Chinese modernization to embrace broader prospects through reform, opening up: Xi

China

Chinese modernization to embrace broader prospects through reform, opening up: Xi

2025-01-01 12:17 Last Updated At：01-02 00:27

China will embrace even broader prospects in pursuing Chinese modernization in the course of reform and opening up, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday.

In his 2025 New Year message, Xi said that at its third plenary session, the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China sounded a clarion call for further deepening all-round reform.

"We will march forward in great strides to advance reform and opening up as the trend of our times," Xi said.

Xi reviewed the country's achievements in 2024 and extended best wishes for the coming year.

"Time flies fast, and the new year will be with us shortly. I extend my best wishes to you all from Beijing. In 2024, we have together journeyed through the four seasons. Together, we have experienced winds and rains and seen rainbows. Those touching and unforgettable moments have been like still frames showing how extraordinary a year we have had," he said.

Noting that the year 2024 saw the celebration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Xi said the 5,000-year-old civilization nurtures China, which is engraved in both the ancient bronze ritual wine vessel of He Zun and the heart of every Chinese.

Xi gave the top priority of the government to ensure a happy life for the people. He acknowledged that every family hopes that their children can have a good education, their seniors can enjoy good elderly services, and their youngsters can have more and better opportunities.

"We should work together to steadily improve social undertakings and governance, build a harmonious and inclusive atmosphere, and settle real issues, big or small, for our people. We must bring more smiles to our people and greater warmth to their hearts," said Xi.

Xi also recognized individual efforts in China's modernization journey.

"Dreams and wishes may be far, but they can be fulfilled with dedicated pursuit. On the new journey of Chinese modernization, everyone is a key actor, every effort counts, and every ray of light shines," said Xi.

Xi concluded his speech with best wishes for the country and the people in the new year.

"Splendor adorns our motherland, and starlight graces every home. Let us greet the new year with hope. May our great country enjoy harmony and prosperity! May all your dreams come true! May you all have a new year of happiness and peace!" he said.

Iranian FM expects China to play bigger role in Middle East peace process

2025-01-04 13:52 Last Updated At：14:07

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi said that China has the credibility and goodwill to help broker a lasting peace in the Middle East, and expects it to play a bigger role in the region's peace process.

Araghchi visited China from Dec 27 to 28, 2024, and held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) on Dec 28, Araghchi shared his thoughts on China's emerging role as a mediator in the Middle East, including its efforts to broker a reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

On March 10, 2023, in a joint statement released with China in Beijing, Saudi Arabia and Iran announced that they had reached an agreement to reopen their embassies and diplomatic missions within two months, marking a milestone in the thawing of their relations.

"It has been more than a year (since the reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and Iran). The biggest achievement may be that Iran and Saudi Arabia have started a good process of restoring relations, and both sides are satisfied with the restoration of relations. The restoration of relations has brought benefits to both sides, and this (trend) is still continuing. The two sides have established a good relationship, and (related efforts) are still continuing. Of course, there is still a lot of untapped potential in Iran-Saudi relations, and the restoration of relations between the two countries is a gradual, slow but continuous process. We thank China for its efforts in this regard, and we know that China's help is full of goodwill and the effect is very good," said Araghchi. Araghchi also shared his expectations for China's role in the Middle East peace process in the future.

"We trust China, and we see China's goodwill. China maintains extensive economic and trade relations with all countries in the region, and maintains good and constructive relations with all countries. China is a respected and trustworthy country. I believe that such credibility can allow China to play a political role in the Middle East to help regional countries resolve differences and help them find a peaceful solution. Iran thanks China for its contribution and is willing to continue to cooperate with China," he said.