Lauding China's solid efforts on advancing major-country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, Xi said the country has added certainty and positive energy to a world of change and disorder.

Xi said that looking back at all the hard work over the past year, we have more deeply realized that building a strong country and realizing national rejuvenation on all fronts through a Chinese path to modernization is not only a bright road for the Chinese people to pursue a better and happy life, but also a just way to promote world peace and development.

Xi pointed out that the year 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, and is a key year for achieving the goals and tasks in the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

He stressed the need to adhere to the general tone of the work that seeks progress while maintaining stability, effectively enhance economic vitality, prevent and resolve risks, improve social expectations, consolidate and enhance the positive trend of economic recovery, continue to improve people's livelihood and well-being, as well as maintain overall social harmony and stability.

Underscoring the need to deepen reform across the board, Xi said efforts must be made to encourage entrepreneurship and creativity among all members of society, injecting great vigor into Chinese modernization.

As the totem of the Chinese nation, dragon is deemed strong, fearless and benevolent, Xi noted.

Xi highlighted that dragon not only embodies the spirit of ceaselessly pursuing self-improvement, hard work and enterprise of the Chinese nation for 5,000 years, but also demonstrates the determination and aspiration of hundreds of millions of Chinese people to build China into a strong country and realize national rejuvenation.

Xi expressed the hope that in the Year of the Dragon, all Chinese people will pioneer and forge ahead with great endeavor and dedication, collectively writing a new chapter in advancing Chinese modernization.

This year's Spring Festival, or the Chinese Lunar New Year, falls on Feb 10.