BEIJING -- Every year on New Year's Eve, President Xi Jinping delivers his New Year greetings to the Chinese people from his office, with the Great Wall, a symbol of the Chinese nation's resilience and heritage, depicted the backdrop.

This time was no exception. On Wednesday evening, with a warm smile, Xi sat at his desk to reflect on the remarkable achievements of China and its people throughout 2025, and lay out his expectations for the new year.

As 2026 begins, Xi's address, filled with encouragement, invites a closer reading of his bold vision for China's path forward and its role on the world stage.

NEW JOURNEY OF CHINESE MODERNIZATION

The year 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development. "We met the targets in the Plan and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization," Xi said.

As 2026 ushers in the 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi called for promoting high-quality development, further deepening reform and opening up, delivering prosperity for all, and writing a new chapter in the story of China's economic and social miracles.

At the heart of Xi's vision is high-quality development, with an emphasis on turning China's economy into an innovative powerhouse.