Xi Jinping delivers speech at Spring Festival gathering

Xi stressed that the greatest truths are the simplest, and hard work is the key. The new journey is a long one full of glories and dreams where there is no shortcut, but hard work. We should come down to earth, work hard, and do not fall into fantasies or distractions. We should be honest and studious, respect the reality, do not act against rules or work recklessly. We should seek truth and be pragmatic, focus on actual effect, and do not make superficial work or show. Those who work will succeed, and those who walk will arrive at destination. A person of action will leave a good name in history. We created a glorious past with hard work, and we will create a better future in the same way.

Xi pointed out that, in traditional Chinese culture, rabbit (tu) is called Ruitu (auspicious rabbit) or Yutu (jade rabbit), representing quickness and wit, purity and kindness, peace and beauty. The auspicious rabbit bodes well for China, which is increasingly peaceful, full of vigor and vitality. In the lunar year of the Rabbit, Xi expressed the hope that the people of the whole country, especially the young people, will strive hard and run at full speed like a moving rabbit to exhibit their ability and elegance in whatever work they do.

Leading members and veteran comrades of the CPC Central Committee, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, the State Council, the National Commission of Supervision, the Supreme People's Court, the Supreme People's Procuratorate, the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and the Central Military Commission attended the gathering.

Also present at the gathering are leaders of departments of the CPC Central Committee, central government, the military, people's organizations and leaders of Beijing Municipality, heads of the central committees of the non-CPC parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, representatives of public figures without party affiliation, retired veterans, famous experts and scholars, and people from all walks of life in the capital. Literary and art workers gave a wonderful performance at the gathering.