In a New Year’s speech to the nation on Sunday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping announced that his country’s economy had not only weathered a storm but had also become “more resilient and dynamic” throughout the year.
Xi Jinping, in an address aired on the state-run channel CCTV, assured that China would “surely be reunified,” pinpointing Taiwan, the self-ruled island claimed by Beijing, as a key reference in its commitment to eventual reunification.
In 2023, Xi Jinping confronted a range of challenges while leading the world’s second-largest economy.
His administration has grappled with challenges in sustaining an economic rebound since abruptly abandoning the strict zero-Covid policy a year ago.
But on Sunday Xi said 2023 had seen the economy “weather the storm” and become “more resilient and dynamic than before”, in a New Year speech broadcast on state-run channel CCTV.
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Record youth unemployment and a persistent debt crisis in the crucial property sector have also hemmed in China’s growth.
Analysts have noted that Beijing could face difficulties in meeting its annual growth target of around five percent, representing the lowest ambition in years.
According to official figures released on Sunday, nationwide factory activity recorded a deepening decline in December, marking the third consecutive month of contraction.
Throughout this year, Beijing has intensified its pressure campaign against Taiwan.
Tensions are escalating on the democratic island as it approaches elections on January 13, particularly with the polls favoring the independence-leaning candidate Lai Ching-te.
‘Chinese President Xi Jinping on Sunday said China will surely be reunified,’ state news agency Xinhua said.
‘All Chinese 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,’ it quoted Xi as saying.