The 19th CPC National Congress held last year has set the direction for the country's development in the new era, Xi said, adding that this year is the first to implement the spirit of the congress and coincides with the 40th anniversary of reform and opening-up.

Xi called on everyone in the Party, the military and nation to unite around the CPC Central Committee and implement the spirit of the 19th CPC National Congress. The Party's policies and decisions should be translated into real benefits to the people, he said.

In his speech, Xi stressed the importance of the more than 400 million families in the country and their role in building a strong nation.

The Chinese people have always valued family, Xi said, adding that the country's prosperity is related to the happiness of every family.

Xi called on the country's more than 1.3 billion people to integrate their love of family and nation, thus to forge great forces to assist in the nation's rejuvenation.

Mentioning that the Year of Dog is always deemed auspicious, Xi extended his wishes that the country's well-being will become better and better every year.