President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year address (full text) to ring in 2022 on Friday evening. Here are some highlights:
Xi says China on path to great rejuvenation
Xi said that the past year has been a year of exceptional significance.
The Chinese people have lived through momentous occasions in the history of the Communist Party of China and the country, Xi said.
At the historical convergence of the Two Centenary Goals, China has set out on a new journey of building a modern socialist country in all respects and is making confident strides toward the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation, Xi said.
Xi stresses living up to people's expectations
Xi called for vigorous and determined endeavor to fulfill the responsibility to history, prove worthy of the times and live up to people's expectations.
Noting that the Communist Party of China celebrated its centenary on July 1, Xi said that the Party has led the Chinese people in an unyielding struggle against all obstacles and challenges, and scoring spectacular, epoch-making achievements over the past century.
Xi stresses maintaining strategic focus, determination
Noting that the sixth plenary session of the 19th Communist Party of China Central Committee has adopted the Party's third resolution on historical issues, Xi said the Party's 100-year achievements provide a source of motivation and its 100-year experience a wellspring of inspiration.
"To realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation will be no easy task like a walk in the park; it will not happen overnight, or through fanfare," said Xi.
"We must always keep a long-term perspective, remain mindful of potential risks, maintain strategic focus and determination, and 'aim for the broad and great while addressing the delicate and minute,'" he added.
Xi says China's poverty eradication a contribution to the world
Realization of a moderately prosperous society in all respects and elimination of extreme poverty is what the Communist Party of China has delivered to the people, and it is also China's contribution to the world, Xi said.
Those who once lived in poverty no longer have to worry about food or clothing, or access to education, housing and medical insurance, thanks to the sustained efforts of the Chinese people from generation to generation, he said.
The country must never rest on past achievements on the long way to ensure a better life for everyone, he said.
Swans rest in wetlands of the Yellow River in Bayannuur, Inner Mongolia autonomous region. [Photo by Qi Hongyan/for chinadaily.com.cn]
Xi underscores importance of human-nature relationship
"If we do not fail nature, nature shall never fail us," Xi said.
He particularly mentioned the Yellow River, saying that a well-harnessed Yellow River is a millennia-long aspiration of the Chinese people. He recalled his visits to all nine provinces and autonomous regions on the upper, middle and lower streams of the river.
Xi also mentioned the Yangtze River, Qinghai Lake, Yarlung Zangbo River, the South-North Water Diversion, the Saihanba forest, as well as the northward trek and homecoming of elephants in Yunnan province, and the migration and return of Tibetan antelopes to illustrate the importance of a harmonious human-nature relationship.
Xi hails hard work, dedication of 'countless unsung heroes'
The year of 2021 has recorded many memorable Chinese voices, Chinese moments and Chinese stories, said Xi.
These included youthful vows of "pledging to the Party to make my country strong"; affectionate expression of "pure, true love saved for the motherland"; the Zhurong rover probing Mars, the Xihe satellite chasing the sun, and the Tianhe space station core module traveling among the stars; athletes outdoing themselves to excel on the sports field; the whole nation staying united in solid COVID-19 response; people in disaster-stricken areas standing together to rebuild their homes; members of the People's Liberation Army and Armed Police devoted to building a strong military and protecting our country, Xi said.
"The hard work and dedication of countless unsung heroes have all added to the great momentum of China's march forward in the new era," said Xi.
Workers check red lanterns at a workshop in Xingtai, Hebei province, Dec 22, 2021. [Photo/Xinhua]
Xi calls for concerted efforts to ensure sound implementation of 'one country, two systems'
Xi has stressed that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao is always close to the heart of the motherland.
"Only with unity and concerted efforts can we ensure sound implementation of 'one country, two systems' in the long run," Xi said.
Xi asks all sons and daughters of the Chinese nation to join forces
Xi said the complete reunification of the motherland is an aspiration shared by people on both sides of the Taiwan Straits.
"I sincerely hope that all the sons and daughters of the Chinese nation will join forces to create a brighter future for our nation," Xi said.
Xi calls for unity, solidarity, cooperation among countries around world
Only through unity, solidarity and cooperation can countries around the world write a new chapter in building a community with a shared future for mankind, Xi said.
Dong Bing, who will represent China at the Beijing Winter Olympics, takes flight during a leg of the Continental Cup series at the National Ski Jumping Center in Zhangjiakou, Hebei province on Dec 5, 2021. GETTY IMAGES/AFP/REUTERS
Xi declares China ready for Winter Games
China will spare no effort to present a great Winter Olympics to the world, Xi said.
"The world is turning its eyes to China, and China is ready," Xi said, noting that the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will open in just over a month.
Greater public involvement in winter sports contributes to the Olympic Movement, Xi added.
Xi extends New Year wishes to all
"I salute all your great efforts, and extend to you best wishes for the New Year," Xi said. "Let us all work together for a shared future. May our country enjoy prosperity and our people live in peace and harmony!"