Xi Jinping speaks. (Photo : Xinhua)
Chinese President Xi Jinping said hard work and joint efforts in 2017 will make China and the world better in a New Year's message delivered Dec. 31.
Xi described 2016 is an "extraordinary year for China" as it has achieved progress in many aspects. He urged the international community to work together to build a more peaceful and prosperous world.
"To Chinese people 2016 is an extraordinary and unforgettable year, as the country has made a good beginning of the 13th Five-Year Plan (2016-2020)," Xi said.
China actively promoted economic growth; achieved breakthroughs in national defense and military reform; fully deepened reform; promoted the rule of law; advanced strict governance of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and resolutely cracked down on high-ranking and low-level corruption.
At the 2016 G20 Hangzhou Summit from Sept. 4-5, China contributed solutions to addressing global issues. The Belt and Road Initiative is advancing while the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank began operations.
"We adhere to peaceful development, and resolutely safeguard our territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests," said Xi.
"Chinese people will never allow anyone to get away with making a great fuss about it!"
In 2017, the 19th CPC National Congress will be convened. He said China will make more efforts in building a well-off society in all respects, deepening overall reform, rule of law and strict governance of the Party.
"There is no such thing as a free lunch, and only hard work will make dreams come true," said Xi.
Although 10 million more people were lifted out of poverty in 2016, Xi said what he cared most about were the impoverished.
It is the Party and the government's duty to address people's difficulties in employment, children's education, health care, and housing, among others.
He urged the whole Party and the whole of society to continue to help people in poverty so the outcomes of reform and development will benefit more people.
