Chinese Communist Party leader Xi Jinping delivered his New Year’s message as usual on December 31, 2025. A notable change from previous years was the absence of mention of “challenges,” with a clear focus on economic achievements. Observers believe that this shift reflects the pressures Xi is facing both internally and externally, indicating a potential weakening of his power and confidence.
According to reports from Chinese state media, Xi Jinping stated in his 2026 New Year’s message that the Chinese economy has “continuously crossed new thresholds, with an estimated total reaching 140 trillion yuan this year,” and that “economic strength, technological prowess, national defense capabilities, and overall national strength have reached new heights.” While briefly mentioning overcoming various difficulties, the tone and content of the message were deemed unusual.
In contrast, in his 2025 New Year’s message, Xi acknowledged “new circumstances facing economic operations, uncertainties in the external environment, and pressures from the transition of old and new growth drivers,” emphasizing the need to address these challenges through concerted efforts. Analysts noted that the language and content of Xi’s 2026 message differed significantly from his previous messages, suggesting a defensive stance under pressure.
Senior commentator Wang Jian pointed out that in 2025, China experienced a sharp economic downturn and worsening diplomatic situations, leading to challenges to Xi’s position within the party and a potential weakening of his power. Against this backdrop, while the structure of Xi’s New Year’s message remained consistent in 2026, the choice of words, expressions, and content reflected significant differences.
Wang Jian analyzed that in 2025, Xi Jinping’s message focused on improvement and stability to manage expectations. However, in 2026, the emphasis shifted to listing overall data and achievements, avoiding structural contradictions and internal pressures, indicating a lack of confidence.
In his New Year’s message, Xi Jinping announced that China’s total economic output in 2025 reached 140 trillion yuan, and at the National Political Consultative Conference, he stated that China achieved a 5% growth rate for the year. It is believed that these announcements are crucial for maintaining the legitimacy of the regime, despite concerns about potential economic data manipulation.
Wang Jian highlighted that in 2025, Xi repeatedly emphasized his personal achievements, implying “I did all of this.” However, in the 2026 message, he used more collective language such as “we accomplished” and “we promoted,” suggesting a shift towards a more collective approach amidst political pressures.
Regarding foreign relations, there was also a notable shift in rhetoric. While in 2025 Xi stressed international cooperation and multilateral mechanisms, his 2026 message emphasized taking a stance and promoting a more just and equitable global governance, indicating a defensive posture in the face of constrained diplomatic space.
In conclusion, Wang Jian suggested that Xi Jinping’s power may have been significantly weakened over the past year, with his close allies falling out of favor and challenges to his control over the military. Despite maintaining his formal position, Xi’s power appears to have diminished, especially as China undergoes a profound economic slowdown, eroding the legitimacy of the Communist regime. In this context, the future of Xi Jinping’s leadership beyond the current term remains uncertain.