President puts people's welfare first

Xi vows to take steps to improve economy in New Year message

President Xi Jinping voiced his confidence in the nation's development and reiterated the importance of global cooperation for a better world when he delivered his New Year message on Sunday to ring in 2024.

Xi hailed the achievements China has made in various sectors in 2023, and vowed to comprehensively deepen reform and opening-up, enhance economic vitality and steadfastly advance the Chinese modernization in 2024, which marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

He said that China's ultimate goal is to deliver a better life for the people.

"Our children should be well taken care of and receive good education. Our young people should have the opportunities to pursue their careers and succeed. And our elderly people should have adequate access to medical services and elderly care," Xi said.

"These issues matter to every family, and they are also a top priority of the government. We must work together to deliver on these issues."

Looking back, Xi said that the year 2023 saw China's economy weather the storm and become "more resilient and dynamic than before".

He spoke highly of the country's progress in technological innovation, citing the commercial service of the C919 large passenger airliner, the trial voyage of the first Chinese-built large cruise ship, the Shenzhou spaceships that are continuing their missions in space, and the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe that reached the deepest ocean trench.

The president said that his heart is always with those in need, including people having difficulty finding jobs and meeting basic needs, and those suffering from natural disasters. He gave credit to people from all walks of life for their contributions to the nation's development. "You, the people, are the ones we look to when we fight to prevail over all difficulties or challenges."

Speaking about the developments to take place in the New Year, Xi said that efforts will be made to consolidate and strengthen the momentum of economic recovery and achieve steady and long-term economic growth.

"We will deepen reform and opening up across the board, further enhance people's confidence in development, promote vibrant development of the economy, and redouble efforts to boost education, advance science and technology and cultivate talents," he said.

Xi also pledged to continue to support Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions in harnessing their distinctive strengths, better integrating themselves into the nation's overall development, and securing long-term prosperity and stability.

"China will surely be reunified, and all Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he said.

Xi talked about the conflicts that are still raging in some parts of the world, saying that the Chinese people are keenly aware of what peace means.

"We will work closely with the international community for the common good of humanity, build a community with a shared future for mankind, and make the world a better place for all," he said.

caodesheng@chinadaily.com.cn