China's leaders celebrate New Year with political advisors (2)

Xi said this year is the beginning of implementing the spirits and policies made by the CPC's 18th National Congress. He called for efforts to promote continuous, healthy economic development and social harmony and stability, advance defense and military modernization and improve Party building.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the State Council and Central Military Commission, Xi conveyed New Year greetings to people in various walks of life, including those in the country's non-communist parties, All-China Federation of Industry and Commerce, people without party affiliation, members of the armed forces and police.

Xi also gave regards to compatriots of Special Administration Regions of Hong Kong and Macao, Taiwan and Chinese people overseas as well as foreign friends who are concerned about and support China's modernization construction.

The General Secretary said the country will stick to the guidelines of "one country, two systems," "Hong Kong people governing Hong Kong," "Macao people governing Macao" and a high degree of autonomy to maintain the long-term prosperity and stability of Hong Kong and Macao.

"We will adhere to the principle of 'peaceful reunification and one country, two systems' while consolidating and developing the foundation of peaceful development of cross-Strait relations," he said, referring to the relation between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan.