Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the nation to advance with confidence and take concrete steps towards national rejuvenation during celebrations for China’s 77th National Day. Addressing a reception on Wednesday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, he stated that continuous effort and clear goals would lead to success.
“The great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation cannot be stopped,” Xi said. “As long as we remain confident, focused on our goals, and steadily advance step by step, success will ultimately belong to the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people, and the People’s Republic of China.”
Economic progress and future plans
Xi highlighted China’s rapid economic growth and long-term social stability over the past 77 years. He noted that despite various pressures, the Chinese economy has maintained progress this year and is moving towards innovation-driven, high-quality development.
The president urged efforts to sustain economic development, improve living standards, and achieve the goals of the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-2030), China’s national development blueprint. This plan, approved by the National People’s Congress (NPC) in March 2026, prioritizes high-quality growth, technological self-reliance, a resilient domestic market, national security, manufacturing revitalization, green development, and innovation in areas like AI, quantum technology, biotechnology, and new energy.
China has set an economic growth target of 4.5 to 5 percent for 2026. The nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reached 140.19 trillion yuan in 2025, marking a 5.0 percent increase from the previous year, according to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) on January 19, 2026. China also successfully completed its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) by achieving a 5.0 percent economic growth rate in 2025.
Regional policies and national unity
Regarding Hong Kong and Macau, Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the “one country, two systems” policy, pledging efforts to further integrate both regions into China’s overall development. He also called for increased cooperation with Taiwan to advance peaceful national reunification.
National Day celebrations and international recognition
China marked its 77th National Day on Thursday, with large crowds gathering at Beijing’s Tiananmen Square from early morning. More than 100,000 people from various parts of China attended the national flag-raising ceremony, Xinhua reported. Cities across China were adorned with flags, flowers, and other decorations for the occasion.
The People’s Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949. Since then, China has grown to become the world’s second-largest economy, with significant expansion in the production of new energy vehicles, industrial robots, chips, and other technologies.
Separately, China on Wednesday presented the 2026 Chinese Government Friendship Award to 50 foreign experts for their contributions to the country’s development. State Council member Shen Yiqin stated that these foreign experts have played a vital role in China’s economic and social development and in fostering cooperation among various countries.
