January  4, 2026

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.

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https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202601/1352152.shtml