Xi shares New Year message of 'determination and hope'

Stacy Shi

President Xi Jinping sent his Lunar New Year greetings to the people of Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, as well as overseas Chinese, while wishing Chinese people of all ethnic groups to write "a new chapter of Chinese modernization with determination and hope" for the Year of the Snake.

During the central government's Lunar New Year reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing yesterday, Xi said the country carried out high-quality development and boosted the economy over the past year while achieving accomplishments in innovation and creativity.

"In the Year of the Dragon, we demonstrated vitality and a can-do spirit. We endured storms and saw the rainbow," Xi said. He added that the country has handled Hong Kong and Macau affairs well while celebrating the 25th anniversary of Macau's handover in December last year.

The mainland also deeply promoted "major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics," actively advancing the reform of the global governance system, deepening cooperation with the Global South - the developing economies of Latin America, Asia, Africa and Oceania - and promoting high-quality Belt and Road Initiative cooperation, so as to inject positive energy into upholding world peace and promoting human progress, Xi said.

"We proved once again through our hard work that no difficulty or obstacle will hold back the Chinese people in their pursuit of a better life," Xi said.

"Our historical course to build a strong country and rejuvenate the nation will not be blocked."

Xi said China "will undoubtedly break new ground in reform and development as long as we strengthen our conviction and confidence, confront problems and obstacles directly and tackle risks and challenges without hesitation."

In the coming Year of the Snake, Xi said China will prevent and resolve "external shocks" and risks in key areas to promote a sustained economic recovery.

It will always embrace the people-centered philosophy of development, pay attention to people's views and address their concerns in a timely and effective manner, he said.

"We will ensure the public well-being with our full hearts so as to continuously improve people's living standards and do a better job of seeing the gains of modernization benefit all our people fairly."

He added that the snake is a symbol of spirituality, wisdom and vitality - signifying the harvest and good fortune.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com