Chinese President Xi Jinping says an ambitious blueprint has been drawn to build a modern socialist country in all respects.
Also that such would advance the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through its path to modernization.
Xi said this in his 2023 New Year address through China Media Group and the internet on Saturday.
He reeled out achievements so far recorded by the country and assured to do more in the New Year.
According to him, there was a successful convention of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC), which was held in 2022.
Xi said, “An ambitious blueprint has been drawn for building a modern socialist country in all respects and advancing the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation on all fronts through the Chinese path to modernization.
“Sounding a clarion call of the times for us forging ahead on a new journey; Chinese economy has remained the second largest in the world and enjoyed sound development.
“GDP for the whole year is expected to exceed 120 trillion yuan, despite the global food crisis we have secured bumper harvest for the 19th year in a row, putting us in a stronger position to ensure the food supply of the Chinese people.
“We have consolidated our gains in poverty elimination and advanced rural revitalization across the board.
“We have introduced tax and fee cuts and other measures to ease the burden on businesses, and made active efforts to solve the most pressing difficulties of high concern to the people.”
He explained that since COVID-19 struck, China put its people first and prioritised life all along following science-based approach and that COVID response was adopted to protect life and health of Chinese people.
He reiterated that with extraordinary efforts the country prevailed over unprecedented difficulties and challenges, adding that it had not been an easy journey for anyone.
“We have now entered a new phase of COVID response where tough challenges remain, everyone is holding on with great fortitude and the light of hope is right in front of us.
“Let us make an extra effort to pull through, as perseverance and solidarity mean victory; Comrade Jiang Zemin passed away in 2022.
“We pay high tribute to his towering achievements and noble demeanor, and cherish the great legacy he left behind.
“We will honor his last wishes and advance the cause of socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era.,” he added.
He defined China to mean a country where dreams become reality, saying the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games concluded with a resounding success.
He commended Chinese winter sports athletes namely, Shenzhou-13, Shenzhou-14 and Shenzhou-15, to have put in their best and achieved extraordinary results.
The president identified the completion of China’s space station, the 95th birthday anniversary of the people’s armed forces, and the launch of China’s third aircraft carrier Fujian C919, China’s first large passenger aircraft.
As well as the full operation of Baihetan hydro-power station, to be some of the remarkable achievements by China in 2022.
“Today China is a country brimming with vigor and vitality; the Chinese economy enjoys strong resilience, tremendous potential and great vitality, today China is a country that keeps to its national character.
“In the course of 2022, we encountered various natural disasters including earthquakes, floods, droughts and wildfires, and experienced some workplace accidents.
“Amid those disconcerting and heartbreaking scenes there have emerged numerous touching stories of people, sticking together in face of adversity or sacrificing their lives to help others in distress.
“Today’s China is a country closely linked with the world, over the past year, I hosted a few friends, both old and new, in Beijing; I have also traveled abroad to communicate China’s propositions to the world.
“Changes unseen in a century are unfolding at a faster pace, and the world is not yet a tranquil place, we cherish peace, development, value friends and partners as we have always done,” he said.
He resolved to be firm on the right side of history, human civilization and progress, and work hard to contribute China’s wisdom and solutions towards peace and development for all humanity.
He said that going forward China would draw its strength from unity,build consensus through communication and consultation and work with one heart and one mind, to surmount difficulties.
He, however, called on Chinese people to welcome the first ray of sunshine of 2023 with the best wishes for a brighter future, “may our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in harmony.” he said.
