China's Commitment to Enhancing Lives in 2025 and Beyond

China’s Commitment to Enhancing Lives in 2025 and Beyond

As the world transitions into a new year, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his annual New Year address on December 31, 2024, reflecting on the country’s strides toward improving the wellbeing of its people and fostering international cooperation. Xi characterized the past year as significant, highlighting achievements and pledging to continue efforts to deepen relationships with the Global South while simultaneously enhancing the daily lives of the Chinese citizens.

In his address delivered from Beijing, Xi acknowledged the concerns of the people regarding essential aspects of life such as job security, income stability, elderly care, education accessibility, and healthcare services. Throughout 2024, he emphasized the importance of understanding citizens' livelihoods by visiting different communities across China, indicating a hands-on approach to governance where he gleaned insights directly from the populace.

Xi revealed that a staggering 70% of government spending in 2024 was earmarked for social welfare initiatives, which included renovations of over 50,000 urban residential communities and a consumer goods trade-in program that benefitted millions of individuals. Additionally, he accentuated the lowering of mortgage interest rates which positively impacted around 50 million households, representing approximately 150 million people in total.

Further, the economic landscape showed encouraging signs, with per capita disposable income rising to about 30,941 yuan (roughly $4,178), marking a 5.2% increase compared to the prior year. In response to the demographic challenge posed by an aging population, the government also allocated substantial funds for elderly care initiatives, including meal assistance programs and the establishment of in-home care options.

Xi’s declaration underscored that the pursuit of happiness for the citizens remains the foremost priority of governance, reiterating his commitment to ensuring that every citizen enjoys a prosperous life. He stated, "Of all the jobs in front of us, the most important is to ensure a happy life for our people."

A Responsible Major Country

In the broader international context, Xi noted that China is embracing its role as a responsible major player on the global stage. He articulated that in light of ongoing global transformations and instability, China is proactively engaging in the reform of global governance structures and is fostering unity within the Global South. The total number of China’s major trading partners surged to over 150 in 2024, reflecting the nation's expanding economic outreach and commitment to collaborative growth.

Continuing this spirit of cooperation, Xi announced that 54 countries' citizens would benefit from China's 240-hour transit visa exemptions, facilitating smoother travel and connections across borders. During significant gatherings, notably the 70th anniversary celebration of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, Xi proposed eight key measures aimed at strengthening cooperation with nations from the Global South, encompassing areas like training, youth exchange, digital economy, green development, and ecological conservation.

Moreover, he highlighted established frameworks of cooperation with Arab nations focusing on various domains, including innovation and finance, which aim to deepen economic ties and promote cultural exchanges. The recent Beijing Summit on China-Africa Cooperation marked yet another milestone, where Xi committed to enhancing collaborative efforts with African nations through a shared vision for modernization over the next three years.

Among the notable achievements in the realm of international diplomacy, China spearheaded initiatives for peace, including advocating for ceasefire resolutions in various conflict zones and forming collaborative groups with Global South countries to navigate global crises.

As 2025 approaches, Xi sent a resounding message of hope, stating, “China will work with all countries to promote friendship and cooperation, enhance mutual learning among different cultures, and build a community with a shared future for mankind.”

This annual address not only encapsulates China’s developmental trajectory over the past year but establishes a robust framework for its national and international objectives in the years to come, ensuring that the narrative of growth, cooperation, and betterment of lives resonates on both domestic and global fronts.