President Xi calls for responsibility in sprint for well-off society

Chinese President Xi Jinping has called on every Chinese person to take responsibility during the "sprint" to build a moderately prosperous society in all respects by 2020.

Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC), made the remarks during a New Year's gathering on Thursday.

Delivering the keynote speech at the New Year's celebration for the country's top political advisory body, Xi said the drive to comprehensively build a moderately prosperous society has entered its final stage and Chinese people need to "grit their teeth, hold their breath, concentrate and show their tough will" as the race to complete the goal draws near.

"Every Chinese person should take their own responsibility," Xi said, calling on the whole Party and country to unite and make progress with confidence, high morale and concrete efforts.

Xi reviewed the work of the CPC and the country over the course of 2015 and praised progress in the economic, political, cultural, social, and environmental fields.

In 2015, a total of 101 key reform missions set by the Central Leading Group for Deepening Overall Reform were completed and China remains committed to military reform, Xi said.

He also reviewed China's commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II and noted the country's contribution to world peace and development.

He praised achievements in implementing the "One Country, Two Systems" principle, promoting exchanges between the mainland and Hong Kong and Macao as well as advancing cross-Strait relations between the mainland and Taiwan.

"With the conclusion of the 12th Five Year Plan, China is standing at a new historic starting point," he said, pledging a people-centered development approach and adherence to the innovative, coordinated, green, open and shared development.

He vowed further efforts to unswervingly implement the "One Country, Two Systems" principle to ensure long-term prosperity and stability in Hong Kong and Macao, and to adhere to the "1992 Consensus" and maintain the right direction for cross-Strait development.

The principle of peace, development, cooperation and mutual-benefit will be upheld by China in building a community of common destiny in the world, according to the president.

Xi stressed the importance to develop a patriotic united front and the system of multi-party cooperation and political consultation under the leadership of the CPC, in order to gather consensus and wisdom for China's development.

The tea party, hosted by the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) National Committee, was also attended by Premier Li Keqiang, top legislator Zhang Dejiang, top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng as well as Liu Yunshan, Wang Qishan and Zhang Gaoli, along with non-CPC members, leaders of central departments, members of ethnic minorities and people from all walks of life.

On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, State Council and CMC, Xi extended New Year greetings to non-CPC groups, people's organizations, as well as people from all walks of life including "workers, farmers, intellectuals, cadres, soldiers and police officers."

His greetings were also extended to compatriots in Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and overseas Chinese, as well as international friends. Endi