On New Year’s Eve, President Xi Jinping delivered his 2019 New Year message via China Media Group and the internet. The full text is as follows:

　　Hello everyone! “Time flies, and the seasons flow by.” As 2019 is just around the corner, I’m sending you my warm New Year wishes from Beijing!

　　In 2018, we lived a fulfilling life and moved forward with unwavering resolve. Throughout the year, we overcame numerous risks and challenges, promoted high-quality economic development, accelerated the transition from old to new growth drivers, and kept the economy operating within an appropriate range. The campaigns to safeguard blue skies, clean waters, and uncontaminated land progressed smoothly; social programs aimed at improving people’s livelihoods gained momentum, and living standards continued to rise. National strategies such as the coordinated development of the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region, the development of the Yangtze Economic Belt, and the construction of the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macao Greater Bay Area were steadily implemented. During my visits across the country, I was delighted to see: lush greenery lining both banks of the Yangtze; vast rice paddies in Sanjiang stretching for tens of thousands of mu, their golden waves rolling endlessly; vibrant vitality in Shenzhen’s Qianhai; dynamic energy coursing through Shanghai’s Zhangjiang High-Tech Park; and the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge soaring majestically between the three regions. These achievements are the result of the hard work and dedication of all our people, forged through the sweat and efforts of those who strive in the new era.

　　This year, “Made in China,” “Created in China,” and “Built in China” have joined forces to continue reshaping the face of our nation. The Chang’e‑4 lunar probe was successfully launched; the second aircraft carrier embarked on its sea trials; China’s domestically developed large amphibious aircraft made its maiden water landing; and the BeiDou Navigation Satellite System took a solid step toward global network deployment. On this occasion, I wish to pay tribute to every scientist, every engineer, every master craftsman of a great nation, and every builder and participant.

　　This year, there has been much good news in the fight against poverty. An additional 125 impoverished counties nationwide have passed inspection and been lifted out of poverty, and 10 million rural residents have been freed from poverty. Prices for 17 anti-cancer drugs have been reduced and they have been added to the national medical insurance catalog, further addressing the issue of poverty caused by illness. I often think of our comrades working on the front lines of poverty alleviation—more than 2.8 million village-stationed officials and first secretaries—who are deeply committed and highly effective; please take good care of your health.

　　I have always kept the people in need close to my heart. In Sanhe Village, Liangshan, Sichuan, I paid visits to two Yi‑ethnic families—Ji Haoyeqiu and Jie Lie’eamu. In Sanjianxi Village, Jinan, Shandong, I sat with the Zhao Shunli family, chatting warmly about everyday life. In Donghuayuan Community, Fushun, Liaoning, I went to Chen Yufang’s home to learn about the arrangements for relocation and resettlement in response to disaster risks. And in Lianzhang Village, Qingyuan, Guangdong, I spoke with Lu Yihe, a household living in poverty, about strategies for lifting themselves out of poverty. Their sincere, down-to-earth faces remain vivid in my mind. As the New Year approaches, I wish all our fellow villagers a life that grows ever better and more prosperous.

　　This year, we solemnly celebrated the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up, carried out systematic, holistic, and restructuring reforms of Party and state institutions, introduced more than 100 major reform measures, hosted the first China International Import Expo, and launched the construction of the Hainan Free Trade Pilot Zone. The world has witnessed China’s accelerated pace of reform and opening-up and its unwavering determination to see these efforts through to the end. Our reform drive will not falter, and the door of openness will only open wider and wider.

　　I’ve noticed that this year, the first cohort of university students admitted after the resumption of the college entrance examination has largely retired, while a large number of post‑2000s have entered campuses. The initiative to help more than 100 million non‑registered residents obtain urban household registration is ongoing; 13 million people have found employment in cities, and construction has begun on 5.8 million housing units to address shantytown redevelopment, giving new urban residents a warm home. Many residents from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan have obtained residence permits, and Hong Kong has been integrated into the national high-speed rail network. A China on the move brims with the vitality of prosperity and development. We are all running hard—each of us is a dream chaser.

　　At this very moment, I wish to highlight some truly inspiring names. This year, the heavens have been graced with an additional “Nan Rendong Star,” and the portraits of model heroes across the armed forces now include Comrades Lin Junde and Zhang Chao. We must remember Comrade Wang Jicai, who defended the island and safeguarded our country for 32 years; Comrades Huang Qun, Song Yuecai, and Jiang Kaibin, who bravely stepped forward to protect the experimental platform and heroically gave their lives; as well as all the other heroes who sacrificed themselves for the nation and the people. They are the most admirable figures of the new era, forever worthy of our remembrance and emulation.

　　This year, many new and old friends once again came to China. We hosted a series of major diplomatic events, including the Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference, the Qingdao Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, putting forward China’s propositions and voicing China’s position. My colleagues and I traveled to all five continents, participated in numerous important diplomatic engagements, engaged in extensive exchanges with leaders from around the world, strengthened our friendships, built greater mutual trust, and broadened our circle of friends.

　　In 2019, we will solemnly celebrate the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China. Over these seven decades, we have forged ahead through countless obstacles and weathered every challenge. The people are the solid foundation of the Republic, and they are the greatest source of confidence in our governance. Along this journey, the Chinese people have relied on their own strength and worked tirelessly, creating the world‑renowned “China miracle.” On this new march forward, no matter how turbulent the times or how daunting the trials, we must remain firmly rooted in the people, uphold self-reliance and hard work, and, with rock‑solid confidence, a sense of urgency, and unwavering perseverance, advance step by step this unprecedented great cause.

　　In 2019, there will be both opportunities and challenges, and we must continue to work hard and strive together. Tax and fee reduction policies must be fully implemented and take root, enabling businesses to operate with a lighter burden. We must sincerely respect all kinds of talent and fully unleash their creativity and innovative spirit. We should listen carefully to the voices of grassroots officials, ensuring that those who dare to shoulder responsibility and deliver results have the motivation and prospects to succeed. The task of lifting more than 10 million impoverished rural residents out of poverty must be completed on schedule, and we must stay focused on our goals and press ahead with determination. We must show care and support for veterans, who have made invaluable contributions to safeguarding our country and its people. At this very moment, delivery couriers, sanitation workers, taxi drivers, and countless other workers are still toiling away; we owe them gratitude as the creators and guardians of a better life. Thank you all for your hard work.

　　Looking globally, we are facing a transformation of a magnitude unseen in a century. No matter how the international landscape may shift, China’s confidence and resolve to safeguard its national sovereignty and security will remain unchanged, nor will its sincerity and goodwill in upholding world peace and promoting common development. We will actively advance the joint building of the Belt and Road Initiative, continue to foster a community with a shared future for mankind, and make unremitting efforts to build a more prosperous and beautiful world.

　　As the New Year’s bells are about to chime, let us greet the arrival of 2019 with confidence and hope.

　　Blessings to China! Blessings to the world!

　　Thank you, everyone!