Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a triumphant New Year's Eve speech on Wednesday, highlighting China's significant achievements in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. In a televised address to the nation's 1.4 billion people, Xi declared China as "one of the world's fastest-rising economies in terms of innovative capacity," emphasizing breakthrough developments in large AI models and chip research and development.

Economic and Technological Milestones

Xi announced that China had successfully overcome numerous difficulties to meet targets outlined in its 14th Five-Year Plan. The Chinese leader revealed that the country's gross domestic product is positioned to reach 140 trillion yuan ($20 trillion) in 2025, marking a significant economic milestone.

The President underscored innovation's central role in achieving high-quality economic development and advancing technology-industry integration. He specifically highlighted progress in humanoid robots and drone technology as examples of China's technological advancement.

Defense and Aerospace Progress

Xi emphasized China's achievements in aerospace and defense capabilities, particularly noting the country's latest aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which features an advanced electromagnetic catapult launch system. He stated that "our economic, technological and national defense capabilities, along with our overall national strength, have risen to new heights."

Manufacturing Recovery and Economic Outlook

Official data released Wednesday showed positive momentum in China's manufacturing sector, with the manufacturing purchasing managers' index expanding for the first time in nine months. Xi declared that China expects to meet its growth target of "about 5%," providing an optimistic economic outlook.

Anti-Corruption Campaign Continuation

The Chinese leader emphasized the importance of continuing his anti-corruption campaign, calling for the ruling Communist Party to enforce strict discipline and promote self-reform to "remove decay and grow new flesh." This campaign has resulted in investigations of numerous high-level officials throughout the year.

Taiwan Relations Stance

Consistent with previous addresses, Xi reiterated the Communist Party's position on Taiwan, stating that "compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood that is thicker than water." He described the "historical trend toward national reunification" as unstoppable, reaffirming Beijing's long-standing position on the self-ruled island.

Xi's New Year's Eve speech represented his most optimistic annual address in recent years, reflecting confidence in China's technological capabilities and economic trajectory. The emphasis on innovation, particularly in AI and semiconductor sectors, signals the government's continued focus on technological self-reliance and high-quality development as key priorities for the coming year.

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a pointed critique of what appears to be U.S. trade policies during his virtual address at the BRICS Trade Summit, calling for increased cooperation among member nations and resistance against protectionism.

Criticism of Trade War

In his speech, Xi took aim at a 'certain country' for its attempts to "severely impact the world economy through trade war." While not explicitly naming the United States, the reference was widely interpreted as a rebuke to the U.S. administration's trade policies.

Call for BRICS Cooperation

The Chinese leader emphasized the need for BRICS members to strengthen their collaboration in several key areas:

• Trade and technology
• Economic cooperation
• Resistance against all forms of protectionism

Defending Multilateralism

Xi stressed the importance of jointly defending multilateralism in the face of escalating global trade tensions. He highlighted the need to amplify the voice of the Global South, particularly as the world grapples with the economic fallout from import levies and tariffs.

China's Commitment

Reiterating China's stance, Xi assured that his country remains committed to maintaining international economic trade orders. This commitment comes at a time when ongoing trade disputes continue to create uncertainties in the global trade landscape.

BRICS and Global Trade

The BRICS group, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents a significant portion of the world's population and economic output. Xi's address underscores the group's potential role in shaping global trade dynamics and countering what China perceives as unilateral and protectionist policies.

As trade tensions persist, Xi's call for enhanced cooperation among BRICS nations signals China's push for a more unified front in addressing global economic challenges. The summit serves as a platform for these emerging economies to align their strategies in the face of evolving international trade relations.