Chinese President Xi Jinping praised the country's achievements over the past year and called for more efforts in his 2026 New Year message.
Xi said that China 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.
"The year 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. Over the past five years, we have pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges. We met the targets in the Plan and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization," said Xi.
He also paid tribute to the Chinese people for their contributions, saying that "Your unwavering hard work has made our nation thrive and prosper. I salute you all for your exceptional diligence and invaluable contributions."
Xi highlighted commemorations in 2025 marking the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the establishment of the Taiwan Recovery Day, saying that such events were meant to inspire people to remember history and safeguard peace.
"This year is full of indelible memories. We 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 grand national events were majestic and powerful, and the glory of victory will shine through the pages of history," said Xi.
Xi also highlighted the integration of science and technology with industries, saying it has created new quality productive forces and made life more colorful.
"We sought to energize high-quality development through innovation. We 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 our own chips. All this has turned China into one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities," Xi said.
"Humanoid robots did kung fu kicks, and drones performed spectacular light shows. Inventions and innovations have boosted new quality productive forces and added colorful dimensions to our lives," Xi continued.
On livelihoods, Xi said that the well-being of families contributed to the country's overall progress.
"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. When the happy hum of daily life fills every home, the big family of our nation will go from strength to strength," said Xi.
Looking ahead, Xi urged the nation to make more efforts to pursue goals.
"The dream lofty, the journey long -- bold strides will get us there. Let us charge ahead like horses with courage, vitality, and energy, fight for our dreams and our happiness, and turn our great vision into beautiful realities," Xi said.
He also extended New Year wishes for the country and the people.
"May our great motherland stand in magnificence! May the fields across the country deliver good harvest! May our nation bathe in the glory of the morning! May you all enjoy life to the fullest, and achieve every success! May all your dreams come true!" said Xi.
Xi's 2026 New Year message drew responses from citizens and representatives.
Zhang Lu, commander of the Shenzhou-21 crew aboard China's Tiangong space station, said Xi's message had strengthened the astronauts' resolve to contribute to the country's aerospace capability advancement.
"We watched President Xi's 2026 New Year message in full from the space station, which further boosted our determination to explore the vast universe and build China into a space power," said Zhang.
Zhang Guimei, principal of Huaping High School for Girls, said that the message gave her full confidence to continue leading children forward despite hardships.
"We watched the New Year message tonight, and we're full of confidence. No matter how difficult the road ahead may be, we will lead our children forward," said Zhang.
Senior war veterans urged people to remember the history and expressed hope that China would become stronger.
"We must remember history, never forget it, and always keep in mind how today's happy life came by," said Liu Shiyue, a senior war veteran.
"Hope our country grows better year after year, becoming more prosperous and stronger with each passing year," said Liu Shu, another senior war veteran.
Xi hails achievements, urges more efforts in New Year message
