New Year's address inspiring for all

中国日报 2026-01-02 10:53:20

The Great Hall of People in Beijing. [Photo/CFP]

Editor's note: In his 2026 New Year message on Wednesday evening, President Xi Jinping summed up the tangible progress made in 2025 and called for solid steps to promote high-quality development in the new year to deliver prosperity for all. Experts shared their views with China Daily's Li Wei, Li Huixian, and Zhang Xi on why the address is inspiring for all. Excerpts follow:

A better life for all

The congratulatory message places "building a better life and enjoying it together" at the forefront of the national development narrative, reflecting how the people-centered development philosophy is being transformed into concrete and heartfelt practices. From the unity and integration of various ethnic groups in Xizang and Xinjiang to the protection of rights for new employment groups, age-friendly renovations, and childcare subsidies, these policy details highlight the deepening progress in improving people's sense of gain — not only focusing on material foundations, but also emphasizing social equity and intergenerational care. Particularly touching is the metaphor of the "small family" and the "big family", which vividly illustrates the symbiotic relationship between people's livelihood development and national prosperity — when the daily essentials of every household are infused with the warmth of policy, Chinese modernization truly takes root in the people's sense of happiness. On this new journey, how to further transform "development for the people" into sustainable well-being through institutional innovation remains a contemporary issue that we will continue to explore.

Gao Boyang, a professor at the Central University of Finance and Economics. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

Domestic consumption a key point

In his New Year's address, the General Secretary pointed out that 2026 marks the beginning of the "15th Five-Year Plan", which will further deepen reform and opening-up and advance the common prosperity of all people. Achieving this grand goal requires coordination across various areas, and I believe that expanding domestic demand and promoting consumption are key points.

The recently concluded Central Economic Work Conference emphasized the importance of maintaining a domestic demand-led strategy, building a strong domestic market, implementing an income increase plan for urban and rural residents, and boosting consumption. It also highlighted the need to remove unreasonable restrictions in the consumption sector to unleash the potential of service consumption. These strategic measures are crucial levers for revitalizing microeconomic activity, infusing vitality, and providing foundational support for economic transformation, transition, and high-quality development.

We are confident in the implementation of complementary monetary, fiscal, and industrial policies. We also look forward to entrepreneurs and investors being invigorated, seizing opportunities, forging ahead, and achieving new heights of success.

Hu Jie, a professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

Reunification an inevitable trend

President Xi Jinping's New Year message highlighted three points regarding the Taiwan question that deserve particular attention.

First, national reunification must be achieved on the basis of the one-China principle, and the Taiwan question can also be resolved under the basic principle of "one country, two systems".

Second, by highlighting the bond of blood and kinship shared by people on both sides of the Strait, the message underscores a shared national identity — both sides belong to one China and that compatriots across the Strait are all Chinese. This shared identity is a crucial foundation for fostering public cohesion, enhancing mutually beneficial economic exchanges, and improving the well-being of people on both sides of the Strait.

Third, the resolve to achieve complete national reunification remains unwavering. The reunification of the motherland — a trend of the times — is unstoppable. Any attempts to pursue "Taiwan independence" or any attempts to thwart China's endeavor for reunification are doomed to fail.

These efforts are supported by China's confidence. Amid a turbulent world, China acts as an engine for global economic prosperity, a cornerstone of world stability, and an anchor for international security. Given its reliable performance on the world stage, along with its policy planning and a series of remarkable achievements, China possesses full confidence, capability, and wisdom to advance the grand blueprint of reunification and further solidify the one-China principle as a basic norm governing international relations and a prevailing consensus across the international community.

Achieving reunification is also crucial for the Chinese people to enhance national pride, showcase China's cultural appeal, global influence, and its role in shaping the international landscape and upholding the post-WWII international order.

Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University.

Global Governance Initiative key to a fairer world order

I am profoundly struck by President Xi Jinping's 2026 New Year address, particularly his reaffirmation of China's commitment to multilateral cooperation in advancing global peace, sustainable development, and climate action. These priorities hold particular significance for countries of the Global South, which often face systemic challenges within existing international frameworks.

President Xi's emphasis on launching the Global Governance Initiative signals a resolute effort to promote a more equitable and inclusive international order — one that ensures stronger representation and a more prominent voice for developing nations within global decision-making processes.

In the regional context, this message resonates with the long-standing aspirations of ASEAN member states, which have consistently prioritized inclusive economic growth and regional stability. The call for deeper cooperation — grounded in mutual respect and shared responsibilities — presents an opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships. Moreover, President Xi's assertion that China stands on the right side of history highlights a commitment to a multipolar world order that covets balance and cooperation over confrontation. The four initiatives — the Global Development Initiative, Global Security Initiative, Global Civilization Initiative, and Global Governance Initiative — offer a strategic platform through which ASEAN and Global South nations can collaboratively shape global norms. If translated into concrete action and mutual benefit, these efforts could meaningfully contribute to the establishment of a much fairer, more stable, and more peaceful international system.

Humprey Arnaldo Russel, the head of the ASEAN-China Research Center at the University of Indonesia. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

2026 will be a success story too

President Xi Jinping's New Year Address is more than just words. It is the clear manifestation of a confident, people-centered vision for China's development in 2026. When he reminded the world of China's developments and successes in 2025, he also set a clear direction for the future. He showed the world that he has a firm faith in country's path and governance.

The review of 2025's achievements was basically meant to acknowledge the hard work of the people of China. President Xi reminded everyone that China's progress is the result of collective efforts and perseverance, and that its development is people-driven. He also specifically linked the nation's development with the efforts of the ordinary people. In this way, the address strengthened national unity and pride.

Another strong point of the address was its focus on high-quality development. President Xi emphasized economic growth along with a focus on innovation, environmental protection, and social welfare — highlighting the shift from speed-focused growth to balanced and sustainable progress.

The New Year Address also showed strong cultural confidence. By highlighting China's traditional cultural practices and modern cultural activities, President Xi also showed the world that China's identity is secure and evolving. It is not weakened by globalization and China will never abandon its historical roots in this race of development. This enhances China's soft power and cultural appeal.

In his address, President Xi presented a very forward-looking vision when first he talked about the China's 14th Five-Year Plan and its achievements and then the transition to China's 15th Five-Year Plan. He described it as a moment that requires careful planning, confidence, and perseverance. The repeated emphasis on continuity, momentum, and determination showed a belief that national rejuvenation is a long journey that requires discipline, unity, and sustained effort.

Finally, it showed that China seeks peace and cooperation on the global stage. By emphasizing global governance, climate action, and shared development, President Xi presented China as a responsible major country willing to work with others to address global challenges.

In essence, this address showed the world how proud China is of its people and its development in 2025. It also made it very clear that China is confident in its path, strong in its capabilities, stable in its governance, culturally secure, and committed to peaceful development. It is steadily advancing its long term national goals and is determined to make the year 2026 a success story, too.

Khalid Taimur Akram, executive director of Pakistan Research Center for a Community with Shared Future (PRCCSF) based in Islamabad. The views don't necessarily represent those of China Daily.

责编：冯宇轩

一审：冯宇轩

二审：秦慧英

三审：张权

来源：中国日报

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