A view of Lujiazui, Shanghai Photo: VCG

As the calendar for 2026 has just been turned, the world is watching China with attention and anticipation. With what kind of posture will this nation of over 1.4 billion people, which has just completed its 14th Five-Year Plan, confidently step into the opening year of yet another five-year plan? On New Year's Eve, Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered his 2026 New Year message, encouraging the Chinese people to boost confidence, build momentum to press ahead, and "write a new chapter in the story of China's miracle." Since the start of the year, a series of positive signals have emerged from the fields of markets, diplomacy and people's livelihoods, showing that China is moving forward steadily in the new year with solid confidence and a clear sense of direction.

Over the past year, China's total economic output is estimated to have reached roughly 140 trillion yuan (about $20 trillion), with its economic strength, scientific and technological abilities, defense capabilities, and composite national strength all reaching new heights. On the first trading day of the new year, the Hang Seng Index posted its strongest start in nearly 17 years, while the Nasdaq Golden Dragon China Index surged sharply. International financial institutions have moved to raise their outlooks for Hong Kong equities and the A-share market, and this is precisely based on a rational assessment of China's super-sized domestic market, complete industrial system and vibrant innovation dynamism.

Looking ahead to the new year, scholars at New York University believe that China's technological innovation will achieve policy-driven growth. This wave of "optimism for China" and "more investment in China" shows that the world recognizes the long-term positive trend of China's economy moving toward innovation and high quality, understands the irreplaceability of China's super-sized market, and once again sees a China firmly committed to seeking progress while maintaining stability, deepening reform and widening opening-up - one that remains one of the key engines of global economic growth.

An open and inclusive China that is committed to win-win cooperation is moving forward with greater confidence as it works with other countries to build a community with a shared future for humanity. As the new year begins, South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is set to visit China, accompanied by a large economic and trade delegation, signaling new opportunities for a warming bilateral relationship and pragmatic cooperation. The Hankyoreh reported that as China continues to lead in cutting-edge industries such as artificial intelligence and robotics, a quiet trend of "learning from China" has begun to emerge in South Korea. Turkiye's implementation of a visa-free policy for China effective on Friday and the steadily rising "value" of the Chinese passport reflect deeper people-to-people exchanges and growing mutual understanding. All this shows that openness has become a defining hallmark of Chinese modernization, bringing more opportunities for global development. A China that adheres to peaceful development and remains open and inclusive naturally receives a warmer welcome from the international community. 

China's development is marked not only by speed, but also by warmth. In his New Year message, President Xi's heartfelt references to "happy hum of daily life" were closely linked to a series of concrete, people-centered policies: the rights and interests of the workforce in new forms of employment have been better protected, facilities have been upgraded to bring more convenience to the elderly, and each family with childcare needs has received a subsidy of 300 yuan per month. These measures directly shape the sense of gain, happiness and security felt by hundreds of millions of households. 

On the first day of the New Year holidays, cross-regional travel exceeded 200 million trips, with both the willingness to travel and consumer spending power on the rise. Ice-and-snow tourism firmly took center stage, while duty-free shopping tours in Hainan surged following the launch of island-wide customs operations - offering vivid illustrations of strong social vitality. During the holidays, a series of major announcements aimed at improving people's livelihoods were released in quick succession. The strengthening of China's composite national strength is providing ordinary people with a broader stage for development and a more solid safety net, while the hard work and perseverance of each individual, in turn, reinforce national cohesion and growth momentum.

When "every home" is filled with warmer expectations for the future, China's steps as a "big family" become steadier and more powerful. This convergence of public sentiment and a shared pursuit of a better life constitutes the deepest social foundation enabling China to overcome challenges and move forward with confidence.  

Looking ahead to 2026, a China that places greater emphasis on the quality of development, more proactively embraces the world, and pays even greater attention to people's livelihoods is coming into view before the world. In the opening year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, China's strategic resolve, determination to deepen reform, momentum for innovation, and commitment to opening-up together form the foundation for its confident advance. As the world's gaze turns eastward, what it sees is a China that keeps a steady hand on the helm amid complex and changing circumstances, and accumulates confidence through sustained efforts and perseverance. This sense of confidence belongs to the Chinese people, and also to all those who aspire to peace, development and cooperation. With conviction in the heart, one can go far. China will join hands with the world and sail together toward a new future.