A range of professionals across China heard their own experiences reflected in the 2026 New Year message delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which highlighted the dedication of the country’s hardworking people.
In his New Year message on Wednesday evening, Xi reviewed the past year's achievements, noting that China's economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense, and overall national power have reached a new level.
Noting that 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for economic and social development, the president commended the country's efforts in the past five years, saying the Chinese people have pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges.
In southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, a group of young firefighters worked through the New Year, saying Xi's words offered them profound reassurance.
"The president's New Year's message deeply encouraged us here on the snowy plateau. As firefighters, we patrol the forests year-round, carrying out fire prevention work to protect the ecological environment. In doing so, we are putting into practice the principle that 'lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets'. In the New Year, we will continue to safeguard this land and the people who live here," said Huang Zonglei, assistant captain of Xigaze mobile fire rescue detachment.
In 2025, innovation gained strong momentum across China, from large AI models to robotics. The president highlighted the country's expanding innovation capacity as a key driver of high-quality development.
"President Xi's emphasis on promoting technological innovation provides a strong confidence boost for China’s manufacturing sector. It reinforces our commitment to bringing China's efficient, green energy solutions to the world, sharing the benefits of our high-quality development with global consumers," said Du Lei, founder and CEO of Dachuan Motor.
"We watched President Xi's New Year message at China's Qinling Station in Antarctica, and felt deeply encouraged at the southernmost point of the planet. Working together with the international community, we are using science to explore the unknown and to assist China's efforts in addressing climate change for the benefit of all humanity," said Wei Fuhai, leader and chief scientist of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team.
Xi noted in his speech that 2025 was another year of China's active global engagement, emphasizing that the country will continue its high-quality opening up in 2026.
"The president's New Year message has given us strong motivation as we stand on the front line of serving Hainan's high-level opening-up. Across the island, a series of concrete initiatives make China’s openness tangible. On December 18, 2025, the Hainan Free Trade Port officially began special customs operations. It marked the implementation of a major reform and opening-up measure personally planned by President Xi. In 2026, we look forward to welcoming more international visitors. Currently, travelers from 86 countries can visit Hainan visa-free. Whether for tourism or investment, we welcome friends from around the world to experience Hainan and discover China," said Zhou Jianan, an immigration officer at Sanya Phoenix International Airport.
"In 2026, I plan to bring more high-quality products from countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative back to China, and also to promote more Chinese-made goods in Central Asia and Europe," said Hu Chunmei, a business owner at Horgos International Border Cooperation Center.
Xi's New Year message resonates with nation's hardworking people
