President Xi Jinping on Wednesday pledged to deliver prosperity for all and to write a new chapter in China’s development story as the country embarks on its 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026–2030).

In his televised New Year’s address, Xi emphasised that China would press ahead with its goals and tasks in the coming years.

He called for solid steps to promote high-quality development, and to further deepen reform and opening-up on all fronts.

"The year 2026 marks the beginning of the 15th Five-Year Plan. A successful venture should start with a good plan and with clear goals set. We should focus on our goals and tasks, boost confidence, and build momentum to press ahead," he said.

Looking back, the president hailed the success of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).

"Over the past five years, we have pressed ahead with enterprise and fortitude, and overcome many difficulties and challenges. We met the targets in the plan and made solid advances on the new journey of Chinese modernisation.

"Our economic strength, scientific and technological abilities, defence capabilities, and composite national strength all reached new heights."

Xi also spoke about the nation's milestones in 2025, such as the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit held in Tianjin, the strong development of AI, and the launch of island-wide special customs operations in the Hainan Free Trade Port, among others.

On Hong Kong and Macao, he stressed that the prosperity and development of the two SARs are essential to the country's overall progress.

Recalling his attendance at the opening ceremony of the National Games, Xi said he was glad to see Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao come together to co-host the event.

"We should unswervingly implement the policy of One Country, Two Systems, and support Hong Kong and Macao in better integrating into the overall development of our country and maintaining long-term prosperity and stability," he said.

The president also said China's reunification is "unstoppable".

"We Chinese on both sides of the Taiwan Strait share a bond of blood and kinship. The reunification of our motherland, a trend of the times, is unstoppable."