Xi addresses 2023 New Year gathering of China's top political advisory body

Noting that the year 2023 will be the first year that the guiding principles of the 20th CPC National Congress are implemented fully, Xi called for great efforts to fulfill the goals and tasks for the year and lay a sound foundation for realizing the country's Second Centenary Goal.

The year 2022 was extremely important in the history of the Party and the country, Xi said.

The 20th CPC National Congress was held successfully, and the blueprint of building China into a modern socialist country in all respects has been drawn.

China maintained economic growth, achieved a good harvest, and ensured the stability of employment and prices in 2022, Xi said.

China has optimized the COVID-19 response approaches based on the evolving situation to safeguard the people's life and health to the greatest extent possible and minimize the COVID-19 impact on economic and social development, Xi said.

China successfully hosted the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and grand celebrations were held to mark the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's return to the motherland.

The country fought against separatist activities seeking "Taiwan independence" and foreign interference resolutely while advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, he said.