Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year address on Thursday in which he reviewed China's achievements in 2020 and extended New Year wishes for 2021.
Here are the highlights of his address:
People matter, lives matter
Chinese people have carried out an epic battle against the coronavirus with their love, grit and perseverance, said Xi.
He eulogized the frontline medical workers, scientists, community workers, volunteers, and all those who have made contributions and sacrifices in the fight against COVID-19.
Numerous people fulfilled their missions at the risk of their lives and protected humanity with sincere love, said Xi, stressing that every one of them is an unsung hero.
People matter, lives matter, says Xi Jinping
GDP expected to exceed 100 trillion yuan in 2020
China's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020 is expected to cross the 100-trillion-yuan mark, Xi said.
"We have overcome the blow of the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing epidemic prevention work and economic development, which gained significant achievements," said Xi.
Among major economies, China has taken the lead in achieving positive growth this year, he added.
Xi Jinping: China's 2020 GDP expected to cross 100-trillion-yuan mark
Decisive victory in poverty alleviation
China has overcome difficulties to forge ahead in 2020, making historic achievements in building a moderately prosperous society in all respects and a decisive victory in poverty alleviation, said Xi.
Reviewing China's socio-economic achievements in a New Year address, Xi said over the past eight years, about 100 million people in rural areas have been lifted out of poverty, and 832 impoverished counties have all been declared poverty-free.
Xi Jinping: China achieves decisive victory in poverty alleviation
Reform and opening-up creates growth miracle
China will deepen its reform with more courage in the future, said Xi.
In 2020, the country has celebrated the 40th anniversary of its first special economic zone in Shenzhen, south China's Guangdong Province, the 30th anniversary of the Pudong New Area in Shanghai, and has witnessed pilot zones being transformed into pioneering models, Xi added.
China to continue to work miracles with further reform
CPC to mark centenary in 2021
Xi said the Communist Party of China (CPC) will always put people first, remember its original aspiration and mission, and achieve the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.
2021 marks the 100th anniversary of the CPC. During his address, Xi recalled the Party's birth in Shanghai and South Lake in Jiaxing, east China's Zhejiang Province.
Xi Jinping: 100-year-old CPC to lead Chinese nation to great rejuvenation
Clickherefor the video replay of the address.