Chinese President Xi Jinping ushered in 2026 with a nationally televised New Year's Address on December 31, 2025, blending reflections on China's achievements with forward-looking aspirations. Speaking from Beijing, Xi highlighted technological breakthroughs in quantum computing and clean energy made this year, while pledging enhanced international cooperation through initiatives like the Belt and Road 2.0 framework.
🔑 Key 2025 milestones mentioned:
5% GDP growth despite global economic headwinds
Completion of Asia's largest carbon capture facility
Successful mediation in DPRK-ROK peace talks
The president emphasized youth empowerment programs, announcing plans to launch 100 'Digital Innovation Hubs' across the Chinese mainland by 2026. Cross-strait relations received special attention, with Xi stating: "Our compatriots in Taiwan will always find open arms in the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation."
🎯 Looking ahead, the address outlined three 2026 priorities:
Accelerating AI governance frameworks
Expanding free trade zones with ASEAN partners
Hosting a landmark climate summit in Shanghai
Xi concluded with Lunar New Year greetings to overseas Chinese communities, particularly acknowledging contributions from Asian diaspora entrepreneurs in green tech ventures. The speech's blend of national pride and global outlook trended globally, with #China2026 amassing 2.1M tweets within an hour.
