Yearender: Xi leads China through a pivotal 2025

FORGE AHEAD TOWARD GRAND GOAL

Peace and development were also central themes that Xi underscored at a grand commemoration in September, held in Beijing's Tian'anmen Square to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War.

The event drew 61 foreign heads of state and government, senior representatives of relevant countries, leaders of international organizations, former political leaders, and other dignitaries.

The victory eight decades ago marked China's first complete triumph against foreign aggression in modern times. This historic turning point carried the nation from the depths of crisis toward rejuvenation.

Xi called on his countrymen and women to carry forward the spirit forged in the resistance war and stay united in advancing modernization. "The rejuvenation of the Chinese nation is unstoppable," he said.

As Xi said in his 2026 New Year message that only a strong CPC can make the country strong, he has placed great emphasis on strengthening the Party over the years.

Alongside a relentless crackdown on corruption, Xi in 2025 moved to reinforce a code of conduct, widely known as the eight-point decision on improving Party and government conduct, to remove the conditions that allow corruption to take root.

"The tasks of advancing Chinese modernization entrusted to our Party are extremely challenging, and the governing environment is unusually complex. We must pull the string of self-reform tighter," he said.

Unity, Xi has repeatedly stressed, is essential to China's rejuvenation.

On Wednesday, addressing a gathering of China's top political advisory body to usher in the new year, Xi urged his fellow Chinese to stay united and work hard to achieve great undertakings.

"With the blueprint in place, now is the time to forge ahead," he said.