Xi Jinping's New Year Address: "Will Strive for Economic Recovery Next Year"

Xi Jinping 2024 New Year's Address

Chinese President Xi Jinping mentioned the unresolved economic difficulties despite the authorities' efforts this year and expressed his intention to work towards economic recovery next year.

In an approximately 11-minute New Year's address for 2024, delivered on the 31st through state-run China Central Television (CCTV) and others ahead of the new year, President Xi listed industrial achievements in fields such as mobile phones and new energy vehicles, as well as diplomatic successes like the 3rd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, while acknowledging the economic "difficulties."

He said, "There are always storms on the road ahead," adding, "Some enterprises have faced management pressures, some people have experienced difficulties in employment and daily life, and some regions have suffered natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, and earthquakes?all of which are my concerns."

He continued, "I am deeply moved that you do not fear the storms, care for and help each other to overcome difficulties," and added, "Diligent farmers, hardworking laborers, bold entrepreneurs, soldiers defending the country, and people from all industries have all sweated, and all ordinary people have made extraordinary contributions."

Furthermore, he stated, "Next year marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the nation, and we must unwaveringly promote Chinese-style modernization, implement new development concepts, accelerate the construction of new development patterns, promote high-quality development, and integrate development with security," emphasizing, "We must consolidate and strengthen the momentum of economic recovery and improvement, and realize stable and long-term economic operation (行穩致遠)."

He added, "Our goal is grand yet humble, ultimately to improve the lives of ordinary people," and said, "Raising and educating children, employment and talent cultivation for young people, and medical care and support for the elderly are family matters as well as national affairs."

He noted, "The rhythm of society is very fast now, everyone is busy, and the pressures from work and life are very great," stating, "We must create a warm and harmonious social atmosphere and build an inclusive and vibrant innovation space."

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivering the 2024 New Year's address
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Mentions of the Taiwan issue were also included. With less than two weeks remaining before the Taiwan presidential election, the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party candidate Lai Ching-te, whom China has strongly criticized, remains the frontrunner in opinion polls.

President Xi reiterated his stance, saying, "National reunification is a historical inevitability," and "Compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait must together enjoy the great glory of national rejuvenation."

Regarding Hong Kong, he said, "Hong Kong and Macau should continue to be supported in leveraging their advantages while better integrating into the overall framework of national development to maintain long-term prosperity and stability."

He added, "There are still places in the world where wars are ongoing," and said, "The Chinese people deeply understand the preciousness of peace, and we hope to lead the building of a community with a shared future for mankind together with the international community, keeping in mind humanity’s future and the happiness of the people, to create a better world."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.