Chinese President Xi Jinping's 2025 New Year message, delivered on the last day of 2024, has showed the world China's development progress and its commitment to global cooperation, political experts from China's neighboring countries said on Tuesday.
In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Temir Sariev, president of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Kyrgyzstan, said Xi's message left him with deep impression regarding China's achievements in advancing Chinese modernization.
"Today, in the pursuit of modernization, improving labor efficiency, and in addressing the common challenges faced by all nations, China undoubtedly possesses a wealth of experience. And China is willing to offer a helping hand, share its achievements, make investments, and open its doors to provide learning opportunities for other countries. China not only seeks its own comfortable development, but also aspires to the same for the entire world, which shows the vision and character of China and its leader Xi Jinping," said Sariev.
In another interview with CGTN, Talgat Kaliyev, political scientist and director of the Institute of Applied Ethnopolitical Research of Kazakhstan, said China's call for global unity in overcoming challenges delivered in Xi's address should be heard by the world.
"The New Year Address [delivered by Xi] has mentioned various aspects of China’s development. For a global audience, this address prominently reflects a call for the unity of the Chinese people to jointly overcome various challenges. At the same time, China also calls for the building of a community with a shared future for mankind and advocates for constructive cooperation and mutual trust. And I hope this call can be heard by the whole world," said Kaliyev.
President Xi's New Year Address reflects China's developmental progress: experts
A direct flight route connecting Xi'an City in northwest China's Shaanxi Province with Malaysia's Penang was launched on Monday, marking a new chapter in cultural exchanges between the two nations.
A group of 10 university students from Xi'an International Studies University and Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts were warmly welcomed upon arrival by the Chinese Consulate General in Penang and the Penang State government officials.
Upon landing at the Penang International Airport, the flight was greeted with the traditional "water salute", followed by a warm reception at the arrival hall.
Penang State Executive Councilor for Tourism and Creative Economy Yeoh Soon Hin, and Ding Qiao, deputy consul general of China in Penang, posed for photos with the students.
As 2025 approached, the students joined tens of thousands of locals in a countdown celebration, with fireworks lighting up the night sky, heralding a year of hope and aspirations.
"We will be undertaking a one-month internship as assistant councilors in Penang State. As young Chinese people in the new era, we aim to use this opportunity to broaden our global perspectives, better tell China's stories, convey China's voice, and contribute to the enduring friendship between China and Malaysia," said Liu Hao, a graduate student at the School of Advanced Translation and Interpretation, Xi'an International Studies University.
The students, dressed in matching activewear, also participated in a New Year's Day city walk in George Town alongside local residents.
In the evening, they attended the Penang temple fair's lantern lighting ceremony and strolled through the beautifully decorated streets. The group also took photos with Chow Kon Yeow, Chief Minister of Penang, and Zhou Youbin, Chinese Consul-General in Penang.
Penang State and Shaanxi Province enjoy a strong friendship, exemplified by collaborative projects such as the Penang State Assistant Councilor Internship Program, the Silk Road (China-ASEAN) Model United Nations Conference, and the creation of mural paintings in the typical style of farmers in Shaanxi.
As Malaysia assumes the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, the partnership between the two countries is set to deepen, offering broader opportunities for China-Malaysia cooperation.
Xi'an-Penang direct flight inaugurated, students from both countries celebrate New Year together
