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

The Israeli government is set to prohibit 37 international aid organizations from operating in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank effective Jan 1, 2026, after authorities stated the groups failed to comply with stricter registration requirements, according to an Israeli media report on Tuesday.

The report from The Times of Israel cited the statement from Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism, saying that the new regulations are based on security concerns aimed at removing non-government organizations' staff allegedly linked to so-called "terrorist organizations."

The report came after the Israeli government announced the same day that it would suspend the activities of several international aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, in the Gaza Strip starting January 1, 2026, citing the organizations' failure to submit information on their Palestinian staff as required.

Last year, Israel rolled out new regulations on registration requiring international aid groups to provide detailed information of their staff's names, funding sources, and operation status.

On Wednesday, Israel's Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories stated that the registration mandates were necessary to prevent humanitarian supplies from being exploited by Hamas.

In an online interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Wednesday, Bushra Khalidi, policy lead at Oxfam, a global organization that fights inequality to end poverty and injustice, said the impact of the ban will be "devastating."

"It is devastating. We've seen the numbers from the IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) a few weeks ago. We saw them in the summer. There's been a slight improvement, but that's not good enough for the time of a ceasefire. And six months after the famine was declared, we should have seen much more improvement in Gaza," said Khalidi.

"It's winter here in Palestine. It was raining. It rained a record (amount) of rain per millimeter yesterday in Palestine since 1992. So, the impact is devastating. But the fact that shelter materials, for example, cannot enter. For families, this will mean slower repairs. It will mean fewer supplies. It will mean a longer wait for basic services. It will directly affect the access to clean water, to sanitation, to shelter materials, to public health interventions. Aid that should be moving predictably will remain delayed, it will remain restricted and it will remain stranded," she added.

She also emphasized that the operating environment became nearly impossible for organizations to navigate long before the new ban was announced.

"We have been obstructed and blocked from operating freely and unobstructedly for the last two years by Israel. Israel has killed a record number of humanitarian workers in the last two years. It has bombed our premises, it has bombed our convoys, it has blocked our items. It has driven famine like conditions in Gaza because of blocking humanitarian access. So, I think it's really important to set that scene, is that what is happening now is nothing new. It only continues within the kind of campaign that Israel has orchestrated to drive basically the population of Gazans' survival. So, we are, we have not been able to enter any materials in since March, in fact, us and many other organizations. And of course that has severely restricted our ability to scale up our operations," said Khalidi.

Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management, said on Wednesday that Israel's move is no different from cutting off lifesaving supplies for the local population, adding that the European Union has made clear that all obstacles to humanitarian access must be lifted.

Israel bans operations of 37 int'l aid groups in Gaza Strip, West Bank