Note:The following is an edited translation of a CCTV Quick Review

Chinese President Xi Jinping delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the China International Import Expo in Shanghai, Nov. 5, 2018. [File Photo: cctv.com]

Before the sun rises for the first time in the New Year, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on what an extraordinary year 2018 has been for China.

It has resolutely progressed towards the construction of a prosperous society. This has been possible thanks to a combination of factors: stable ongoing economic growth, deepening reforms, a bold plan to adjust the structure of the economy, measures to improve the welfare of the population, and moves to address financial risks.

What makes China’s progress in 2018 all the more extraordinary is that it was made in the face of a stormy international environment. Despite worsening trade frictions, China stuck to its guns, and continued to push ahead with its reform policy. In his speech at the 40th anniversary of reform and opening up, President Xi Jinping said "the achievements made in the past 40 years have not come from heaven, let alone been bestowed on us by others." For all the talk of “China’s economic miracle”, it is, in fact, the work of a nation of people striving to build a better life.

The undated picture shows a farmer harvests crops on farm. [Photo: cctv.com]

Looking to the year ahead, there is cause for celebration, as the new year marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic. This is a major milestone that will give rise to reflections on the achievements during those years that have turned China into the economic powerhouse it is today.

But the hard work is far from over. The challenges the world faced in 2018 will accompany us into the new year. They will continue to make reform and development a difficult task. But as President Xi has said, “We are now at a stage very much like sailing into the midstream of a river or climbing half way up a mountain. As the going gets tough, we must press ahead – there can be no turning back.”

For China, this means continuing to confront the complexity of shifting to an economic model that is driven by high-quality and people-centered development. The past four decades gives rise to optimism, for it has clearly shown that the enthusiasm and capability of the country’s 1.4 billion people are an asset able to weather storms and press ahead despite enormous challenges.

And so, as the world rings in the New Year, it’s a good time to recall President Xi’s observation that "after more than 5,000 years of hardships, China is still here!" And just as we can be sure that the sun will rise tomorrow, we can know that China’s people are ready for whatever challenges may lie ahead.