President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year address on Tuesday, focusing on the wellbeing of the Chinese people, confidence in the nation’s economy, and a vision for global unity.
“The Concerns of the People Are Always on My Mind”
In his address, President Xi emphasized that the worries of the people—ranging from jobs and incomes to elderly and child care, education, and medical services—are his top priority.
“This year, the basic pension has been raised, and mortgage rates have dropped,” Xi said, reflecting on his visits across China in 2024. “Cross-province direct settlement of medical bills has been expanded, making it easier for people to seek medical treatment across the country. Consumer goods trade-in programs have improved people’s lives.”
He added, “All these are real benefits to our people. Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts.”
Confidence in the Chinese Economy
Acknowledging new challenges such as uncertainties in the external environment and transitioning from old growth drivers to new ones, President Xi expressed confidence in China’s ability to prevail.
“As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident,” he urged, committing to fully complete the 14th Five-Year Plan in 2025.
Xi highlighted the economy’s rebound in 2024, with the GDP expected to surpass 130 trillion yuan (about $17.8 trillion). “We have proactively responded to the impacts of the changing environment at home and abroad. We have adopted a full range of policies to make solid gains in pursuing high-quality development,” he said, noting efforts in coordinated regional development and fostering new quality productive forces.
A Better Future for the World
President Xi spoke about the accelerating changes unseen in a century, stressing the importance of rising above estrangement and conflict with a broad vision and a passion for humanity’s future.
“China has contributed greatly to maintaining world peace and stability as a responsible major country,” he stated. “We are actively promoting global governance reform, deepening solidarity and cooperation among the Global South, and participating in multiple bilateral and multilateral forums.”
He reaffirmed China’s commitment to international cooperation: “China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind. We must jointly create a better future for the world.”
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
