Understanding Xi's vision of China and the world through New Year message

Xi has always placed strong emphasis on driving China's high-tech development. In April last year, during an inspection tour in Shanghai, he visited a model innovation center, a hub housing over 100 enterprises dedicated to cutting-edge technologies.

During his visit, Xi experienced firsthand some of the latest AI-powered products, even trying on a pair of smart glasses. He also noted how China has abundant data resources, a complete industrial system and a vast market, with promising prospects for the development of artificial intelligence.

The Chinese leader also stresses international technological cooperation. Last November at the APEC leaders' meeting in South Korea, Xi pushed for the establishment of a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization to foster global collaboration and governance of AI. For him, the rapid advance of frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence is opening new horizons for humanity.

As China advances its modernization efforts, green development remains a central focus. "Clear waters and lush mountains have become a salient feature of our landscape," Xi noted in his New Year message. This is a vision he has consistently held and promoted for decades.

This principle was further reinforced in Xi's video address at the 2025 UN Climate Summit, where he announced China's 2035 Nationally Determined Contributions. Among a range of commitments, he pledged that by 2035, China would reduce economy-wide net greenhouse gas emissions by 7 to 10 percent from peak levels, or even more.

For Singapore-based political commentator Ang Teck Sin, Chinese modernization carries broader global significance. "China has demonstrated the possibility of achieving national development while contributing to shared global prosperity," he said.