Mr. Xi: China overcame many difficulties in the year of the Snake

At a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on February 15, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent Lunar New Year greetings to all people at home and abroad.

He described the Year of the Snake as a “special year”, pointing out that China has directly faced many difficulties and made new progress in a complex and unstable domestic and international context. He affirmed that China has raised its economic strength, scientific and technological capacity and national defense, as well as comprehensive strength to new heights.

According to Mr. Xi, the Chinese economy over the past year has overcome pressure and maintained growth, demonstrating strong resilience and vitality. He noted the country’s steady progress in many fields.

2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Xi called for promoting high-quality development, maintaining social harmony and stability, and striving for a good start in the next five years.

The Year of the Horse will begin on February 17. Mr. Xi said that in Chinese culture, horses symbolize vitality, strength and resilience, symbolizing steady progress and long-term prosperity. He encouraged the Chinese people to keep their spirits up and move forward on China’s new path of modernization in the year of the Horse.