President Xi Jinping delivered a New Year speech to domestic and overseas audiences via China Radio International, China National Radio, China Central Television, China Global TV Network and the internet on Sunday. Here are the highlights that are inspiring and encouraging:

-- It is only natural that hard work pays off, and it brings changes for the better every day. In 2017, we held the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, embarking on a new journey towards the all-round building of a modern socialist China.

-- I would like to say, Bravo to the great creativity demonstrated by fellow Chinese.

-- People have adhered to patriotism and devotion with neither complaint nor regret, which makes me feel that the common people are the greatest and happiness is generated through hard work.

-- "A nine-storey tower begins with a pile of earth.” To translate the blueprint into reality, we must neither rush upon fantasy nor be guided by the sound of falsehood. We shall work steadily and in a down-to-earth manner.

-- With the 40th anniversary of the reform and opening up policy as a turning point, we shall cut paths through mountains and build bridges across rivers, overcome all difficulties and carry reform through to the end.

-- It is our solemn commitment to lift all rural residents living below the current poverty line out of poverty by 2020. Once made, a promise is as weighty as a thousand ounces of gold.

-- China will ... always contribute to the building of world peace and global development, and the safeguarding of international order.

-- Our great development achievements have been made by the people, and should be shared by the people.

-- I understand what concerns the people the most includes education, employment, income, social security, healthcare, elderly care, housing, and the environment. You have reaped the harvest from your hard work. You have also encountered quite a bit of frustration.

-- The CPC committees, governments and officials at all levels shall always take into consideration the safety and necessities of the people whole-heartedly, and regard the work of benefiting the people as their top political achievement. They shall pay attention to and share the concerns of the people and create conditions for them to live a better and happier life.