Chinese President Xi Jinping, at a high-level reception to mark the Chinese New Year, said the country has made significant progress in China's modernisation in the past 12 months amid a "complex and challenging" situation.
"In the year of the dragon, we have demonstrated vitality and a can-do spirit. We have weathered the storms and seen the rainbow," said Xi, who is also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission.
In the face of difficult and challenging situations, China has responded with calm and implemented a series of comprehensive measures, overcoming difficulties and resolutely forging ahead, Xi said at a reception hosted by the CPC Central Committee and the State Council to mark the launch of the Year of the Snake, which begins on January 29.
At the reception, attended by more than 2,000 people, Xi extended Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region, Taiwan and overseas Chinese.
In the past year, China has effectively implemented existing policies and actively introduced a package of gradual policies that have helped boost economic recovery, Xi said.
China has made remarkable progress in technological and industrial innovation, with a new quality manufacturing force moving steadily forward. Chinese employment and consumer prices have also remained stable, Xi said.
Globally, China remains the main engine of world economic growth, Xi said.
China has dealt with major natural disasters with strong and effective measures, Xi said, adding that Team China has achieved its best overseas performance at the Paris Olympics and the country has put more positive energy into safeguarding world peace and stability and promoting human development and progress.
Xi described the journey over the past year as "extraordinary" and the achievements as "very encouraging".
"Through our hard work, we have proven once again that no difficulties or obstacles can stop the Chinese people from striving for a better life," Xi said. "Our historic path to building a strong country and rejuvenating our nation will not be blocked."
"We will undoubtedly break new ground in reform and development if we strengthen our conviction and confidence, face problems and obstacles squarely and tackle risks and challenges without hesitation," Xi added.
In 2025, China will further deepen reforms in all areas, expand opening up to high standards, guard against risks in key areas and external shocks, and defuse these shocks and promote sustained economic recovery, Xi said.
Proposals for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) will be formulated and China will continue to strive to achieve the big goals, he said.
China will continue to improve people's living standards and ensure that the benefits of modernisation are shared more equitably by all people, Xi added.
The snake symbolizes wisdom and vitality in Chinese culture, Xi said, expressing hope that Chinese people of all ethnic groups will maintain their confidence, hope and entrepreneurial spirit going forward.
CMG/ gnews - RoZ
PHOTO - Xinhua
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