CHINESE President Xi Jinping reflected on a year of “exceptional significance” today as he asserted that China had set out on a new journey towards building a modern socialist country.

“From the beginning to the end of the year, the Chinese people have been hard at work in the fields, enterprises, communities, schools, hospitals, barracks and research institutes, among other places,” he said.

“Throughout the year, we have put in our efforts, contributed our part, and received much in return.”