Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday stressed efforts to maintain strategic resolve and stay united in forging ahead against all odds to build a strong country.
Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks at a gathering held by the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) in Beijing, the country's top political advisory body, to usher in the new year.
On the journey of Chinese modernization, the country will not only encounter clear skies and gentle breezes, but also face high winds, choppy waters, and even dangerous storms, said Xi.
He stressed the necessity to maintain strategic resolve and pool the great strength of all Chinese people striving in unity to cut through the waves and forge ahead with courage.
On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission (CMC), Xi extended his New Year greetings to non-CPC parties, the All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, personages without party affiliation, Chinese people of all ethnic groups, compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan, overseas Chinese, and the friends from around the world who support China's modernization.
In 2024, faced with challenges arising from both the domestic and international situations, China responded calmly with a full range of measures, meeting the major economic and social development targets for the year, Xi noted.
The development journey in 2024 has been extraordinary with encouraging achievements, which has further strengthened the country's determination and confidence in advancing Chinese modernization, Xi said.
Xi pointed out that 2024 saw the CPPCC conscientiously implement the decisions and plans of the CPC Central Committee and make new contributions to advancing the cause of the Party and the country.
Over the past year, the CPPCC worked diligently with a focus on the central task, and intensified self-improvement efforts, Xi said.
In 2025, the final year of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025), efforts will be made to implement more proactive macro policies to promote sustained economic recovery, continuously improve people's living standards, and maintain social harmony and stability, Xi said.
Xi stressed high-quality fulfillment of the goals and tasks of the 14th Five-Year Plan to lay a solid foundation for a good start in the 15th Five-Year Plan.
Xi also called on the CPPCC to fully leverage its role as a specialized consultative body in actively offering suggestions and proposals, and garnering broader public support and common understandings.
Wang Huning, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, presided over the gathering.
Other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attended the event.
Xi calls for forging ahead to build strong China
A Russian State Duma deputy praised the robust ties between China and Russia, voicing firm confidence in the promising future of their bilateral cooperation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping arrived in Moscow on Wednesday for a state visit to Russia and to attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union's Great Patriotic War, at the invitation of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The visit underscores the deepening comprehensive strategic partnership of coordination for a new era between the two nations and their shared focus on historical remembrance and global cooperation.
Russian State Duma Deputy Yaroslav Yevgenyevich Nilov emphasized the strength and future potential of Russia-China relations, highlighting mutual respect, economic cooperation, and shared global responsibilities during an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
Nilov praised the historical and modern-day foundation of Russia-China cooperation, attributing mutual respect and shared development goals as key pillars of the partnership.
"Russian-Chinese relations, in modern times and historically, have developed on the basis of mutual respect and recognition. Examining the history of Russia and China reveals many things in common. You only need to observe the significant growth and strengthening of both economies, particularly due to close cooperation and bilateral relations. Regular exchanges of delegations, international visits and events, the creation of favorable conditions, the opening of new markets for goods, and the expansion of joint production. All these factors contribute to the deepening of bilateral relations and cooperation. This has a positive impact on key areas such as the labor market, social development, and economic growth, benefiting both Russia and China," Nilov stated.
When asked about President Xi's call to leverage the resilience and certainty of the bilateral relationship, Nilov said that maintaining strong ties requires thoughtful diplomacy and a shared vision for global balance.
"It relates to the prudent stewardship of our bilateral partnership, our shared commitment to advancing progress, fostering development, and reinforcing cooperation with the aim of preserving global multipolarity. Fundamentally grounded in the mutual recognition and respect for each other's sovereign positions, even in instances where perspectives may diverge. We consistently endeavor to maintain a respectful dialog, reasoned discourse, and sustained engagement, both at the political and humanitarian levels. It is precisely through these channels that constructive collaboration between our nations continues to flourish: cultural exchanges are deepening, scientific advancement is being fostered, and resilient trade linkages are being created. Thus, it is evident that all necessary prerequisites exist for the further development and consolidation of relationships within the established paradigm, a framework wherein the previously mentioned objectives are not only achievable but actively pursued. Moreover, I am confident that the ongoing high-level engagements taking place in the Russian Federation, as well as those set to continue following the conclusion of the celebratory events, will serve to further solidify the reinforcement of our bilateral ties and, crucially, the enduring friendship between our nations," said Nilov.
Russian State Duma deputy hails strong Russia-China partnership
