President Xi Jinping extended warm Chinese New Year greetings at a grand reception in Beijing on February 14, 2026, officially welcoming the Year of the Horse. The event, held at the Great Hall of the People, was attended by over 2,000 people and served as a platform for Xi to reflect on China’s achievements in the past year and outline aspirations for the future.
Xi Jinping characterized the departing Year of the Snake as a period of significant accomplishment for China. Despite facing a complex and volatile global environment, the nation demonstrated resilience and made substantial progress. China’s economic strength, scientific and technological capabilities, national defense, and overall national strength were elevated to new levels. The economy, in particular, showed strong resilience and vitality by withstanding pressure and sustaining growth.
The reception also served to highlight key achievements and upcoming plans. Xi noted China’s solid progress in various fields, including law-based governance, cultural undertakings, ecological conservation, and defense. Notable milestones mentioned include the blueprint for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), commemorations of historical events, the establishment of “Taiwan Recovery Day,” and the founding anniversaries of the Xizang and Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Regions. The successful hosting of the 15th National Games and China’s contributions to global stability through initiatives like the Global Governance Initiative were also emphasized.
As China welcomes the Year of the Horse, Xi Jinping encouraged the nation to embrace the symbolism of the horse, which embodies vigor, strength, and resilience. He called for maintaining high morale and forging ahead on the “new journey of Chinese modernization.” The year 2026 is particularly significant as it marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the commencement of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Xi urged a continued focus on advancing high-quality development, maintaining social harmony and stability, and consistently exercising rigorous Party self-governance to ensure a strong start for the next five years.
Senior Party and state leaders, including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng, were present at the reception, underscoring the importance of the event.