In his New Year’s Eve address on Sunday, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his intention to reunite Taiwan with China.
Comments on Taiwan
Referring to Taiwan, Xi said that “China will surely be reunified.” “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 stated.
He also referred to the case of Hong Kong and Macao, saying that by “harnessing their distinctive strengths,” the two autonomous Chinese territories had better integrated themselves “into China’s overall development, and securing long-term prosperity and stability.”
On the International Situation
Referring to conflicts “still raging in some parts of the world,” Xi said 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.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday extended his New Year wishes and expressed full confidence in the future. (Video: CCTV) https://t.co/1lYY3tcHzN pic.twitter.com/I5WeDnHA5C
— Global Times (@globaltimesnews) December 31, 2023
On Natural Disasters
Noting the difficulties faced by some people this year, owing to a string of natural disasters, Xi said that “along the way, we are bound to encounter headwinds.” “Some places were hit by floods, typhoons, earthquakes or other natural disasters. All these remain at the forefront of my mind,” Xi said.
However, he added that the Chinese population had rose to the occasion, “reaching out to each other in adversity, meeting challenges head-on and overcoming difficulties.”
“All of you, from farmers in the fields to workers on factory floors, from entrepreneurs blazing the trail to service members guarding our country -- indeed, people from all walks of life -- have done your very best. Each and every ordinary Chinese has made an extraordinary contribution! You, the people, are the ones we look to when we fight to prevail over all difficulties or challenges,” the leader underscored.
Goals for Founding Anniversary
Xi further noted that 2024 will mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of China. To this end, he pledged to “steadfastly advance Chinese modernisation, fully and faithfully apply the new development philosophy on all fronts, speed up building the new development paradigm, promote high-quality development, and pursue both development and safeguard security.”
He concluded by pledging to “continue to act on the principle of seeking progress while maintaining stability, promoting stability through progress, and establishing the new before abolishing the old. We will consolidate and strengthen the momentum of economic recovery, and work to achieve steady and long-term economic development.”