Xi's New Year address inspires renewed dedication to China's modernization

People across various sectors have renewed their determination to forge a brighter future for China's modernization after hearing President Xi Jinping's New Year message on Tuesday.

On New Year's eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2025 New Year message through China Media Group and the Internet. In his speech, he 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," he said.

People engaged in the construction of China's major projects have reaffirmed their commitment to working hard and deeply understood the importance of their work in opening up broader prospects for China's modernization.

"In the new year, we will continue to exemplify the leading role of model workers and craftsmen, fulfilling our dreams through diligent, honest, and creative work, and contributing to building a world-class seaport," said Xu Zhenchao, a recipient of the title of People's Craftsman and senior manager at the Qianwan Container Terminal of Qingdao Port in east China.

"Over 20,000 builders are making efforts to strive for connectivity and maritime prosperity. In the new year, we will advance the construction of the Pinglu Canal with high standards, quality, and efficiency, ensuring its completion in 2026," said Wang Xianzhang, an official of Pinglu Canal Project in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.

The Pinglu Canal is a flagship project on the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor, an important trade and logistics passage jointly built by provincial-level regions in western China and ASEAN members.

Government officials also expressed their commitment to fostering high-quality economic development and cultivating new quality productive forces.

"The President Xi's New Year message provides strong spiritual motivation and guidance for our grassroots work. We will continue to optimize the business environment with greater enthusiasm, a more pragmatic approach, and stronger measures, stimulating market vitality and social creativity to promote high-quality economic development," said Chen Ze, deputy director of Zhongguan Town Economic Development Office, Deqing County in east China's Zhejiang Province.

"We will develop new quality productive forces in light of actual conditions, consolidates the advantages of high-end industrial clusters such as artificial intelligence, and instill unceasing dynamism of innovation into the modernization process," said Li Junjie, mayor of Beijing's Haidian District.

In his speech, President Xi reaffirmed his commitment to the policy of "one country, two systems", emphasizing its importance for the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao.

Representatives from both Special Administrative Regions expressed confidence in a brighter future, inspired by President Xi's encouraging words.

"The bright prospects presented by China's modernization are incredibly inspiring and moving. With the firm support of our great motherland and the guidance of the 'one country, two systems' policy, we are full of confidence in the future. The 'Pearl of the Orient' will shine even brighter," said Zhang Zuojiao, member of 14th Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee.

"We firmly believe that with the strong support of our motherland and the safeguard of 'one country, two systems' policy, Macao will continue to leverage its unique advantages and integrate into the overall national development," said Grace Wong Kit-cheng, member of the Legislative Assembly of Macao.

Xi's New Year address inspires renewed dedication to China's modernization

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi has described the swift changes in Syria as a surprise to all parties, including former President Bashar al-Assad, while cautioning external powers against interfering in the country's internal affairs.

The remarks follow a dramatic turn of events on Dec. 8 last year when Syrian rebel forces captured the capital, Damascus, forcing Assad to flee to Russia.

In the wake of these events, Araghchi visited China from Dec. 27 to 28, where he held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.

In an interview with China Media Group (CMG), which aired on Friday, Araghchi shared his insights on the recent upheaval and outlined Iran's perspective on Syria's future.

"We had known for a few months that the Syrian opposition was organizing forces and planning new military actions. We shared this intelligence with the Syrian government, and, as far as we know, Russia also provided similar information. In any case, we were aware of the potential developments in Syria. However, the situation unfolded so rapidly, and the Syrian army offered no resistance -- something that no one, not even Bashar al-Assad himself, had anticipated," Araghchi said.

He emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in helping Syria maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity, while stressing that Syria's future must be decided by its own people.

"Countries in the region must unite and help Syria establish a broad, inclusive government that represents all ethnic groups and factions. The sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria must be preserved. Syria should not become a gathering place or safe haven for terrorists, nor should it pose a threat to its neighbors and other countries in the region. This principle is shared by all countries in the region regarding the current situation in Syria. External powers should not interfere in Syria's internal affairs. The future of Syria must be decided by its own people, as they are the true masters of the country and its destiny. Our role is to assist them once they make the right decisions. We hope to see a peaceful, stable Syria, one that is friendly to its neighbors," Araghchi said.

Further elaborating on Iran's position, Araghchi stated that Iran is waiting for Syria to stabilize and announce its new foreign policies.

"We are waiting for the Syrian transitional government to announce its policies toward other countries in the region and beyond, and for the government to stabilize itself. What we are looking at is not superficial changes or slogans, but tangible actions. Our engagement with the Syrian transitional government will depend on its actions. Iran is acting with complete goodwill, and we hope for Syria's stability. We'd like to help Syria achieve stability and ensure the safety of all its communities, including Shiites, Sunnis, Arabs, and Kurds," said the Foreign Minister.

Swift changes in Syria took everyone by surprise: Iranian FM