BEIJING, Dec. 31 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping on Monday said China enlarged its circle of friends in 2018, when delivering a New Year speech.

In the past year, many friends, both old and new, visited China, Xi said, noting that China hosted diplomatic events including the annual Boao Forum for Asia, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Qingdao summit, and the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

China put forward its proposals and made its voice heard, Xi added.

Xi said he and his colleagues visited five continents and participated in many major diplomatic events, carried out wide-ranging exchanges with leaders of various countries, consolidated friendships, enhanced mutual trust, and enlarged China's circle of friends.