As the new year unfolds, China is stepping into 2025 with an optimistic commitment to enhance the quality of life for its citizens. In an inspiring New Year address, President Xi Jinping reflected on China's remarkable achievements in advancing social welfare and fostering international partnerships. He emphasized his government’s unwavering aim to bring more joy to the lives of its people while strengthening ties with nations, particularly in the Global South.
In his address delivered from Beijing, Xi characterized the past year as 'extraordinary,' citing significant strides in modernization. He articulated a heartfelt promise to deliver greater happiness to the Chinese populace, with aspirations for a brighter future for everyone.
Central to his message was the concept of 'real benefit' for the people, focusing on crucial issues such as employment, income, education, healthcare, and elderly care. During his travels across various provinces in 2024, Xi met with ordinary citizens to gain insights into their living conditions and concerns, showcasing a government attentive to public needs.
Supporting this narrative, the Chinese Ministry of Finance revealed that a substantial portion (70%) of public expenditures in 2024 was allocated to improving citizens' welfare. This included extensive renovation projects for over 50,000 aging urban residential neighborhoods and a multimillion-dollar trade-in program for consumer goods, benefiting tens of millions across the nation. Furthermore, a reduction in mortgage interest rates aided approximately 50 million households, translating to around 150 million individuals.
Regarding income metrics, data indicated that in the first three quarters of 2024, the per capita disposable income reached 30,941 yuan (approximately $4,178), representing a 5.2% increase from the previous year. This growth highlighted the government's success in maintaining economic momentum against a backdrop of global challenges.
Xi Jinping also addressed the pressing issue of an aging population, where over 20% of citizens are aged 60 or older. To tackle this demographic shift, approximately 300 million yuan were earmarked for seniors' nutritional support, alongside the establishment of 358,000 home care beds throughout the country. Xi reiterated that among all the challenges facing China, the foremost priority remains to ensure a happy life for its citizens.
In a world marked by transformation and uncertainty, President Xi articulated China's role as a responsible global player. He stated that China actively promotes reform in global governance, fostering solidarity and cooperation among countries in the Global South. The past year has seen an increase in China's trade partners from over 140 to more than 150 nations, establishing a more integrated global community.
Xi’s dedication towards enabling other nations' paths to modernization was further evident through a series of cooperative initiatives focused on education, youth exchange, economic growth, free trade, agricultural cooperation, digital economy, and environmental protection. In addition, China has crafted five collaborative frameworks with Arab nations across various sectors, amplifying efforts with Latin American countries and enhancing partnerships with Pacific island nations.
An ongoing commitment to Africa was also underscored, with initiatives launched to promote modernization through ten actionable partnerships in the upcoming three years. Xi’s address resonated with a strong message of peace, advocating for dialogue and consensus amid rising geopolitical tensions.
"China will work with all countries to promote friendship, expand mutual learning among diverse cultures, and build a community with a shared future for humanity," Xi assured in his heartfelt address. As these efforts unfold, the global community watches to see how China will transform its pledges into tangible results in the coming years.
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