The year 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the CPC and the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Xi called for advancing high-quality development, maintaining social harmony and stability, and consistently exercising full and rigorous Party self-governance, so as to strive for a sound start for the next five years.

Spring Festival marks the beginning of the traditional Chinese New Year. The Year of the Horse will begin on Feb 17.

In Chinese culture, the horse embodies vigor, strength and resilience, symbolizing steady progress and lasting prosperity, Xi said.

Xi encouraged the Chinese people to maintain high morale and forge ahead on the new journey of Chinese modernization in the Year of the Horse.

Li Qiang presided over the reception. Senior officials Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng were also present at the event.