AS the world has stepped into 2025, a new dawn emerges from the East, illuminating a path of hope, prosperity and sustainability. This beacon of optimism is encapsulated in the New Year address delivered by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a speech that underscores China’s commitment to shaping a multipolar world through peace, shared development and cultural inclusivity. As the global order transitions, President Xi’s words resonate as a clarion call for unity and collective progress, symbolizing a paradigm shift away from unipolar hegemony toward a future built on collaboration and mutual respect. The year 2024 marked significant milestones for China, reinforcing its stature as a global leader in technological innovation, economic resilience and social development.
President Xi’s speech, therefore, not only celebrated past achievements but also outlined a forward-looking vision. China’s advancements in artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainable energy and space exploration have positioned it at the forefront of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The 3rd Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee reinforced the nation’s commitment to a people-centred development model by prioritizing poverty alleviation, environmental sustainability and equitable growth. These resolutions go beyond policies, reaffirming a Marxist approach where economic structures form the foundation for cultural, governance and civilizational progress. This alignment with Marxist ideology echoes Antonio Gramsci’s insights on cultural hegemony, positioning China’s developmental path as a counterpoint to neoliberal frameworks that prioritize profit over people. In doing so, China’s vision offers an alternative model for global progress, emphasizing social equity and collective well-being over individual gain.
President Xi’s address also drew heavily from the 2023 White Paper on Chinese modernization, a document that articulates a vision for a shared future. This vision is deeply rooted in principles of social equity, economic justice, and cultural inclusivity, reflecting a post-colonial critique of Western-led globalization. By championing initiatives such as the Global Security Initiative and the Belt and Road Initiative, China has not only addressed infrastructure deficits in the Global South but also fostered a sense of agency among nations historically marginalized by colonial and imperialist legacies. These initiatives resonate with Edward Said’s critique of Orientalism, challenging stereotypes that depict the East as a passive recipient of Western modernity. Instead, China’s proactive role redefines the East as a dynamic contributor to global progress.
The New Year message emphasized the importance of multipolarity and multiculturalism, envisioning a global order where diverse civilizations coalesce in harmony. This vision stands in stark contrast to the homogenizing tendencies of neoliberal globalization, offering a postmodern critique of singular narratives and power structures. By advocating for a “shared future for mankind,” President Xi’s rhetoric champions a world where cooperation transcends competition, and cultural diversity is celebrated rather than subdued. China’s domestic achievements in 2024 further underscore its readiness to lead by example. The eradication of extreme poverty continues to inspire nations grappling with socioeconomic inequalities. Social development initiatives have prioritized education, healthcare, and rural revitalization, embodying the CPC’s commitment to holistic progress. These efforts reflect a Gramscian understanding of the interplay between civil society and state institutions, ensuring that development is participatory and inclusive.
On the global stage, China’s political vision for leadership has been both impressive and transformative. The Belt and Road Initiative has expanded its reach, fostering connectivity and economic interdependence across continents. The Global Development Initiative, launched to address pressing challenges such as climate change and pandemic recovery, reflects a commitment to sustainable solutions that benefit all of humanity. Additionally, the Global Civilization Initiative underscores the importance of intercultural dialogue and mutual learning, reinforcing the idea that no civilization is superior to another.
President Xi’s New Year address also reflected on the politics of messaging itself. By positioning China as the “voice of the East,” the speech highlighted the historical and ideological significance of reclaiming narratives often dominated by Western discourse. This reclamation is deeply rooted in Marxist and post-colonial frameworks, challenging the asymmetries of power that have historically marginalized voices from the Global South. The message also resonated with the revolutionary ethos of nations striving for self-determination, linking China’s rise to broader struggles for justice and equality.
In linking past messages to the current address, President Xi demonstrated a continuity of vision. Previous speeches have emphasized stability, innovation, and cultural pride, themes that were further enriched in this year’s address with a stronger focus on sustainability and global solidarity. The consistency of these messages reflects China’s strategic patience and long-term planning, attributes that stand in contrast to the short-termism often observed in Western political systems.
The dawn of 2025 arrives amidst global challenges. Climate change, geopolitical tensions and economic disparities demand collective action and innovative solutions. President Xi’s speech offered a blueprint for navigating these complexities through cooperation and mutual support. By fostering shared responsibility, the message underscores that humanity’s answers lie in collaboration, not confrontation. As the world looks East, the hope embodied in Xi’s New Year address extends beyond China’s borders, speaking to a universal aspiration for peace, prosperity, and dignity. Embracing a vision of multipolarity and multiculturalism, the speech sets the tone for a year where shared futures are actively pursued, inviting all nations to join in building a world where socialism lights the path to a more equitable and sustainable global order.
—The writer is Chief Executive of Global Strategic Institute for Sustainable Development.
