January 30, 2022

President Xi Jinping of China addressed the nation in a speech that reflected on the achievements of the past year and laid out the Chinese government's priorities for the Winter Olympics hosted in Beijing.


Beijing, China | Government of China

Watercolor painting based depiction of President Xi Jinping of China addressed the nation in a speech that reflected on the achievements of the past year and laid out the Chinese government's priorities for the Winter Olympics hosted in Beijing. (2022)

Xi Jinping’s Address to the Nation on January 30, 2022

On January 30, 2022, President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China delivered a pivotal speech that focused both on the retrospective accomplishments of China over the past year and outlined the government’s strategic objectives for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Beijing. This address came at a time when China was under intense global scrutiny, given its role as the host of the 2022 Winter Olympics and its handling of various international and domestic issues.

Reflecting on Achievements

In his speech, Xi Jinping lauded the progress China had made in several key areas throughout 2021. This included significant advancements in poverty alleviation, reiterating China’s commitment to lifting all citizens out of extreme poverty, a goal that had been officially declared achieved in previous years. He also highlighted technological innovation as a cornerstone of China’s economic development, noting that China’s efforts in digital infrastructure and green technology had kept the nation at the forefront of global progress in both sectors.

Xi also emphasized the Chinese Communist Party’s centennial in 2021 as a major milestone, characterized by a series of celebratory events and national reflection on the Party’s historic role and its vision for China’s future direction.

Winter Olympics Emphasis

With the Beijing Winter Olympics imminent, Xi underscored China’s dedication to hosting a successful and safe event. The games were set against the backdrop of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and Xi reinforced China’s commitment to ensuring stringent health protocols to safeguard athletes, officials, and spectators. Xi’s statement displayed confidence in China’s ability to manage these challenges and portray a harmonious image to the world.

Xi also spoke on the cultural significance of hosting the Winter Olympics, asserting that it was an opportunity for China to demonstrate not only its organizational capability but also its cultural richness and hospitality, strengthening international friendship and cooperation.

Strategic Objectives

Looking forward, President Xi articulated several strategic priorities for 2022 and beyond. These included continuing to strengthen China’s domestic economy, pursuing advancements in sustainable and clean energy, and fostering a stable and peaceful environment conducive to long-term growth and development. On the international front, Xi stressed the importance of multilateralism and sought to position China as a leading advocate for global cooperation on issues such as climate change and public health.

In conclusion, Xi’s address on January 30, 2022, was not only a recap of recent successes but also a vivid portrayal of an ambitious roadmap for China’s future, aiming to fortify its standing on the global stage while ensuring domestic prosperity and stability.