Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday said China has met the targets in its 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization when delivering his New Year message to ring in 2026.

Delivering the message through China Media Group and the Internet, Xi extended his best wishes for the coming year to the people.

Noting that 2025 marks the completion of China's 14th Five-Year Plan for economic and social development, Xi said the country has pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges over the past five years, meeting the targets in the Plan and making solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernization.

In the period, China's economic output crossed thresholds one after another, and it is expected to reach 140 trillion yuan in 2025, Xi said, adding that the country's economic strength, scientific and technological abilities, defense capabilities, and composite national strength all reached new heights.

He pointed out that clear waters and lush mountains have become a salient feature of China's landscape, and the Chinese people now enjoy a growing sense of gain, happiness and security.

"The past five years have been a truly remarkable journey, and our accomplishments have not come easily. Your unwavering hard work has made our nation thrive and prosper. I salute you all for your exceptional diligence and invaluable contributions," said Xi.

Recalling the "indelible memories" of the past 12 months, Xi said China solemnly commemorated the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and established the Taiwan Recovery Day.

These efforts are rallying a mighty force for the great rejuvenation of our nation, he added.

China sought to energize high-quality development through innovation in 2025, Xi said.

The country integrated science and technology deeply with industries, and made a stream of new innovations. Many large AI models have been competing in a race to the top, and breakthroughs have been achieved in the research and development of China's own chips.

"All this has turned China into one of the economies with the fastest growing innovation capabilities," said Xi.

He also noted breakthroughs in space exploration, major infrastructure projects, aircraft carrier development, as well as humanoid robots and the drone sector.

"The Tianwen-2 probe began its star-chasing journey to explore asteroids and comets. Construction of the hydropower project at the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River started. China's first aircraft carrier equipped with an electromagnetic catapult system was officially commissioned. Humanoid robots did kung fu kicks, and drones performed spectacular firework shows," said Xi.

"Inventions and innovations have boosted new quality productive forces and added colorful dimensions to our lives," he said.

The Chinese people endeavored to nurture their spiritual home with cultural development, as there was a surging public interest in cultural relics, museums, and intangible cultural heritage, Xi said.

"Cultural IPs such as Wukong and Nezha became global hits. The younger generation came to deem classic Chinese culture as the finest form of aesthetic expression. The cultural and tourism sectors thrived. The 'super league' football games in our cities and villages attracted numerous fans. Ice and snow sports fired up people's passion for the winter season," he said.

"Tradition is now embracing modernity, and the Chinese culture is shining in even greater splendor," said the president.

The Chinese people joined hands to build a better life and enjoyed it together, Xi said.

Recalling his trips to Xizang and Xinjiang, Xi said people of various ethnic groups are united as one "like seeds of a pomegranate sticking together."

"No issue of the people is too small; we care for every leaf and tend every branch in the garden of people's well-being," Xi said, noting the progress made in protecting the workforce's rights and interests, facilitating the life of the elderly, and easing the burden of childcare.

"When the happy hum of daily life fills every home, the big family of our nation will go from strength to strength," said Xi.

China continued to embrace the world with open arms in 2025, said the president.

The Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit in Tianjin and the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women were very successful; and island-wide special customs operations were launched in the Hainan Free Trade Port. To better address climate change, China announced new Nationally Determined Contributions, Xi said.

After announcing the three global initiatives on development, security, and civilization respectively, Xi put forward the Global Governance Initiative in 2025 to promote a more just and equitable global governance system.

Pointing out that the world today is undergoing both changes and turbulence, and some regions are still engulfed in war, Xi said China always stands on the right side of history, and is ready to work with all countries to advance world peace and development and build a community with a shared future for humanity.

The president said he was glad to see Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao coming together in unity and acting in unison when attending the opening ceremony of the National Games. He urged efforts to unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, and support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall development of the country and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability.

"We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship. The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable!" he said.

Emphasizing the important role of the Communist Party of China in the country's development, Xi said the conduct of the Party and government steadily improved in 2025.

He urged Party members to stay true to their original aspiration and the Party's founding mission, pursue their goals with perseverance and dedication, and prove themselves worthy of the people’s expectation in the new era.

Looking ahead to 2026, Xi called for solid steps to promote high-quality development, further deepen reform and opening up across the board, deliver prosperity for all, and write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

FILE: Beijing, China - Sept 3, 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

2. Aerial shot of Tian'anmen Square decked out for Victory Day celebrations

3. Various of attendees, cheering crowd

4. Chinese President Xi Jinping walking with foreign guests

5. Xi, foreign guests shaking hands with war veterans

6. Great Hall of the People

7. Guards escorting Chinese national flag

8. Xi delivering speech

9. Xi reviewing troops in open-top limousine

10. Helicopters flying over Tian'anmen Square

11. Guard of honor marching during military parade

12. Battle flag formation during parade

13. War veterans saluting

14. Armored vehicle formations during parade

15. Equipment formations during parade

16. Air echelon flying during parade

17. Balloons being released

FILE: China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

18. Animations of China's Tianwen-2 asteroid sample-return mission; outer space

FILE: Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China - July 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

19. Yarlung Zangbo River

20. Groundbreaking ceremony for construction of hydropower project in lower reaches of Yarlung Zangbo River

FILE: Sanya City, Hainan Province, south China - Nov 5, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

21. Commissioning and flag-presenting ceremony for Fujian aircraft carrier

FILE: At Sea - November 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

22. Various of military aircraft taking off from Fujian aircraft carrier; Fujian aircraft carrier conducting training exercises

FILE: China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

23. Various of China-developed humanoid robots

FILE: Liuyang City, Hunan Province, central China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

24. Drone show featuring image of tree

FILE: Erdos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, north China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

25. Drone show featuring words "I love you, China"

FILE: Yinchuan City, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, northwest China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

26. Historical site of Xixia Imperial Tombs

FILE: China - 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

27. Animations of Chinese video game sensation "Black Myth: Wukong," animated blockbuster "Ne Zha 2"

FILE: Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, southwest China - 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

28. Display on Tianfu Twin Towers promoting "Ne Zha 2"

FILE: Xi'an City, Shaanxi Province, northwest China - 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

29. Aerial shot of Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City

FILE: Luoyang City, Henan Province, central China - 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

30. Dance performance in Sui-Tang Luoyang City

FILE: Shaoxing City, Zhejiang Province, east China - 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

31. Ancient town in Keqiao District

FILE: Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, southwest China - 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

32. Aerial shot of people, buildings in village of Dong ethnic group in Zhaoxing Town

FILE: Lijiang City, Yunnan Province, southwest China - 2025 (CCTV – No access Chinese mainland)

33. People dancing in Old Town of Lijiang

FILE: Huangshan City, Anhui Province, east China - 2025 (CCTV- No access Chinese mainland)

34. Tourists on Mount Huangshan

FILE: Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, east China - 2025 (CCTV- No access Chinese mainland)

35. Various of soccer competition of Jiangsu Football City League (Suchao) in progress

FILE: Bazhong City, Sichuan Province, southwest China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

36. Village basketball competition in progress

FILE: Baishan City, Jilin Province, northeast China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

37. Skating marathon on frozen Songhua River

FILE: Zhangjiakou City, Hebei Province, north China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

38. Aerial shot of ski slope in Chongli District

FILE: Harbin City, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China - Feb 7, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

39. Fireworks show at opening ceremony of 9th Asian Winter Games

FILE: Lhasa City, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China - Aug 20, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

40. Xi waving at welcoming crowds from plane upon arrival for celebrations marking 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region

41. Various of cheering crowds gathering at airport, on roadsides

FILE: Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Sept 23, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

42. Xi's plane arriving at airport for celebrations marking 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

43. Various of welcoming crowds, performances at airport

FILE: Lhasa City, Xizang Autonomous Region, southwest China - Aug 21, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

44. Various of cultural performances at grand gathering marking 60th founding anniversary of Xizang Autonomous Region

FILE: Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Sept 24, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

45. Gala celebrating 70th founding anniversary of Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

FILE: Urumqi City, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwest China - Sept 25, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

46. Various of crowds gathering on roadsides, at airport to see Xi off

47. Xi's plane at airport

FILE: Tianjin Municipality, north China - Aug 31, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

48. 25th Meeting of Council of Heads of State of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO)

49. Xi, other SCO leaders arriving for banquet

FILE: Beijing, China - Oct 13, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

50. Xi, his wife Peng Liyuan, posing for group photo with other global leaders attending Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, their spouses

51. Global Leaders' Meeting on Women in progress

FILE: Haikou City, Hainan Province, south China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

52. Aerial shots of cityscape

FILE: Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province, south China - Nov 9, 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

53. Opening ceremony of 15th National Games in progress

54. Xi waving

55. Delegations representing Guangdong Province, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Macao Special Administrative Region marching into venue

56. Fireworks show

57. Cultural performances featuring three regions as co-hosts of 15th National Games

58. Ceremony in progress

FILE: China - 2025 (CCTV - No access Chinese mainland)

59. Various of cities of Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area

60. Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge