Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers New Year’s address focusing on economic growth

Key Concepts

• 14th Five-Year Plan: China’s economic and social development plan from 2021-2025.
• 15th Five-Year Plan: The next iteration of China’s economic and social development plan, to be finalized in March during the Two Sessions.
• Cross-Strait Relations: The relationship between mainland China and Taiwan.
• National Sovereignty: China’s assertion of control over Taiwan as an inalienable part of its territory.
• Self-Reliance (in Science & Technology): China’s push for independent development and reduced reliance on foreign technology.
• Two Sessions: The annual meetings of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, held in Beijing in March.

Economic Focus of Xi Jinping’s New Year Address

President Xi Jinping’s New Year address heavily emphasized economic growth, stating that China has met the economic targets of the 14th Five-Year Plan. The country’s GDP is projected to surpass 20 trillion (currency unspecified) this year. Xi stressed the need to embrace globalization, develop domestic capabilities, and deepen reforms as the next steps for economic advancement. A central tenet of this strategy is innovation, which he described as propelling “high-quality development.” He specifically cited the development of humanoid robots and large-scale artificial intelligence models by Chinese companies as examples of this innovation gaining international traction and bolstering China’s tech reputation. This focus on innovation is not merely rhetorical; it is already incorporated into proposals for the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan, details of which will be finalized during the Two Sessions in Beijing in March.

Technological Self-Reliance and the 15th Five-Year Plan

The address highlighted China’s achievements in “independent chip development,” contributing to its goal of self-reliance in science and technology. This self-reliance is a key feature of the 15th Five-Year Plan. The emphasis on domestic technological capabilities is a direct response to perceived external pressures and a desire to reduce dependence on foreign technology. The address frames this not as isolationism, but as a necessary component of continued growth and development.

Taiwan and Cross-Strait Tensions

Xi Jinping reiterated China’s position on Taiwan, stating that reunification is “unstoppable” and emphasizing the “bond of kinship” between people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. This statement followed two days of military drills conducted by the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) encircling Taiwan.

International Response to Military Drills

The military drills prompted concern from several countries, including the US, UK, Australia, Japan, and the EU, who characterized them as “destabilizing” and a “deliberate escalation.” Some nations also expressed opposition to any attempts to alter the status quo in the Taiwan Strait. China’s Foreign Ministry responded by criticizing these remarks, accusing them of “turning a blind eye to external interference in China’s affairs.” The PLA confirmed the completion of the drills, stating they tested joint combat capabilities, but also affirmed a continued state of high alert for “separatist activities.”

Historical References and Tone Regarding Taiwan

Xi Jinping’s address referenced key moments in 2023, including a military parade in Beijing commemorating the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II and the establishment of Taiwan Retrocession Day – a date marking the end of Japanese rule over Taiwan, which China views as signifying Taiwan’s return to China. Despite the recent military drills, the tone of Xi’s speech regarding Taiwan was described as “quite measured” and similar to his address last year. He emphasized the strong familial ties between people across the Strait, stating that “blood ties…are thicker than water.”

Logical Connections

The address presents a cohesive narrative linking economic development, technological self-reliance, and the issue of Taiwan. Economic growth is seen as dependent on innovation, which in turn requires self-reliance in key technologies. The assertion of sovereignty over Taiwan is presented as a non-negotiable principle underpinning national unity and stability, essential for continued economic progress. The military drills are framed as a response to perceived threats to this stability and a demonstration of China’s resolve.

Notable Quote

“The reunification is unstoppable,” – President Xi Jinping, regarding Taiwan.