President Xi Jinping on Wednesday emphasised efforts to achieve a strong start for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030) period.

Xi was speaking at a gathering of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, the country's top political advisory body, to usher in the new year.

The president hailed 2025 as an extraordinary year during which China accomplished its main economic and social development goals, demonstrated strong economic resilience and vitality, and maintained overall social stability.

"Our country's economy is expected to ‍move forward under pressure... showing strong resilience and vitality," Xi said in his speech.

He also said the country's overall national strength reached a new level in 2025, which marked the end of the 14th Five-Year Plan.

Looking forward, with 2026 marking the start of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Xi said China will implement more proactive macroeconomic policies aimed at supporting growth, ensuring social stability and achieving a good start for the period.

Xi's message reinforces recent government pledges to roll out measures for boosting people's incomes and supporting consumption ⁠and investment to drive growth.

The president will be delivering a New Year's message at 7pm on Wednesday. (Xinhua/Reuters)