innovators working at the frontlines of China's high-tech industries.

"In his New Year message, President Xi mentioned humanoid robots entering a 'Kung Fu mode'. As someone in the embodied robotics industry, I felt truly inspired. Here in Suzhou's Wuzhong District, we've already attracted over a thousand robotics and AI-related enterprises, forming a complete industrial chain from core components to end-use applications. We're proud of what we've built. In the new year, I'll keep up the momentum and help more robotics companies showcase their technical strength and accelerate development," said Lu Yi, deputy head of the preparatory team, Suzhou Intelligent Robotics Technology Development Co., Ltd in east China's Jiangsu Province.

"The year 2026 marks the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030). We will continue to take root in this hub of innovation in Jingxi Zhigu, overcoming challenges in core algorithm systems and working to convert technological achievements into real industrial value," said Hu Xinyu, a technician at Jingxi Zhigu Technology Co., Ltd in Beijing. "As a worker in offshore wind power technology, I feel a deep connection with the sea. In 2026, we'll focus on key offshore wind technologies to better harness green energy for national development and to benefit tens of thousands of households," said Chen Dawei, a resident of Fuzhou City in east China's Fujian Province.

Xi's emphasis on people-centered development struck a powerful chord with frontline and cultural workers in various regions, who see their daily efforts reflected in the nation's broader journey.

"General Secretary Xi's New Year message was full of encouragement for the people and deeply rooted in their concerns. As a grassroots worker on Mount Tai scenic area, I feel that this new journey of Chinese modernization is just like our daily work, which often requires us to scale cliffs and steep slopes. Only through persistence and determination can we reach and truly appreciate the breathtaking scenery at the summit," said Yang Tongfei, a staff member at Hongmen Management Office, Mount Tai Scenic Area Committee in east China's Shandong Province. "As a guide in the ancient town, I will always keep the general secretary's guidance in mind. I will continuously learn new knowledge, so that when tourists arrive in Lijiang ancient town, they can understand the charm of our world cultural heritage through my voice and feel how the big family of the Chinese nation is tightly united like seeds of a pomegranate," said He Zhiyun, a tour guide in Lijiang ancient town, southwest China's Yunnan Province.

Ordinary citizens also voiced heartfelt appreciation for the message's focus on daily life and well-being, drawing strength from the nation's care for the essentials of everyday living.

"When every small family runs warmly, the big Chinese family thrives. We can truly feel the Party and the government's deep concern for the everyday needs of the people, so warm, and so powerful. This makes me more firmly resolved to start again in the coming year, and more committed to staying rooted at the grassroots and serving the people," said Liu Shaojie, a resident of Lhasa in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region.

"I'm filled with confidence going into the new year. Up next, I plan to build a smart orchard with a better use of modern agricultural technology, and make life better and happier," said Huang Hong, a villager in Yanyang Town, south China's Guangdong Province.

"Our small, everyday lives are woven into the grand picture of national development. In 2025, I truly experienced happiness and fulfillment here in Xinjiang. In 2026, I look forward to witnessing even more delightful changes together with the country," said Ayidana, a resident of Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Xi's New Year message inspires national optimism

Khaled El-Enany, director-general of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has spoke highly of China's support for multilateralism, intercultural dialogue and global cooperation, while expressing readiness to deepen UNESCO's partnership with China in areas including digital education and peace building.

El-Enany visited China's Hangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai from May 11 to 14, his fourth time in the country and first time as the UNESCO director-general.

In an interview with the China Media Group (CMG), El-Enany spoke positively about his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on May 12, saying their discussions focused on people, intercultural dialogue, the Global South and multilateralism.

"There were the focus of our exchange -- people. We are here to serve people. Peace in the minds of women and men. Intercultural dialogue [was another topic]. We have to learn from each other and to learn, we have to dialogue. We have to listen to each other, to know each other, to accept each other, and this is the spirit of UNESCO. [We also talked about] Global South. How we can support the Global South, how can reduce the divides between people. And multilateralism that we must defend," El-Enany said.

The UNESCO chief also highlighted digital education as a key for future cooperation between China and the organization.

"[We also talked about] some fields of new partnership, mainly on the field of digital education. This is very important part because while many parts of the world are really doing an exceptional advancement in the AI use, other are still behind," said El-Enany.

Speaking about his impression of Xi, El-Enany described the meeting as warm and sincere, saying he gained a deeper understanding of the Chinese president beyond his role as a political leader.

"I knew the politician, the great leader he is. But yesterday I discovered the human being behind. It was a very warm meeting. It was a very sincere exchange. I saw that he was speaking from his heart. It's a pure conviction that we need to dialogue, that we need to learn from each other. He was very keen to defend the multilateralism. He expressed clearly his support to UNESCO, to UNESCO's mandate in peace building and to bring people together. It was a very warm meeting. I learned a lot and I'm very determined to enhance now our partnership with China based on what was discussed with his excellence, Mr. President," said the UNESCO chief.

UNESCO chief praises China's support for multilateralism, intercultural dialogue, global cooperation