Chinese President Xi Jinping projected optimism about China’s economic prospects in his New Year’s speech while addressing the external uncertainties posed by President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the Oval Office. Xi’s remarks underscored resilience and confidence in the face of shifting global dynamics, as tensions between the two nations continue to simmer.
Acknowledging Challenges and Promising Resilience
Xi highlighted both the opportunities and challenges facing China’s economy, emphasizing the nation’s ability to adapt:
“The Chinese economy faces some new conditions, including challenges of uncertainties in the external environment and pressure of transformation from old growth drivers into new ones,” Xi said, according to The Wall Street Journal.
He reassured the nation that China could overcome these hurdles through determination and hard work:
“As always, we grow in the wind and rain, and we get stronger through hard times. We must be confident.”
Xi’s speech followed a year of economic shifts, including efforts to move away from reliance on international investment and a renewed focus on domestic growth drivers.
Rising Tensions With the U.S.
Xi’s remarks came as President-elect Trump reiterated plans to impose new tariffs on goods from China, Canada, and Mexico on his first day in office. The proposed 10% increase on existing tariffs marks a continuation of Trump’s protectionist trade policies, which have heightened tensions with Beijing since his first term in 2017.
Despite these tensions, Trump extended an invitation to Xi to attend his inauguration on January 20. While the move was hailed by some as an attempt to maintain dialogue, critics questioned its practicality, and Xi is expected to decline the invitation.
Incoming White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the outreach:
“This is an example of President Trump creating an open dialogue with leaders of countries that are not just our allies but our adversaries and competitors, too.”
Trump’s Remarks on U.S.-China Relations
During a press conference at Mar-a-Lago earlier this month, Trump praised Xi, describing him as an “amazing guy” and expressing optimism about future collaboration:
“China and the United States can, together, solve all of the problems in the world, if you think about it. So, it’s very important. He was a friend of mine,” Trump said.
However, his remarks were tempered by skepticism from both domestic and international observers, given the history of strained U.S.-China relations during his presidency.
Xi’s Firm Stance on Taiwan
In his New Year’s address, Xi also delivered a stern message to Taiwan, reiterating Beijing’s commitment to reunification.
“The people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are one family. No one can sever our family bonds, and no one can stop the historical trend of national reunification,” Xi said, according to Reuters.
Beijing has escalated its military presence near Taiwan following the election of Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te in May, reflecting ongoing tensions over the island’s push for autonomy.
Xi Jinping’s New Year’s speech highlighted China’s resilience and readiness to face both domestic and external challenges in 2025. While tensions with the U.S. remain a focal point, Xi’s call for confidence and his firm stance on Taiwan underscore his vision for a strong and unified China. As global dynamics continue to evolve, the coming year will test the limits of diplomacy and economic strategy between these two global powers.
