China’s Xi says only cooperation can deliver mutual benefit

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ISTANBUL (AA) – Chinese President Xi Jinping stressed in his 2024 New Year message Sunday evening that “no matter how the global landscape may evolve, peace and development remain the underlying trend, and only cooperation for mutual benefit can deliver.”

In his address from his office in Beijing which was broadcast across state media, he also reiterated his vow to unify mainland China and Taiwan, even as the self-governed island prepares to hold presidential elections on Jan. 13.

Xi said Beijing was ready to work for the "common good of humanity" to "build a shared future for mankind."

His remarks came in the wake of his visit to the US in November in an effort that appears to have eased tensions with Washington.

Noting that conflicts were still raging in some parts of the world, Xi said: "We, Chinese, are keenly aware of what peace means."

“In 2023, we have continued to forge ahead with resolve and tenacity. We have gone through the test of winds and rains, have seen beautiful scenes unfolding on the way, and have made plenty of real achievements. We will remember this year as one of hard work and perseverance. Going forward, we have full confidence in the future,” he said.​​​​​​​

Turning to the economy, Xi vowed to “consolidate and strengthen the momentum of economic recovery and work to achieve steady and long-term economic development.”

Acknowledging that “some enterprises had a tough time, some people had difficulty finding jobs and meeting basic needs, some places were hit by floods, typhoons, earthquakes or other natural disasters,” he said that “all these remain at the forefront of my mind.”

“When I see people rising to the occasion, reaching out to each other in adversity, meeting challenges head-on and overcoming difficulties, I am deeply moved.”

Vowing to "deepen" reform and opening up across China, Xi called for "redoubling of efforts to boost education, advance science and technology, and cultivate talents."

"We will continue to support Hong Kong and Macao in harnessing their distinctive strengths, better integrating themselves into China's overall development, and securing long-term prosperity and stability," he said.

On Taiwan, Xi underscored that "China will surely be reunified."

"All Chinese people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait should be bound by a common sense of purpose and share in the glory of the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation," he said.