Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on the Chinese people to advance with unwavering confidence and steady action towards national rejuvenation, declaring the country’s historic transformation unstoppable.

Xi, who also serves as general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the remarks on Wednesday at a reception at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, in an event to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.

“The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable,” Xi stated. “As long as we remain confident, stay focused on our goals and move forward steadily, step by step, success will ultimately belong to the great CPC, the great Chinese people and the great People’s Republic of China.”

Premier Li Qiang chaired the reception, which was attended by approximately 800 guests, including senior Party and state leaders, foreign envoys, national honourees, and representatives from various sectors.

Reflecting on China’s development since 1949, President Xi highlighted two major achievements, notably rapid economic growth and enduring social stability.

He asserted that the system of socialism with Chinese characteristics had proven its strengths through long-term practice, while China had continuously enhanced its system and capacity for governance.

“We take immense pride in the extraordinary achievements of New China and have full confidence in the bright prospects of Chinese modernisation,” Xi affirmed.

Xi noted that China’s economy had continued to advance despite increasing pressures, with innovation-driven and high-quality development demonstrating strong resilience and vitality.

He called for the maintenance of this momentum through deeper reform and opening-up, stronger innovation, and higher-quality economic development.

Xi also called on authorities to better coordinate development and security, improve people’s livelihoods, and meet the economic and social targets set for the year.

The priorities emerge as China embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan, covering 2026 to 2030. Xi called for a strong start to the new planning period while fostering a new pattern of development.

Reviewing the year’s progress, he acknowledged that the Party and the country had responded to risks and challenges while making advancements across various fields.

China has already achieved its first centenary goal of building a moderately prosperous society in all respects, Xi stated, and is now working towards the second centenary goal of building a great modern socialist country in all respects.

Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan

Xi reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” policy governing Hong Kong and Macao, which grants the two regions a high degree of autonomy.

He pledged the central government’s support for Hong Kong and Macao to integrate more fully into the country’s overall development while maintaining their long-term prosperity and stability.

Regarding Taiwan, Xi called for deeper exchanges and cooperation across the Taiwan Strait and for efforts to advance the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations.

He also reiterated Beijing’s opposition to what it describes as “Taiwan independence” separatist forces and external interference, while advocating for progress towards national reunification.

On foreign policy, Xi stated that China would continue to pursue an independent foreign policy of peace and advance the implementation of the four major global initiatives proposed by Beijing.

He linked these efforts to China’s broader goal of building a community with a shared future for humanity, asserting they would contribute greater certainty and positive energy to a world experiencing change and instability.

The National Day address comes as China enters a new five-year development cycle, with the leadership emphasising innovation, economic resilience, reform, social welfare, and national development.

“As long as we remain confident, stay focused on our goals and move forward steadily, step by step, success will surely belong to the great Communist Party of China, the great Chinese people and the great People’s Republic of China,” Xi said.