Between Modernization and Stability: Strategic Imperatives of China in 2025

On December 31, 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his traditional New Year’s address, highlighting the main priorities of China’s policy: sustainable economic development, technological breakthroughs, social stability, and strengthening its international role. Amid global transformations, China demonstrates strategic confidence and readiness to continue its path toward modernization. This speech underscores the country’s commitment to uniting domestic and international efforts to build a harmonious and prosperous future.

Xi Jinping emphasized that 2024 was challenging yet eventful and full of achievements. Key successes included economic growth, technological leadership, and infrastructural projects.

Despite global challenges, China’s economy demonstrated resilience, with GDP exceeding 130 trillion yuan. The agricultural sector showcased stability, with over 700 million tons of grain harvested, affirming the country’s self-sufficiency. Technological advancements were evident in producing over 10 million new energy vehicles, and progress in integrated circuits, artificial intelligence, and quantum communications, all moving China closer to technological sovereignty.

Infrastructure achievements, such as the Shenzhen-Zhongshan transport corridor, the Antarctic station "Qinling," and the success of the Chang'e-6 mission, highlight China’s ambition to lead in exploring new horizons. These accomplishments demonstrate that China is overcoming challenges and actively advancing toward sustainable development.

The address also focused on the importance of social stability and improving living standards. Key initiatives included raising the basic pension, reducing mortgage rates, developing a healthcare insurance system with interregional settlements, and campaigns for updating household appliances and cars through trade-in programs.

Xi Jinping stressed that quality education, accessible healthcare, and care for the elderly are top priorities. This focus reflects the government’s intent to strengthen public trust and maintain social harmony.

China continues to present itself as a responsible global power, actively participating in global governance. In 2024, the country initiated new formats of cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, strengthened ties with the Global South, and contributed to organizations such as the SCO, BRICS, APEC, and the G20.

The Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation became a key platform for deepening partnerships with African countries. This policy helps China strengthen its position in the international system and promote a multipolar world model.

Xi Jinping paid special attention to national unity, emphasizing the inevitability of reunification with Taiwan. Using the metaphor of "one family," he reiterated the inseparability of cultural and historical ties across the Taiwan Strait. This statement reflects China’s firm political stance on territorial integrity.

2025 will mark the implementation of the 14th Five-Year Plan, aimed at ensuring technological sovereignty, deepening reforms and openness, and maintaining favourable socio-economic development dynamics.

Xi Jinping noted that, despite external and internal challenges, the Chinese people can overcome any difficulties through hard work and unity. The metaphor of "every ray creating brilliance" symbolizes the importance of each citizen's contribution to the common cause.

The success of these initiatives will largely depend on China’s ability to navigate complex international relations, maintain domestic stability, and achieve technological breakthroughs in key sectors. The year 2025 will be decisive in determining the effectiveness of these strategic priorities.

Gulnara Safarli

SR-CENTER.INFO