China President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year’s Address today, on the Internet and through the China Media Group. Much of his message recounted the proud accomplishments of the outgoing year. He also ended by addressing China’s role internationally. “We stand firm on the right side of history and on the side of human civilization and progress. We work hard to contribute China’s wisdom and solutions to the cause of peace and development for all humanity.”
As is his usual practice of citing an ancient adage or poem, Xi said, “I want to quote Su Shi, a renowned Chinese poet, ‘Charge at the roughest and aim at the farthest.’ It means to take on the biggest challenges and go after the most ambitious goals.”
Among the many national accomplishments he cited were:
• “We have consolidated our gains in poverty elimination”
• “We have secured a bumper harvest for the 19th year in a row”
