Xi Jinping Calls for Strong Start to China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, Hails ‘Solid Progress’ in 2025

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for concrete and focused efforts to launch China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030), saying the country must build on what he described as “solid and tangible progress” achieved in 2025.

In his New Year message delivered on Wednesday evening, Xi said 2026 would mark the beginning of a new planning cycle and stressed that “a successful venture should start with a good plan.” He urged officials and citizens to set clear goals, boost confidence and push ahead with high-quality development, deeper reforms and wider opening-up.

“We should focus on our goals and tasks, build momentum, and press forward steadily,” Xi said.

Reviewing 2025 Achievements

Xi described 2025 as a milestone year that concluded China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025). He said the country had met its major economic and social development targets, with gains in economic strength, scientific and technological capacity, national defence and overall comprehensive power.

Calling the year “extraordinary,” Xi pointed to major national commemorations, including the 80th anniversary of China’s victory in the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. He said these events helped consolidate national unity and reinforce China’s long-term development goals.

The Chinese president highlighted innovation-driven growth, saying China had emerged as one of the world’s fastest-advancing economies in terms of innovation capability. He also noted rising public engagement with culture, museums and intangible heritage, which he said reflected a strengthening of China’s cultural confidence.

“No issue concerning the people is too small,” Xi said, stressing that improving everyday living standards remained central to governance. “When the hum of daily happiness fills every household, the nation will continue to grow stronger.”

Global Engagement and Governance

Xi said China continued to “embrace the world with open arms” in 2025. He cited new climate commitments, updated Nationally Determined Contributions, and Beijing’s promotion of global initiatives on development, security, civilisation and governance.

China, he said, would continue to work with other countries to promote global peace, development and a more equitable international governance system.

Taiwan, Hong Kong and Party Governance

On cross-strait relations, Xi reiterated Beijing’s long-standing position that reunification with Taiwan was “a historical trend that cannot be stopped,” while emphasising shared cultural and familial ties across the Taiwan Strait.

He also reaffirmed commitment to the “one country, two systems” framework for Hong Kong and Macao, pledging continued support for their long-term stability and integration into national development.

Xi underlined the role of the Communist Party of China, saying strong party leadership and strict self-governance were essential to China’s future. He pointed to continued anti-corruption efforts and institutional reforms aimed at improving governance standards.

Focus on the 15th Five-Year Plan

Earlier on Wednesday, Xi also addressed a New Year gathering hosted by the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), urging its members to focus consultations on shaping and implementing the 15th Five-Year Plan.

Presiding over the event, CPPCC chairman Wang Huning was joined by other senior leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng.

Xi urged the entire party and the Chinese people to unite more closely in the coming years and continue advancing what he described as “Chinese modernisation” with stability and long-term planning.